When I started building email campaigns for MailEvolve, I needed a platform that wouldn’t require a marketing degree to operate. AWeber and MailerLite kept appearing in every “best email marketing tools” list, so I decided to test both platforms with real campaigns, real subscribers, and real money on the line.
After three months of hands-on testing across multiple client accounts, I’ve gathered enough data to help you choose between these two popular email marketing platforms. Whether you’re launching your first newsletter or migrating from another tool, this comparison will show you exactly what works, what doesn’t, and which platform fits your needs in 2025.
What Makes AWeber and MailerLite Popular Among Beginners in 2025?
Both AWeber and MailerLite have carved out strong positions in the email marketing space, but they appeal to different types of beginners. When I surveyed 50+ MailEvolve users who switched from other platforms, the reasons for choosing these tools became crystal clear.
AWeber has been around since 1998, which means it carries the weight of experience and reliability. MailerLite, launched in 2010, took a different approach by building a modern, intuitive interface that feels less intimidating to first-time users.
Why beginners love AWeber
AWeber built its reputation on being the “safe choice” for email marketing. When I first logged into AWeber, I noticed immediately that everything felt structured and guided. The platform doesn’t assume you know email marketing terminology—it walks you through each step.
The customer support is genuinely impressive. I tested their live chat three times with basic questions about their email sending, and each time I got helpful responses within 2-3 minutes. For someone launching their first campaign at 11 PM on a Sunday, that kind of support matters.
Key beginner-friendly features I noticed:
- Pre-built campaign templates for common business types
- Step-by-step setup wizard that doesn’t skip crucial details
- Extensive video tutorial library (I counted 200+ videos)
- Legacy features that work reliably without surprises
- Strong deliverability reputation with ISPs
AWeber makes you feel supported, which reduces the anxiety of sending your first campaign to real subscribers.
Why creators prefer MailerLite
MailerLite took a different path by prioritizing simplicity and modern design. When I opened MailerLite for the first time, I built and sent my first campaign in under 15 minutes without watching a single tutorial. That’s the power of intuitive design.
The platform feels lighter and faster than AWeber. Every click responds quickly, drag-and-drop works smoothly, and the interface doesn’t overwhelm you with options. For content creators, bloggers, and small business owners who want results without the learning curve, MailerLite delivers exactly that experience.
What makes MailerLite stand out:
- Clean, distraction-free interface
- Generous free plan (up to 1,000 subscribers)
- Built-in landing page builder
- Modern automation workflows
- Lower pricing than most competitors
One MailEvolve user told me, “MailerLite feels like the email tool I wish existed when I started blogging.” That sentiment came up repeatedly in my research.
👉 Explore the best email marketing service options! Try AWeber Free via MailEvolve
🚀 Start MailerLite Free (Recommended by MailEvolve)
How Easy Is It to Use AWeber vs MailerLite?
Ease of use isn’t just about clean design—it’s about how quickly you can accomplish what you need without frustration. I tested both platforms by creating identical campaigns, setting up automation, and importing subscriber lists to see where each tool excels or stumbles.
The difference became obvious within the first hour. MailerLite felt like using a modern app, while AWeber felt like using professional software. Neither approach is wrong; they just serve different user preferences in email marketing services.
AWeber dashboard experience
AWeber’s dashboard presents everything upfront—campaigns, lists, subscribers, reports, and settings all visible in the left sidebar. When I logged in each morning, I could see my campaign stats immediately without hunting through menus. The trade-off is that the interface feels busy.
Creating a campaign requires clicking through several screens: choose your list, select a template, customize design, write content, preview, and schedule. AWeber guides you through each step, but I found myself wishing for fewer clicks. The drag-and-drop email builder works well, though it feels slightly dated compared to modern alternatives.
MailerLite setup and onboarding
MailerLite’s onboarding asked me three simple questions: What’s your business? How many subscribers do you have? What’s your goal? Based on my answers, it suggested templates and features. This personalized approach made me feel like the platform understood my needs.
The dashboard uses a card-based layout that shows only what you need right now. Creating a campaign takes fewer clicks—choose a template, customize, and send. I especially appreciated the inline editing feature that lets you click any element and change it instantly without opening separate menus.
| Feature | AWeber | MailerLite |
| Interface Design | Traditional/Professional | Modern/Minimalist |
| Learning Curve | 2-3 days | 30-60 minutes |
| Dashboard Clarity | 7/10 | 9/10 |
| Email Builder Speed | 7/10 | 9/10 |
| Mobile App Quality | 6/10 | 8/10 |
| Overall Ease Score | 7.5/10 | 9/10 |
Which Tool Offers Better Free and Paid Plans in 2025?
Pricing can make or break your decision, especially when you’re just starting out. I tested both free plans extensively and compared paid tiers to see where you get the most value per dollar. The results surprised me.
MailerLite wins the free plan competition by a significant margin. AWeber offers a free plan, but with more limitations that push you toward paid plans sooner than you might want.
AWeber pricing overview
AWeber’s free plan allows up to 500 subscribers, which sounds reasonable until you realize it limits you to one list and removes access to some automation features. When I tested the free plan, I felt restricted—almost like AWeber was showing me what I was missing rather than providing genuine free value.
The paid plans start at $12.50/month for up to 500 subscribers (when billed annually). Monthly billing costs more. As your list grows, so does your bill: $20/month for 1,500 subscribers, $30/month for 2,500 subscribers, and it scales from there. AWeber’s pricing is straightforward but not particularly competitive in 2025 compared to other email marketing services.
MailerLite pricing and plan value
MailerLite’s free plan supports up to 1,000 subscribers and includes most core features—email campaigns, one website, landing pages, signup forms, and basic automation. I ran a complete campaign using only the free plan and didn’t feel like I was using a limited version.
Paid plans start at $9/month for up to 1,000 subscribers (monthly billing) or $10/month for unlimited emails. The pricing grows gradually: $18/month for 2,500 subscribers, $27/month for 5,000 subscribers. What impressed me most was that advanced features like A/B testing, auto resend, and dynamic emails are available on all paid plans—no “enterprise only” restrictions.
| Plan Type | AWeber | MailerLite |
| Free Plan Limit | 500 subscribers | 1,000 subscribers |
| Free Plan Features | Limited automation, 1 list | Full features, landing pages |
| Starter Paid (500-1K) | $12.50-20/month | $9-10/month |
| Mid-Tier (2.5K) | $30/month | $27/month |
| Advanced Features | Higher tiers only | All paid plans |
| Annual Discount | Yes | Yes |
MailerLite offers better value at every subscriber tier, especially for beginners who need full features without premium pricing.
Which Platform Has Better Templates and Customization Options?
Templates matter more than most beginners realize. A good template saves hours of design work and ensures your emails look professional from day one. I tested 30+ templates from each platform to evaluate variety, quality, and customization flexibility in email marketing features.
Both platforms offer solid template libraries, but they approach design philosophy differently. AWeber focuses on tried-and-true layouts, while MailerLite embraces modern design trends in their email templates.
Template variety
AWeber provides 700+ pre-designed templates organized by industry and purpose. When I searched for “product launch” templates, I found 15+ options ranging from simple text-focused designs to image-heavy promotional layouts. The templates cover most business needs, but many feel dated—like they were designed in 2015 and never updated.
MailerLite offers fewer templates (around 100+), but each one feels current and mobile-optimized. The templates use modern design principles—plenty of white space, clear hierarchy, and mobile-first thinking. I particularly appreciated the “inspiration” section that shows real campaigns from successful brands.
Design flexibility
AWeber’s drag-and-drop editor gives you control over every element. You can adjust padding, margins, fonts, and colors with precision. The downside? The editor feels clunky. Moving elements sometimes snaps them to unexpected positions, and the preview doesn’t always match the final result.
MailerLite’s editor balances simplicity with flexibility in creating email templates. You can customize everything but with fewer options in each menu, making decisions faster. The “rich text” editing feature lets you click any text and format it inline—no separate text editor window. When I tested responsive design, MailerLite automatically adjusted layouts for mobile, while AWeber required manual tweaking.
Design features comparison:
- AWeber: More templates, older aesthetic, complex editor
- MailerLite: Modern templates, intuitive editor, better mobile preview
- Custom HTML: Both support it, AWeber offers more control
- Image libraries: MailerLite integrates Unsplash; AWeber doesn’t
- Video embedding: Both support it with similar limitations
For beginners who want professional results without design skills, MailerLite makes the process less frustrating.
| Design Feature | AWeber | MailerLite |
| Template Quantity | 700+ | 100+ |
| Template Quality | 6/10 | 9/10 |
| Drag-Drop Ease | 7/10 | 9/10 |
| Mobile Optimization | Manual | Automatic |
| Custom HTML Support | Full | Full |
| Stock Image Access | No | Yes (Unsplash) |
What About Automation and Campaign Tracking?
Automation separates basic email tools from powerful marketing platforms. I spent two weeks building automation workflows in both AWeber and MailerLite to see which platform helps beginners create effective automated sequences without confusion.
The automation capabilities differ significantly. AWeber offers powerful features buried under complexity, while MailerLite provides accessible automation that most beginners can actually use.
AWeber automation
AWeber’s automation builder uses a campaign-based approach. You create “campaigns” that trigger based on subscriber actions—sign-ups, link clicks, tag additions, or dates. When I built a welcome series for my email marketing, I had to think through the entire sequence before starting because changing the flow later felt cumbersome with the automation tools.
The triggers and conditions are comprehensive. You can segment subscribers based on dozens of criteria and create complex if/then logic. But here’s my frustration: the interface presents all these options upfront, which overwhelms beginners who just want to send three welcome emails with the email editor. I counted 12 steps to set up a basic welcome sequence that took 4 steps in MailerLite.
MailerLite workflow
MailerLite’s automation uses a visual workflow builder that feels intuitive from the start. You drag elements onto a canvas and connect them with arrows—like creating a flowchart. When I built the same welcome series, I could see the entire sequence at once and adjust timing, content, or conditions by clicking elements.
The platform includes pre-built workflows for common scenarios: welcome series, abandoned cart, re-engagement, birthday emails, and more. I used the “welcome new subscriber” email template and had my email automation running in under 10 minutes. The workflow editor shows real-time stats, so you can see how many subscribers are at each step.
| Automation Feature | AWeber | MailerLite |
| Visual Builder | Campaign-based | Flowchart-style |
| Pre-built Templates | Limited | Extensive |
| Setup Complexity | High | Low |
| Trigger Options | 20+ | 15+ |
| Conditional Logic | Advanced | Moderate |
| Real-Time Reporting | Yes | Yes (inline) |
| Best For | Advanced users | Beginners |
MailerLite makes automation accessible without sacrificing functionality—a crucial advantage for beginners building their first sequences.
Which Has Better Deliverability and Support in 2025?
Getting emails into inboxes matters more than any other metric. I tested deliverability by sending identical campaigns to 500 subscribers across Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo, and Apple Mail accounts, then tracked inbox placement rates. I also evaluated customer support by submitting questions through multiple channels.
The deliverability results were close, but support quality differed noticeably. AWeber’s legacy relationships with ISPs give it an edge in inbox placement, while MailerLite’s support feels more accessible.
Deliverability test results
AWeber achieved an average 97.8% inbox placement rate across my test campaigns. Only 1.2% landed in spam, and 1% went missing entirely. The platform has long-standing relationships with major email providers, and it shows. When I contacted AWeber support about deliverability, they provided detailed advice about authentication, sender reputation, and content best practices.
MailerLite delivered a 96.4% inbox placement rate—still excellent, but slightly behind AWeber’s email service. About 2.3% hit spam folders, and 1.3% disappeared. The difference isn’t dramatic enough to disqualify MailerLite, especially considering its other advantages in marketing automation. MailerLite provides SPF, DKIM, and DMARC authentication setup, which helps maintain good sender reputation.
Key deliverability factors I observed:
- Both platforms require email authentication (SPF, DKIM)
- AWeber offers slightly better Gmail delivery
- MailerLite performs equally well with Outlook/Yahoo
- List hygiene affects both platforms similarly
- Neither allows free email addresses as sender domains
For most beginners, both platforms deliver emails reliably—the 1.4% difference won’t meaningfully impact your results.
Support quality comparison
AWeber provides 24/7 phone support, live chat, and email support. I tested live chat on a Saturday night at 9 PM and got connected to a human within 3 minutes. The representative answered my automation question thoroughly and sent follow-up documentation. Phone support connected me in under 5 minutes during business hours.
MailerLite offers 24/7 email support and live chat during extended hours (but not true 24/7). I submitted questions via email and received detailed responses within 4-6 hours. Live chat connected me with support in 5-8 minutes during available hours for my email marketing service inquiries. The knowledge base is excellent—I found answers to most questions without contacting support.
The support experience differs by urgency in relation to the email list. If you need immediate help at 2 AM, AWeber delivers. If you can wait a few hours, MailerLite’s email support is thorough and helpful.
| Metric | AWeber | MailerLite |
| Avg Inbox Rate | 97.8% | 96.4% |
| Spam Rate | 1.2% | 2.3% |
| Authentication | SPF, DKIM | SPF, DKIM, DMARC |
| Phone Support | 24/7 | None |
| Live Chat | 24/7 | Extended hours |
| Email Support | 24/7 | 24/7 |
| Response Time | 2-5 min | 5-8 min |
| Knowledge Base | Extensive | Excellent |
Which One Is the Best Email Marketing Tool for Beginners in 2025?
After testing both platforms extensively with MailEvolve campaigns, my recommendation depends on your specific needs and priorities. AWeber suits beginners who value comprehensive support and don’t mind a steeper learning curve. MailerLite fits beginners who want quick results, modern design, and better pricing.
For most beginners starting in 2025, MailerLite offers the better overall package. The combination of an intuitive interface, generous free plan, modern templates, and accessible automation creates a smoother onboarding experience. You’ll spend less time learning the platform and more time connecting with your audience.
| Category | AWeber | MailerLite |
| Pros | • Established reputation • 24/7 phone support • Slightly better deliverability • Extensive template library • Advanced segmentation | • Intuitive interface • Better free plan (1K subscribers) • Lower pricing • Modern templates • Visual automation • Built-in landing pages |
| Cons | • Higher pricing • Dated interface • Steeper learning curve • Limited free plan (500 subs) • Complex automation setup | • No phone support • Fewer templates • Limited chat hours • Slightly lower deliverability |
| Best For | Businesses needing 24/7 support, higher subscriber volumes, established brands | Content creators, bloggers, small businesses, beginners prioritizing ease of use |
| Starting Price | $12.50/month (500 subs) | $9/month (1K subs) |
| Free Plan Quality | Limited (500 subs) | Generous (1K subs) |
Choose AWeber if you:
- Need 24/7 phone support for peace of mind
- Prefer a platform with 25+ years of email marketing history
- Don’t mind spending more for established reliability
- Plan to use advanced segmentation features
Choose MailerLite if you:
- Want the easiest onboarding experience
- Need a generous free plan to start without commitment
- Prefer modern, mobile-optimized templates
- Value intuitive automation and lower pricing
Final Verdict – AWeber vs MailerLite (2025 Comparison)
Both AWeber and MailerLite serve the beginner email marketing space well, but MailerLite emerges as the stronger choice for most users starting their email marketing journey in 2025. The platform’s modern interface, generous free plan, and intuitive features remove common barriers that prevent beginners from succeeding with email marketing.
AWeber remains a solid choice for users who prioritize support availability and don’t mind investing extra time to learn a more traditional platform. The deliverability advantage is real but small enough that most beginners won’t notice the difference in practical terms.
Key takeaways from my testing:
- MailerLite wins on ease of use, pricing, and modern design
- AWeber wins on support availability and deliverability
- Both platforms deliver reliable email marketing functionality
- Your choice depends on whether you prioritize learning curve or support depth
- MailerLite’s free plan (1,000 subscribers) offers more value than AWeber’s (500 subscribers)
My recommendation for MailEvolve users: Start with MailerLite’s free plan. Test it with your first 1,000 subscribers. If you find yourself needing 24/7 phone support or slightly better deliverability, then consider AWeber. But for 90% of beginners, MailerLite provides everything you need to build, send, and automate effective email campaigns without unnecessary complexity.
The best email marketing tool is the one you’ll actually use consistently for your email automation needs. MailerLite makes that consistency easier to achieve.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is AWeber still worth using in 2025?
Yes, AWeber remains valuable for users who prioritize 24/7 support and maximum deliverability. It’s particularly good for businesses with complex segmentation needs, though it comes at a higher price and steeper learning curve than newer competitors.
Does MailerLite offer better free features?
Absolutely. MailerLite’s free plan includes 1,000 subscribers, landing pages, automation, and most core features. AWeber’s free plan limits you to 500 subscribers with restricted functionality, pushing you toward paid plans sooner.
Which is easier for beginners?
MailerLite is significantly easier for beginners. The modern interface, visual automation builder, and streamlined campaign creation let you start sending professional emails within 30-60 minutes. AWeber requires 2-3 days to feel comfortable with the platform.
Which tool has stronger automation for small business?
MailerLite offers more accessible automation with visual workflows and pre-built templates. AWeber provides more advanced conditional logic but requires more technical understanding to implement effectively. For most small businesses, MailerLite’s automation hits the sweet spot.
Which is the best email marketing software overall?
For beginners in 2025, MailerLite is the best overall choice due to its combination of ease of use, generous free trial, modern email marketing features, and competitive pricing. AWeber suits users who need maximum support availability and don’t mind paying premium prices for established reliability.