ConvertKit vs ActiveCampaign
ConvertKit vs ActiveCampaign is one of the most common comparisons in email marketing, and I've run real campaigns on both platforms. While ConvertKit leads with a 8.9/10 rating, the "better" choice depends heavily on your business model and technical comfort level.
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Quick Answer
ConvertKit beats ActiveCampaign for most users. It scores 8.9/10 vs 8.7/10 and designed specifically for creators. Choose ActiveCampaign if you need most powerful automation builder.
ConvertKit
WinnerEmail marketing built for creators and bloggers
Starting from
$9/mo
ActiveCampaign
Advanced automation with built-in CRM
Starting from
$29/mo
Feature Comparison
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 8.9/10 | 8.7/10 |
| Starting Price | $9/mo | $29/mo |
| User Reviews | ||
| Capacity | ||
| Contacts | 1,000 (free) | Starts at 1,000 |
| Emails per Month | Unlimited | 10x contacts |
| Automation & Testing | ||
| Automation | ||
| A/B Testing | ||
| Segmentation | ||
| Features | ||
| Landing Pages | ||
| Templates | 50+ | 250+ |
| Analytics | ||
| Integrations | 90+ | 900+ |
| API Access | ||
Pros & Cons Breakdown
ConvertKit
- Designed specifically for creators
- Powerful visual automation builder
- Excellent subscriber tagging
- Beautiful landing page templates
- Free plan for up to 1,000 subscribers
- Sells digital products natively
- Limited email template options
- No drag-and-drop email editor
- Fewer integrations than competitors
ActiveCampaign
- Most powerful automation builder
- Built-in CRM included
- Excellent deliverability rates
- Site and event tracking
- Advanced segmentation
- Great for complex workflows
- No free plan
- Can be overwhelming for beginners
- CRM features require higher tier
Key Difference
The most significant difference is value positioning. ConvertKit offers excellent quality at a lower price point ($0.00/mo), while ActiveCampaign ($29.00/mo) targets users who want premium features and are willing to pay for them.
Which Should You Choose?
ConvertKit
Choose ConvertKit if you prioritize designed specifically for creators, want to start with a free tier, need unlimited usage, or value powerful visual automation builder.
ActiveCampaign
Choose ActiveCampaign if you prioritize most powerful automation builder, or value built-in crm included.
Our Verdict
After thorough testing, ConvertKit is our winner with a rating of 8.9/10 compared to ActiveCampaign's 8.7/10. ConvertKit stands out for its designed specifically for creators and powerful visual automation builder. ConvertKit also offers better value at its price point. However, ActiveCampaign remains an excellent choice if most powerful automation builder is your priority. There's no universally "wrong" choice here - both are quality options that serve their target audiences well.
Thinking of Switching?
Moving email lists between ConvertKit and ActiveCampaign is doable but plan carefully. Export your subscriber data, recreate your templates, and rebuild automations. Give yourself at least a week for a proper migration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ConvertKit better than ActiveCampaign?
ConvertKit scores higher in our testing (8.9/10 vs 8.7/10). ConvertKit excels at designed specifically for creators, while ActiveCampaign is better for most powerful automation builder.
Which is cheaper, ConvertKit or ActiveCampaign?
ConvertKit is more affordable at $0.00/mo vs $29.00/mo. ConvertKit offers 100% savings.
ConvertKit vs ActiveCampaign: which should I choose?
Choose ConvertKit if you prioritize designed specifically for creators. Choose ActiveCampaign if you need most powerful automation builder. Both are solid email marketing options.
What's the main difference between ConvertKit and ActiveCampaign?
The main difference is ConvertKit offers email marketing built for creators and bloggers, while ActiveCampaign focuses on advanced automation with built-in crm.