Email Marketing
Kit (formerly ConvertKit) vs ActiveCampaign
Both tools reviewed and verified. Pricing checked June 2026.
Kit (formerly ConvertKit)
Email marketing built for creators
ActiveCampaign
Marketing automation with a built-in CRM
Choose Kit (formerly ConvertKit) if…
Kit has evolved from a simple newsletter tool into a serious email marketing platform for content businesses. The subscriber-centric model and automation are genuinely best-in-class.
Choose ActiveCampaign if…
ActiveCampaign combines email marketing, CRM, and marketing automation in one platform. The automation builder is the most capable in its price range — complex behavioural workflows are genuinely accessible to non-technical marketers.
Feature comparison
| Feature | Kit (formerly ConvertKit) | ActiveCampaign |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Free (1,000 subs) | $15/mo |
| Free plan | ||
| Our rating | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 |
Kit (formerly ConvertKit) pros & cons
- Subscriber-centric model beats list-based competitors
- Best visual automation builder available
- Creator Network for cross-promotion
- No drag-and-drop email builder (text-focused design)
- Limited landing page templates
- Analytics less detailed than Mailchimp
ActiveCampaign pros & cons
- Best-in-class visual automation builder
- Built-in CRM with lead scoring
- Predictive sending and content personalisation
- Learning curve steeper than Mailchimp or Kit
- Price increases significantly with list growth
- CRM is functional but not a full sales CRM replacement
Executive Verdict
Kit (formerly ConvertKit) wins overall
Based on verified ratings, pricing, and user feedback, Kit (formerly ConvertKit) edges out for most small businesses. Kit has evolved from a simple newsletter tool into a serious email marketing platform for content businesses. The subscriber-centric model and automation are genuinely best-in-class.
That said, ActiveCampaign may be the better fit if pricing or specific features are your top priority — read the full reviews below.
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