ConvertKit vs Mailchimp: open rate 19% → 34% after the switch

ConvertKit vs Mailchimp: open rate 19% → 34% after the switch

Newsletter with 22k subs was stuck at 19% opens on Mailchimp. We migrated and measured for 60 days.

Mailchimp ($135/mo for 22k on Standard)
👍 Drag-drop builder anyone can use, solid template library
👎 Pricing counts unsubscribed contacts until you manually clean; deliverability sagged on a shared-reputation IP

ConvertKit / Kit ($119/mo for 22k Creator)
👍 Plain-text-first emails landed in Primary tab — opens jumped to 34% in 3 sends
👎 Visual builder is bare; no real drag-drop design, you live in text

Same list, same content. The deliverability and inbox-placement difference alone drove +15 points of open rate. Re-engagement sequence reactivated ~1,800 dormant subs.

Verdict: Pick Mailchimp if design matters most, Kit if inbox placement and revenue do.

Best for: Mailchimp = visual marketers; Kit = creators and affiliates living off email clicks.

No affiliate link — we just use this stuff.