ActiveCampaign vs Kit (formerly ConvertKit): which should you choose?
Quick answer: ActiveCampaign is built for automation-heavy workflows, while Kit (formerly ConvertKit) suits creators and newsletters. For most users Kit (formerly ConvertKit) is the stronger default, but ActiveCampaign can be the better fit depending on your budget and use case. Kit (formerly ConvertKit) has the lower entry price.
ActiveCampaign and Kit (formerly ConvertKit) look similar on the surface; the differences show up in practice. Below we compare them on pricing, strengths and the use cases each one fits, then give a clear verdict.
Side-by-side
| ActiveCampaign | Kit (formerly ConvertKit) | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Marketing Automation | Email Marketing |
| What it's known for | Advanced marketing automation and CRM with deep segmentation, conditional logic and predictive features. | Creator-first email marketing with visual automations, landing pages and a built-in commerce/newsletter ecosystem. |
| Pricing | No permanent free plan; Starter from ~$15/mo; Plus, Pro and Enterprise tiers scaling with contacts. | Free up to 10,000 subscribers (limited); Creator from ~$15/mo; Creator Pro from ~$29/mo, scaling with list size. |
| Best audience | Automation-heavy SMBs and B2B teams that want email, CRM and sales automation in a single platform. | Creators, newsletter writers, coaches and digital-product sellers who value list growth and simple automation over heavy ecommerce features. |
| Best for | Automation-heavy workflows, SMBs needing CRM + email, B2B nurture sequences | Creators and newsletters, Coaches and digital product sellers, Visual automation |
| Entry price | from $15/mo | Free |
| Biggest strength | Among the most powerful automation logic in the SMB price range. | Excellent for creators: one subscriber counted once, clean tagging model. |
| Main caveat | Steep learning curve; overkill for simple newsletters. | Prices rose roughly 35% in September 2025; now pricier than budget rivals. |
Features compared
Beyond the spec sheet, these are the capabilities that define each tool:
ActiveCampaign key features
- Visual automation builder with unlimited actions (Plus+) and conditional/branching logic
- Built-in CRM with deal pipelines and sales automation
- Advanced segmentation and site/event tracking
- Predictive sending and predictive content (Pro tier)
Kit (formerly ConvertKit) key features
- Visual automation builder with unlimited automations and email sequences on paid plans
- Built-in landing pages, opt-in forms and a free newsletter/creator hub
- Commerce: sell digital products and paid newsletter subscriptions natively
- Subscriber tagging and segmentation (single subscriber, no list duplication)
Pricing tiers side by side
ActiveCampaign plans
| Plan | Price | What's included |
|---|---|---|
| Starter | from $15/mo | basic automations limited to 5 actions, contact-based |
| Plus | from $49/mo | unlimited automation actions, landing pages, AI content |
| Pro | from $79/mo | predictive sending, conditional content, advanced reporting |
| Enterprise | from $145/mo | premium CRM, custom reporting, dedicated support |
Kit (formerly ConvertKit) plans
| Plan | Price | What's included |
|---|---|---|
| Newsletter (Free) | $0 | up to 10,000 subscribers, unlimited emails, but only 1 automation/sequence |
| Creator | from ~$25/mo (was ~$15 before Sept 2025 hike); ~$39/mo at 1,000 subs | unlimited automations, removes Kit branding, scales with list size |
| Creator Pro | from ~$50/mo; ~$79/mo at 1,000 subs | engagement scoring, deliverability reporting, newsletter referral system, unlimited team |
Tiers compiled from the vendors' published plans and independent reviews; prices are approximate and change often, so confirm current figures (and your region's taxes) on each vendor's site.
Strengths compared
Where ActiveCampaign wins
The go-to when you need genuinely advanced marketing automation plus a built-in CRM without enterprise pricing.
- Among the most powerful automation logic in the SMB price range.
- Email + CRM in one tool, good for B2B nurture and sales handoff.
That makes it the stronger pick for automation-heavy SMBs and B2B teams that want email, CRM and sales automation in a single platform.
Where Kit (formerly ConvertKit) wins
The default newsletter platform for creators who want tagging, automations and built-in product/subscription selling in one tool.
- Excellent for creators: one subscriber counted once, clean tagging model.
- Generous free Newsletter plan up to 10,000 subscribers.
That makes it the stronger pick for creators, newsletter writers, coaches and digital-product sellers who value list growth and simple automation over heavy ecommerce features.
Verdict: choose by fit
There is no single winner; it depends on where you sit.
- Choose ActiveCampaign if you fit its core audience — automation-heavy SMBs and B2B teams that want email, CRM and sales automation in a single platform.
- Choose Kit (formerly ConvertKit) if you fit its core audience — creators, newsletter writers, coaches and digital-product sellers who value list growth and simple automation over heavy ecommerce features.
FAQ
Is ActiveCampaign better than Kit (formerly ConvertKit)?
Kit (formerly ConvertKit) is the stronger default for most users, but ActiveCampaign can be the better fit depending on your budget and use case.
What is the main difference between ActiveCampaign and Kit (formerly ConvertKit)?
ActiveCampaign is the go-to when you need genuinely advanced marketing automation plus a built-in CRM without enterprise pricing. Kit (formerly ConvertKit) is the default newsletter platform for creators who want tagging, automations and built-in product/subscription selling in one tool.
Which is cheaper, ActiveCampaign or Kit (formerly ConvertKit)?
Entry pricing differs: ActiveCampaign starts at from $15/mo, while Kit (formerly ConvertKit) offers a free tier. Compare the tiers above against your usage.
Sources
Facts above are drawn from these independent reviews and the vendors' own pages for ActiveCampaign and Kit (formerly ConvertKit):