Who this move suits
People usually make this move when a Mailchimp plan stops fitting: a lower free contact cap, automation that is not on the current tier, or a price change at renewal. MailerLite is one destination; the same checklist applies to Kit or Brevo with different import screens. Make the switch for a reason you can state in one sentence, because the migration itself costs an afternoon plus a rebuild of every automation.
- Good fit: a list of a few hundred to a few thousand contacts, a handful of tags, one welcome series.
- Plan extra time: many behavioral or e-commerce segments, multiple audiences, or a store integration.
- Skip for now: you are mid-launch or mid-campaign; finish it first.
Step 1: take a complete Mailchimp backup
Even if you use the direct import, export first. Mailchimp says an audience export may arrive as a ZIP containing separate CSV files for each contact type: subscribed, unsubscribed, non-subscribed and cleaned. [1] Export files include audience fields and tags. Contact exports do not include email report data such as open and click rates, so export reports you want to keep separately. [1]
Store the ZIP privately. It contains personal data and should not go into a shared drive folder or a support ticket.
Step 2: run MailerLite's Import from Mailchimp
MailerLite documents the path as Subscribers, Add subscribers, then the Import from Mailchimp tab, connecting by logging in with credentials or with an API key. You then select lists, choose field mapping (automatic or manual), decide how groups are created, choose whether to migrate segments, choose statuses, and choose duplicate handling. [2]
| Mailchimp item | What MailerLite documents | Your action |
|---|---|---|
| Subscribed contacts | Imported as Active subscribers [2] | Spot-check 10 records after import |
| Unsubscribed / unconfirmed | Optional; kept in a separate category that cannot be sent newsletters [2] | Import them so they stay suppressed |
| Audience fields | Mapped automatically or manually to custom fields [2] | Check dates and phone fields by hand |
| Lists and tags | Can create a group for each list and tag [2] | Delete groups you will not use |
| Basic segments | Bring over all possible segments (static field rules only) [2] | Re-preview each segment count |
| Advanced segments | Not imported; rebuild manually [2] | List them before you start |
| Templates and automations | Recreate templates and rebuild automations manually [2] | Screenshot each step before leaving Mailchimp |
Step 3: rebuild the welcome automation without sending it to everyone
The main risk in any migration is a welcome email firing for hundreds of existing subscribers who joined years ago. Build the MailerLite automation with a trigger tied to new signups, such as a form or a group that only new subscribers join, and confirm imported subscribers are not added to that trigger group. Our MailerLite welcome-email guide covers how entry rules work.
MailerLite also recommends authenticating your sending domain before final testing. [2] Do that before the first live send, not after a deliverability problem appears.
Step 4: switch forms, then resync once
Replace Mailchimp signup forms on your site with MailerLite forms. MailerLite says subscriber changes in Mailchimp do not flow automatically; to catch people who joined during the move, use Sync again under Import from Mailchimp. [2] Run that once after the forms are switched, then stop using Mailchimp for new signups.
Pitfalls to check before cancelling Mailchimp
- Billing count: MailerLite counts unique Active subscribers, and an address Active at any point in a billing cycle counts even if deleted later. [3] Clean the list before import, not after.
- Free plan fit: MailerLite Free is listed at up to 250 subscribers and 2,500 monthly emails. [4] A larger list needs a paid plan from day one.
- Re-uploading deleted contacts to stay under a limit violates MailerLite's terms, according to its billing page. [3]
- Keep the Mailchimp export for your records until the first two MailerLite sends look correct.
- Update any Zapier, Make or website integrations that still point to Mailchimp.
Questions before you decide
Should I import unsubscribed contacts into MailerLite?
Usually yes, as a suppression record. MailerLite says imported Unsubscribed and Unconfirmed contacts sit in a separate category from Active subscribers and cannot be sent newsletters, and its billing page says unsubscribed contacts do not count toward the limit.
Does the import keep syncing after the move?
No. MailerLite says subscriber information added to Mailchimp does not automatically update in MailerLite; you click Sync again under Import from Mailchimp to update.
Will my Mailchimp open and click history come across?
Mailchimp says contact exports do not include email report data such as open and click rates. Export reports separately if you need that history.
Sources & verification
Product details and prices can change. Check the linked provider before buying.
- Mailchimp Help: View or export contacts Accessed 13 Oct 2026
- MailerLite Help: How to switch from Mailchimp to MailerLite Accessed 13 Oct 2026
- MailerLite Help: Everything about subscription plan and billing Accessed 13 Oct 2026
- MailerLite pricing Accessed 13 Oct 2026
Sources link directly to providers. Product buttons may use separately labeled affiliate links. Read our disclosure.