ActiveCampaign vs Kit (ConvertKit): Which Email Marketing Tool Is Better in 2026?
ActiveCampaign
From $15Kit (ConvertKit)
From $29Quick verdict
Overall pick: ActiveCampaign
ActiveCampaign starts at $15 and includes SMS marketing and an AI writing assistant, which Kit lacks, making it the stronger pick for teams that want multi-channel outreach and automation depth. Kit starts at $29 but offers a free plan and paid newsletter subscriptions, so creators monetizing subscriptions or course sales get capabilities ActiveCampaign does not list. Choose ActiveCampaign for B2B sales and marketing alignment; choose Kit for creator monetization.
- ActiveCampaign's entry plan ($15) is 48% cheaper than Kit (ConvertKit)'s ($29).
- Kit (ConvertKit) has a free plan; ActiveCampaign does not.
- Only ActiveCampaign offers: sms marketing, ai writing assistant.
- Only Kit (ConvertKit) offers: paid subscriptions.
Cost calculator
| Tool | Monthly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|
| ActiveCampaign · flat | $15.00 | $180 |
| Kit (ConvertKit) · flat | $29.00 | $348 |
Based on entry-level paid plans. Prices change, so check the vendor before you buy.
Which one should you choose?
| If you need… | Pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| B2B team aligning sales and marketing | ActiveCampaign | ActiveCampaign lists B2B automation and sales + marketing alignment as its best-fit uses, and it includes SMS and an AI assistant. |
| Creator selling paid newsletter subscriptions | Kit (ConvertKit) | Kit supports paid subscriptions while ActiveCampaign does not list that feature. |
| Buyer wanting a free plan before paying | Kit (ConvertKit) | Kit offers a free plan; ActiveCampaign does not. |
| Buyer wanting the lowest starting price | ActiveCampaign | ActiveCampaign starts at $15 versus $29 for Kit, both on flat billing. |
| Multi-channel outreach including SMS | ActiveCampaign | ActiveCampaign includes SMS marketing; Kit does not. |
Feature comparison: ActiveCampaign vs Kit (ConvertKit)
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | ❌ | ✅ |
| Starting price | $15 /mo | $29 /mo |
| Visual automation flows | ✅ | ✅ |
| Landing pages | ✅ | ✅ |
| A/B testing | ✅ | ✅ |
| Paid subscriptions | — | ✅ |
| E-commerce integrations | ✅ | ✅ |
| SMS marketing | ✅ | — |
| AI writing assistant | ✅ | — |
| Public API | ✅ | ✅ |
Highlighted rows are where the tools differ.
Pros and cons
ActiveCampaign
- Lower starting price at $15 versus $29 for Kit
- Includes SMS marketing, which Kit lacks
- Includes an AI writing assistant, which Kit lacks
- Covers automation flows, landing pages, A/B testing, e-commerce integrations, and a public API
- No free plan
- Does not support paid newsletter subscriptions
Kit (ConvertKit)
- Offers a free plan
- Supports paid newsletter subscriptions, which ActiveCampaign does not
- Covers automation flows, landing pages, A/B testing, e-commerce integrations, and a public API
- Positioned for creators and course sellers
- Higher starting price at $29 versus $15 for ActiveCampaign
- No SMS marketing
- No AI writing assistant
At a glance
Advanced marketing automation and CRM.
Founded 2003 · From $15 · 7/8 tracked features
Best for: B2B automation, sales + marketing alignment
See ActiveCampaign alternatives →Email marketing built for creators.
Founded 2013 · From $29 · 6/8 tracked features
Best for: creators, course sellers
See Kit (ConvertKit) alternatives →FAQ
Is ActiveCampaign cheaper than Kit (ConvertKit)?
Yes. ActiveCampaign starts at $15 and Kit starts at $29, and both use flat billing.
Does Kit (ConvertKit) have a free plan?
Yes, Kit offers a free plan. ActiveCampaign does not.
Which tool supports paid newsletter subscriptions?
Kit supports paid subscriptions; ActiveCampaign does not list that feature.
Which tool includes SMS marketing and an AI writing assistant?
ActiveCampaign includes both SMS marketing and an AI writing assistant. Kit lists neither.
Do both tools offer automation flows and a public API?
Yes. Both list visual automation flows, landing pages, A/B testing, e-commerce integrations, and a public API.
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Data last reviewed: pending verification. All Email Marketing tools →