Overview

Shopify Email is free and built into Shopify. MailerLite is an affordable email platform with a generous free tier and landing pages. Both are budget-friendly, but neither is specialized in e-commerce email marketing.

For Shopify stores, the better question is whether to upgrade to an e-commerce-focused platform like Sequenzy ($29/mo with AI and Shopify integration) or Omnisend (email + SMS with pre-built e-commerce flows) instead of MailerLite. E-commerce-specific tools handle abandoned carts, product recommendations, and order-based automation that MailerLite does not.

When MailerLite Works

If you need landing pages, signup forms, and general email marketing at a low price, MailerLite delivers good value. The free tier is especially attractive for new businesses. Just know that the Shopify integration is basic and e-commerce features are limited.

MailerLite's Landing Pages and Website Builder Fill Gaps Shopify Does Not Have

MailerLite includes a landing page builder and basic website creator alongside email marketing. For Shopify merchants who also need standalone landing pages for lead magnets, pre-launch campaigns, or content marketing, MailerLite provides these tools without requiring a separate subscription to Unbounce or Carrd. Shopify Email has no landing page capability beyond what Shopify's built-in pages offer.

However, Shopify merchants already have a website — their store. MailerLite's website builder adds marginal value when your primary web presence is your Shopify storefront. The landing page feature is more useful for collecting emails outside of your store, such as running a blog or content-driven marketing strategy. If your email list growth comes primarily from store visitors, Shopify Email's native integration handles this adequately without an external platform.

The Approval Process That Delays Your Switch

MailerLite reviews new account applications before granting sending access. This approval process protects shared IP reputation but can take 3-5 business days and sometimes results in rejection. For Shopify merchants eager to start sending campaigns immediately, this delay is frustrating — especially when Shopify Email requires zero setup and is already available in your admin panel.

If you are migrating from Shopify Email to MailerLite, account for this approval timeline. Do not cancel or reduce your Shopify Email usage until MailerLite has approved your account and you have verified that your domain authentication (SPF, DKIM) is properly configured. The transition period where both platforms are active adds temporary complexity but prevents gaps in your email marketing during the switch.

Why Shopify Stores Often Need Neither General Email Platform

Both Shopify Email and MailerLite are general-purpose email tools — one basic and free, the other affordable with more features. Neither is built specifically for e-commerce workflows. Abandoned cart recovery, product recommendation emails, browse abandonment sequences, and purchase-triggered cross-sell campaigns require e-commerce-specific platforms. For SaaS companies using Shopify for digital product sales, Sequenzy offers transactional email and marketing campaigns with Stripe integration at $49/month — purpose-built for subscription businesses rather than e-commerce or general newsletters.