Beehiiv vs Substack
A detailed comparison of Beehiiv and Substack to help you choose the right tool for your needs.
Substack
Platform for independent writers to publish and monetize newsletters.
💰 Pricing Comparison
| Plan | Beehiiv | Substack |
|---|---|---|
| Free Tier | ✓ Up to 2,500 subscribers | ✓ Free (10% of paid subs) |
| Lowest Paid | $39/mo | Free (10% cut) |
| Enterprise | $99/mo | N/A |
⚡ Feature Comparison
| Feature | Beehiiv | Substack |
|---|---|---|
| Newsletter editor | ✓ | — |
| Referral program | ✓ | — |
| Monetization | ✓ | — |
| Recommendations | ✓ | ✓ |
| Analytics | ✓ | ✓ |
| Custom domains | ✓ | ✓ |
| API | ✓ | — |
| Automations | ✓ | — |
| Website builder | ✓ | — |
| Ad network | ✓ | — |
| Newsletter publishing | — | ✓ |
| Paid subscriptions | — | ✓ |
| Podcast hosting | — | ✓ |
| Community features | — | ✓ |
| Notes | — | ✓ |
| Mobile app | — | ✓ |
| Archive | — | ✓ |
| Open Source | ✗ | ✗ |
| Rating | ⭐ 4.5 | ⭐ 4.3 |
Pros & Cons
Beehiiv
Pros
- ✓ Built for newsletters
- ✓ Growth tools included
- ✓ Monetization options
- ✓ Modern interface
Cons
- ✗ Limited to newsletters
- ✗ Can get expensive
- ✗ Newer platform
- ✗ Limited automation
Substack
Pros
- ✓ Free to start
- ✓ Built-in monetization
- ✓ Growing network
- ✓ Simple to use
Cons
- ✗ 10% revenue cut
- ✗ Limited customization
- ✗ No advanced automation
- ✗ Lock-in concerns
🏆 The Verdict
Choose Beehiiv if: You need newsletter creators focused on growth. Beehiiv excels with its built for newsletters and growth tools included.
Choose Substack if: You need writers wanting to monetize a newsletter. Substack stands out with its free to start and built-in monetization.
Best free option: Both Beehiiv and Substack offer free tiers. Beehiiv offers "Up to 2,500 subscribers" while Substack offers "Free (10% of paid subs)".
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is Beehiiv better than Substack?
It depends on your needs. Beehiiv is better for newsletter creators focused on growth, while Substack is better for writers wanting to monetize a newsletter. Both are excellent tools rated 4.5 and 4.3 respectively.
Which is cheaper, Beehiiv or Substack?
Beehiiv starts at $39/mo while Substack starts at Free (10% cut). Both offer free tiers.
Can I switch from Beehiiv to Substack?
Most tools offer import/export features to help you migrate. We recommend trying Substack's free tier before fully committing to a switch.
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