Beehiiv vs Substack
Detailed comparison to help you choose the right tool in 2026
π Quick Verdict
Winner: Beehiiv
Beehiiv is better for serious newsletter operators focused on growth and monetization. Substack is better for writers who want simplicity and built-in discovery.
π Explore More
π Visual Comparison
Overall Score Comparison
Category Breakdown
Beehiiv Highlights
- β Built for growth
- β Great monetization
- π° Free / /month
Substack Highlights
- β Easy to start
- β Built-in audience
- π° Free (10% on paid subs)
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Beehiiv | Substack |
|---|---|---|
| Free Tier | 2,500 subscribers | Unlimited subscribers |
| Custom Domain | Free | Paid only |
| Referral Program | Built-in | No |
| Monetization | Ads + subscriptions | Subscriptions only |
| Analytics | Advanced | Basic |
| Segmentation | β | Limited |
| Platform Fee | 0% | 10% of paid |
| API | β | Limited |
What is Beehiiv?
beehiiv is a newsletter platform built for growth with monetization tools, referral programs, and detailed analytics for creators.
β Pros
- β’Built for growth
- β’Great monetization
- β’Referral programs
- β’Modern analytics
- β’Ad network
βCons
- β’Pricier tiers
- β’Newer platform
- β’Limited automations
- β’Template limitations
What is Substack?
Substack is a platform for independent writers to publish newsletters and build subscription businesses. It handles payments and email delivery.
β Pros
- β’Easy to start
- β’Built-in audience
- β’Payment processing
- β’No upfront cost
- β’Good discovery
βCons
- β’10% platform fee
- β’Limited customization
- β’No ownership of platform
- β’Email deliverability varies
Pricing Comparison
πIn-Depth Analysis: Beehiiv vs Substack
Choosing between Beehiiv and Substack can be challenging, as both tools offer compelling features for modern workflows. In this comprehensive comparison, we'll analyze every aspectβfrom features and pricing to real-world use casesβto help you make an informed decision.
Beehiiv
beehiiv is a newsletter platform built for growth with monetization tools, referral programs, and detailed analytics for creators.
Substack
Substack is a platform for independent writers to publish newsletters and build subscription businesses. It handles payments and email delivery.
π―Best Use Cases
When to Choose Beehiiv
- βFor Teams:
Built for growth
- βFor Small Business:
Great monetization
- βFor Enterprise:
Referral programs
When to Choose Substack
- βFor Individuals:
Easy to start
- βFor Small Business:
Built-in audience
- βFor Teams:
Payment processing
πFeature Deep Dive
Free Tier
Custom Domain
Referral Program
Monetization
Analytics
Segmentation
π°Pricing Analysis
Beehiiv
Subscriber-based
β Free tier availableSubstack
Free + revenue share
β Free tier availableπ‘ Pro Tip
Both tools offer free trials or tiers. We recommend testing both with your actual workflow before committing to a paid plan.
πOur Recommendation
After extensive analysis and testing, here's our take: Both Beehiiv and Substack are excellent tools that can significantly improve your productivity. The best choice depends on your specific needs, workflow, and priorities.
Choose Beehiiv if:
You want to build a newsletter business with growth tools, multiple monetization options, and no platform fees.
Choose Substack if:
Youre a writer who values simplicity, wants built-in discovery, and doesnt mind the 10% fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Beehiiv is better for monetization due to its ad network, no platform fees, and multiple revenue options beyond just subscriptions.
Final Verdict: Which Should You Choose?
β¨ Choose Beehiiv if
You want to build a newsletter business with growth tools, multiple monetization options, and no platform fees.
β¨ Choose Substack if
Youre a writer who values simplicity, wants built-in discovery, and doesnt mind the 10% fee.