Beehiiv vs Customer.io: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Beehiiv and Customer.io comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Beehiiv
Newsletter platform built for growth and monetization
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.5/10 vs 8.3/10)
- • You want to try before committing
Customer.io
Marketing automation for customer engagement
Best for you if:
| At a Glance | ||
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Paid |
Best For | ||
Rating | 85/100 | 83/100 |
| Feature | Beehiiv | Customer.io |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 85 | 83 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | EmailMarketing | EmailMarketing |
Understanding the Differences
Both Beehiiv and Customer.io solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Beehiiv positions itself as "newsletter platform built for growth and monetization" while Customer.iofocuses on "marketing automation for customer engagement". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Beehiiv
Beehiiv makes sense if you're looking for a budget-friendly option with a free tier solution. With a score of 85/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose Customer.io
Customer.io is worth considering if you need a professional-grade tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, Beehiiv lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Beehiiv
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Beehiiv handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: Beehiiv
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Customer.io takes enterprise seriously.
We'd pick: Customer.io
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Tight budget? Start free with Beehiiv, upgrade when you're ready.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Beehiiv higher (85/100). But the community has upvoted Customer.io more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Beehiiv Does Better
- Higher overall score (85/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Customer.io If
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Beehiiv (85/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Beehiiv scores higher in our analysis, but Customer.io might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Beehiiv or Customer.io better?
Based on our analysis, Beehiiv scores higher with 85/100. Beehiiv isfreemium while Customer.io is paid. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Beehiiv to Customer.io easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do Beehiiv and Customer.io offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Beehiiv is freemium with a free tier.Customer.io is paid with potential trial. Visit their websites for current trial offers.