beehiiv vs Substack: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between beehiiv and Substack 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.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
beehiiv
Newsletter platform for growth
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.6/10 vs 8.2/10)
- • You need email marketing features specifically
- • Newsletter platform for growth
- • Built-in monetization
Substack
Newsletter platform for writers
Best for you if:
- • You need blogging platforms features specifically
- • Simple newsletter platform with payments
- • Built-in paid subscription model
| At a Glance |  beehiiv |  Substack |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Email Marketing | Blogging Platforms |
Rating | 86/100 | 82/100 |
| Feature | beehiiv | Substack |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 86 | 82 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Email MarketingContent Marketing | Blogging PlatformsNewsletter Tools |
How beehiiv and Substack Compare
beehiiv
Newsletter platform for growth
Free tier available · 86/100 score
Substack
Newsletter platform for writers
Free tier available · 82/100 score
beehiiv is a email marketing tool. Substack is in blogging platforms.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: beehiiv
Want the highest-rated option?
beehiiv: 86/100. Substack: 82/100.
Go with: beehiiv
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: beehiiv
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are freemium. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
beehiiv is a email marketing tool. Substack is in blogging platforms. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
beehiiv scores higher: 86/100 vs 82/100.
Key Takeaways
beehiiv
- Higher score: 86/100 vs 82
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Substack
- Better fit for blogging platforms
The Bottom Line
beehiiv (86/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is beehiiv or Substack better?
beehiiv scores 86/100 in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are beehiiv and Substack used for?
beehiiv: Newsletter platform for growth. Substack: Newsletter platform for writers.
What does beehiiv cost vs Substack?
beehiiv is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Substack is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.