beehiiv vs Substack: Which is Better 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.
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:
- • Newsletter platform for growth
- • Built-in monetization
Substack
Newsletter platform for writers
Best for you if:
- • Simple newsletter platform with payments
- • Built-in paid subscription model
| At a Glance |  beehiiv |  Substack |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $0/moLaunch | 10%/of revenuePaid newsletters |
Best For | Newsletter Tools | Newsletter Tools |
Rating | - | - |
Choose beehiiv or Substack?
Choose beehiiv if
Newsletter platform for growth
- Generous free tier
- Great growth features
- Built-in monetization
Choose Substack if
Newsletter platform for writers
- Completely free to start
- Built-in payments
- Simple to use
| Feature | beehiiv | Substack |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★4.5/5 49 reviews | ★4.4/5 13 reviews |
| Categories | Newsletter ToolsEmail Marketing | Newsletter ToolsWriting & Content |
In-Depth Analysis
beehiiv
Newsletter platform for growth
Strengths
- +Generous free tier
- +Great growth features
- +Built-in monetization
- +Modern interface
Weaknesses
- -Learning curve
- -Some features need higher tiers
- -Limited customization on free
Key features
Substack
Newsletter platform for writers
Strengths
- +Completely free to start
- +Built-in payments
- +Simple to use
- +Large network
Weaknesses
- -10% revenue cut
- -Limited customization
- -Basic features
Key features
Pricing: beehiiv vs Substack
| Plan | beehiiv | Substack |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $0 Launch | 0 forever Free |
| Tier 2 | $43 Scale | 10% of revenue Paid newsletters |
| Tier 3 | $96 Max | N/A |
| Tier 4 | Custom Enterprise | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on beehiiv pricing and Substack pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: beehiiv
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has user reviews yet.
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?
Both are newsletter tools tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Key Takeaways
beehiiv
- Higher user rating: 4.5/5 vs 4.4/5
- Larger review base (49 reviews)
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Substack
- Choose if you want newsletter platform for writers
The Bottom Line
beehiiv is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is beehiiv or Substack better?
beehiiv is rated 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.