Buttondown vs HEY: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Buttondown and HEY 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:
Buttondown
Simple newsletter tool
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.2/10 vs 8.0/10)
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need email marketing features specifically
- • Buttondown is a simple email newsletter tool for writers and creators
- • It provides a clean writing experience with Markdown support and subscriber management
HEY
Email that screens your calls
Best for you if:
- • You need email clients features specifically
- • Email reimagined by Basecamp
- • Screener for incoming mail
| At a Glance |  Buttondown |  HEY |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Paid |
Best For | Email Marketing | Email Clients |
Rating | 82/100 | 80/100 |
| Feature | Buttondown | HEY |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 82 | 80 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 77 |
| Categories | Email MarketingNewsletter Tools | Email ClientsEmail Deliverability |
Understanding the Differences
Both Buttondown and HEY solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Buttondown positions itself as "simple newsletter tool" while HEYfocuses on "email that screens your calls". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Buttondown
Buttondown makes sense if you're looking for a budget-friendly option with a free tier solution. With a score of 82/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose HEY
HEY is worth considering if you need a professional-grade tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, Buttondown lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Buttondown
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Buttondown handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: Buttondown
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. HEY takes enterprise seriously.
We'd pick: HEY
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Tight budget? Start free with Buttondown, 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 Buttondown higher (82/100). But the community has upvoted HEY more (77 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Buttondown Does Better
- Higher overall score (82/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider HEY 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 Buttondown (82/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Buttondown scores higher in our analysis, but HEY 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 Buttondown or HEY better?
Based on our analysis, Buttondown scores higher with 82/100. Buttondown isfreemium while HEY 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 Buttondown to HEY 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 Buttondown and HEY offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Buttondown is freemium with a free tier.HEY is paid with potential trial. Visit their websites for current trial offers.