Substack vs beehiiv: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Substack and beehiiv 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:
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
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
| At a Glance |  Substack |  beehiiv |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Blogging Platforms | Email Marketing |
Rating | 82/100 | 86/100 |
| Feature | Substack | beehiiv |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 82 | 86 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Blogging PlatformsNewsletter Tools | Email MarketingContent Marketing |
How Substack and beehiiv Compare
Substack
Newsletter platform for writers
Free tier available · 82/100 score
beehiiv
Newsletter platform for growth
Free tier available · 86/100 score
Substack is a blogging platforms tool. beehiiv is in email marketing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Substack
Want the highest-rated option?
Substack: 82/100. beehiiv: 86/100.
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?
Substack is a blogging platforms tool. beehiiv is in email marketing. 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 Substack or beehiiv better?
beehiiv scores 86/100 in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are Substack and beehiiv used for?
Substack: Newsletter platform for writers. beehiiv: Newsletter platform for growth.
What does Substack cost vs beehiiv?
Substack is freemium (free tier + paid plans). beehiiv is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.