Substack vs beehiiv: Which is Better 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.
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:
- • Simple newsletter platform with payments
- • Built-in paid subscription model
beehiiv
Newsletter platform for growth
Best for you if:
- • Newsletter platform for growth
- • Built-in monetization
| At a Glance |  Substack |  beehiiv |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Newsletter Tools | Newsletter Tools |
Rating | 4.4/5 | 4.5/5 |
Choose Substack or beehiiv?
Choose Substack if
Newsletter platform for writers
- Completely free to start
- Built-in payments
- Simple to use
Choose beehiiv if
Newsletter platform for growth
- Generous free tier
- Great growth features
- Built-in monetization
| Feature | Substack | beehiiv |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★4.4/5 13 reviews | ★4.5/5 49 reviews |
| Categories | Newsletter ToolsWriting & Content | Newsletter ToolsEmail Marketing |
In-Depth Analysis
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
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
Pricing: Substack vs beehiiv
| Plan | Substack | beehiiv |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | 0 forever Free | $0 Launch |
| Tier 2 | 10% of revenue Paid newsletters | $43 Scale |
| Tier 3 | N/A | $96 Max |
| Tier 4 | N/A | Custom Enterprise |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Substack pricing and beehiiv pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Substack
Want the highest-rated option?
Substack: 4.4/5 (13 reviews). beehiiv: 4.5/5 (49 reviews).
Go with: beehiiv
Value user reviews?
Substack: 13 reviews (4.4/5). beehiiv: 49 reviews (4.5/5).
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?
beehiiv is rated higher: 4.5/5 vs 4.4/5.
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 Substack or beehiiv better?
beehiiv is rated 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.