Substack vs Beehiiv
Comparing two industry leaders in email marketing. See how pricing, features, and user ratings stack up.
Substack
FreemiumSubscription network for independent writers and creators to publish newsletters and podcasts directly.
Core Features
Beehiiv
FreemiumThe newsletter platform built by newsletter publishers to maximize audience growth and monetization.
Core Features
Feature Breakdown: Substack vs Beehiiv
See which capabilities are supported out of the box by each platform.
| Feature / Capability | Substack | Beehiiv |
|---|---|---|
| Free to Send | ✓ Included | — |
| Paid Subscriptions | ✓ Included | — |
| Community Notes | ✓ Included | — |
| Podcast Hosting | ✓ Included | — |
| Ad Network | — | ✓ Included |
| Boost Referral System | — | ✓ Included |
| Custom Domain | — | ✓ Included |
| 3D Analytics | — | ✓ Included |
Editorial Verdict
Which One Should You Pick?
Choose Substack if:
You need Free to Send and Paid Subscriptions, and prefer a freemium model starting at $0/month. With a 4.6 rating, it is ideal for teams focused on speed and simplicity.
Choose Beehiiv if:
You prioritize Ad Network and Boost Referral System, and want a solution rated at 4.8/5.0. Its starting tier at $49/month makes it a top competitor for scaling workflows.
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Which is better: Substack or Beehiiv?
Substack is rated 4.6/5.0 (starts at $0/mo), while Beehiiv is rated 4.8/5.0 (starts at $49/mo). Choose Substack for Free to Send and Paid Subscriptions, or Beehiiv for Ad Network and Boost Referral System.
Is Substack cheaper than Beehiiv?
Yes, Substack starts at $0/month, which is lower than Beehiiv ($49/month).
Do Substack or Beehiiv offer free plans?
Substack offers a freemium plan, whereas Beehiiv operates on a freemium tier. Review the side-by-side feature matrix above to see exact tier inclusions.