Beehiiv vs Substack: Side-by-Side Comparison 2026
Beehiiv: Beehiiv is the fastest-growing newsletter platform, purpose-built for creators who want growth tools and monetization in one place. Substack: Substack is the simplest way for writers to start a paid newsletter, but its 10% revenue cut and limited customization push serious publishers toward alternatives.
Data verified 2026-03-13
How do Beehiiv and Substack compare at a glance?
What features does each platform offer?
Beehiiv key features
- Newsletter creation with drag-and-drop editor
- Built-in monetization via ads and paid subscriptions
- Referral program and growth tools
- A/B testing for subject lines and content
- Custom domains and website builder
- Advanced audience segmentation and surveys
- AI writing assistant
Substack key features
- Simple publishing for newsletters and blogs
- Built-in paid subscription management
- Substack Notes social network for discovery
- Podcast and video hosting
- Community chat for subscribers
- No upfront costs — revenue share model
Which is cheaper, Beehiiv or Substack?
Beehiiv pricing
Model: freemium
From: $49/month
Free: Up to 2500 users
Enterprise: Available
Substack pricing
Model: freemium
From: 10% of paid subscription revenue
Enterprise: No
When should you choose Beehiiv vs Substack?
Choose Beehiiv when...
- Newsletter creators focused on audience growth
- Publishers wanting built-in ad monetization
- Media operators scaling beyond a personal newsletter
Choose Substack when...
- Independent writers monetizing through paid subscriptions
- Journalists building a personal media brand
- Writers who want zero setup and just want to write
Company overview
Beehiiv
Newsletter platform built for growth with monetization tools.
Substack
Publishing platform for independent writers with paid subscriptions.
Frequently asked questions
Is Beehiiv or Substack better?
It depends on your needs. Beehiiv is best for newsletter creators focused on audience growth. Substack is best for independent writers monetizing through paid subscriptions.
Which is cheaper, Beehiiv or Substack?
Beehiiv starts at $49/month. Substack starts at 10% of paid subscription revenue. Total cost depends on team size and required features.
Can I switch from Beehiiv to Substack?
Yes, many teams migrate between Beehiiv and Substack. Most email marketing tools offer import/export functionality. Consider running both tools in parallel during the transition period.
What do users say about Beehiiv vs Substack?
Beehiiv has a 4.8/5 rating on G2 with 34 reviews. Substack has a 4.4/5 rating on G2 with 100 reviews.
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Beehiiv and Substack are trademarks of their respective owners. Rivalize is not affiliated with either company. All information is sourced from publicly available data.