Beehiiv vs Substack
Choosing the right email platform can make or break your content growth and monetization. In 2025, two major players stand out for creators: Beehiiv and Substack. Both are built with writers, newsletter publishers, and content entrepreneurs in mind — but they have different strengths.
If you’re trying to decide between Beehiiv vs Substack, this comparison covers the key areas that matter most: features, pricing, customization, growth tools, monetization options, and more.
Table of Contents – Beehiiv vs Substack
1. Audience & Platform Focus
Substack made its name by serving writers — especially those with loyal followings. It’s simple, clean, and good for creators who want to write and publish with minimal setup.
Beehiiv, by contrast, targets newsletter entrepreneurs. Its tools are built for growth, monetization, and scaling newsletters like a business — not just a blog.
✅ Verdict:
- Substack = best for solo writers and minimalists
- Beehiiv = best for creators who want more customization and business features
2. Features & Customization
| Feature | Beehiiv | Substack |
|---|---|---|
| Drag & Drop Editor | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Custom Fields | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Website Builder | ✅ Yes | ✅ Basic |
| Paid Tiers & Segments | ✅ Advanced | ✅ Simple |
| Recommendations Engine | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Beehiiv offers powerful features like referral programs, audience segmentation, and full-site theming. You can build a custom homepage, collect user data, and design unique experiences.
Substack keeps things simpler — fewer features, fewer distractions.
✅ Verdict:
- Beehiiv wins on depth and customization.
- Substack is intentionally limited for ease of use.
3. Growth & Analytics Tools
Growth is where Beehiiv really shines.
- Beehiiv offers:
- – Referral program
- – Built-in analytics (open/click, growth tracking, post performance)
- – Magic links, A/B testing (in higher plans)
- – Boosts (paid list growth via their internal ad network)
- Substack offers:
- – A recommendation engine
- – Reader discovery via the Substack network
- – Basic analytics only
✅ Verdict:
If you’re serious about growing a large audience, Beehiiv gives you the edge.
4. Monetization Options
Both platforms let you run paid newsletters. But there are differences.
- Substack:
- – Takes 10% of your paid revenue
- – Handles payments via Stripe
- – No tiers or upsells
- Beehiiv:
- – 0% transaction fees on paid newsletters (you keep 100%)
- – Supports multiple paid tiers, upsells, and sponsor integrations
- – Offers ad network and paid Boost features (depending on plan)
✅ Verdict:
Beehiiv gives you more monetization flexibility, and you keep more of what you earn.
5. Pricing
| Plan | Substack | Beehiiv |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Paid Plans | ❌ No paid plan — free to use, takes % | ✅ Starts at $49/month (Grow plan) |
| Transaction Fees | 10% | 0% |
Substack is technically free, but takes a cut. Beehiiv charges a monthly fee but lets you keep all your revenue.
✅ Verdict:
- Substack is better for hobbyists or early-stage creators
- Beehiiv is better for creators ready to scale or monetize seriously
Final Thoughts: Beehiiv vs Substack?
When it comes to Beehiiv vs Substack, the best platform depends on your goals:
- – Choose Substack if you want a zero-friction way to publish, build a small audience, and write without worrying about tech.
- – Choose Beehiiv if you treat your newsletter like a business — and want tools to help it grow, convert, and monetize more efficiently.
In 2025, both platforms are excellent — but Beehiiv is the better choice for serious content creators who want full control, better monetization, and faster growth.
For more tips and resources, visit the CreatorToolkit Directory for the best tools to grow your creator business 👍
