Linktree vs Beacons

Linktree invented the link-in-bio category and remains the most recognized name. Over 50 million creators use it, which means most followers know what a Linktree page looks like and trust it. Beacons entered the market later with a feature-rich approach: it bundles a link-in-bio page with a digital storefront, media kit generator, tipping jar, email collector, and booking scheduler. Both have free tiers, but Beacons gives away more functionality for free while Linktree gates more features behind its $5/month Pro plan. The core difference is philosophy — Linktree does one thing very well (link management), while Beacons tries to be a full creator business toolkit squeezed into a bio page.

Linktree wins on simplicity and trust. If you just need a clean page with your important links — YouTube channel, merch store, newsletter, podcast — Linktree sets up in under 2 minutes and works perfectly. The free tier includes unlimited links, basic themes, and click analytics. The Pro plan at $5/month adds custom themes, email collection, priority support, and advanced analytics. Linktree's massive brand recognition also matters: when followers see a Linktree URL, they know what to expect. This reduces friction and can improve click-through rates compared to unfamiliar tools. For creators who just want their links organized and do not need commerce features, Linktree is the right choice.

Beacons wins when your bio page needs to do more than just list links. The built-in digital storefront lets you sell ebooks, presets, templates, and courses directly from your bio — no external Shopify or Gumroad needed. The media kit generator pulls your social stats and creates a shareable page for brand deals, which is useful for creators seeking sponsorships. Beacons also includes a tipping feature for accepting donations and an email collection tool on the free plan (Linktree gates this behind Pro). If you are a creator who monetizes through multiple channels — product sales, sponsorships, tips, and email lists — Beacons consolidates these into a single bio page rather than linking out to five different tools.

Both tools are affordable, but the value calculation differs. Linktree Pro costs $5/month (Starter) or $9/month (Pro). At $5/month, you get email collection, custom themes, and video links. Beacons Pro costs $10/month and includes everything: store, media kit, custom domain, advanced analytics, and email marketing. If you need digital storefront and media kit features, Beacons at $10/month is cheaper than Linktree Pro ($9/month) plus a separate Gumroad store. If you only need link management, Linktree at $5/month (or free) is the better deal. The free tiers are both solid: Linktree gives unlimited links but minimal customization; Beacons gives most features but with Beacons branding on the free plan.

Use Linktree if you want the fastest, simplest link page and your followers just need to find your content. This describes most creators, especially those early in their journey. Switch to Beacons when you actively monetize through your bio — selling products, seeking sponsorships, or collecting tips. The built-in store and media kit justify the higher price for creators who are already earning. Do not pay for Beacons Pro until you have products to sell or brands to pitch. Start free on either platform, then upgrade when the paid features map to revenue you are already generating.