Substack vs beehiiv
Compare Substack and beehiiv. Built-in audience vs growth tools, simple vs feature-rich. Find your best newsletter platform.
Quick Verdict
Choose Substack for simplicity and built-in discovery. Choose beehiiv for growth tools and monetization features.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Substack | beehiiv |
|---|---|---|
| Price | 10% revenue | Free tier + plans |
| Discovery | Excellent | Limited |
| Growth Tools | Basic | Excellent |
| Customization | Limited | Good |
| Rating | ★ 4.2 | ★ 4.7 |
| Starting Price | Free | Free |
Main Differences
Substack is simple with built-in discovery through their app and recommendations. beehiiv offers more features including referral programs and ad networks but requires more setup.
When to Choose Substack
Choose Substack if you want the simplest setup, value built-in discovery, or prefer a platform where readers already are. Great for writers who want to focus on content.
When to Choose beehiiv
Choose beehiiv if you want growth tools, customization, and don't mind a steeper learning curve. Better for creators who actively grow their audience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Substack really free?
Yes, Substack is free to use. They only make money when you do, taking 10% of paid subscription revenue.
Which is better for monetization?
Both work well. Substack is simpler with built-in payments. beehiiv offers ad network and sponsorships in addition to subscriptions.