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Substack vs Beehiiv: Which Platform is Best for Creators?

Let me take you back to the time I decided to launch my first newsletter. It was an exciting project, and I wanted a platform that was not only user-friendly but also offered robust features to help me scale. Substack and Beehiiv were the two contenders I found myself torn between, each offering unique features and benefits. After months of testing both platforms, I’m here to give you the lowdown.

Substack: The Veteran of Newsletter Platforms

Substack has been around for a while, and its reputation precedes it. When I first delved into Substack, I was impressed by its simplicity. It’s almost like the Apple of newsletter platforms—clean, intuitive, and focused on doing one thing really well: letting writers write.

Features and Pricing

Substack offers a free-to-use model with no upfront costs. Instead, they take a 10% cut of your subscription revenue, which can be a deal-breaker for some but a worthwhile trade-off for others. The platform supports rich text formatting, custom domains, and even podcasts, making it versatile for creators who want to diversify their content offerings.

What I Liked

– **Ease of Use**: Substack’s user interface is clean and streamlined. Setting up a newsletter is straightforward, and I never found myself lost in a maze of unnecessary options.
– **Community Features**: Substack has social-like features, allowing readers to comment and engage, which can help create a community feel.

What I Didn’t Like

– **Revenue Share Model**: The 10% cut can feel steep, especially for smaller creators who are just starting out and need every penny.
– **Limited Customization**: While it’s easy to use, it lacks the deep customization options that might appeal to more tech-savvy users.

Who Should Use Substack?

Substack is perfect for writers who want a no-frills platform to publish their work and engage with readers. If you’re looking for a straightforward way to monetize your writing with minimal setup, Substack is a solid choice.

Who Should Avoid Substack?

If you’re a data-driven creator who needs detailed analytics or someone who wants full control over the look and feel of your newsletter, you might find Substack limiting.

Rating: 7/10. Substack is reliable and easy to use but can be limiting for those who seek deeper customization and analytics.

Beehiiv: The New Challenger

Beehiiv is a relatively new player in the newsletter game, but it’s quickly gaining traction. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of platforms—offering a little more flexibility and a few more tools than Substack.

Features and Pricing

Beehiiv offers a more tiered pricing structure, starting with a free plan that includes basic features, and paid plans that offer advanced analytics, A/B testing, and more. The pro plan kicks in around $42 per month, which is reasonable given the extra features.

What I Liked

– **Customization**: You have more control over the design and feel of your newsletter, which is a big plus if branding is important to you.
– **Analytics and Growth Tools**: Beehiiv’s analytics are more robust compared to Substack, offering insights that can help you grow your audience strategically.

What I Didn’t Like

– **Learning Curve**: The added features can make it a bit overwhelming at first, especially if you’re used to simpler platforms.
– **Pricing**: While the features are great, they come at a cost, which might be prohibitive for some users.

Who Should Use Beehiiv?

Beehiiv is ideal for creators who want more control over their newsletter’s appearance and access to in-depth analytics and growth tools. If your newsletter is part of a larger strategy, Beehiiv’s features could benefit you.

Who Should Avoid Beehiiv?

If you’re looking for something simple and free, or if you’re just starting out and unsure about investing in your newsletter, the cost and complexity might not be justified.

Rating: 8/10. Beehiiv offers flexibility and powerful tools but at a cost that might not suit everyone.

Comparison Table

Feature	Substack	Beehiiv
Pricing	Free, 10% revenue share	Free, $42/month for Pro
Customization	Limited	Advanced
Analytics	Basic	Advanced
Community Features	Yes	No
Ease of Use	High	Moderate

My Verdict

After testing both platforms, here’s my take: if you’re looking for simplicity and a focus on content creation, Substack is your friend. It’s an excellent starting point for writers who want to focus on their craft. However, if you envision your newsletter as a strategic piece of a larger puzzle and want more control and analytics, Beehiiv provides the tools necessary to elevate your game. Both platforms have their merits, and the choice ultimately depends on your specific needs and where you are in your creator journey.

FAQ

Is Substack free to use?

Yes, Substack is free to use, but they take a 10% cut of your subscription revenue. This means while there are no upfront costs, you will share part of your earnings.

Can I monetize my Beehiiv newsletter?

Yes, Beehiiv offers monetization options, especially on its Pro plan. With features like advanced analytics, you can strategically grow and monetize your audience.

Which platform offers better analytics?

Beehiiv provides more advanced analytics compared to Substack. If data-driven decisions are important for your growth strategy, Beehiiv is the better choice.

Which is easier for beginners?

Substack is more beginner-friendly due to its simplicity and ease of use. If you’re new to newsletters, it allows you to focus on writing without overwhelming you with options.

Do both platforms support custom domains?

Yes, both Substack and Beehiiv support custom domains, allowing you to maintain your brand identity.

— Alex
Test everything. Trust nothing.

📘 Want more? Grab my free ebook: 50 Best Free AI Tools in 2026

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