Substack vs Beehiiv: Head-to-Head Comparison

Quick Verdict

Substack is the better pick for writers wanting discovery and simple paid subscriptions. Beehiiv is the better pick for newsletter operators focused on growth and ads.

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At a Glance

Feature	Substack	Beehiiv
Best For	Writers wanting discovery and simple paid subscriptions	Newsletter operators focused on growth and ads
Pricing	Free; 10% fee on paid subscriptions	Free tier with paid plans
Free to Start	Yes	Yes
License	Proprietary	Proprietary
Deployment	Managed cloud	Managed cloud
Link	Visit Substack	Visit Beehiiv

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Detailed Breakdown

Substack

Newsletter platform with a built-in network

Pros:

• Free to start
• Built-in discovery network
• Very simple

Cons:

• 10% fee on paid subscriptions
• Limited customization

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Beehiiv

Newsletter platform built for growth

Pros:

• Referral program and growth tools
• Ad network
• No revenue share on subscriptions

Cons:

• Advanced features on paid tiers
• Less built-in discovery than Substack

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Key Differences

• Positioning: Substack — newsletter platform with a built-in network. Beehiiv — newsletter platform built for growth.
• Both share the same licensing model (proprietary), so the decision comes down to features and workflow fit.
• Pricing: Substack — Free; 10% fee on paid subscriptions. Beehiiv — free tier with paid plans.
• Signature strength: Substack — free to start. Beehiiv — referral program and growth tools.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Substack better than Beehiiv?

It depends on your requirements. Substack is a strong fit for writers wanting discovery and simple paid subscriptions, while Beehiiv suits newsletter operators focused on growth and ads.

Is Substack free to use?

Yes, you can start with Substack for free. Pricing model: Free; 10% fee on paid subscriptions.

Is Beehiiv free to use?

Yes, you can start with Beehiiv for free. Pricing model: Free tier with paid plans.

Can I self-host Substack or Beehiiv?

Substack is offered as a managed service: managed cloud. Beehiiv is offered as a managed service: managed cloud.

What are the main drawbacks of Substack and Beehiiv?

Substack: 10% fee on paid subscriptions; limited customization. Beehiiv: advanced features on paid tiers; less built-in discovery than Substack.