Beehiiv vs Substack: Which Newsletter Platform Should You Choose?

Beehiiv and Substack are the two names most new writers weigh up. Both are good. They are built for slightly different goals, so the right answer depends on what you want your newsletter to become.

The short version

• Choose Beehiiv if growth and monetisation flexibility matter to you.
• Choose Substack if you want the simplest path to paid writing and a built-in reader network.

Growth tools

Beehiiv leans harder into growth: a built-in referral program, recommendations network, SEO-friendly web pages, and detailed analytics. Substack has its own network and app, which can send readers your way, but fewer built-in growth mechanics.

Monetisation

Substack takes a percentage of paid subscriptions. Beehiiv uses tiered pricing plus an ad network and paid subscriptions, so at scale you can keep more of your revenue and add income streams beyond subscriptions.

Design and ownership

Both let you export your list, which is the most important thing: you own your audience. Beehiiv gives more control over branding and site design. Substack is more opinionated but faster to launch.

Whatever you choose, make sure you can export your subscribers. If you cannot, walk away.

Our pick

For most writers starting today, Beehiiv is the stronger long-term home thanks to its growth and monetisation stack, and it is free to begin. You can always start there and migrate later if needed. Use code BEEHIIV20 for 20% off a paid plan when you are ready.