Comparison guide
Best Newsletter Platform 2026: beehiiv vs Substack vs ConvertKit
We compared the three leading newsletter platforms on free plans, monetisation, growth tools, and what the community actually recommends. Our verdict is below.
Try beehiiv Free, 14-Day TrialOur Pick: beehiiv
For newsletter creators focused on growing an audience and monetising without giving up revenue, beehiiv is the strongest platform available in 2026. The built-in referral program, ad network, and 0% revenue share on paid subscriptions put it well ahead of alternatives once you are past the earliest stage.
Substack is a legitimate starting point for its discovery network and zero monthly fee, but the 10% revenue cut becomes a real cost at scale. ConvertKit is better for product businesses with complex email sequences than for newsletter-first creators.
Start beehiiv Freebeehiiv
The newsletter platform built for growth
Free Plan
Free up to 2,500 subs
Paid From
From $39/mo (Scale plan)
Revenue Share
0%, you keep all revenue
Pros
- Built-in referral program for subscriber growth
- Native ad network to monetise from day one
- No revenue cut on paid subscriptions
- 14-day trial of all paid features, no credit card
- Best-in-class analytics and growth tracking
- Newsletter recommendations across the beehiiv network
- Custom domains on free plan
Cons
- Smaller discovery network than Substack
- Paid plans required for advanced features
Substack
Simplest path to a paid newsletter
Free Plan
Free, no subscriber cap
Paid From
0% platform fee on free newsletters
Revenue Share
10% of paid subscription revenue
Pros
- Largest built-in discovery and recommendation network
- Extremely simple setup, live in minutes
- No monthly fee, only pay when you earn
- Strong brand trust with readers
Cons
- 10% revenue cut on paid subscriptions adds up at scale
- Limited growth and automation tools compared to beehiiv
- No native ad network
- Less control over design and branding
ConvertKit (Kit)
Advanced email marketing for product businesses
Free Plan
Free up to 1,000 subscribers
Paid From
From $29/mo (Creator plan)
Revenue Share
0%, commerce tools available
Pros
- Powerful automation sequences and tagging
- Strong segmentation for complex email funnels
- Integrates well with digital product sales
- Established platform with large creator community
Cons
- Not newsletter-first, reader experience is basic
- No built-in ad network or referral growth tools
- More complex than needed for newsletter-only creators
- Free plan is limited at 1,000 subscribers
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | beehiiv | Substack | ConvertKit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Up to 2,500 subs | Unlimited | Up to 1,000 subs |
| Revenue cut | 0% | 10% on paid | 0% |
| Referral program | Built in | No | No |
| Ad network | Yes, native | No | No |
| Paid subscriptions | Yes, no rev share | Yes, 10% cut | Yes (via commerce) |
| Discovery network | Growing | Large | Limited |
| Automation | Basic | Minimal | Advanced |
| Analytics | Best in class | Basic | Good |
| Free trial | 14 days (paid features) | N/A | 14 days |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best newsletter platform in 2026?
beehiiv is the strongest newsletter platform for creators focused on growth and monetisation in 2026. It offers a free plan up to 2,500 subscribers, a 14-day trial of paid features, and built-in tools including an ad network, referral program, and paid subscription support, all without taking a revenue cut on paid newsletters.
beehiiv vs Substack, which is better?
For creators who want to grow fast and monetise without platform fees, beehiiv is the stronger choice. Substack is simpler to start on and has a built-in discovery network, making it a reasonable starting point, but beehiiv is the preferred platform once you are serious about building a newsletter business.
beehiiv vs ConvertKit, what is the difference?
ConvertKit (now Kit) is a full email marketing platform with advanced automation and segmentation built for complex funnels. beehiiv is newsletter-first with strong growth tools like referral programs and ad networks. For newsletter publishing and audience growth, beehiiv is better suited.
Which newsletter platform has the best free plan?
beehiiv offers the most generous free plan for newsletter creators, free up to 2,500 subscribers with access to core publishing features, analytics, and custom domains. Substack is free with no subscriber cap but takes 10% of paid revenue. ConvertKit is free up to 1,000 subscribers.
Ready to Start Your Newsletter? Try beehiiv Free.
Free up to 2,500 subscribers. 14-day trial of paid features. No credit card required.
This page is operated by Refer Labs and contains an affiliate referral link to beehiiv. If you sign up through it we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. We do not have an affiliate arrangement with Substack or Kit, so we earn nothing if you choose either of them, and that has not changed what we say about any of the three. Rankings are never sold. Comparisons are based on publicly available information at time of publication and may change.