Category hub · Creator tools
Newsletter platforms: where to build your audience
Where you start an email list shapes how much you keep and how fast you grow. This hub compares the platforms on free plans, monetisation and growth tools.
beehiiv
Top pickGrowth and monetisation
Built for creators serious about growing and monetising a newsletter. Free up to 2,500 subscribers, with a built-in ad network, referral program and 0% cut on paid subscriptions.
- Free plan
- Up to 2,500 subs
- Revenue cut
- 0% on paid subs
- Best for
- Serious creators
Substack
Simple start & discovery
The simplest way to start a paid newsletter, with a strong built-in discovery network. Takes a 10% cut of paid subscription revenue, which adds up at scale.
- Free plan
- No subscriber cap
- Revenue cut
- 10% on paid
- Best for
- Beginners
ConvertKit (Kit)
Automation & funnels
A full email marketing platform with advanced automation and segmentation. Better for product businesses with complex sequences than newsletter-first creators.
- Free plan
- Up to 1,000 subs
- Strength
- Automation
- Best for
- Product funnels
Read the full beehiiv vs Substack vs ConvertKit comparison →
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Common questions
What is the best newsletter platform in 2026?+
For creators focused on growth and monetisation, beehiiv is the strongest option — a generous free plan, built-in growth tools, and no cut on paid subscriptions. Substack is a simpler starting point with better discovery.
beehiiv vs Substack — which should I choose?+
beehiiv if you are serious about growing and keeping all your revenue. Substack if you want the simplest possible start and value its discovery network, accepting the 10% cut on paid subscriptions.
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