beehiiv vs Substack
Two of the biggest newsletter platforms — here's how they actually differ on fees and features.
beehiiv and Substack are the two platforms most newsletter creators consider first. The biggest practical difference isn't features — it's how each one makes money from you.
| beehiiv | Substack | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Up to 2,500 subscribers, full features | Free at any list size |
| Cut of paid subscription revenue | 0% — you keep it all (minus Stripe fees) | 10%, plus Stripe processing fees |
| Paid plans beyond free | $43–$290/month as your list grows past 2,500 | No separate plan — Substack only earns from its revenue cut |
| Built-in reader discovery | Cross-promotion network (Boosts) | Large built-in recommendation network between publications |
If you plan to charge for subscriptions and expect meaningful revenue, beehiiv's 0% cut usually wins out once you're past a small list — Substack's 10% adds up fast on real income. If you want the simplest possible free setup and value Substack's built-in reader-discovery network more than owning 100% of subscription revenue, Substack still makes sense, especially early on.
Frequently asked questions
Which one is actually free?
Both have a real free tier — beehiiv up to 2,500 subscribers with full features, Substack at any size but with a 10% cut of anything you charge readers.
Can I move my subscriber list if I switch platforms later?
Both let you export your subscriber list, but check each platform's current export terms before committing — data portability policies change over time.