beehiiv vs Substack: Which Newsletter Platform Is Right for You?
Both beehiiv and Substack let you publish newsletters and build an audience. But they serve different needs. This comparison helps you decide which platform fits your goals.
Comparison verified: 2026-08-11
Quick Summary
beehiiv
A growth-focused newsletter platform with built-in monetization (ads, paid subs at 0% take rate), referral programs, automations, and website tools. More features, more control.
Substack
A simple publishing platform with a built-in reader network. Minimal setup, clean writing experience. Takes 10% of paid subscription revenue.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | beehiiv | Substack | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes — up to 2,500 subscribers | Yes — unlimited subscribers | substack |
| Custom domain | Yes (all plans) | Yes (custom domain support) | Comparable |
| Email automations | Scale plan and above | Limited (welcome sequences) | beehiiv |
| Built-in referral program | Scale plan and above | No native referral program | beehiiv |
| Recommendation network | Yes (Launch+) | Yes (Substack Network) | Comparable |
| Paid subscriptions | Scale plan — 0% take rate | All plans — 10% platform fee | beehiiv |
| Native ad network | Yes (Scale+) | No native ad network | beehiiv |
| Remove platform branding | Max plan ($96/month) | Not available | beehiiv |
| Podcast hosting | Yes (built-in) | Yes (built-in) | Comparable |
| Community features | Yes (Scale+) | Yes (Notes, Chat) | Comparable |
| Design flexibility | High — templates + custom | Limited — minimal styling | beehiiv |
| SEO / website builder | Full website + AI builder | Publication site (limited SEO) | beehiiv |
| Simplicity | More features = more to learn | Very simple — write and publish | substack |
| Built-in reader network | Recommendation network | Substack app + Notes feed | substack |
| API access | Yes (all plans) | No public API | beehiiv |
The Decision
Choose beehiiv if...
- • You want to monetize via ads AND paid subscriptions without platform fees
- • You need email automations, referral programs, and growth tools
- • You want full design control and a custom website
- • You plan to scale a newsletter as a business
Choose Substack if...
- • You want the simplest possible publishing experience
- • You value Substack's built-in reader app and discovery network
- • You plan to monetize only through paid subscriptions (and accept the 10% fee)
- • You don't need advanced automation or growth tools
LeTrusto Take
For creators who treat their newsletter as a business — needing growth tools, monetization flexibility, and audience ownership — beehiiv offers significantly more control. Substack wins on simplicity and its built-in reader network, making it a good fit for writers who primarily want to write and don't need complex growth infrastructure.
LeTrusto is an approved affiliate partner of beehiiv. We may earn a commission when you sign up through our link. This does not change the price you pay. Full disclosure