When deciding between Beehiiv and Substack as your newsletter platform, the choice can be overwhelming. Both platforms offer a range of features and come with their own advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we will conduct an in-depth comparison to help you make an informed decision.
User-Friendly Interfaces and Features
Both Beehiiv and Substack are known for their user-friendly interfaces and feature-rich platforms. However, a significant difference is Substack’s 10% fee on membership charges, while Beehiiv stands out by not imposing any platform fees on subscriber revenue. Beehiiv is recommended for those aiming to introduce paid options and run newsletters from a business perspective, while Substack is more aligned with writers focusing on free subscribers and the joy of writing.
Beehiiv Overview
Founded in 2021, Beehiiv has experienced rapid growth due to its wide array of services and features. It is designed with newsletter growth in mind and offers a transparent pricing model. Beehiiv’s zero platform fees on subscriber revenue make it an attractive choice, and it is used by renowned newsletters like Milk Road, Cult of Mac, and The Boston Globe.
Substack Overview
Established in 2017, Substack has been a popular choice for digital publishing. It provides a comprehensive solution for writers and publishers, including designing newsletters and adding paid members. Substack’s unique selling point is its payment system, allowing writers to monetize their content through direct subscriber charges. However, the 10% subscription fee is a factor to consider.
Design and Customization: Beehiiv vs. Substack
When it comes to design and customization, both Beehiiv and Substack offer unique features tailored to their target audience.
Beehiiv:
- Drag-and-Drop Editor: Beehiiv offers a modern editor layout that is clean and user-friendly, allowing creators to focus on writing without distractions.
- Newsletter Customization: Beehiiv excels with extensive newsletter customization options, enabling modification of almost every aspect without any coding.
- Website Customization: Limited website customization options with only two default layouts available. Custom domains are supported on paid plans.
Substack:
- Minimalist Design: Substack provides a clean and minimalist editor ideal for beginners.
- Limited Customization: Substack’s major drawback is its limited customization options, with all pages having a similar appearance.
- Integrations: Substack integrates with popular platforms like Twitter and Facebook but lacks an API for other services. Custom domains come with a $50 fee.
Both platforms have their strengths and weaknesses in terms of design and customization, with Beehiiv leaning towards more extensive newsletter customization, while Substack offers a minimalist design approach.
Monetization and Growth: Beehiiv vs. Substack
Monetization and growth are critical for newsletter creators, and both Beehiiv and Substack offer distinct features and strategies.
Beehiiv:
- Multiple Revenue Streams: Beehiiv supports various revenue streams, including subscriptions, donations, and ads, providing creators with income diversification.
- No Platform Fees: Beehiiv does not charge platform fees on membership fees, benefiting newsletters with a large number of paid subscribers.
- Analytics and Insights: Beehiiv offers detailed analytics and insights to optimize newsletter performance.
Substack:
- Focus on Paid Subscriptions: Substack’s primary monetization strategy revolves around paid subscriptions.
- 10% Fee: Substack charges a 10% fee on all paid memberships, potentially impacting creators’ long-term revenue.
- Large Audience Base: Substack boasts a vast and dedicated audience base, beneficial for new creators.
Pricing: Beehiiv vs. Substack
Both platforms have distinct pricing models tailored to their target audience.
Beehiiv:
- Free Plan: Beehiiv offers a free plan for beginners to explore the platform.
- Flexible Pay-as-you-go Plan: Pricing is based on the number of subscribers, advantageous for those uncertain about subscriber growth.
- Unlimited Subscribers: Beehiiv allows unlimited subscribers and newsletters on its free plan.
Substack:
- 10% Fee on Paid Subscriptions: Substack charges a 10% fee on all paid subscriptions.
- 3% Transaction Fee: An additional 3% transaction fee covers payment processing.
- Hosting and Email Delivery Services: Substack’s pricing includes hosting and email delivery services.
Pricing Comparison
Beehiiv offers competitive pricing plans ranging from free for up to 2,500 subscribers to $99 billed monthly for 10,000+ subscribers. In contrast, Substack charges no monthly fees but takes a 10% cut from each transaction for paid subscriptions.
In conclusion, the choice between Beehiiv and Substack depends on individual preferences and business models.
TL;DR:
- Design & Customization: Beehiiv excels in newsletter customization, while Substack offers a minimalist design.
- Monetization & Growth: Beehiiv supports multiple revenue streams and offers detailed analytics, while Substack focuses on paid subscriptions with a 10% fee.
- Pricing: Beehiiv offers flexible pricing plans, including a free option, while Substack charges a 10% fee on paid subscriptions.
Ultimately, Beehiiv is recommended for those seeking extensive customization and monetization flexibility, while Substack suits creators valuing a minimalist design and an existing audience base.
Hi, I’m Oren, founder at BIGINTRO, a content strategy agency that helps B2B companies drive growth. We develop search, social, PR, and content marketing strategies tailored to business goals. I also have a dog named Milo.