Beehiiv vs Substack: Which Is Better for New Creators?

wanted to start a newsletter to share my tech gadget obsession, but I was a total rookie. My first thought? “Isn’t this just emailing a Word doc?” Wrong.

After bumbling through Beehiiv and Substack, I learned picking the right newsletter platform is like choosing the perfect pair of sneakers - get it wrong and you’re tripping all over. So, I tested both platforms, consulted marketing pros and scoured user reviews on Reddit, X and blogs to compare Beehiiv vs Substack for 2025.

If you’re a new creator just starting out - writer, side-hustler or content creator - this guide breaks down ease of use, pricing, monetization and growth tools to help you launch without tech overload. One’s a breeze for storytelling, the other’s a rocket for growth. Let’s find your fit.

Beehiiv vs Substack for new creators in 2025: Substack’s free, simple, with a 10% fee on paid subs. Beehiiv’s free up to 2,500 subs, no revenue cut, ideal for monetization and SEO. Pick Substack for writing ease, Beehiiv for business growth.

Why I Needed a Newsletter Platform (and You Might Too)

My Newsletter Crash-and-Burn

I’m no guru - just a guy who thought newsletters were “fancy emails.” My first try was a Gmail blast to friends. Spoiler: they unsubscribed faster than I could say “whoops.” I needed a platform to look pro, grow readers and maybe make some cash. Beehiiv and Substack are the big names, but which one’s better for creators just starting out? I rolled up my sleeves to find out.

Why Is Beehiiv So Popular?

Beehiiv became popular because it solved a real problem for newsletter creators: complexity. Before Beehiiv, building and growing a newsletter meant stitching together a bunch of disconnected tools — one for writing, one for hosting, one for referrals, and another for monetization. It was clunky, expensive, and a huge time sink. Beehiiv simplified everything by offering an all-in-one platform that let you write, grow, and monetize from a single dashboard.

On top of that, Beehiiv wasn’t built by random tech founders — it was created by the team that helped scale Morning Brew to millions of subscribers. They knew firsthand what creators actually needed to grow, and they baked those insights directly into the product. The result? A tool that feels intuitive, powerful, and growth-focused, without the usual tech headaches. That’s why serious writers and creators have been flocking to Beehiiv — it saves time, removes barriers, and gives them real leverage.

Why Is Substack So Popular?

Substack became popular because it made it incredibly easy for writers to go independent. Before Substack, if you wanted to build your own audience and get paid, you had to cobble together a mess of tools — email marketing software, payment processors, website builders — and hope you could make it work. Substack collapsed all of that into one clean platform: write a post, send an email, and get paid. No tech skills required.

But the real reason Substack took off wasn’t just convenience — it was timing. As trust in traditional media eroded, writers were looking for ways to own their audience, their voice, and their income. Substack gave them the tools and the story: you don’t have to ask permission anymore. You can go direct. That emotional shift turned Substack from just a newsletter platform into a movement — and it’s why it became a magnet for top talent and ambitious newcomers alike.

How I Tested Beehiiv and Substack

I created test newsletters on both, sent dummy emails and messed with features like paid subscriptions and analytics. I checked how easy they were (I’m no tech bro), costs and how they help newbies grow an audience. I also dug into user chatter on X, Reddit, and web reviews, plus insights from EmailToolTester, which notes that Substack’s simplicity suits beginners, while Beehiiv’s tools are ideal for scaling. My tests are real, not just guesses.

Skeptical Note: I thought newsletters were a passing trend. Nope! Beehiiv and Substack make it easy to connect with readers and earn money. But they’re not identical - your goals as a newbie matter.

What's a Newsletter Platform, Anyway?

Newsletter Platforms 101: No Tech Degree Needed

A newsletter platform is like a personal assistant for your emails. It helps you write, design, send and track newsletters without losing your mind. Think of it as a blog-email hybrid, perfect for:

• Writing: Craft posts that become emails or web pages.
• Subscribers: Manage free or paid readers.
• Monetization: Charge for exclusive content or ads.
• Growth: Tools to attract new fans via SEO or sharing.

How They Work (Very Simple)

You write a post in an editor (like a souped-up Notes app). The platform sends it as an email to subscribers or posts it online. Features differ:

• Substack: Minimalist, like a digital diary. Ideal for writers who want to hit “publish” and go.
  

• Beehiiv: Loaded with tools like analytics and SEO, like a marketing toolbox for ambitious newbies.

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Some take a cut of your earnings; others charge fees. It’s about what suits your newbie vibe - simple or growth-focused.

My Goof: I thought both platforms were the same. Wrong! Substack’s for chill writers; Beehiiv’s for creators dreaming big. Choose based on your goals.

Beehiiv vs Substack: The 2025 Showdown for Creators Just Starting Out

The Big Picture: How They Compare

I tested Beehiiv and Substack on ease of use, pricing, monetization, growth tools and community features - key for new creators. Here’s a deep dive.

1. Ease of Use: Substack's Simplicity vs. Beehiiv's Options

• Substack: It’s like jotting in a journal. The editor’s clean, with barely any buttons. I had a newsletter running in 10 minutes - no tech skills required. Perfect for newbies who just want to.‍
• Beehiiv: The editor’s sleek but has more knobs to twist (templates, custom HTML). It took me 20 minutes to get comfy, but the flexibility’s great for a polished look. A bit techier, but doable for beginners.‍
• User Buzz: X users call Substack “foolproof” but say Beehiiv’s “customization” rewards effort.‍
• Winner: Substack for instant ease; Beehiiv if you’re cool with a quick learning curve.

Skeptical Note: I thought simpler was always better. Not quite - Beehiiv’s extra options are worth it if you want a standout newsletter.

2. Analytics and Reporting: Beehiiv's Depth vs. Substack's Simplicity

• Substack: The analytics dashboard is basic but clear - think open rates, subscriber counts and read-time metrics. I checked my test newsletter’s performance in seconds. It’s great for beginners who just need the essentials, but there’s no deep dive into subscriber behavior or campaign optimization.‍
• Beehiiv: Offers a beefy analytics suite with open rates, click-throughs, subscriber growth trends and even form conversion data. I spent 15 minutes geeking out on my test campaign’s stats, tweaking based on insights. It’s a bit much for newbies but gold for data nerds.‍
• User Buzz: X posts rave about Beehiiv’s “granular stats” for growth, while Substack’s “barebones” analytics get mixed reviews.‍
• Winner: Substack for quick glances; Beehiiv for actionable insights.‍

Skeptical Note: I assumed basic analytics were enough for new creators. Wrong - Beehiiv’s detailed reporting showed me gaps in my strategy I’d have missed with Substack.‍

3. Customization and Design: Beehiiv's Flexibility vs. Substack's Minimalism

User Buzz: Many creators on Reddit and X highlight Beehiiv’s design flexibility as a “a creator’s dream” for branding, while others appreciate Substack’s no-nonsense approach for getting started fast.

• ‍Substack: Substack keeps things refreshingly simple. The editor is clean and simple, like writing in a Google Doc. I had a decent-looking newsletter in minutes using basic templates, but customization is limited - think fonts and images, not much else. The trade-off? Most Substack newsletters end up looking quite similar, making it tough to establish a truly distinct brand identity. Fine for newbies who want a no-fuss, professional vibe.‍
• Beehiiv: A playground for design. The platform offers a much wider range of customization tools: adjust fonts, colors, and layouts, add multimedia elements, and fine-tune your design with HTML or reusable templates. Want to match your newsletter to your brand’s style guide? Beehiiv makes it possible. While there’s a slightly steeper learning curve, the payoff is a newsletter that genuinely reflects your voice and vision. The template library and advanced options are especially useful for anyone aiming to build a recognizable, professional brand from day one.‍
• User Buzz: User Buzz: Many creators on Reddit and X highlight Beehiiv’s design flexibility as a “a creator’s dream” for branding, while others appreciate Substack’s no-nonsense approach for getting started fast.‍
• Winner: Beehiiv for standout branding; Substack for plug-and-play ease.‍

Bottom Line: Substack is perfect if you want to focus solely on writing and get your newsletter out the door with minimal effort. If you’re aiming for creative control and strong branding, Beehiiv’s customization features are worth the extra setup time.

4. Pricing: Beehiiv's Flat Fees vs. Substack's Revenue Cut

• Substack: Free forever unless you charge for subs, then they take 10% plus Stripe fees (~2.9% + $0.30 per transaction). Earn $7,000/month from 1,000 paid subs at $7? Substack grabs $700. Great for free newsletters, costly for earners.
• Beehiiv: Free up to 2,500 subs (basic features). Paid plans start at $39/month (Scale) for custom domains and advanced tools. No revenue cut, so you keep all sub money after Stripe fees.. Better for newbies planning to monetize.
• User Buzz: Reddit loves Substack’s $0 upfront cost but says Beehiiv’s cheaper long-term for paid newsletters.
• Winner: Substack for zero-cost starts; Beehiiv for growing or earning.

Hold Up: I assumed free was the way to go. Substack’s 10% cut hurts if you’re raking in cash - Beehiiv’s flat fee saves more as you grow.

5. Beehiiv vs Substack for Monetization

• Substack: Monetize with paid subscriptions. It’s easy to set up, but the 10% cut adds up. No ads or referral programs, so you’re limited to subs.
• Beehiiv: Offers subscriptions (no platform cut), an ad network for free subs and referral programs (e.g., Boosts). I tested the ad network - super simple to add sponsored content. More ways to earn for newbies with big dreams.
• User Buzz: X users praise Beehiiv’s “revenue options” over Substack’s “basic subs”.
• Winner: Beehiiv for diverse monetization.

Truth Check: I thought monetization meant subscriptions only. Beehiiv’s ads and referrals blew my mind - Substack’s one-trick pony here.

6. Growth Tools: Beehiiv's SEO vs. Substack's Community

• Substack: Growth comes from its built-in audience. Readers find you via Substack’s newsfeed or recommendations, like a cozy book club. Great for newbies, but SEO’s weak - posts don’t always rank on Google.
• Beehiiv: No newsfeed, but awesome SEO tools (meta tags, fast pages). My test post ranked on Google in days after tweaking SEO. Referral programs also boost sharing. You’ll need to hustle, but it’s powerful.
• User Buzz: Reddit says Substack’s “network” helps starters, but Beehiiv’s SEO is “next-level” for growth.
• Winner: Substack for easy discovery; Beehiiv for scaling with SEO.

Pause: I thought Substack’s community would outshine Beehiiv. Nope - Beehiiv’s SEO and referrals are killer for long-term growth.

7. Community Features: Substack's Social Vibe

• Substack: Feels like a small social network. Discussion threads, likes and comments let readers chat. My test post sparked fun replies - perfect for building a fanbase.
• Beehiiv: Has likes and comments (newly added), but they’re less prominent (not always enabled). Readers often reply privately, which suits business but feels less social.
• User Buzz: X users say Substack’s “community” beats Beehiiv’s “functional” setup.
• Winner: Substack for engagement; Beehiiv if community’s not your thing.

My Goof: I thought community tools were fluff. Substack’s reader chats changed my mind - it’s like hosting a party.

How to Choose Between Beehiiv and Substack as a New Creator

Step 1: Know Your Goals

• Write and Connect: Substack’s simplicity is great for sharing stories or essays.
• Grow a Business: Beehiiv’s monetization and SEO tools are built for creators with revenue goals.

Step 2: Check Your Wallet

• No Budget: Substack’s free plan is perfect for dipping your toes.
• Some Cash: Beehiiv’s free plan (up to 2,500 subs) or $39/month Scale plan is cost-effective for monetizing.

Step 3: Think About Your Readers

• Community Focus: Substack’s newsfeed and threads build loyal fans.
• Traffic Growth: Beehiiv’s SEO and referrals drive more readers via Google or sharing.

Step 4: Try Before You Commit

Both have free plans. Start with Substack for ease or Beehiiv for tools. Sarah Chen says, “Test both for a month - your readers’ feedback will guide you.”

My Lesson: I thought I needed all the fancy features. Nope - Substack’s fine for casual writing, but Beehiiv’s tools are gold for serious starters.

My Big Takeaway on Beehiiv vs Substack

I started thinking newsletter platforms were just email with extra steps. I was so wrong. Substack made my gadget rants feel like a cozy reader hangout, while Beehiiv turned me into a wannabe mogul with its SEO and ad tools.

For creators just starting out, Substack’s your pick for easy writing and fan vibes. Want to treat your newsletter like a startup? Go Beehiiv. Don’t stress - try Substack’s free plan or Beehiiv’s free tier (up to 2,500 subs) and see what feels right.

Final Skeptical Note: I thought one platform would be the “winner.” Nope - it’s about what you need. Don’t chase shiny features; pick what fits your starting point.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Beehiiv vs Substack

What's the best newsletter platform for beginners in 2025?

Substack’s simple editor is perfect for new creators - just write and send. It’s free and takes minutes to start. Beehiiv’s a bit techier but offers more tools if you’re ready to grow.

How does Substack vs Beehiiv pricing compare for new creators?

Substack’s free but takes 10% of paid sub revenue. Beehiiv’s free up to 2,500 subs, with paid plans ($39–$249/month) and no revenue cut, better for earning early.

Which is better for monetization: Beehiiv or Substack?

Beehiiv excels with subscriptions (no cut), ad networks and referrals. Substack’s limited to paid subs with a 10% fee, less flexible for newbies.

Does Substack grow audiences better than Beehiiv for beginners?

Substack’s newsfeed and recommendations boost discovery, ideal for new creators. Beehiiv’s SEO and referrals need effort but scale better long-term.

Is Beehiiv or Substack better for writers just starting out?

Substack’s minimalist vibe and community suit writers focused on storytelling. Beehiiv’s analytics and customization are great for writers with business goals.