Which Newsletter Platform is Best in 2025? Beehiiv vs Substack vs ConvertKit
In today’s competitive digital world, choosing the right platform for your newsletter is critical for growth, audience engagement, and monetization. Platforms like Beehiiv, Substack, and ConvertKit have emerged as leading contenders, each offering unique features and benefits. However, which one truly fits your needs?
Whether you’re a creator, writer, or email marketer, this guide breaks down the Beehiiv vs Substack vs ConvertKit comparison to help you make an informed choice. From features and pricing to pros and cons, let’s explore these platforms and see which one will dominate as the best newsletter platform in 2025.
Overview of Beehiiv, Substack, and ConvertKit
Before diving into the specifics, let’s understand what these platforms bring to the table:
- Beehiiv for Newsletters: Known for its sleek design, analytics, and monetization capabilities, Beehiiv focuses on creators who want to scale their newsletters quickly.
- Substack for Writers: Popular among independent writers, Substack simplifies publishing and monetization, offering tools like paid subscriptions.
- ConvertKit for Email Marketing: ConvertKit targets professional creators and businesses, focusing on advanced email automation, segmentation, and campaigns.
Each platform serves unique user needs, and the right choice depends on your goals—whether you’re building a paid newsletter, growing an audience, or automating email marketing.
Beehiiv Features: Streamlined for Growth
Beehiiv stands out as a modern, creator-focused newsletter platform. Built with growth in mind, its features include:
Key Features:
- Advanced Analytics: Detailed insights into open rates, click-through rates, and subscriber growth.
- Monetization Tools: Beehiiv allows paid subscriptions and ad integrations, ideal for creators seeking revenue opportunities.
- Referral Program: Built-in referral tools help you expand your subscriber base through word-of-mouth.
- Custom Domains: Host your newsletter on your own domain for a more branded experience.
- Audience Segmentation: Tailor content to different audience segments for better engagement.
Beehiiv Pros and Cons
- Pros:
- User-friendly interface.
- Excellent growth tools like referrals and monetization.
- Advanced analytics for performance tracking.
- Cons:
- Limited automation compared to ConvertKit.
- Newer platform with fewer integrations.
Who Should Use Beehiiv?
- Creators focused on growing newsletters and monetizing content quickly.
Substack Features: Simplifying Publishing for Writers
Substack is a favorite among independent writers and journalists looking for a simple platform to publish and monetize newsletters.
Key Features:
- Paid Subscriptions: Substack enables writers to charge for their newsletters easily.
- Community Building: Comments and community features help you interact with readers.
- Publishing Simplicity: Write, publish, and manage subscriptions without technical knowledge.
- Integrated Website: Substack provides a ready-to-use website for your newsletter.
- No Upfront Costs: Substack operates on a revenue-sharing model, taking a percentage of paid subscriptions.
Substack Pros and Cons
- Pros:
- No initial costs for creators.
- Perfect for beginners due to its simplicity.
- Strong monetization tools for writers.
- Cons:
- Revenue-sharing can be expensive for large audiences.
- Limited automation and customization compared to ConvertKit.
Who Should Use Substack?
- Writers and independent creators looking to monetize their newsletters easily without upfront costs.
ConvertKit Features: Powerful Email Marketing Automation
ConvertKit is a robust platform for professional email marketers and creators who need advanced automation and segmentation tools.
Key Features:
- Automation Workflows: Set up automated email sequences based on subscriber behavior.
- Landing Pages and Forms: ConvertKit offers built-in tools for collecting subscribers and growing your email list.
- Custom Segmentation: Organize your subscribers into different categories for targeted campaigns.
- Broadcasts and Sequences: Send one-time emails or automated email sequences effortlessly.
- Monetization Tools: ConvertKit enables paid subscriptions, making it versatile for creators.
ConvertKit Pros and Cons
- Pros:
- Powerful automation features.
- Great for advanced email marketing.
- Customizable landing pages and sign-up forms.
- Cons:
- Steeper learning curve for beginners.
- Limited community-building tools compared to Substack.
Who Should Use ConvertKit?
- Email marketers and creators looking for advanced automation and segmentation features.
Beehiiv vs Substack Comparison
When comparing Beehiiv vs Substack, it’s clear that both platforms cater to creators but serve slightly different purposes:
| Feature | Beehiiv | Substack |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use | User-friendly, sleek interface | Beginner-friendly simplicity |
| Monetization | Paid subscriptions, ad integrations | Paid subscriptions only |
| Growth Tools | Referral programs, advanced analytics | Community features, comments |
| Pricing Model | Subscription plans | Revenue-sharing model |
| Target Audience | Creators looking for rapid growth | Independent writers and journalists |
Beehiiv vs Substack Use Cases:
- Choose Beehiiv for scaling newsletters with advanced tools.
- Opt for Substack for a simple publishing experience with no upfront costs.
Beehiiv vs ConvertKit Comparison
The comparison of Beehiiv vs ConvertKit highlights the difference between growth-focused newsletters and advanced email automation.
| Feature | Beehiiv | ConvertKit |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use | Simple and modern interface | Slightly complex for beginners |
| Monetization | Paid newsletters, ads integration | Paid subscriptions, advanced tools |
| Automation | Basic automations | Advanced workflows |
| Customization | Limited compared to ConvertKit | Highly customizable |
| Target Audience | Newsletter creators | Professional marketers |
Beehiiv vs ConvertKit for Monetization:
- Use Beehiiv if you’re focused on newsletter ads and paid subscriptions.
- Use ConvertKit if you need automation to grow and nurture your audience.
Substack vs ConvertKit Comparison
The Substack vs ConvertKit comparison reveals key differences in their target audiences and feature sets:
| Feature | Substack | ConvertKit |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use | Extremely beginner-friendly | Moderate learning curve |
| Monetization | Paid subscriptions | Paid content, advanced tools |
| Automation | Limited | Powerful automation workflows |
| Customization | Minimal | Extensive customization options |
| Target Audience | Writers and beginners | Email marketers and creators |
Substack vs ConvertKit for Automation:
- Substack lacks automation tools, making ConvertKit the better choice for complex workflows.
Substack vs ConvertKit for Beginners:
- Beginners may prefer Substack’s simplicity, while professionals will benefit from ConvertKit’s advanced tools.
Email Platform Pricing Comparison
Pricing is a critical factor when choosing the best email platform. Let’s compare:
Beehiiv Pricing:
- Free Plan: Basic tools for up to 2,500 subscribers.
- Growth Plan: $42/month (advanced features and monetization tools).
- Scale Plan: $84/month (premium tools for large newsletters).
Substack Pricing:
- Free to use.
- Substack takes a 10% cut of paid subscriptions.
ConvertKit Pricing:
- Free Plan: Up to 1,000 subscribers.
- Creator Plan: Starts at $9/month (basic automation).
- Creator Pro: $25/month (advanced tools and analytics).
Which is the Best Value?
- Substack is free but costly for high-earning creators.
- Beehiiv offers excellent growth tools for its price.
- ConvertKit provides the most advanced features for a reasonable fee.
Best Email Platform 2025: Final Verdict
So, which platform should you choose in 2025?
- Choose Beehiiv if you want to scale your newsletter with modern tools and monetization options.
- Opt for Substack if you’re a writer looking for simplicity and built-in monetization.
- Go with ConvertKit if you need powerful automation and segmentation for professional email marketing.
Each platform shines in its way, and the choice ultimately depends on your needs as a creator, writer, or marketer.
Step-by-Step: How to Choose the Right Newsletter Platform
For readers who need a guide to decide between Beehiiv, Substack, or ConvertKit, a step-by-step section can simplify the decision-making process.
Step 1: Identify Your Goals
- Are you looking to monetize through paid subscriptions? → Substack
- Do you want to grow rapidly and integrate ads or referrals? → Beehiiv
- Need advanced automation and segmentation for marketing? → ConvertKit
Step 2: Assess Your Budget
- Substack is free to start but takes a 10% cut of revenue.
- Beehiiv and ConvertKit offer subscription plans with pricing tiers for scaling.
Step 3: Test the Platforms
Sign up for free trials (Beehiiv, ConvertKit) or test Substack’s platform. Evaluate ease of use, features, and how they align with your needs.
Step 4: Consider Long-Term Growth
Think about scalability:
- Beehiiv is excellent for large audiences with its referral and growth tools.
- ConvertKit supports long-term growth with advanced marketing features.
- Substack works well for writers who want a simple approach to paid newsletters.
Beehiiv, Substack, and ConvertKit Success Stories
Sharing real-world examples gives readers confidence in the platforms’ capabilities.
- Beehiiv for Newsletters: Creators like The Milk Road scaled their audience rapidly using Beehiiv’s referral programs and growth tools.
- Substack for Writers: Writers like Casey Newton (Platformer) generate six-figure revenues by offering paid newsletters through Substack.
- ConvertKit for Email Marketing: Creators like Pat Flynn leverage ConvertKit’s automation to nurture large audiences and drive product sales.
Comparison Table: Key Takeaways at a Glance
| Criteria | Beehiiv | Substack | ConvertKit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use | User-friendly and modern | Extremely beginner-friendly | Moderate learning curve |
| Pricing | Subscription-based | Free (10% revenue share) | Free plan, premium plans start at $9 |
| Monetization | Paid subscriptions, ads, referrals | Paid subscriptions only | Paid content, products, automation |
| Automation | Basic automations | Very limited | Advanced workflows and sequences |
| Target Audience | Growth-focused newsletter creators | Independent writers and journalists | Professional creators and marketers |
| Best Use Case | Scaling newsletters and monetization | Simple paid subscriptions | Advanced email marketing campaigns |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best platform for beginners between Beehiiv, Substack, and ConvertKit?
A: Substack is the easiest for beginners due to its simple, no-cost setup. It allows writers to get started with no technical knowledge. Beehiiv is also user-friendly but caters more to growth-focused creators. ConvertKit, while powerful, has a learning curve due to its advanced features.
Which platform is the best for monetization—Beehiiv, Substack, or ConvertKit?
A: All three platforms support monetization but in different ways:
- Beehiiv: Ideal for creators who want ad integrations and referral programs.
- Substack: Best for writers offering paid subscriptions with no upfront costs but with a revenue share.
- ConvertKit: Perfect for advanced marketers with multiple monetization tools, including paid content and automation.
Can I migrate my newsletter from one platform to another?
A: Yes, most platforms allow migration:
- Beehiiv and ConvertKit offer tools for importing existing subscribers.
- Substack allows you to transfer your email list but may lack advanced migration tools for formatting or automation workflows.
Is Beehiiv better than Substack for creators?
A: Beehiiv is better for creators looking to scale quickly with advanced analytics, referral programs, and flexible monetization. Substack, however, works well for writers who prefer simplicity and direct paid subscriptions.
Why is ConvertKit preferred for professional email marketers?
A: ConvertKit stands out for its robust automation, advanced segmentation, and powerful email campaigns. It’s an excellent choice for marketers who require tools for nurturing audiences and driving conversions.
Conclusion: Which Newsletter Platform Will You Choose?
In the debate of Beehiiv vs Substack vs ConvertKit, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Beehiiv excels for growth-focused creators, Substack wins for simplicity, and ConvertKit dominates for advanced email marketing.
Take the time to evaluate your goals, test these platforms, and determine which fits your needs. Whether you’re scaling a newsletter, monetizing your audience, or automating campaigns, the best newsletter platform in 2025 awaits you.
