beehiiv
A newsletter platform built around growth, with a recommendation network, referral programme and ad network built in.
Pricing
| Plan | Per month | Limits | Terms |
|---|---|---|---|
| Launch | Free | 2,500 subscribers | — |
| Scale | $49 | 1,000 subscribers | monthly; $517/yr billed annually |
| Max | $109 | 1,000 subscribers | monthly; $1,151/yr billed annually |
Checked 24 September 2026. Billed in USD. Paid prices are for up to 1,000 subscribers and rise with list size; annual billing saves about 12%.
Strengths and limitations
Strengths
- +Free for up to 2,500 subscribers with unlimited sends, a website and your own domain.
- +Takes 0% of paid-subscription revenue on paid plans — you pay only Stripe’s processing fee.
- +A recommendation network on every plan, plus a referral programme and ad network from Scale up.
Limitations
- −Paid subscriptions, automations and the ad network all need the Scale plan, from $49 a month.
- −Prices climb with the list: Scale is $49 a month at 1,000 subscribers and $109 at 10,000.
- −Removing beehiiv branding needs the Max plan, from $109 a month.
Capability scores
| Dimension | Score | |
|---|---|---|
| Low transaction fees | 5/5 | |
| Audience growth tools | 5/5 | |
| Free plan | 4/5 | |
| Paid subscriptions | 4/5 | |
| Automation | 4/5 | |
| Publication website | 4/5 | |
| Ease of use | 4/5 | |
| Value for money | 3/5 | |
beehiiv compared
Alternatives
Kit
An email platform built for creators, with strong automation and a free plan for up to 10,000 subscribers.
MailerLite
A low-cost email marketing platform that also runs paid newsletters, websites and landing pages.
Ghost
Open-source publishing software — a full website and newsletter in one — sold as managed hosting called Ghost(Pro).
Substack
A free publishing platform and reader network that makes its money by keeping 10% of paid-subscription revenue.
Common questions
How much does beehiiv cost?
beehiiv has a free plan; paid plans start at $49/mo (monthly; $517/yr billed annually). Billed in USD. Paid prices are for up to 1,000 subscribers and rise with list size; annual billing saves about 12%. Checked against the vendor's pricing page on 24 September 2026.
Does beehiiv have a free plan?
Yes. Launch plan: free for up to 2,500 subscribers, with unlimited email sends, a website and custom domains. No card required. Paid subscriptions, automations and the ad network need a paid plan.
Is beehiiv any good?
It scores 83 out of 100 on our weighted capability scoring, ranking first of 5 for newsletter platforms. Newsletter operators who want growth tools and ad revenue built in, and expect to outgrow a hobby list. Its main limitation: paid subscriptions, automations and the ad network all need the Scale plan, from $49 a month.
Sources & verification
- beehiiv.com — checked 24 September 2026
- beehiiv.com — checked 24 September 2026Launch plan: free for up to 2,500 subscribers, with unlimited email sends, a website and custom domains. No card required. Paid subscriptions, automations and the ad network need a paid plan.