beehiiv
Newsletter platform built for growth and monetization
Quick verdict
4.7/5 — Creators
Free / $49/mo Scale
Overview
beehiiv is the newsletter platform built by the team behind Morning Brew — engineered around the two things that make newsletters businesses: growth loops and monetization.
The killer features are Boosts (a marketplace where newsletters pay each other for subscriber referrals) and the Ad Network (built-in sponsorships for qualifying newsletters). Add a referral program, paid subscriptions with 0% platform fees, and a website that turns every issue into indexable content.
The free Launch plan covers up to 2,500 subscribers with the full editor and website. Scale at $49/mo unlocks monetization: ad network, Boosts, referral program and paid subscriptions. For creators serious about newsletter revenue, it is the strongest value in the category.
Key Features
Pricing Breakdown
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Launch | $0 | 2,500 subs, newsletter + website, analytics, unlimited sends |
| Scale | $49/mo | Ad Network, Boosts, referral program, paid subscriptions, segmentation |
| Max | $99/mo | Remove branding, priority support, 10 publications |
Pros
- Free plan up to 2,500 subscribers — generous enough to build real traction
- Built-in monetization: Ad Network, Boosts, paid subscriptions (0% platform fee)
- Referral program and Boosts marketplace turn growth into a system, not a grind
- Newsletter + website in one — every issue becomes SEO content
- Best-in-class analytics: acquisition sources, engagement, revenue per subscriber
- 30-day free trial on paid plans
Cons
- Design flexibility is more limited than dedicated page builders
- Advanced automations are lighter than ActiveCampaign/GetResponse
- Free plan lacks the monetization features (Boosts, ad network, paid subs)
How to launch a newsletter with beehiiv
- 1
Create your publication
Sign up free, name your newsletter, set your custom domain — your site is live immediately.
- 2
Import or build your list
Import existing subscribers free, or start collecting with beehiiv's forms and recommendations.
- 3
Write your first issue
The editor handles text, images, polls and embeds — every issue doubles as a web post.
- 4
Turn on growth loops
Enable the referral program and Boosts — readers and partner newsletters grow your list for you.
- 5
Monetize
On Scale: apply for the Ad Network, offer paid subscriptions, accept Boosts from other newsletters.
Alternatives to beehiiv
Ready?
Try beehiiv — Free / $49/mo Scale
Best for: Creators, affiliates and media brands turning a newsletter into a revenue channel
Try beehiivFAQ
Is beehiiv free?
Yes — the Launch plan is free up to 2,500 subscribers with unlimited sends, the editor, website and analytics. Monetization features (Ad Network, Boosts, paid subscriptions) start on Scale at $49/mo.
beehiiv vs Substack?
Substack is free but takes 10% of paid subscription revenue and offers basic analytics. beehiiv charges a flat monthly fee, takes 0% of subscription revenue, and has far better growth and ad tools. For a monetized newsletter, beehiiv wins on economics quickly.
beehiiv vs ConvertKit?
ConvertKit is stronger on automations and digital product sales; beehiiv is stronger on newsletter growth (Boosts, referrals) and sponsorship monetization (Ad Network). Pick beehiiv for a media/newsletter business, ConvertKit for a creator selling products.
Can beehiiv make money?
Yes — four ways: the Ad Network (sponsors placed in your issues), Boosts (get paid recommending other newsletters), paid subscriptions (0% platform fee) and the referral program driving cheaper subscriber growth.
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