If you’re serious about growing a newsletter that’s more than just a hobby, this Beehiiv Review will save you hours of research, and potentially hundreds in software mistakes. I’ve built and run email-based businesses for years, and I’ve tested just about every tool on the market: ConvertKit, Substack, MailerLite, you name it. Beehiiv caught my attention not just for its clean editor or fast onboarding but because it’s built for creators like me who care about growth, SEO, and monetization.
This review of Beehiiv isn’t fluff. It’s a hands-on walkthrough of what you get, what it lacks, and who should genuinely consider switching to it. We’ll cover features like their referral program, 3D analytics, built-in SEO blog capabilities, and how Beehiiv compares to platforms like Substack or ConvertKit in 2025.
Feed your inner marketing Skills Get the weekly newsletter sending +7,000 marketers the latest marketing news, resources, and guides.
By the end of this Beehiiv Review, you’ll know whether this is the right email marketing tool for your brand—or if your money’s better spent elsewhere.
So if you’re a creator, solopreneur, or small business owner looking to build an audience and monetize your content, you’re in the right place.
What Is Beehiiv and How Does It Work?
At its core, Beehiiv is a powerful newsletter platform built for modern creators. Launched by early team members of Morning Brew, Beehiiv isn’t just another email tool—it’s a full-stack publishing platform designed to let you build, grow, and monetize a newsletter-driven business from one place.
When I first explored the Beehiiv platform, what stood out immediately was how intuitive it felt. You get a distraction-free writing experience, clean UI, and a growing suite of tools that go beyond traditional email marketing. Think of it as part email tool, part CMS, part SEO-optimized blog, and part monetization engine.
Here’s how it works: once you create an account, Beehiiv gives you a customizable publication that includes a homepage, subscription form, archive, and branded newsletter template. You can publish newsletters that double as blog posts, build segmented audiences, and even turn on monetization via paid subscriptions or Beehiiv’s native ad network.
Unlike tools that require patching together websites, ESPs, and plugins, Beehiiv simplifies that entire stack. It hosts your content, handles deliverability, and tracks detailed analytics—all under one roof.
Whether you’re just starting a newsletter or migrating from Substack or ConvertKit, Beehiiv gives you the structure of a newsletter CMS without the complexity of traditional platforms. And because it’s built with creators in mind, the features don’t just tick boxes—they help you grow.
In short, Beehiiv is more than an email tool. It’s a creator-first platform that puts publishing, growth, and monetization at the center of your content strategy.
Beehiiv Features: What Makes It Stand Out
What makes Beehiiv more than just another newsletter tool is the way its features work together to serve one goal: growth.
The writing interface is where it starts. Beehiiv’s editor is fast, distraction-free, and uses “/” slash commands to insert images, embeds, or callouts without ever taking your hands off the keyboard. If you’re coming from Substack or ConvertKit, you’ll notice how much smoother the publishing flow feels.
But Beehiiv isn’t just about writing emails—it’s also a powerful newsletter builder. You can set up your homepage, newsletter archive, and SEO-friendly blog all from your dashboard. Every post is automatically rendered as a public web page, which is great for organic traffic. I’ve personally seen spikes in long-tail search traffic just from turning on the custom domain and optimizing my article slugs.
Then there’s the referral program, a standout feature that lets readers earn rewards by sharing your newsletter. Beehiiv gives you complete control over the referral structure, and even provides a clean leaderboard to gamify the experience.
The platform also supports Boosts, a paid promotional network where you can sponsor placement in other newsletters—or get paid to promote others. This ecosystem approach is exactly what creators need to grow fast without relying entirely on social media.
And don’t overlook Beehiiv analytics. You get heatmaps, open rates, revenue metrics, and subscriber growth trends in a dashboard that feels built for humans, not data scientists.
The best part? You don’t need integrations or plugins to unlock these tools. They’re native to Beehiiv—which means less time messing with settings and more time building.
In a crowded field of newsletter platforms, Beehiiv’s features aren’t just impressive—they’re practical, tightly integrated, and laser-focused on helping creators grow and earn.
Beehiiv Pricing (2025) — Free vs Paid Tiers
When it comes to newsletter software, cost can quickly add up—especially if you’re just starting out. That’s one of the reasons I found Beehiiv’s pricing model so appealing. It’s straightforward, transparent, and generous compared to other platforms.
As of 2025, Beehiiv offers four pricing tiers:
Free Plan
Ideal for beginners. You get:
- Up to 2,500 subscribers
- Full access to the editor
- Newsletter archive and web hosting
- Basic analytics
- Referral program
There’s no credit card required—you can launch your entire publication at zero cost.
Grow Plan – $49/month
This is where most serious creators land. You unlock:
- Up to 10,000 subscribers
- Custom domain support
- Advanced analytics
- Boosts (Beehiiv’s ad network)
- Audience segmentation
If you’re looking to scale your newsletter or monetize, this is the sweet spot.
Scale Plan – $109/month
Designed for larger lists and media startups:
- Up to 100,000 subscribers
- Priority support
- Additional publication admins
- API access for deeper integrations
Enterprise (Custom Pricing)
For organizations with >100,000 subs or special use cases. Includes onboarding support, SLAs, and team access controls.
You also get 15–20% off with annual billing, and Beehiiv doesn’t charge you per email send—unlike many traditional ESPs.
What makes Beehiiv pricing really stand out in 2025 is that you’re not penalized for growing. Whether you’re running a free newsletter or launching a paid subscription, the cost stays predictable. That’s a huge win for creators and small teams.
For me, the Free and Grow plans offer the best value for solo operators. But if you’re running a serious media operation or scaling quickly, Scale is built to handle that without breaking the bank.
View official pricing on Beehiiv →
How to Make Money with Beehiiv
One of the biggest questions I asked before switching platforms was: Can I actually make money using Beehiiv? After testing its monetization tools firsthand, the answer is yes—and then some.
Beehiiv is designed from the ground up to help you monetize your audience without relying on clunky third-party tools. Whether you want to offer paid newsletters, run native ads, or tap into their recommendation network, it’s all built in.
Paid Subscriptions
If you want to lock premium content behind a paywall, Beehiiv makes it seamless. With Stripe integration, you can create monthly or annual subscription tiers, set pricing, and track revenue—all from your dashboard. And unlike platforms like Substack, Beehiiv doesn’t take a cut of your subscription income.
Beehiiv Ads
Available on the Grow plan and up, Beehiiv’s ad network lets you place relevant, native ads in your newsletters—and get paid for impressions or clicks. What’s impressive is how well-integrated this is. I didn’t have to manage ad code or chase sponsors; it’s all handled in-platform.
Boosts
Boosts let you promote your newsletter inside other Beehiiv publications—or earn by promoting theirs. It’s a two-way marketplace that makes sense: pay to grow your list, or monetize your own audience by showcasing other newsletters.
These creator revenue tools are where Beehiiv really differentiates itself. Unlike old-school ESPs, it isn’t just about sending emails—it’s about building a sustainable business around your content.
If you’re serious about turning your newsletter into a profit engine, Beehiiv gives you the monetization infrastructure to do it—no patchwork required.
Beehiiv Analytics — 3D Insights for Better Strategy
Analytics are non-negotiable if you’re serious about newsletter growth. The problem? Most platforms either overcomplicate reporting or barely scratch the surface. That’s why I find Beehiiv analytics such a standout feature.
Right from the dashboard, Beehiiv gives you what it calls “3D analytics”—which basically means you’re not just getting surface-level numbers like opens and clicks. You also get subscriber growth trends, referral attribution, ad revenue data, and engagement heatmaps. It’s everything I need to understand what’s working and what’s not.
I especially like the heatmap tool, which shows exactly where readers are engaging within each newsletter. It’s incredibly useful when testing subject lines, intro hooks, or content placement. And for those running paid subscriptions or Beehiiv Ads, revenue tracking is built right into the performance dashboard—no extra setup required.
Feed your inner marketing Skills Get the weekly newsletter sending +7,000 marketers the latest marketing news, resources, and guides.
You can also break down metrics by segment, allowing you to see how different audience cohorts respond to your content. Whether you’re nurturing new subscribers or upselling premium tiers, this level of insight gives you a serious edge.
And if you want to dig deeper, Beehiiv now allows limited third-party integrations like Google Analytics and Zapier, especially on the Scale and Enterprise plans.
Bottom line: Beehiiv doesn’t just collect data—it turns it into actionable feedback that fuels smarter growth.
How Beehiiv Helps You Rank on Google
If you’re publishing content regularly, SEO should be part of your growth strategy—not an afterthought. That’s one of the big reasons I chose Beehiiv. Unlike traditional email tools, Beehiiv treats your newsletter like a full-on website, complete with a homepage, blog-like archive, and custom domain support.
Every newsletter you send is also published as a standalone web page, which means your content can be indexed by Google. This is huge if you’re targeting long-tail keywords, building topical authority, or just trying to get found organically.
You can edit slugs, write custom meta titles and descriptions, and use your own domain name—all baked into the free and paid plans. That’s not something you’ll get with most ESPs, and it puts Beehiiv in a unique category: it’s not just a newsletter tool; it’s an SEO-friendly publishing platform.
From a practical standpoint, this has allowed me to double-dip on content—I write one piece and distribute it both via email and as a blog post. Over time, this builds a content archive that ranks, drives traffic, and grows your email list on autopilot.
If visibility and discoverability matter to you, Beehiiv’s built-in SEO tools give you an advantage right out of the gate.
Beehiiv Pros and Cons: The Good, The Bad, The Trade-Offs
Let’s cut through the noise. Beehiiv isn’t perfect—but it is one of the most forward-thinking email newsletter platforms I’ve used in years. Here’s my honest breakdown.
Pros
- Modern, fast, and intuitive: Beehiiv’s interface is clean and creator-friendly. No tech overwhelm.
- Growth-focused tools: From Boosts to referral programs and built-in SEO, every feature is designed to help you grow.
- Native monetization: Paid newsletters, ads, and referral revenue—all without needing third-party plugins.
- Custom branding: Use your own domain, customize the layout, and design your newsletter site to match your brand.
- Free plan with value: You can access impressive features before paying a dime.
Cons
- Limited automation: While Beehiiv supports welcome emails, there’s no advanced workflow builder yet (like ConvertKit or MailerLite).
- No built-in A/B testing: Subject line or content testing isn’t native at this point.
- Fewer third-party integrations: Zapier helps fill the gap, but integrations with CRMs and eCommerce tools are limited.
- Focused on newsletters: It’s powerful—but niche. Don’t expect SMS marketing or complex funnel tools.
If you’re looking for a clean, growth-driven newsletter experience without the bloat of traditional ESPs, Beehiiv hits the mark. But if automation and complex journeys are a must, you might need to supplement it with another platform.
Beehiiv Pricing: Which Plan Fits Your Strategy?
One of the reasons I recommend Beehiiv to creators and startups is its straightforward pricing. No hidden fees, no tricky upsells—just clean tiers based on your growth stage.
Free Plan — $0/month
Ideal for beginners or those testing the waters. You get:
- Up to 2,500 subscribers
- Basic newsletter tools
- Website with Beehiiv subdomain
- Limited audience segmentation
What’s missing? Advanced analytics, custom domains, and access to monetization tools like Beehiiv Boosts or Ad Network.
Grow Plan — $49/month
This is the sweet spot for most newsletters. You unlock:
- Unlimited sending to up to 10,000 subscribers
- Custom domain support
- Full analytics dashboard
- Referral program
- Monetization tools
It’s where Beehiiv starts to shine, especially if you’re looking to scale and build recurring revenue.
Scale Plan — $109/month
Built for high-growth publishers and media brands.
- Up to 100,000 subscribers
- Priority support
- Advanced audience segmentation
- API access
- Boost and ad network included
There’s also a custom Enterprise Plan for publications crossing the six-figure subscriber mark.
Overall, Beehiiv’s pricing is competitive—especially considering the value you get. Unlike Substack, you keep 100% of your paid subscription revenue. And compared to ConvertKit or Mailchimp, Beehiiv often costs less and includes native growth tools.
Beehiiv vs the Rest — How It Stacks Up
Before I went all-in on Beehiiv, I test-drove the usual suspects: Substack, ConvertKit, Mailchimp, and even Ghost. Here’s how Beehiiv compares from a creator’s point of view.
Beehiiv vs Substack
Substack is the closest match in terms of UX. But Beehiiv gives you more control—especially over branding and revenue. While Substack takes a 10% cut of your paid subscriptions, Beehiiv lets you keep 100% (you just cover Stripe fees). You can also use your own domain and access deeper analytics.
Verdict: Beehiiv wins on customization and monetization freedom.
Beehiiv vs ConvertKit
ConvertKit shines in automations. If you’re running complex drip sequences or product launches, it’s a beast. But it’s also expensive and less beginner-friendly. Beehiiv, on the other hand, feels more built for publishers—with a better editor, integrated blog-like pages, and SEO baked in.
Verdict: Go ConvertKit for funnels, Beehiiv for content-first publishing.
Beehiiv vs Mailchimp
Mailchimp is fine for general email marketing, but let’s be honest—it’s bloated. For someone focused on newsletters, Beehiiv feels lighter, faster, and way more intuitive. Plus, Mailchimp charges by both contacts and features. Beehiiv’s transparent pricing wins major points.
Verdict: Mailchimp is dated. Beehiiv is purpose-built.
In short, Beehiiv is in its own lane—it’s not trying to be everything to everyone. If your focus is content, growth, and monetization without tech drama, it’s hard to beat.
Conclusion: Is Beehiiv Worth It? My Honest Opinion
After building newsletters on Mailerlite, ConvertKit, and other newsletter/email marketing platforms, I can confidently say Beehiiv has carved out something refreshingly different. It isn’t just another email tool, it’s a purpose-built publishing platform for the next generation of newsletter entrepreneurs.
The clean writing interface, powerful referral tools, and SEO-optimized publication pages make it ideal for creators who want to grow an audience and monetize it. Beehiiv isn’t trying to do everything, it’s trying to do one thing exceptionally well: help you turn your content into a business.
Is it perfect? Not yet. It could use better automation features and more integrations. But what it lacks in complexity, it makes up for in clarity, performance, and focus.
Feed your inner marketing Skills Get the weekly newsletter sending +7,000 marketers the latest marketing news, resources, and guides.
If you’re launching a newsletter today and want to grow with speed and simplicity—without sacrificing control over branding, analytics, or revenue—Beehiiv is absolutely worth it. Whether you’re just starting out or scaling fast, it’s built to support you at every stage.
I’m sticking with it. And if you’re serious about publishing, I’d say: give it a real shot.
Frequently Asked Questions on Beehiiv Review 2025
What is Beehiiv used for?
Beehiiv is an all-in-one newsletter platform designed to help creators build, grow, and monetize email newsletters. Think of it as a publishing suite with built-in tools for email delivery, referral growth, analytics, and even monetization through paid subscriptions or ads.
Is Beehiiv free?
Yes, Beehiiv offers a free plan that includes up to 2,500 subscribers, unlimited emails, and access to basic newsletter tools. It’s perfect if you’re just starting out and want to test the platform without financial commitment.
How much does Beehiiv cost?
Beehiiv has three core pricing tiers:
- Free Plan: $0/month (up to 2,500 subscribers)
- Grow Plan: $49/month (10,000 subscribers + custom domain + analytics)
- Scale Plan: $109/month (100,000+ subscribers, full feature access)
There’s also an Enterprise Plan for high-volume senders. You can compare all plans on Beehiiv’s pricing page.
How does Beehiiv compare to Substack?
While both platforms serve newsletter creators, Beehiiv offers:
- Custom domains
- 100% revenue retention (vs. Substack’s 10% fee)
- Advanced segmentation and analytics
- Better SEO features
- Native ad network & referral tools
Substack might be easier for beginners, but Beehiiv gives you more control and better monetization options.
Can I run a paid newsletter on Beehiiv?
Absolutely. Beehiiv allows you to monetize your newsletter with subscriptions or native ads (via Boosts or their ad network). Unlike Substack, they don’t take a cut of your revenue—you keep it all (minus payment processor fees).
Who should use Beehiiv?
Beehiiv is ideal for:
- Solo creators
- Newsletter entrepreneurs
- Media startups
- B2B marketers
- Influencers transitioning to owned audiences
If your content is your business, Beehiiv is designed for you.
Does Beehiiv support automations?
Currently, Beehiiv supports basic onboarding automations and has announced more workflow automations are in development. For advanced email sequences, you might consider using it alongside a tool like ConvertKit (via integrations or Zapier).
Is Beehiiv good for SEO?
Yes. Beehiiv allows you to create public posts that live on a dedicated website, with SEO-friendly URLs, meta descriptions, and structured content. This gives you organic visibility that many traditional email platforms don’t offer.
