If you're looking for an alternative to Beehiiv, there are several platforms that offer email marketing, audience growth, monetization, and SEO-friendly publishing. Your best choice depends on your goals—whether it's paid subscriptions, affiliate marketing, ads, or SEO traffic.
🔹 1. Substack – Best for Simple Paid Newsletters
✅ Best for: Writers who want a free, simple newsletter with built-in paid subscriptions.
Pros:
✔ Free to start (but takes 10% of revenue).
✔ Simple interface, no technical skills required.
✔ Built-in network effect (Substack’s community can help you grow).
✔ Recently added custom domain support ($50 one-time fee).
Cons:
❌ SEO limitations (can't customize URLs, meta tags, or sitemaps).
❌ No advanced monetization (ads, affiliates, and sponsorships aren't supported).
❌ No email automation or segmentation (only basic email tools).
👉 Use Substack if: You just want to write and monetize through paid subscriptions without complex marketing tools.
🔹 2. ConvertKit – Best for Creators & Email Automation
✅ Best for: Content creators, bloggers, and influencers who need email automation.
Pros:
✔ Powerful email automation & segmentation.
✔ Supports paid subscriptions and digital product sales.
✔ Custom domain support.
✔ Strong integrations with Shopify, Patreon, and Teachable.
Cons:
❌ Not designed as a newsletter-first platform.
❌ Limited SEO visibility (email-focused, not article-focused).
❌ No built-in ad network (unlike Beehiiv).
👉 Use ConvertKit if: You need email automation + product sales, but not SEO-friendly publishing.
🔹 3. Ghost – Best for Publishing + SEO-Friendly Newsletters
✅ Best for: Writers and publishers who want a SEO-friendly blog + newsletter combo.
Pros:
✔ Full control over branding, design, and SEO (unlike Beehiiv & Substack).
✔ Supports paid memberships & subscriptions.
✔ No revenue cuts (you keep 100%).
✔ Can be self-hosted or used as a SaaS platform.
Cons:
❌ Requires technical setup if self-hosted.
❌ No built-in ad network or referral system (Beehiiv offers both).
❌ Not as email-centric—more of a CMS (like WordPress for newsletters).
👉 Use Ghost if: You want a fully branded, SEO-optimized site + newsletter instead of an email-only platform.
⚠️ Revue was shut down by Twitter/X in 2023, so it's no longer an option.
🔹 5. Mailchimp – Best for Businesses & eCommerce
✅ Best for: Businesses, brands, and eCommerce that need advanced email marketing tools.
Pros:
✔ Strong automation & segmentation.
✔ Works well with Shopify, WooCommerce, and eCommerce stores.
✔ Supports A/B testing & analytics.
Cons:
❌ Not built for newsletters (more of an email marketing tool).
❌ Expensive for large lists (pricing scales with subscribers).
❌ No built-in monetization (no subscriptions, ads, or affiliates).
👉 Use Mailchimp if: You’re running a business, eCommerce store, or product-based brand, not a newsletter.
🔹 6. Letterhead – Best for Media & Publishers
✅ Best for: Media companies & large-scale publishers.
Pros:
✔ Designed for news publishers & media brands.
✔ Ad management & sponsorship tools (like Beehiiv).
✔ Works well with multiple writers & teams.
Cons:
❌ Expensive ($99/month+)—not ideal for independent writers.
❌ Not beginner-friendly (designed for teams, not individuals).
👉 Use Letterhead if: You run a news publication or media company, not a solo newsletter.
🔹 7. WordPress + Email Plugin (DIY Option)
✅ Best for: Bloggers and site owners who want full control over SEO, branding, and monetization.
Pros:
✔ 100% SEO control (best for Google rankings).
✔ Fully customizable with plugins like MailPoet or ConvertKit.
✔ Can monetize with ads, subscriptions, affiliates, and sponsorships.
Cons:
❌ Requires technical setup (hosting, plugins, maintenance).
❌ No built-in newsletter tools (requires external email services).
👉 Use WordPress if: You want full website + SEO control, not just a newsletter platform.
🛠 Which Beehiiv Alternative is Best for You?
Platform | Best For | SEO-Friendly? | Monetization | Automation | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Substack | Simple newsletters & subscriptions | ❌ No | ✅ Subscriptions (10% fee) | ❌ No | Free |
ConvertKit | Email automation & product sales | ❌ No | ✅ Subscriptions & products | ✅ Yes | Free – $29/month |
Ghost | Blogging + SEO + newsletters | ✅ Yes | ✅ Subscriptions (0% fee) | ✅ Yes | $9+/month |
Mailchimp | Businesses & eCommerce | ❌ No | ❌ No built-in options | ✅ Yes | Free – $60+ |
Letterhead | Media & large publications | ❌ No | ✅ Ads & sponsorships | ✅ Yes | $99+/month |
WordPress + Email | Full SEO control & monetization | ✅ Yes | ✅ Ads, affiliates, products | ✅ Yes (w/ plugins) | Variable |
🔥 Final Verdict: What’s the Best Beehiiv Alternative?
🏆 Choose Based on Your Needs:
✅ Best for simple newsletters & paid subscriptions? → Substack
✅ Best for SEO + full website control? → Ghost or WordPress
✅ Best for email automation & creators? → ConvertKit
✅ Best for eCommerce & businesses? → Mailchimp
✅ Best for media publishers & ads? → Letterhead
🔹 Why Choose Beehiiv Over These Alternatives?
While Beehiiv isn’t the only option, it’s still one of the best platforms for serious newsletter creators who want:
✔ SEO-optimized content (better than Substack, ConvertKit, or Mailchimp).
✔ Built-in monetization (ads, affiliates, referrals, subscriptions).
✔ Email growth tools (viral loops, automation, segmentation).
👉 If you're focused on growing and monetizing a newsletter, Beehiiv is still one of the best choices. 🚀