Choosing a newsletter platform is really deciding what kind of business you want to build. I put five side by side from a real-use angle: beehiiv, Substack, Kit, Ghost and Mailchimp. Short version: for most creators beehiiv is the most balanced pick, but each has a scenario where it shines.
Transparency: of these I'm only a beehiiv affiliate. I still kept the list fair — I name plainly which job is better with which tool. The goal is for you to find the right one.
| Platform | Free plan | Strongest at |
|---|---|---|
| beehiiv | 2,500 subscribers, growth tools | Monetization + growth (0% cut) |
| Substack | Unlimited (basic) | Simplicity + discovery (10% cut) |
| Kit (ConvertKit) | Up to 10,000 subs (limited automation) | Advanced automations |
| Ghost | None (self-host option) | Ownership, site + newsletter |
| Mailchimp | 500 contacts | Broad marketing suite |
Which one is for you?
If you just want to write and tap a ready reader network, Substack. If you need the most advanced automations and email sequences, Kit. If you want something you own, hostable on your own server alongside your site, Ghost. If the newsletter is part of a broader marketing suite, Mailchimp. If you want to measure growth, build multi-stream revenue and avoid the cut, beehiiv.
My recommendation for most founders and creators is beehiiv: its free plan is already strong (2,500 subscribers + growth tools), and as you scale it opens four revenue streams at a 0% cut. But let's be honest — if you want pure simplicity, Substack; if you want advanced automation, Kit may be the better fit.
If growth and revenue are the priority: beehiiv.
The most balanced overall option on the list. Start free through my link — up to 2,500 subscribers, at no extra cost to you.