Best Newsletter Platforms in 2026
We tested every major newsletter platform. Here is an honest comparison with pricing, features, head-to-head matchups, and step-by-step guidance to help you pick the right one and launch fast.
Quick Picks
- Best overall for growth: Beehiiv — built-in monetization, referral system, and ad network
- Best for creators selling products: Kit (ConvertKit) — deep automation and commerce tools
- Best for writers who want simplicity: Substack — zero setup, instant audience
- Best for developers / self-hosters: Ghost — open-source, full control, memberships built in
- Best budget option: Buttondown — Markdown-first, affordable, clean
- Best for e-commerce businesses: Mailchimp — deep Shopify/WooCommerce integrations
Newsletter Platform Comparison
Side-by-side overview of every major newsletter platform's free tier, paid pricing, strengths, and ideal use case.
| Platform | Free Tier | Paid From | Best For | Key Strength |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beehiiv Top Pick | Up to 2,500 subs | $39/mo | Growth-focused creators | Built-in ad network + referrals |
| Kit (ConvertKit) | Up to 10,000 subs | $25/mo | Creators selling digital products | Visual automations + commerce |
| Substack Writer Fav | Unlimited (free plan) | 10% of revenue | Writers wanting simplicity | Built-in discovery network |
| Ghost Dev Pick | Self-host free | $9/mo (hosted) | Developers, indie publishers | Open-source, full ownership |
| Buttondown Great Value | Up to 100 subs | $9/mo | Minimalists, developers | Markdown-first, clean UX |
| Mailchimp Established | Up to 500 contacts | $13/mo | Small businesses, e-commerce | Massive integration ecosystem |
In-Depth Platform Reviews
Detailed breakdown of each platform's strengths, weaknesses, pricing, and who it is best suited for.
Beehiiv Review
Beehiiv was built by early Morning Brew employees who understood exactly what newsletter operators need. It ships features faster than any competitor: built-in referral programs, an ad network for monetization, website builder, and advanced analytics. If your goal is to grow a newsletter into a business, Beehiiv is the strongest choice in 2026.
Pros
- Built-in ad network (Beehiiv Ad Network)
- Referral / boost system out of the box
- Generous free tier (2,500 subscribers)
- SEO-optimized web hosting included
- Advanced segmentation and analytics
Cons
- Paid plans jump to $39/mo (Scale)
- No visual email automation builder yet
- Younger platform, smaller integration library
Kit (ConvertKit) Review
Kit (formerly ConvertKit) has been the go-to for online creators since 2013. Its visual automation builder is best-in-class, and the native commerce features let you sell digital products directly to subscribers. The 2025 rebrand to Kit signals a broader vision, but the core product remains laser-focused on helping creators earn a living.
Pros
- Best-in-class visual automations
- Sell digital products natively (no Gumroad needed)
- Generous free tier (10K subscribers)
- Excellent deliverability reputation
- Large ecosystem of integrations
Cons
- Email editor is functional but basic
- No built-in ad network
- Newsletter-specific features lag behind Beehiiv
Substack Review
Substack is the simplest way to start a newsletter. Sign up, write, publish. No configuration, no templates to choose, no DNS records. It also comes with a built-in social network (Substack Notes) and recommendation engine that surfaces your work to new readers. The trade-off: Substack takes 10% of paid subscription revenue, and you get limited customization.
Pros
- Completely free to start (no paid plans)
- Built-in recommendation and discovery engine
- Substack Notes adds social distribution
- Dead simple writing experience
- Podcast and video hosting included
Cons
- 10% cut of paid subscription revenue
- Very limited design customization
- No automation or advanced segmentation
- Data portability concerns
Ghost Review
Ghost is open-source publishing software with native newsletters, memberships, and payments. Self-host it for free or use Ghost(Pro) managed hosting starting at $9/month. You own everything: your content, your subscriber data, your design. It is the best option for anyone who values independence and long-term ownership.
Pros
- Open-source, self-hostable
- Native memberships and payments (0% platform fee)
- Beautiful default themes, full theme control
- Excellent performance and SEO
- No subscriber or revenue caps
Cons
- Self-hosting requires technical skills
- Managed hosting costs add up at scale
- Smaller community than Mailchimp or Kit
- No built-in discovery or referral system
Buttondown Review
Buttondown is a one-person project built by Justin Duke. It is intentionally simple: Markdown-first editing, clean subscriber management, paid subscriptions, and a solid API. If you want a lightweight tool that stays out of your way, Buttondown is hard to beat.
Pros
- Clean, Markdown-native editor
- Simple paid subscription support
- Excellent API for developers
- Very affordable paid plans
- RSS-to-email automation
Cons
- Free tier limited to 100 subscribers
- Solo developer (bus factor risk)
- Fewer integrations than larger platforms
Mailchimp Review
Mailchimp is the oldest and most widely-known email marketing platform. It has the largest integration ecosystem and the deepest e-commerce features (especially for Shopify and WooCommerce). However, for pure newsletter creators, it is overkill. The interface is cluttered, pricing has increased significantly since the Intuit acquisition, and newer platforms offer better newsletter-specific features at lower prices.
Pros
- Massive integration ecosystem (300+)
- Deep e-commerce automation
- Advanced A/B testing and analytics
- Established brand, proven deliverability
Cons
- Expensive at scale (charges for unsubscribed contacts)
- Cluttered UI, steep learning curve
- Free tier reduced to 500 contacts
- Not designed for newsletter-first creators
Newsletter Platform Pricing Comparison
What each platform costs at different subscriber counts. Prices current as of February 2026. See full pricing breakdown
| Platform | 1,000 subs | 5,000 subs | 10,000 subs | 25,000 subs | 50,000 subs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beehiiv | Free | $39/mo | $39/mo | $39/mo | $39/mo |
| Kit | Free | $66/mo | Free* | $150/mo | $266/mo |
| Substack | Free** | Free** | Free** | Free** | Free** |
| Ghost (Pro) | $9/mo | $25/mo | $25/mo | $83/mo | $199/mo |
| Buttondown | $9/mo | $29/mo | $79/mo | $79/mo | $79/mo |
| Mailchimp | $13/mo | $75/mo | $110/mo | $270/mo | $385/mo |
* Kit free tier supports up to 10K subs with limited features. ** Substack is free but takes 10% of paid subscription revenue.
Best Free Newsletter Platforms
Starting a newsletter with zero budget? These platforms let you launch and grow without paying a cent. See full free tier comparison
Beehiiv Free
Up to 2,500 subscribers. Includes web hosting, custom domains, analytics, and even the referral program on the free tier. The most feature-rich free plan for pure newsletter creators. You only need to upgrade when you pass 2,500 subscribers or want the ad network.
Best free tier for newsletter growth toolsKit (ConvertKit) Free
Up to 10,000 subscribers. The highest subscriber cap on any free plan. Includes landing pages, basic email broadcasts, and subscriber tagging. Automations and sequences require a paid plan. Ideal if you are just starting and want headroom to grow before paying.
Highest subscriber limit on a free planSubstack Free
No subscriber limit. No monthly fee. You only pay Substack if you enable paid subscriptions (10% cut). The simplest way to get started writing. Zero configuration, built-in audience discovery. The trade-off is minimal customization and no advanced tools.
Best for writers who only need to writeGhost (Self-Hosted) Free
Completely free if you run it on your own server. Requires technical setup (Node.js, MySQL, server admin). Full feature set with zero platform fees. Best for developers who want total ownership and do not mind managing infrastructure.
Best free option for developersHead-to-Head Comparisons
Quick verdicts on the most common newsletter platform matchups people search for.
Beehiiv vs Kit (ConvertKit)
Beehiiv is better for pure newsletter growth. It has a built-in ad network, referral program, and boost system that Kit lacks. Kit is better if you sell digital products, courses, or memberships alongside your newsletter. Kit's visual automation builder and native commerce tools are superior. If your primary revenue comes from the newsletter itself, pick Beehiiv. If your newsletter drives sales of other products, pick Kit.
Beehiiv for newsletter-first. Kit for product-first. Full comparisonBeehiiv vs Substack
Substack is simpler to start with and has a built-in reader network. Beehiiv gives you far more control: custom domains, SEO-optimized web pages, referral programs, segmentation, and an ad network. Substack takes 10% of paid revenue; Beehiiv charges a flat monthly fee. For casual writers, Substack works. For anyone building a newsletter business, Beehiiv is the clear choice.
Substack for simplicity. Beehiiv for serious growth. Full comparisonSubstack vs Ghost
Substack is zero-effort to set up and has built-in discovery. Ghost requires more setup but gives you full ownership: open-source, custom themes, native memberships with 0% platform fee, and self-hosting if you want it. Substack takes 10% of paid revenue forever. Ghost(Pro) is a flat monthly fee. If you are technical or plan to build a long-term media brand, Ghost is better. If you want to start writing today with no friction, Substack wins.
Substack for zero friction. Ghost for ownership. Full comparisonKit (ConvertKit) vs Mailchimp
Kit is built for creators. Mailchimp is built for small businesses and e-commerce. Kit has better automation for newsletters, a simpler interface, and native digital product sales. Mailchimp has deeper e-commerce integrations (Shopify, WooCommerce), more templates, and a larger integration library. Mailchimp is also significantly more expensive at scale and charges for unsubscribed contacts. For newsletters, Kit wins. For e-commerce email marketing, Mailchimp is more capable.
Kit for creators. Mailchimp for e-commerce. Full comparisonBeehiiv vs Ghost
Beehiiv is a managed SaaS with built-in growth tools (ads, referrals, boosts). Ghost is open-source with full data ownership and zero platform fees. Beehiiv is easier to use and has more newsletter-specific features out of the box. Ghost gives you more flexibility and control, especially with custom themes and self-hosting. Non-technical creators should pick Beehiiv. Developers and indie publishers who want full ownership should pick Ghost.
Beehiiv for ease. Ghost for control. Full comparisonSubstack vs Kit (ConvertKit)
Substack is a writing platform. Kit is an email marketing platform. Substack is simpler but takes 10% of paid revenue and offers no automations. Kit has powerful automations, landing pages, commerce tools, and a generous 10K free tier. Choose Substack if you want the simplest possible writing experience and built-in audience. Choose Kit if you want to build funnels, sell products, or need any level of automation.
Substack for pure writing. Kit for creator businesses. Full comparisonPlatform Alternatives
Switching from Substack or Mailchimp? Here are the best alternatives and why people switch.
Best Substack Alternatives in 2026
People leave Substack for three reasons: the 10% revenue cut, limited customization, and lack of growth tools. Here are the best alternatives:
- Beehiiv — closest to Substack in simplicity, but with referral programs, ad network, SEO tools, and no revenue cut. The #1 Substack alternative for most creators.
- Ghost — open-source, self-hostable, full design control, native memberships with 0% platform fee. Best for technical creators who want ownership.
- Kit (ConvertKit) — best if you want to sell digital products alongside your newsletter. Visual automations and commerce tools Substack lacks entirely.
- Buttondown — minimalist, Markdown-first, affordable. For writers who like Substack's simplicity but want more control and lower cost.
Best Mailchimp Alternatives for Newsletters in 2026
Mailchimp's pricing has increased significantly since the Intuit acquisition, and it charges for unsubscribed contacts. For newsletter-first creators, these alternatives are better and cheaper:
- Beehiiv — purpose-built for newsletters. Flat $39/mo for up to 100K subscribers. Built-in monetization tools Mailchimp does not have.
- Kit (ConvertKit) — similar automation capabilities to Mailchimp but with a cleaner interface, better creator tools, and a free tier up to 10K subs.
- Ghost — if you want to combine a blog/website with newsletters and memberships. Self-host for free or use managed hosting from $9/mo.
- Buttondown — if you just need to send emails to a list without the bloat. Starts at $9/mo. Clean, simple, fast.
Best ConvertKit (Kit) Alternatives in 2026
Kit is strong for creator commerce, but some users want more newsletter-specific features or lower pricing. Top alternatives:
- Beehiiv — better growth tools for pure newsletters. Ad network, referral system, and boosts that Kit does not offer.
- Ghost — open-source with native memberships and no platform fee. Best if you want full ownership and do not need Kit's commerce features.
- Substack — simpler and free to start. Built-in audience discovery. Trade-off is the 10% revenue cut and limited features.
How to Start a Newsletter in 2026
A step-by-step guide from choosing your niche to getting your first 100 subscribers. Read the full guide
Pick Your Niche
Choose a specific topic and target audience. "Marketing" is too broad. "SEO tactics for B2B SaaS startups" is focused. The narrower your niche, the faster you grow. Write for a specific person, not everyone. Think about what you can consistently write about for 2+ years.
Choose Your Platform
Use Beehiiv if you want built-in growth and monetization tools. Use Substack if you want zero setup and built-in readers. Use Kit if you plan to sell digital products. Use Ghost if you want full ownership. All have free tiers. Do not overthink this; you can migrate later.
Set Up Your Publication
Create your account, connect a custom domain (recommended), design your landing page, and write a clear description of what subscribers will get. Add your profile photo and a concise bio. Configure your sender name and reply-to address. This takes under an hour on any platform.
Write Your First 3 Issues Before You Launch
Draft at least 3 issues before telling anyone about your newsletter. This proves to yourself you can sustain the pace. It also lets you send new subscribers immediate value. Your first issues will not be perfect. That is fine. Consistency matters more than quality at the start.
Build a Landing Page
Your landing page needs three things: what the newsletter covers, who it is for, and a signup form. Add social proof as soon as you have it (subscriber count, testimonials, notable readers). Most platforms include a landing page builder. Keep it simple.
Launch and Get Your First 100 Subscribers
Share on social media, post in relevant communities (Reddit, Discord, Slack groups, forums), tell friends and colleagues, add a link to your email signature and social bios. Write guest posts or do cross-promotions with other newsletters in your niche. Your first 100 subscribers are the hardest. After that, momentum compounds.
How to Monetize a Newsletter
Four proven revenue streams for newsletter creators, roughly ordered by how quickly you can implement them. Read the full guide
Paid Subscriptions
Charge readers $5-15/month for premium content. Works best with niche, high-value information (finance, industry analysis, actionable tactics). Substack, Beehiiv, Ghost, and Buttondown all support paid subscriptions natively. Typical conversion rate from free to paid: 5-10%.
Sponsorships & Ads
Sell ad placements in your newsletter. Rates typically range from $25-50 CPM (cost per thousand subscribers). A 10,000-subscriber newsletter can charge $250-500 per sponsored issue. Beehiiv has a built-in ad network. Other platforms require you to find sponsors yourself or use a marketplace like Swapstack or Paved.
Affiliate Marketing
Recommend products and earn a commission on sales. Works well when your recommendations are genuine and relevant to your audience. Software tools, courses, and services have the highest payouts. Typical affiliate commissions: 20-50% for SaaS, 5-15% for physical products.
Sell Your Own Products
Courses, ebooks, templates, consulting, communities, coaching. Your newsletter builds trust and demonstrates expertise. Selling to your own audience has the highest margins. Kit (ConvertKit) is the best platform for this approach, with native digital product sales built in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which newsletter platform is best for beginners?
Substack if you just want to write immediately with zero setup. Beehiiv if you want to grow a newsletter business from day one. Both have free tiers and require zero technical knowledge to get started.
What is the best free newsletter platform?
Kit (ConvertKit) offers the most generous free tier at 10,000 subscribers. Substack is unlimited on free newsletters but takes 10% if you add paid subscriptions. Beehiiv's free tier caps at 2,500 subscribers but includes more features than most paid plans elsewhere.
How much does it cost to run a newsletter?
You can start for free on Substack, Beehiiv (up to 2,500 subs), or Kit (up to 10,000 subs). Paid plans range from $9/month (Ghost, Buttondown) to $39/month (Beehiiv Scale). Substack charges no monthly fee but takes 10% of paid subscription revenue. At 10,000 subscribers, expect to pay $25-110/month depending on the platform.
Can I switch newsletter platforms later?
Yes. All major platforms allow you to export your subscriber list as a CSV. You will lose your sending history and engagement data, but your subscriber list transfers cleanly. Beehiiv, Kit, and Ghost all have dedicated import tools that make migration straightforward.
Beehiiv vs ConvertKit: which is better?
Beehiiv is better for pure newsletter growth with its built-in ad network, referral system, and boost features. Kit (ConvertKit) is better if you sell digital products, courses, or memberships alongside your newsletter, thanks to its superior automation builder and native commerce tools.
What is the best Substack alternative?
Beehiiv is the best Substack alternative for most creators. It offers similar ease of use but adds growth tools (referral programs, ad network, SEO-optimized hosting) that Substack lacks, with no revenue cut on paid subscriptions. Ghost is the best alternative for those who want full ownership and self-hosting.
What is the best Mailchimp alternative for newsletters?
For pure newsletters, Beehiiv or Kit are the best Mailchimp alternatives. Both are purpose-built for newsletter creators, cheaper at scale, and offer better newsletter-specific features. Mailchimp remains stronger for e-commerce email marketing but is overkill for newsletter-first creators.
Is Substack really free?
Substack is free if you never charge readers. The moment you enable paid subscriptions, Substack takes 10% of your revenue plus Stripe processing fees (~2.9% + $0.30). At scale, this becomes significantly more expensive than a flat-rate platform like Beehiiv or Ghost.
How do newsletters make money?
Four main channels: paid subscriptions (readers pay monthly/yearly), sponsorships and ads (brands pay to reach your audience), affiliate marketing (earn commissions recommending products), and selling your own products (courses, consulting, digital goods). Most successful newsletters combine 2-3 of these.
Do I need a custom domain for my newsletter?
Not required, but strongly recommended. A custom domain builds brand trust, improves email deliverability, and gives you SEO equity that compounds over time. All platforms listed here support custom domains.
Which newsletter platform has the best deliverability?
All major platforms on this list have strong deliverability. Kit and Mailchimp have the longest track records. Beehiiv and Ghost have invested heavily in deliverability infrastructure. Substack handles it transparently. Deliverability is not a meaningful differentiator among these six options in 2026.
How many subscribers do I need to make money?
With paid subscriptions, 200-500 paying subscribers at $10/month generates $2,000-5,000/month. With sponsorships, 5,000-10,000 free subscribers can generate $500-2,000/month from ads. There is no magic number. A small, highly engaged audience in a valuable niche can outperform a large, disengaged one.