Which Newsletter Platform is Best for You?

If you’re launching a newsletter, you’ve likely come across Beehiiv, Substack, Ghost, and Kit (formerly ConvertKit)—four of the most popular platforms for creators.

Each offers unique features, pricing structures, and different levels of customization, monetization, and automation. So, which one is the best fit for you? Let’s break it down.

1. Who Each Platform is Best For

• Beehiiv – Best for creators who want growth tools, analytics, and monetization flexibility. If you're serious about scaling and running a newsletter as a business, Beehiiv is a great choice.

• Substack – Best for writers and journalists who want a simple, no-frills publishing experience. If you want to focus on content over customization and monetize through subscriptions, this is for you.

• Ghost – Best for creators who want full control and ownership. Ghost can be self-hosted for full customization, but it also offers a fully managed hosting option through Ghost(Pro), making it a great alternative for those who want control without the technical headaches.

• Kit (formerly ConvertKit) – Best for email marketers and creators who need automation, segmentation, and advanced email marketing tools. If you want to turn your newsletter into a sales engine, Kit is the most powerful option.

2. Features & Customization

• Substack is the simplest—you can set up a newsletter in minutes, but you're locked into their system.

• Beehiiv is ideal if you want more growth features but don’t need deep customization.

• Ghost is great for developers and creators who want total control, but Ghost(Pro) offers an easier, fully hosted option.

• Kit is the best for automation-heavy newsletters that need segmentation and sales funnels.

3. Monetization & Growth Potential

• Substack – Monetization is focused only on paid subscriptions, and Substack takes a 10% cut.

• Beehiiv – Offers multiple ways to monetize: paid subscriptions, ads, and referrals. No rev share, but premium plans are required for advanced features.

• Ghost – No platform fees, and you keep 100% of your earnings. Ghost can be self-hosted for free, but Ghost(Pro) is a paid hosting option that simplifies the setup.

• Kit (ConvertKit) – Allows product sales, memberships, and automation, making it ideal if you want to sell courses, coaching, or digital products alongside your newsletter.

4. Pricing Comparison

• Substack – Free to start, but takes 10% of paid subscriptions.

• Beehiiv – Free for up to 2,500 subscribers, but growth tools and automation require a $49/month plan.

• Ghost – Can be self-hosted for free, but Ghost(Pro) starts at $11/month for a fully managed experience.

• Kit (ConvertKit) – Free up to 1,000 subscribers, but paid plans with automation start at $29/month.

Best Budget Option: If you’re just starting and want zero upfront costs, Substack or Beehiiv’s free plan is a good option.

Best Long-Term Option: If you plan to scale and monetize beyond subscriptions, Beehiiv, Ghost, or Kit will offer more flexibility without taking a revenue cut.

Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?

• Choose Substack if: You want a simple, low-maintenance newsletter with paid subscriptions as your main revenue stream.

• Choose Beehiiv if: You’re serious about growth, analytics, and multiple monetization options beyond just subscriptions.

• Choose Ghost if: You want full control over your newsletter and are comfortable with self-hosting—or if you want an ad-free, fully managed option with Ghost(Pro).

• Choose Kit if: You need advanced email marketing, automation, and the ability to sell digital products alongside your newsletter.

Need Help Choosing & Setting Up Your Newsletter?

Picking the right platform is just the beginning. If you need help launching, growing, or monetizing your newsletter, I can help you build a strategy that turns it into a business asset.