EzineChronicles

Launching a newsletter has never been easier but choosing the right platform can feel overwhelming. Do you go with Substack, the pioneer of paid newsletters? Beehiiv, the rising star with creator-first features? Or ConvertKit, the veteran email marketing tool turned creator powerhouse?

Each platform offers strengths, trade-offs, and quirks. Your choice depends on what matters most: monetization, design, growth, or automation.

This guide breaks down Substack vs. Beehiiv vs. ConvertKit in 2025 so you can choose the platform that fits your ezine strategy.

Substack: The Creator-Friendly Pioneer

Substack is almost synonymous with the newsletter boom. Founded in 2017, it quickly became the go-to for writers looking to monetize through paid subscriptions.

Strengths

• Simple publishing: Clean interface, minimal setup.

• Built-in monetization: Paid subscriptions built into the core.

• Discoverability: Substack’s network effect can surface your newsletter to new readers.

• Community features: Comments, recommendations, and discussion threads.

Weaknesses

• Limited customization: Your ezine will look like… every other Substack.

• Platform fees: 10% fee on subscription revenue (plus payment processing).

• Basic analytics: Insights are less detailed than other tools.

Best for: Writers who want to monetize quickly with minimal setup.

Beehiiv: The Growth-Oriented Upstart

Beehiiv entered the scene in 2021, founded by early Morning Brew employees. Its mission? Empower creators with tools to grow audiences and monetize beyond subscriptions.

Strengths

• Growth features: Referral programs, audience polls, segmentation.

• Custom branding: More flexibility with design and layout than Substack.

• Monetization options: Paid tiers, sponsorships, and ads.

• No revenue share: Unlike Substack, Beehiiv doesn’t take a cut.

Weaknesses

• Newer platform: Smaller network effect for discovery.

• Learning curve: More features mean more setup time.

• Still evolving: Not all advanced features are polished.

Best for: Publishers focused on growth, brand control, and multiple monetization streams.

ConvertKit: The Creator Economy Veteran

ConvertKit has been around since 2013, originally as an email marketing tool. It’s since evolved into a favorite among creators especially those selling digital products.

Strengths

• Powerful automation: Advanced workflows for segmenting audiences.

• Commerce built-in: Sell digital products or paid newsletters.

• Design flexibility: Landing pages, forms, and branded templates.

• Scalable: Works for small creators and larger publishers.

Weaknesses

• No discovery network: Growth is entirely on you.

• Pricing tiers: Can get expensive as your subscriber list grows.

• Interface: Less intuitive than Substack or Beehiiv.

Best for: Creators who want automation, sales funnels, and full business integration.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Which One Should You Choose?

• Choose Substack if… you want to start monetizing quickly, with minimal setup, and don’t care much about design.

• Choose Beehiiv if… you want growth tools, custom branding, and flexible monetization without revenue cuts.

• Choose ConvertKit if… you need advanced automation, product sales, and a full creator business platform.

👉 Pro tip: You don’t have to lock yourself in forever. Many creators experiment, and migrating between platforms is possible.

FAQs

Q1: Which platform is cheapest to start with?
Substack is free to use but takes a 10% cut of revenue. Beehiiv offers a free tier; ConvertKit offers a free plan up to 1,000 subscribers.

Q2: Which is best for design and branding?
Beehiiv and ConvertKit offer much more flexibility. Substack is intentionally minimal but also restrictive.

Q3: Can I monetize on all three platforms?
Yes. Substack focuses on subscriptions, Beehiiv supports ads and sponsorships too, and ConvertKit adds digital product sales.

Pick the Platform That Matches Your Goals

There’s no single winner in the Substack vs. Beehiiv vs. ConvertKit debate. The right choice depends on your priorities:

• Simplicity + subscriptions → Substack

• Growth + branding + flexibility → Beehiiv

• Automation + products + scaling → ConvertKit

The important thing is to start. Ezines are thriving again, and the sooner you launch, the sooner you’ll grow your audience.

📌 Action step: Pick one platform and publish your first issue this week. You’ll learn more by doing than by endlessly comparing.