Beehiiv Review (2025): Is This the Best Newsletter Platform Right Now?
Welcome back to ToolPunk, where we review tools that creators actually use — not just the ones that look sexy on a list but don’t do much.
Today we’re diving into Beehiiv, a newsletter platform that’s been gaining serious momentum — built by folks who worked at Morning Brew and now trusted by thousands of creators, founders, and media entrepreneurs.
So is Beehiiv really worth switching to? Or is it just another shiny Substack clone?
Let’s break it down — what Beehiiv does right, where it still struggles, and whether it deserves to power your email list.
🐝 What Is Beehiiv?
At its core, Beehiiv is a newsletter platform built for growth — and not just “send a nice-looking email” kind of growth. We're talking built-in systems that help you attract, retain, and monetize your audience.
Here’s what Beehiiv offers out of the box:
- 🖊 A clean, focused writing experience
- 🌐 Custom domains for full brand control
- 🧠 List segmentation and simple automations
- 🎁 Referral systems to turn readers into promoters
- 💰 Paid subscriptions + monetization tools
- 📢 An ad network you can tap into once you grow
It feels like a smarter version of Substack — or like ConvertKit, but with less setup friction.
✅ Where Beehiiv Wins
Here’s why Beehiiv is winning over creators in 2025:
✅ Built-in Referrals
Turn loyal readers into your growth engine — without needing a third-party tool.
✅ Simple Segmentation
Tag and target readers without feeling like you need a PhD in email logic.
✅ Monetization Options
From paid subscriptions to cross-recommendations and an ad network — Beehiiv doesn’t just let you write, it helps you earn.
✅ Clean UI
The whole experience — from the dashboard to the emails — feels crisp, modern, and fast.
✅ Free Plan That’s Actually Useful
Start for free with up to 2,500 subscribers. No credit card. No time limit.
If you’re a solo creator, blogger, or startup founder building a media-first brand — Beehiiv just works.
⚠️ Where It Struggles
Of course, it’s not all perfect.
⚠️ Limited Design Flexibility
If you’re coming from ConvertKit or Mailchimp, you might miss advanced visual email builders.
⚠️ Basic Automation
Automations exist, but if you need deep, multi-branch logic like a full-blown CRM, you’ll feel constrained.
⚠️ International Monetization Isn’t Fully Mature
Still catching up in some countries — especially for payouts and ad programs.
⚠️ Not Built for Ecommerce or Funnels
Beehiiv isn’t a good fit if your main business is selling physical products or running lead-gen funnels.
💸 Pricing Snapshot
Here’s the simple breakdown:
- Free Plan – Up to 2,500 subscribers
- Grow Plan – $42/month (adds custom domain, segmentation, automations)
- Scale Plans – Priced by list size, unlock advanced tools as you grow
Still way more affordable than giving away 10% of your revenue to Substack, especially once your newsletter starts earning.
🎯 Best Use Cases
Who’s Beehiiv really for?
- ✍️ Writers launching paid newsletters
- 📰 Creators building media-style brands
- 🚀 Solo founders using content to drive business
- 🧠 Bloggers wanting more control & monetization options
If you want to own your list, grow your reach, and monetize without extra stress, Beehiiv is a great pick.
🔥 Final Verdict: Should You Switch?
Here’s the quick take:
✅ Yes — if you’re on Substack and tired of giving away revenue
✅ Yes — if ConvertKit feels too bulky for your needs
✅ Yes — if you’re just starting and want a platform you won’t outgrow in 6 months
Beehiiv is more than just a newsletter tool. It’s a creator-first platform that puts growth and monetization at the core.
I moved my own list — and haven’t looked back.
👋 That’s a Wrap
If this helped you figure out if Beehiiv is for you, hit that like button, subscribe, or come back next week — every week I drop real, honest reviews on tools that help you build smarter, save time, and make more.
⚔️ Stay sharp. Stay punk.