beehiiv alternatives: 6 apps ranked by verified data
Common reasons people leave beehiiv: monthly cost rises steeply with subscriber count, and no reader app or network as strong as Substack's. We ranked 6 alternatives by how directly each one replaces beehiiv, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. Substack currently ranks first.
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Show all 6 alternativesThe best beehiiv alternative for…
The highest-ranked app in this list for each need.
Best beehiiv alternative for most people
SubstackFree to run, with a reader network that brings in subscribers, in exchange for a revenue cut.
Best beehiiv alternative for a free option
GhostOpen-source and self-hostable, with membership and newsletters under your own brand.
Best beehiiv alternative for a free plan you can upgrade
ButtondownMuch cheaper and simpler for smaller lists that don't need an ad network.
Best beehiiv alternative for open source
GhostOpen-source and self-hostable, with membership and newsletters under your own brand.
Best beehiiv alternative for self-hosting
GhostOpen-source and self-hostable, with membership and newsletters under your own brand.
Best beehiiv alternative for iPhone and Android
KitPuts more weight on automations and selling digital products, with a large free plan.
Best beehiiv alternative for working in the browser
CuratedBuilt for link-roundup newsletters, free up to 1,500 subscribers.
beehiiv alternatives: common questions
What is the best alternative to beehiiv?
Substack ranks first right now. Free to run, with a reader network that brings in subscribers, in exchange for a revenue cut. Ghost and Buttondown follow it in our ranking.
Is there a free alternative to beehiiv?
Yes. Substack (free plan + paid), Ghost (open source), Buttondown (free plan + paid) and Curated (free plan + paid) have a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.
Is there an open-source alternative to beehiiv?
Yes: Ghost. Ghost can also be self-hosted.
Why do people switch from beehiiv?
The complaints we hear most: monthly cost rises steeply with subscriber count; no reader app or network as strong as Substack's; removing beehiiv branding requires the Pro plan.
How is this list ranked?
Every app is scored with the same published formula: how directly it replaces beehiiv, reviews (weighted by verification), visits from AppBreakup, how recently its facts were checked against its own website, and reader votes.