beehiiv
Free until the limit or a paid feature matters
Launch currently includes up to 2,500 subscribers and unlimited sends. Email automations, the Ad Network and advanced analytics sit on paid tiers.
See beehiiv’s current plansIndependent decision tools · Updated 4 Sep 2026
Choose the constraint, not the longest feature list.
Stackgap Atlas helps newsletter creators work out which platform fits the job, what will force an upgrade and when a percentage fee becomes expensive.
First paid tool · Available now
Turn a platform shortlist into a defensible decision.
The Platform Fit Scorecard compares beehiiv, Kit and Substack using the constraints that actually affect your work.
- Editable Excel workbook
- Transparent scoring and official sources
- $9 one-time payment
New field guide
Which newsletter platform will make you pay first?
A constraint-first guide to list limits, automation boundaries and paid-subscription fees—without pretending one platform is best for everyone.
Five useful checks
Platform fit and upgrade trigger
Use your list size, workflow and business model.Open → Free-plan reality check
Spot the feature that could make “free” end early.Open → Paid-newsletter fee calculator
Compare a fixed monthly cost with a revenue share.Open → Migration and lock-in checklist
Protect the list, links, forms and automations before moving.Open → Paid-newsletter readiness check
Decide whether charging readers is the next move.Open →
Use your list size, workflow and business model.Open → Free-plan reality check
Spot the feature that could make “free” end early.Open → Paid-newsletter fee calculator
Compare a fixed monthly cost with a revenue share.Open → Migration and lock-in checklist
Protect the list, links, forms and automations before moving.Open → Paid-newsletter readiness check
Decide whether charging readers is the next move.Open →
The current starting point
Kit
More list-size runway on the free tier
Kit’s Free plan currently covers up to 10,000 subscribers, unlimited forms, landing pages and broadcasts. More advanced automation needs a paid plan.
See Kit’s current plansSubstack
No publishing fee, then a percentage of sales
Publishing is free regardless of subscriber count. Turning on paid subscriptions currently adds a 10% Substack fee per transaction, plus Stripe fees.
See Substack’s fee explanationWhat this comparison does not decide
Price is only one constraint. Deliverability, the work needed to migrate, audience ownership and the way you sell can matter more. Use the tools here to narrow the choice, then verify the current plan page before moving a live list.
Sources and disclosure
Plan facts were checked against the official beehiiv pricing page, Kit Free plan guide, Kit pricing page and Substack fee guide on 3 September 2026.
The beehiiv links on Stackgap Atlas are affiliate links. If you make a qualifying purchase, the site may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. That relationship does not change the calculations.