Free-plan reality check

“Free” only works if the workflow is included.

Check the things you genuinely need in the next 90 days. A missing feature today matters more than a generous subscriber limit you may never reach.

Your next 90 days

Tick every requirement that is genuinely part of the plan—not a possible future idea.

I need more than one automated sequence or a branching workflow.
I want native monetization or advertising tools now.
I need advanced, subscriber-level analytics now.
Removing platform branding is important at launch.
More than one person needs account access.

Expected list size within 12 months

The limits worth knowing

Platform	Useful free starting point	Likely early payment trigger
beehiiv	Up to 2,500 subscribers and unlimited sends.	Email automations, several monetization tools, advanced analytics or exceeding 2,500 subscribers.
Kit	Up to 10,000 subscribers, unlimited forms, landing pages and broadcasts.	Multiple automations/sequences, other paid workflow features or exceeding 10,000 subscribers.
Substack	Free publishing without a subscriber-count ceiling.	Paid subscriptions trigger a 10% platform fee per transaction, plus Stripe fees.

A practical rule

If the free plan covers the next 90 days, start there. Upgrade when a measured constraint blocks publishing, conversion or revenue—not because the paid feature list looks reassuring.

Sources and disclosure

Checked 3 September 2026: beehiiv pricing, Kit Free plan, Kit Visual Automations, and Substack fees.

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