beehiiv vs MailerLite (2026): Which Pays Better?
Both are popular newsletter platforms. Here is how beehiiv and MailerLite stack up on requirements, what you keep, payout terms, strengths and weaknesses, and which one we would pick.
beehiiv
Newsletter platform with paid subscriptions at 0% cut, a built-in ad network, referral program and boosts.
8.8 /10
Pricing: Free plan, paid from $39/mo
Pros
- Ad Network matches sponsors to your list automatically; Boosts pay you to recommend other newsletters
- Referral program, website, surveys and polls included
Cons
- Monthly fee rather than a revenue cut
- Younger platform; deliverability reputation still building
MailerLite
Affordable email marketing with paid newsletter subscriptions and digital product sales via Stripe.
7.6 /10
Pricing: Free plan, paid from $10/mo
Pros
- Cheap, clean and includes paid subscriptions and a website builder
- Free plan to 1,000 subscribers
Cons
- Fewer creator-specific growth features
- Approval process for new accounts
beehiiv vs MailerLite at a glance
| beehiiv | MailerLite | |
|---|---|---|
| Editor score | 8.8 / 10 | 7.6 / 10 |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Starting price | $39/mo | $10/mo |
| Web rank | #5.9k | #4.3k |
| Minimum traffic | None | None |
| Revenue share / fee | No cut of paid subscriptions; plans from $39/mo (free up to 2,500 subscribers) | No cut on paid subscriptions (Stripe fees apply); plans from $10/mo |
| Commission | – | – |
| Payout | Via Stripe; ad network monthly | Via Stripe |
| Methods served | paid newsletter, newsletter sponsorship, memberships subscriptions | paid newsletter, digital products, newsletter sponsorship |
| Niches accepted | General, Tech & SaaS, Finance & Insurance, Health & Supplements, Gaming & Esports, E-commerce & Retail | General, Tech & SaaS, Finance & Insurance, Health & Supplements, Gaming & Esports, E-commerce & Retail |
| Reader upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Best for | newsletter, ad network, referral program | email marketing, paid newsletter, affordable |
Our pick
beehiiv edges it with a score of 8.8 versus 7.6. beehiiv is the better fit if you value: ad network matches sponsors to your list automatically; boosts pay you to recommend other newsletters, referral program, website, surveys and polls included. Choose MailerLite instead if you need: cheap, clean and includes paid subscriptions and a website builder, free plan to 1,000 subscribers.
Other newsletter platforms to consider
Full ranking →Ghost 🧰 PlatformOpen source
Open-source publishing with newsletters, memberships and paywalls built in; 0% platform fee, hosted from $9 a month.
Substack 🧰 PlatformFree
Free newsletter hosting with one-click paid subscriptions; Substack takes 10% of paid revenue.
Kit (ConvertKit) 🧰 PlatformFreemium
Email marketing for creators with paid newsletters, digital product checkout, tip jars and a sponsor network.