ConvertKit vs Beehiiv: Traditional Creator vs Newsletter-Native
Comparing ConvertKit and Beehiiv for creator and content SaaS. Established sequences vs modern newsletter-first approach.
Overview
ConvertKit and Beehiiv both serve creators but with different approaches. ConvertKit is the established creator email platform with sequences and automations. Beehiiv is newsletter-native, built for the modern newsletter business model.
Note: Neither is designed for traditional SaaS email. For SaaS lifecycle email, consider Sequenzy instead.
| Feature | ConvertKit | Beehiiv |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | Free (300 subs) | Free (2.5k subs) |
| Primary Focus | Creator email marketing | Newsletter business |
| Sequences/Automations | Strong | Basic |
| Monetization | Paid newsletters | Ads, premium, referrals |
| Landing Pages | Yes | Built-in website |
Key Differences
Newsletter vs Email Marketing
Beehiiv is built for newsletters as a business. Native ad network, recommendation engine, premium subscriptions, referral programs. If you're building a newsletter business, Beehiiv understands your model.
ConvertKit is email marketing for creators. Sequences, automations, tag-based organization. Better for courses, products, and traditional creator businesses that use email to sell.
Automation
ConvertKit has stronger automation capabilities. Visual automation builder, sequences with conditions, sophisticated tagging. For complex email funnels, ConvertKit is more capable.
Beehiiv keeps automation simple. Basic sequences exist but aren't the focus. Newsletter sending and growth features take priority.
Who Should Choose What
Choose Beehiiv if:
- You're building a newsletter business
- Monetization through ads and recommendations matters
- You want newsletter-specific growth features
- Complex automations aren't needed
Choose ConvertKit if:
- You sell courses, products, or services
- Email sequences drive your business
- Complex automations matter
- You're a traditional creator business
For SaaS Companies
Neither ConvertKit nor Beehiiv is designed for SaaS email. They lack billing integration, behavioral triggers, and product-led features. For SaaS lifecycle email, use purpose-built platforms like Sequenzy.