| Feature |  |  |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $15/month | $49/month |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Free Tier | ||
| Free Trial | ||
| Best For | Startups | Startups |
| Tool Type |
Ghost vs Beehiiv — Quick Summary
Who each tool is built for, what it does best, and how much effort it takes to get started.
At a Glance
What Each Tool Does
Ghost
Ghost helps you build a business around your content. Create websites, send newsletters, and offer paid subscriptions easily.
Standout features:
- •Custom site design — match your brand with ease.
- •Built-in newsletters — keep your audience updated.
- •Member management — turn readers into supporters.
Limitations:
- •Requires some setup — might not be ideal for non-tech users.
- •Limited e-commerce features — not for selling physical products.
Pricing: Free trial for 14 days, then starts at $9/month.
Beehiiv
Beehiiv helps you create and manage newsletters. It's great for anyone wanting to grow their audience and earn more.
Standout features:
- •Newsletter builder — easily design your newsletter.
- •No-code website builder — make a website fast.
- •Built-in ad network — monetize without hassle.
Limitations:
- •May have too many features for simple newsletters — beginners might feel overwhelmed.
- •Advanced features cost more — not ideal for those on a tight budget.
Pricing: Starts free, paid plans from $43/month.
Growth Hacker Verdict
Ghost is built for creators who need to monetize content immediately—use it if you're running a Substack competitor strategy or building a paid community around your writing. Skip it if you're just experimenting with newsletters or bootstrapping on a shoestring, because the pricing compounds fast once you add members.
The real play: pair Ghost with a waitlist tool and landing page builder to capture demand before launch, then use Ghost's native paywall to convert free subscribers into paying ones without jumping between platforms. Best fit is B2B content creators (analysts, consultants) where a professional publishing setup actually converts, not lifestyle bloggers testing distribution channels.
Beehiiv wins if you're serious about newsletter-to-revenue — their sponsorship network actually pays out, unlike Ghost or Substack's ghost town offerings. But real talk: it's creator-first infrastructure, not founder infrastructure.
If you're a solo founder just trying to build a mailing list to support sales, throw your $30/month at Taplio instead and use Gmail. Only stack Beehiiv if you're doing 50k+ subscribers *or* monetizing sponsorships — that's when the ad network ROI actually matters and justifies the learning curve over simple broadcast tools.
TL;DR — Ghost vs Beehiiv
Choose Ghost if you want maximum value for your money — does 80% of what the big names do at a fraction of the cost. Starts at $15/month.
Choose Beehiiv if you want maximum value for your money — does 80% of what the big names do at a fraction of the cost. Starts at $49/month. Free tier available — no credit card needed.
On price alone, Ghost wins at $15/month. But cheaper isn't always better — check the feature breakdown above.
When to Choose Ghost Over Beehiiv
Ghost is a best-value user acquisition tool built for startups, starting at $15/month. Ghost is a powerful publishing platform that seamlessly integrates email newsletters and paid subscription features for creators and businesses.
Choose Ghost if:
- Early-stage startups — This is where Ghost shines. Strong features at a fraction of enterprise pricing.
- Setup effort: Low — You can be up and running in minutes, not days.
- Pricing starts at $15/month — That's 69% less than Beehiiv.
- Ideal for: Bootstrapped founders + indie hackers
See all Beehiiv alternatives or browse the User acquisition directory.
When to Choose Beehiiv Over Ghost
Beehiiv is a best-value user acquisition tool built for startups, starting at $49/month. Beehiiv is a powerful newsletter platform that enables creators and businesses to effectively grow their audience through targeted email marketing and community engagement.
Choose Beehiiv if:
- Email campaigns + automation — Strong features at a fraction of enterprise pricing.
- Setup effort: Low — Quick onboarding with minimal configuration needed.
- Free tier available — Test Beehiiv risk-free before committing any budget.
- Ideal for: Bootstrapped founders + indie hackers
See all Ghost alternatives or browse the User acquisition directory.
Ghost vs Beehiiv: Pricing Breakdown
Let's talk money — because that's usually what drives the decision for startups and growth teams.
Ghost starts at $15/month with 4 pricing tiers. Priced for startups — won't wreck your runway.
Beehiiv starts at $49/month with 4 pricing tiers. Free tier included. Startup-friendly pricing.
Our take: Ghost is the more affordable option at $15/month vs $49/month. But cheaper isn't always better — compare what you get at each tier before deciding. We always list monthly billing rates — not the discounted annual price that makes everything look cheaper.
FAQ: Ghost vs Beehiiv
Is Ghost better than Beehiiv in 2026?
It depends on your team size, budget, and priorities. Ghost is a best-value user acquisition tool built for startups, starting at $15/month. Beehiiv is a best-value option aimed at startups, starting at $49/month. See the feature comparison above for a detailed side-by-side.
Which is cheaper, Ghost or Beehiiv?
Ghost starts at $15/month, while Beehiiv starts at $49/month. Ghost is more affordable on paper. Keep in mind: the cheapest plan isn't always the best deal. Compare what you get at each tier, not just the starting price. We always list monthly billing rates, not discounted annual prices.
Can I use both Ghost and Beehiiv together?
Both are newsletters tools, so most teams pick one to avoid redundancy and extra costs. That said, some teams use both for different segments or use cases — just make sure the overlap doesn't waste your budget.
Does Ghost or Beehiiv have a free tier?
Beehiiv offers a free tier, while Ghost does not. If risk-free testing matters, Beehiiv has the edge.
How do I switch from Ghost to Beehiiv (or vice versa)?
Most user acquisition tools support data export. Start by exporting your data from your current tool, then check the new tool's import documentation. Many offer migration assistance or onboarding calls to help with the switch.
