Comparison Guide

Beehiiv vs Buttondown: Newsletter Platform Comparison

Beehiiv and Buttondown are both popular choices. Here's everything you need to know to choose between them.

4.8/5
Rating
500K+
Newsletters
$50M+
Creator Revenue
Beehiiv newsletter editor interface
Beehiiv
Subscriber Growth
+127%

Beehiiv vs Buttondown at a Glance

See how these newsletter platforms compare across key features.

Feature
Beehiiv Beehiiv
Buttondown
Free Plan
Yes
Revenue Share
Varies
Ad Network
No
Boost Network
No
Referral Program
Basic
Website Builder
Yes

Quick Verdict

Overview

Beehiiv and Buttondown are both excellent tools, but they serve different needs. Buttondown is a minimalist newsletter tool focused on simplicity and a great writing experience. It's popular among developers and technical writers.

Key Differences

The main difference between Beehiiv and Buttondown comes down to focus and features. Beehiiv offers a comprehensive solution while Buttondown excels in specific areas.

Buttondown Strengths

  • Clean, minimalist interface
  • Markdown support for technical writers
  • Excellent deliverability
  • Fair, transparent pricing
  • API-first approach

Buttondown Weaknesses

  • Limited growth and monetization features
  • Basic analytics compared to Beehiiv
  • No native ad network
  • Limited template options
  • Smaller feature set overall

Pricing Comparison

Buttondown pricing: From $9/month (Basic). Free tier includes: Up to 100 subscribers

Who Is Buttondown Best For?

Technical writers and developers who want a simple, no-frills newsletter tool

Our Verdict

Buttondown is great for minimalists, but Beehiiv offers more comprehensive growth tools and monetization options for serious newsletter creators.

Why Choose Beehiiv?

Newsletter Website Builder

Create a stunning newsletter homepage with Beehiiv's website builder. Custom domains, SEO optimization, and archive pages included.

A/B Testing

Test subject lines, content, and send times to optimize performance. Data-driven newsletter improvement.

API & Integrations

Connect Beehiiv to your favorite tools via native integrations or build custom solutions with the API.

Mobile-First Design

Every email and website looks beautiful on mobile devices. Responsive design built into every template.

Ready to try Beehiiv?

Get started with Beehiiv's free tier — no credit card required. Unlimited subscribers included.

Get Started Free

Choose Beehiiv If...

  • You want to monetize your newsletter
  • Growth tools and referral programs matter to you
  • You need a dedicated newsletter platform
  • You want to keep 100% of subscription revenue
  • Built-in ad network appeals to you

Choose Buttondown If...

  • You value clean, minimalist interface
  • You value markdown support for technical writers
  • You value excellent deliverability
  • You value fair, transparent pricing
  • You value api-first approach
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Beehiiv make money?

Beehiiv makes money through paid subscription plans. Unlike Substack which takes 10% of creator revenue, Beehiiv charges a flat monthly fee and lets creators keep 100% of their subscription revenue (minus payment processing fees).

Is Beehiiv free to use?

Yes, Beehiiv offers a free Launch plan for up to 2,500 subscribers with essential features. Paid plans (Grow at $49/month, Scale at $99/month, and Max at $399/month) unlock advanced monetization, automation, and growth features.

How is Beehiiv different from regular email marketing tools?

Beehiiv is built specifically for newsletters and content creators, not general email marketing. It includes features like built-in monetization, referral programs, recommendation networks, and a website builder that generic email tools don't offer.

Can I use my own domain with Beehiiv?

Yes, Beehiiv supports custom domains for both your newsletter sending address and website. This improves deliverability, brand recognition, and makes your newsletter look more professional.

Is Beehiiv good for beginners?

Yes, Beehiiv is beginner-friendly with an intuitive interface and helpful onboarding. The free plan lets you learn the platform without commitment, and there are plenty of tutorials and resources available.

Still have questions?

Visit Beehiiv's Help Center
Free tier available — No credit card required

Stop Renting Your Audience

Join 500,000+ newsletters using Beehiiv to build, grow, and monetize their audience. Start for free today.

Free Forever Tier
No Credit Card
Unlimited Subscribers
Built-in Monetization

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