AWeber vs Beehiiv — Which One Wins?
A detailed, side-by-side comparison of AWeber and Beehiiv to help you pick the right tool for your workflow.
Quick Verdict
Beehiiv takes the lead with a 4.4 rating and is best for newsletter operators building a media business with monetization and growth as priorities.. AWeber (4.0) is the better pick if you need small businesses wanting reliable, no-nonsense email marketing.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Criteria | AWeber | Beehiiv |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★★★★ 4.0(94) | ★★★★ 4.4(156) |
| Pricing Model | freemium | freemium |
| Starter Price | $14.99/mo | $49/mo (Scale) |
| Free Tier | Yes | Yes |
| Platforms | web, ios, android | web |
| Learning Curve | easy | easy |
| API Available | Yes | Yes |
| Best For | Small businesses wanting reliable, no-nonsense email marketing | Newsletter operators building a media business with monetization and growth as priorities. |
| Verdict | recommended | recommended |
Feature Checklist
| Feature | AWeber | Beehiiv |
|---|---|---|
| Email automation | — | |
| Landing pages | — | |
| Web push notifications | — | |
| A/B testing | — | |
| Advanced analytics | ||
| Built-in referral program | — | |
| Recommendation network | — | |
| Ad Network monetization | — | |
| Paid subscription support | — | |
| Website/blog builder | — |
AWeber
Pros
- ✓Excellent deliverability
- ✓Decades of reliability
- ✓Good free tier
Cons
- ✕Templates feel dated
- ✕UI is not modern
- ✕Automation is basic compared to newer tools
Beehiiv
Pros
- ✓Built-in referral program drives organic subscriber growth
- ✓Multiple monetization options (ads, paid subs, boosts)
- ✓Recommendation network for cross-promotion
Cons
- ✕Not a general email marketing tool — newsletter-focused only
- ✕Scale plan at $49/mo is steep for hobbyist newsletters
- ✕Younger platform still building features
The Bottom Line
Both AWeber and Beehiiv are solid tools in the Email Marketing space. Beehiiv edges ahead with a stronger overall rating (4.4 vs 4.0) and is the better choice for newsletter operators building a media business with monetization and growth as priorities.. However, if you prioritize small businesses wanting reliable, no-nonsense email marketing, AWeber is worth serious consideration. We recommend trying the free tier or trial of each before committing.