Beehiiv vs Mailchimp — Which One Wins?
A detailed, side-by-side comparison of Beehiiv and Mailchimp 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.. Mailchimp (4.1) is the better pick if you need small businesses starting with email marketing who want an all-in-one platform..
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Criteria | Beehiiv | Mailchimp |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★★★★ 4.4(156) | ★★★★ 4.1(456) |
| Pricing Model | freemium | freemium |
| Starter Price | $49/mo (Scale) | $13/mo (Essentials, 500 contacts) |
| Free Tier | Yes | Yes |
| Platforms | web | web, ios, android |
| Learning Curve | easy | easy |
| API Available | Yes | Yes |
| Best For | Newsletter operators building a media business with monetization and growth as priorities. | Small businesses starting with email marketing who want an all-in-one platform. |
| Verdict | recommended | situational |
Feature Checklist
| Feature | Beehiiv | Mailchimp |
|---|---|---|
| [object Object] | ✓ | ✓ |
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
Mailchimp
Pros
- ✓Most beginner-friendly email marketing platform
- ✓Comprehensive beyond email — landing pages, ads, CRM
- ✓Massive integration ecosystem with 300+ apps
Cons
- ✕Per-contact pricing makes it expensive as lists grow
- ✕Free plan has been significantly limited over time
- ✕Automation features lag behind ActiveCampaign and ConvertKit
The Bottom Line
Both Beehiiv and Mailchimp are solid tools in the Email Marketing space. Beehiiv edges ahead with a stronger overall rating (4.4 vs 4.1) and is the better choice for newsletter operators building a media business with monetization and growth as priorities.. However, if you prioritize small businesses starting with email marketing who want an all-in-one platform., Mailchimp is worth serious consideration. We recommend trying the free tier or trial of each before committing.