ActiveCampaign vs beehiiv (2026)
The automation heavyweight — against — Newsletter platform built by growth-obsessed media people. Same table, same scoring system, clear verdict.
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Head-to-head
Pricing and terms last verified 31 October 2026 — vendors change them often.
| ActiveCampaign | beehiiv 🏆 | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | No | Yes: up to 2,500 subscribers |
| Paid from | Paid typically from around $15/mo ( Starter, 1,000 contacts) | Paid scales with list size (Launch is free; paid tiers typically start around $39/mo) |
| Free trial | 14 days | 30 days |
| Automations | ✓ | ✓ |
| Landing pages | ✓ | ✓ |
| Paid subscriptions | ✗ | ✓ |
| Ecommerce features | ✓ | ✗ |
| Our score | 4.2/5 | 4.4/5 |
Choose ActiveCampaign if…
- You're primarily b2b and agencies running complex funnels
- Most powerful automation builder in mainstream email marketing
- You can live with: steep learning curve — overkill for simple newsletters
Choose beehiiv if…
- You're primarily creators starting or scaling a newsletter
- Growth tools built in: recommendation network, referral programs, boost marketplace
- You can live with: younger company — fewer third-party integrations than veterans
ActiveCampaign vs beehiiv: FAQ
ActiveCampaign or beehiiv — which is better in 2026?
For most people matching beehiiv's strengths (creators starting or scaling a newsletter), beehiiv is the stronger choice — it scores 4.4/5 on our four-factor score. But "better" depends on you: choose ActiveCampaign for b2b and agencies running complex funnels, and beehiiv for creators starting or scaling a newsletter.
Is ActiveCampaign cheaper than beehiiv?
ActiveCampaign has no permanent free plan (Paid typically from around $15/mo ( Starter, 1,000 contacts)), while beehiiv has a free plan (Paid scales with list size (Launch is free; paid tiers typically start around $39/mo)). Vendors reprice several times a year — check both pricing pages before deciding.
Can I switch from ActiveCampaign to beehiiv (or back)?
Yes. Subscribers export as CSV/JSON from either platform and import into the other. Automation sequences usually need rebuilding — map your tags and forms before migrating.