beehiiv vs MailerLite (2026)

Newsletter platform built by growth-obsessed media people — against — The best value all-rounder. Same table, same scoring system, clear verdict.

Affiliate disclosure: Critingo is reader-supported. If you sign up through links on this page we may earn a commission — it costs you nothing extra and never changes our verdicts. We verify pricing and terms regularly, but they change often: always confirm on the vendor's site before buying.

Our pick: MailerLiteThe best value all-rounder — scored 4.5/5. The right choice still depends on what you need; the table below shows exactly where they differ.

Head-to-head

Pricing and terms last verified 31 October 2026 — vendors change them often.

beehiiv MailerLite 🏆
Free planYes: up to 2,500 subscribersYes: up to 1,000 subscribers
Paid fromPaid scales with list size (Launch is free; paid tiers typically start around $39/mo)Paid typically from around $10/mo for 1,000 subscribers
Free trial30 daysNone
Automations✓✓
Landing pages✓✓
Paid subscriptions✓✗
Ecommerce features✗✓
Our score4.4/54.5/5

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

Choose MailerLite if…

  • You're primarily small businesses that want max value
  • Consistently the cheapest reputable option for small lists
  • You can live with: fewer advanced growth features than beehiiv/kit for creators
Ready to try beehiiv?Using our link supports independent reviews like this one — at no extra cost to you.
Try beehiiv
Ready to try MailerLite?Using our link supports independent reviews like this one — at no extra cost to you.
Try MailerLite

beehiiv vs MailerLite: FAQ

beehiiv or MailerLite — which is better in 2026?

For most people matching MailerLite's strengths (small businesses that want max value), MailerLite is the stronger choice — it scores 4.5/5 on our four-factor score. But "better" depends on you: choose beehiiv for creators starting or scaling a newsletter, and MailerLite for small businesses that want max value.

Is beehiiv cheaper than MailerLite?

beehiiv has a free plan (Paid scales with list size (Launch is free; paid tiers typically start around $39/mo)), while MailerLite has a free plan (Paid typically from around $10/mo for 1,000 subscribers). Vendors reprice several times a year — check both pricing pages before deciding.

Can I switch from beehiiv to MailerLite (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.