beehiiv
Mailchimp
beehiiv vs Mailchimp: An Honest Side-by-Side Look
beehiiv is a newsletter-first platform built for creators and publishers who want to grow and monetize their audience. Mailchimp started as an email marketing tool but has expanded into a broader marketing platform. Both handle email campaigns, but they take very different approaches to helping you build an audience.
Last updated: February 3, 2026
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Quick Verdict
beehiiv wins for newsletter creators and content publishers who want built-in monetization and growth tools. Mailchimp works better for traditional businesses doing broader email marketing campaigns with e-commerce integration.
beehiiv is best for:
- ✓Newsletter creators and publishers
- ✓Content monetization with ads and subscriptions
- ✓Built-in audience growth features
- ✓No-code website building
- ✓Creator-focused analytics
Mailchimp is best for:
- ✓Traditional email marketing campaigns
- ✓E-commerce businesses
- ✓Complex automation workflows
- ✓Extensive third-party integrations
- ✓Established marketing teams
My take: If you're building a newsletter or content brand, beehiiv gives you everything you need in one place. For traditional marketing campaigns, Mailchimp has more general-purpose features.
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
Here's how these platforms compare across the features that matter most.
| Feature | beehiiv | Mailchimp | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Newsletter Editor | ★ | ● | beehiiv's editor is built specifically for newsletters with real-time styling |
| Website Builder | ★ | ○ | beehiiv includes a full website builder, Mailchimp has basic landing pages |
| Built-in Monetization | ★ | ◐ | beehiiv has ad network and paid subscriptions, Mailchimp has basic e-commerce |
| Referral System | ★ | ✗ | beehiiv includes built-in referral tracking and rewards |
| AI Writing Assistant | ● | ● | Both offer AI content generation with similar capabilities |
| Email Automation | ● | ★ | Mailchimp has more advanced automation workflows |
| E-commerce Integration | ○ | ★ | Mailchimp deeply integrates with shopping platforms |
| Third-party Integrations | ○ | ★ | Mailchimp has hundreds more integrations |
| Analytics Dashboard | ★ | ● | beehiiv's 3D analytics are more visual and creator-focused |
| A/B Testing | ● | ★ | Mailchimp has more advanced split testing options |
| Free Plan | ★ | ○ | beehiiv's free plan includes more features like custom domains |
beehiiv shines as a purpose-built newsletter platform. Its editor feels natural for long-form content, and the built-in website builder means you get a complete publishing setup. The monetization features are standout - the ad network connects you with sponsors automatically, and paid subscriptions have zero platform fees.
Mailchimp excels at traditional email marketing with sophisticated automation workflows and extensive integrations. If you're running an e-commerce business or need complex drip campaigns, Mailchimp's tools are more mature. However, many of these advanced features feel like overkill for newsletter creators.
The user experience differs significantly. beehiiv feels like it was designed by newsletter creators for newsletter creators. Mailchimp feels like a comprehensive marketing suite that happens to do newsletters.
Pricing Comparison
Both platforms offer free plans, but their paid tiers target different needs.
| Plan / Tier | beehiiv | Mailchimp | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free Plan | $0/mo | $0/mo | beehiiv allows 2,500 subscribers vs Mailchimp's 250 limit |
| Entry Level | $43/mo | $13/mo | beehiiv includes ad network and monetization, Mailchimp basic features |
| Standard/Mid-tier | $96/mo | $20/mo | beehiiv removes branding and adds priority support |
| Premium/Enterprise | Custom pricing | $350/mo | Both offer custom solutions for large audiences |
Mailchimp wins on pure price, especially for the entry-level plans. However, beehiiv's pricing includes features that would cost extra elsewhere - like the ad network, website builder, and zero-fee paid subscriptions. For newsletter creators, beehiiv often provides better value despite higher sticker prices.
Who Should Choose Which?
Choose beehiiv if you...
- ✓You're building a newsletter or content publication
- ✓You want built-in monetization with ads and subscriptions
- ✓You need a website along with your newsletter
- ✓You prefer all-in-one simplicity over feature complexity
- ✓You want generous free plan limits
Choose Mailchimp if you...
- ✓You're running traditional email marketing campaigns
- ✓You have an e-commerce business that needs shopping integrations
- ✓You need complex automation workflows
- ✓You want the lowest possible pricing
- ✓You require extensive third-party app connections
Final Recommendation
Choose beehiiv if you're serious about newsletter publishing. It's designed specifically for creators who want to build an audience and make money from content. The built-in monetization features, generous free plan, and included website builder make it a complete solution for content creators. Go with Mailchimp if you're doing broader email marketing for a business, especially if you sell products online. Its automation features and e-commerce integrations are more mature, and the lower entry pricing works better for traditional marketing budgets. The decision ultimately comes down to your primary goal: building a content publication (beehiiv) or marketing a business (Mailchimp). Both do their core job well, but trying to force them into the wrong use case leads to frustration.
beehiiv
All-in-one newsletter platform with built-in website builder and monetization tools for creators
Starting at $43 per month
Try beehiiv →Mailchimp
Popular email marketing platform that's become overpriced with declining value for most users
Starting at $13/month
Try Mailchimp →Frequently Asked Questions
For newsletter creators and content publishers, yes. beehiiv is purpose-built for newsletters with better monetization options and creator-focused features.
Mailchimp has lower upfront pricing, but beehiiv includes features like ad networks and website building that add value for creators.
Yes, beehiiv provides migration tools and support to help you transfer your subscriber list and content from Mailchimp.
Yes, beehiiv includes email automations, but Mailchimp has more advanced workflow options for complex marketing campaigns.
beehiiv is more beginner-friendly for newsletter creators, while Mailchimp can be overwhelming with its many features and options.
beehiiv has built-in monetization through ads and paid subscriptions. Mailchimp requires third-party tools or e-commerce integrations to generate revenue.