Reviewed by the NexaToolkit team · Last reviewed June 2026. We track both platforms’ 2026 pricing changes and migration patterns. NexaToolkit may earn a commission from links on this page — it never changes what we recommend.
Kit (formerly ConvertKit) and Beehiiv are the two platforms creators choose between for newsletters — and in 2026 the gap widened sharply after Kit’s price increase. Both are excellent; the decision now hinges on cost as your list grows and how you plan to monetize. Here’s the honest comparison, with real pricing.
Pricing: Beehiiv is far cheaper at scale
At 10,000 subscribers, Kit Creator runs ~$135/month (after a ~35% 2026 price hike) versus Beehiiv Scale at ~$42/month (annual). Beehiiv is now significantly cheaper at every paid tier. On free plans it flips: Kit’s free tier covers 10,000 subscribers (broadcast only), while Beehiiv’s free caps at 2,500.
Monetization: the critical difference
This is where it really diverges. Kit charges 3.5% + $0.30 on every paid-subscription transaction; Beehiiv takes no cut on the Scale plan and includes built-in ad-network monetization. For creators selling subscriptions, that fee difference compounds fast.
Focus: ecosystem vs newsletter-native
Kit offers a mature creator ecosystem — courses, digital products, the Creator Network, and Sponsor Network. Beehiiv is purpose-built for newsletters with superior growth tools (recommendations, referrals) and a stronger email editor.
Kit vs Beehiiv
| Kit (ConvertKit) | Beehiiv | |
|---|---|---|
| ~10k subscribers | ~$135/mo | ~$42/mo (Scale) |
| Free plan | 10,000 subs (broadcast only) | 2,500 subs |
| Transaction fee | 3.5% + $0.30 | None (Scale) |
| Strength | Creator ecosystem, products | Newsletter growth + monetization |
| Best for | Selling courses/products | Newsletters, lower cost at scale |
A real scenario
A newsletter creator at 10,000 subscribers planning to monetize: Beehiiv Scale (~$42/mo, no transaction cut, built-in ad network and referrals) is the clear value pick — roughly $93/month cheaper than Kit and it doesn’t skim subscription revenue. Choose Kit only if you’re building a wider product business (courses + digital products) and value its mature ecosystem over cost. Migration from Kit to Beehiiv is now common and supported (tags preserved), so switching is low-risk.
Frequently asked questions
Kit or Beehiiv for a newsletter?
Beehiiv for most creators — far cheaper at scale (~$42 vs ~$135 at 10k), no transaction cut, and stronger newsletter growth tools. Kit if you’re selling courses/products and want its broader creator ecosystem.
Which has the better free plan?
Kit — its free tier covers 10,000 subscribers (broadcast emails only), versus Beehiiv’s 2,500. For paid tiers, Beehiiv is dramatically cheaper.
Do they charge a fee on paid subscriptions?
Kit charges 3.5% + $0.30 per transaction; Beehiiv takes no cut on the Scale plan. For subscription monetization, that gap compounds quickly.
More: see our best email marketing tools and building an email list.
