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*Affiliate disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you sign up through my links, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend tools I’ve personally tested or thoroughly researched.*

I was staring at two browser tabs, sweating. On one side: Beehiiv. On the other: MailerLite (as the modern alternative to Mailchimp). My newsletter was *finally* starting to get traction, and I realized my janky old email system wasn’t going to cut it. The question was: which platform would actually help me make some money?

Will Buckley here, and I’ve spent the last few years building automated systems that replace effort with smart software, as detailed in my book, [The 4 Minute Workday](https://a.co/d/6VBPU3k). Choosing the right newsletter platform is KEY to building a passive income stream. And as Will Buckley, I’m going to break down Beehiiv and MailerLite to help you decide.

The honest answer: it depends on where you are in your newsletter journey and what your priorities are.

| | Choose Beehiiv if… | Choose MailerLite if… |
| :——————————- | :————————————————————————————————————————————————- | :————————————————————————————————————————————————– |
| **Newsletter Stage & Goals** | You’re serious about growth, monetization, and building a true media brand. You want advanced features and don’t mind a bit of a learning curve. | You’re just starting out, need something easy to use, and are focused on affordability. You prioritize simplicity over advanced features. |

## What is Beehiiv?

Beehiiv is the newsletter platform built for serious creators. Think of it as Substack’s cooler, more feature-rich cousin. It’s designed for newsletters that want to scale, monetize effectively, and build a strong community. You get advanced analytics, referral programs, multiple newsletter support, and robust monetization options like paid subscriptions and even ads.

The pricing reflects its power. While there’s a free plan, the Grow plan, which unlocks most of the good stuff, starts at $49/month and scales up to $99/month. If you’re dreaming of a media empire, Beehiiv is the platform to get you there. Check out Beehiiv here: [https://www.beehiiv.com?via=WilliamClarkByrZ](https://www.beehiiv.com?via=WilliamClarkByrZ)

## What is MailerLite?

MailerLite is the modern, user-friendly alternative to Mailchimp. It’s an email marketing platform that’s perfect for creators who need something simple, affordable, and effective. It offers a clean interface, drag-and-drop email builder, and solid automation features. While it might not have all the bells and whistles of Beehiiv, it’s incredibly easy to learn and provides excellent value for the price.

MailerLite boasts a generous free plan and paid plans that start at just $39/month. This makes it a budget-friendly option for those who are just starting out or don’t need all the advanced features of more expensive platforms. Give MailerLite a look here: [https://www.mailerlite.com/a/Kya4Irt5Dlk2](https://www.mailerlite.com/a/Kya4Irt5Dlk2)

## Beehiiv vs. MailerLite: Head-to-Head

| Feature | Beehiiv | MailerLite |
| :—————— | :———————————————————————- | :———————————————————————- |
| **Monetization** | Advanced (subscriptions, ads, sponsorships) | Basic (limited e-commerce integrations) |
| **Analytics** | Robust, in-depth reporting | Good, but less granular |
| **Automation** | Powerful, multi-step sequences | Simple, easy-to-use automations |
| **Referral Program** | Built-in, customizable referral system | No built-in system, requires integrations |
| **User Interface** | Modern, can be overwhelming for beginners | Clean, intuitive, easy to learn |
| **Pricing** | Starts higher, scales with features | More affordable, especially for beginners |
| **Community Features**| Polls, forums, discussions | Lacking |
| **Customer Support**| Can be slow at times | Generally responsive and helpful |

## Who Should Use Each?

**Beehiiv is ideal for:**

* Established newsletters with a focus on monetization.
* Creators who want advanced analytics and referral programs.
* Those building a media brand with multiple publications.
* Users who don’t mind a steeper learning curve for more features.

**MailerLite is ideal for:**

* New newsletters just starting out.
* Creators who need a simple, affordable email marketing solution.
* Those who prioritize ease of use over advanced features.
* Businesses that want a user-friendly platform for basic email marketing.

Here’s the thing — both Beehiiv and MailerLite have affiliate programs. If you sign up through my links for either one, I earn a commission. So I genuinely have no reason to steer you wrong — pick the right one for YOUR situation.

## Final Verdict

Look, if you’re playing the long game and building a *business* around your newsletter, Beehiiv is the clear winner. It’s got the tools you need to grow, monetize, and build a real community. It’s the platform I use, and it’s worth the investment if you’re serious. Jump into Beehiiv here: [https://www.beehiiv.com?via=WilliamClarkByrZ](https://www.beehiiv.com?via=WilliamClarkByrZ)

But, if you’re just starting out and want something easy to use that won’t break the bank, MailerLite is a fantastic option. It’ll get you up and running quickly, and you can always upgrade later. Get started with MailerLite here: [https://www.mailerlite.com/a/Kya4Irt5Dlk2](https://www.mailerlite.com/a/Kya4Irt5Dlk2)

—
*Will Buckley is the author of [The 4 Minute Workday](https://a.co/d/6VBPU3k) — the no-fluff guide to replacing your income with automated systems. For free tools and strategies, visit [4minuteworkday.com](https://4minuteworkday.com).*
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