beehiiv vs Mailchimp

Choosing between beehiiv and Mailchimp? Here's how they compare on pricing, features, and best-fit use cases.

Quick answer

Choosing between beehiiv and Mailchimp? beehiiv is best for newsletter creators (a free tier, then $43/mo), while Mailchimp suits small businesses (a free tier, then $13/mo). Both serve the same job — pick on use-case fit and budget.

Higher rated

beehiiv

4.6 /5

Newsletter platform built for growth and monetization, with AI writing, an AI website builder, and an ad network.

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Mailchimp

4.4 /5

The best-known all-in-one email marketing platform, now with Intuit Assist generative AI baked into the editor.

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beehiiv Mailchimp
Category AI Email & Lifecycle Marketing AI Email & Lifecycle Marketing
Best for Newsletter creators, Media brands & publishers Small businesses, Ecommerce stores
Top use case Launch and grow a newsletter with built-in subscriber acquisition Send newsletters and automated customer journeys from one suite
Starting price Free tier · $43/mo Free tier · $13/mo
Free tier Yes Yes
Rating 4.6 4.4

Which should you choose?

Choose beehiiv if…

  • Newsletter creators
  • Media brands & publishers
  • Journalists and newsrooms

Edge: Purpose-built for newsletters and creator monetization, not generic broadcasts

Choose Mailchimp if…

  • Small businesses
  • Ecommerce stores
  • Multichannel marketers

Edge: Broadest brand recognition and template/onboarding ecosystem for SMBs

Bottom line

beehiiv is built for newsletter creators and media brands & publishers; Mailchimp suits small businesses and ecommerce stores. Both are AI Email & Lifecycle Marketing tools, so it comes down to which job is your priority and your budget. Verify pricing on each vendor's site (info as of June 2026).

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between beehiiv and Mailchimp?

Both are AI Email & Lifecycle Marketing tools. beehiiv is geared toward newsletter creators, while Mailchimp suits small businesses — the choice comes down to which job is your priority.

Is beehiiv or Mailchimp cheaper?

Mailchimp is the cheaper entry point ($13/mo vs $43/mo), and Mailchimp has a free tier to trial first.

Should I choose beehiiv or Mailchimp?

Choose beehiiv if your priority is newsletter creators; choose Mailchimp if small businesses matters more. Both are solid — the decision comes down to your specific use case, not a single score.

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