A newsletter is the one audience you own. The platform you pick decides what it costs, how easily you can leave, and how much of your paid revenue you keep.
On the platforms below, you keep your own subscriber list and can export it, which makes switching possible later. Fees and growth tools differ a lot, so the right answer depends on whether you want to sell subscriptions, grow through referrals, or just send updates.
Quick picks
- Best for owning your site and newsletter together: Ghost
- Best for growth tools: Beehiiv
- Best for selling products and courses: Kit
- Best for simple free newsletters with built-in discovery: Substack
- Best budget option: MailerLite
How we compared them
Prices come from public comparison posts published between early and mid 2026, so confirm each plan before you commit. We looked at starting price, free plan limits, fees on paid subscriptions and who each platform suits.
The platforms
1. Ghost
Ghost is open source and combines a website, newsletter and memberships. Plans start at about $9 to $11 a month for small audiences, and it takes no commission on paid subscriptions. You pay Stripe's processing fees (about 2.9% plus 30 cents).
We run wearefounders.uk on Ghost and love its reliability. On the rare occasions we’ve needed support, the team has been incredibly helpful.
2. Beehiiv
Beehiiv has a free plan up to 2,500 subscribers, with paid plans from about $40 to $43 a month. It has an ad network, referral program, recommendations network, automations and A/B testing. It takes no commission on paid subscriptions beyond Stripe fees.
3. Kit
Kit (formerly ConvertKit) is free up to 10,000 subscribers for individuals, with paid plans from about $15 a month for 300 subscribers on its premium tier. Selling digital products runs through Stripe, with a fee of about 3.5% plus 30 cents per transaction.
4. Substack
Substack is free until you charge. It then takes 10% of paid subscription revenue plus payment processing.
5. MailerLite
MailerLite has a free plan up to 1,000 subscribers and paid plans from about $10 a month. It has a drag-and-drop editor, landing pages and Stripe-based paid subscriptions.
6. Mailchimp
Mailchimp is free up to 500 subscribers, with paid plans from about $13 a month.
7. Sequenzy
Sequenzy combines newsletters with automated emails for onboarding and billing. Its free plan includes 2,500 emails a month, with paid plans from $19 a month for 15,000 emails. All plans include unlimited contacts.
Comparison table
| Platform | Free plan | Paid from (approx.) | Fee on paid subs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ghost | No (trial) | $9 to $11/mo | None (Stripe fees only) |
| Beehiiv | Up to 2,500 | $40 to $43/mo | None (Stripe fees only) |
| Kit | Up to 10,000 | $15/mo | About 3.5% + 30 cents |
| Substack | Yes | Free until paid | 10% + processing |
| MailerLite | Up to 1,000 | $10/mo | Stripe fees |
| Mailchimp | Up to 500 | $13/mo | n/a |
| Sequenzy | Yes (2,500 emails/mo) | $19/mo | None listed |
FAQ
Can I move my subscribers between platforms?
Yes. On all of the platforms above you can export your subscriber list and import it elsewhere.
Which platform is cheapest at scale?
Ghost and Beehiiv tend to cost less than Substack once paid subscriptions grow.
Do I need a paid plan to start?
No. Beehiiv, Kit, MailerLite and Substack all have free options.
Related reading
Chris Kernaghan
Chris Kernaghan
Prices were checked in November 2026 from public comparison posts and may have changed.
