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Ghost vs. beehiiv

beehiiv is the dynamic and modern alternative to Ghost, focused on newsletter growth and monetization.

Blog-First CMS vs. Newsletter Growth & Monetization

Ghost is an open-source publishing platform built for web-first content. Think blogs, articles, and membership sites.

beehiiv was built by the team behind Morning Brew for publishers who need something different. The industry’s largest native ad network, referral programs, recommendation networks, and growth tools designed specifically for email-first content businesses.

Ghost is good for

  • Independent blogging and web-first content Creation
  • Bespoke / custom self-hosted solutions
  • Educational content and sharing knowledge

beehiiv is best for

  • Content-focused newsletters and publications
  • All-in-one solution for website, email, data analytics, and growth tools
  • Ownership of your audience and custom aesthetic
  • Affordable flat-rate pricing that favors growing creators and companies
  • Enterprise-level solutions made simple and accessible to everyone

compare features

With beehiiv you'll have the same suite of tools used by the world's largest newsletters.

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beehiiv

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Ghost

Monthly Pricing
Monthly email sendsUnlimitedUnlimited
Free plan up to 2,500 subscribers
Up to 10,000 subscribers$109$99
Up to 100,000 subscribers$329$565
Paid Subscriptions0%0%
Content Management Features
Team members
Email sends
Web posts
Publications
Subscribers
Website Features
Web hosting
Subscribe forms
Advanced email capture
Custom domain
Survey forms
Advanced web builder
Podcast sites
Link in bio
Ai website builder
Website analytics
Newsletter Features
Custom builder
Optimized deliverability
Custom fields
Custom HTML
Audience polls
A/B Testing
Content creation AI
Custom mobile apps
Podcasts
Collaborative editing
Inline comments
Dynamic content
Growth
Recommendation network
Magic links
Referral program
Boosts
Monetization
Integrated Ad network
Paid Subscriptions
Boosts
Direct sponsorships
Digital products
Analytics
Campaign analytics
Subscriber metrics
Advanced segmentation
Advanced analytics
Integrations
Giphy
Unsplash
API access
App marketplace
Security
2FA
SSO
Support
Normal support
Priority support
Account manager

Common Questions About Platform Migration

Will I lose subscribers migrating from Ghost to beehiiv?

No. Export your subscribers from Ghost and import directly into beehiiv. We've migrated lists of 500,000+ subscribers without losing a single contact.

What happens to my content in Ghost when I switch to beehiiv?

Ghost content can be exported and imported into beehiiv. Our built-in content import tool handles the migration in just a few clicks.

How long does custom domain transfer take when moving to beehiiv?

DNS propagation typically completes in 24-48 hours. We provide step-by-step documentation for all major registrars.

Will I lose my custom Ghost theme switching to beehiiv?

Yes. Ghost themes don't transfer directly, but beehiiv includes a built-in website builder and a full library of ready-to-use templates.

Can I transfer paid memberships from Ghost to beehiiv?

Yes. You can transfer your paid memberships by migrating your subscribers from Ghost to beehiiv. You’ll just need to re-set up payments and plans in beehiiv.

What training and onboarding does beehiiv provide?

All plans include documentation, guided setup, and email support. Max and Enterprise plans add priority support and dedicated account managers, respectively.

Can I self-host beehiiv like Ghost?

No. beehiiv is a managed platform with no self-hosting option. If full server control and open-source flexibility matter most, Ghost offers that. beehiiv focuses on making newsletter growth and monetization accessible, without a full DevOps team.

beehiiv is built for

Content Creators

Scale faster with built-in growth and monetization tools. Plus, the industry’s largest native ad network, Boosts for paid subscriber acquisition, and built-in referral programs. Unlike Ghost, it’s newsletter-first, with no code required.

Media Companies & Publishers

Purpose-built newsletter infrastructure with multiple publications and advanced analytics. Take advantage of collaborative editing, flexible embeds, and more.

Startups & B2B Organizations

Build authority through content with growth tools that work out of the box. Full A/B testing, recommendation networks, and newsletter-specific segmentation. No coding or theme development required.

Solopreneurs

Everything you need in one platform. Get started for free with 2,500 subscribers. Ghost has no free plan; you get a 14-day trial before you start paying.

Still Have Questions?

How does Ghost pricing compare to beehiiv?

At 10K subscribers, Ghost is $88/month vs beehiiv at $96/month. At 100K subscribers, Ghost is $274/month vs beehiiv at $290/month. beehiiv has a free plan, while Ghost only offers a 14-day trial.

Does beehiiv offer a free plan?

Yes. beehiiv offers a free plan with 2,500 subscribers and unlimited sends. Ghost has no free plan, just a 14-day trial. After that, you start paying from day one.

Can I run paid subscriptions on beehiiv like Ghost?

Yes. Both platforms offer 0% platform fees on paid subscriptions. You only pay Stripe processing fees.

Does beehiiv have an ad network?

Yes. beehiiv's integrated ad network connects publishers with premium advertisers who pay to sponsor your newsletter.

What newsletter growth tools does beehiiv offer compared to Ghost?

beehiiv includes built-in referral programs, a recommendation network for cross-promotion, and Boosts for paid subscriber acquisition. Ghost offers native analytics, member growth tracking, SEO tools, and membership tiers, but no native newsletter-specific growth tools, such as referral or recommendation networks.

How does beehiiv's customization compare to Ghost's theme flexibility?

Ghost offers deeper customization with full theme control, custom code (HTML/CSS/JS), and open-source flexibility for unique branding. beehiiv's customization is more accessible with no coding required and built-in design tools for newsletters and web pages. Ghost is better for total design ownership. beehiiv is better for a quick, streamlined setup.

How do I get started with beehiiv?

Sign up for free with no credit card required and send your first newsletter within minutes. No 14-day trial countdown. Grow to 2,500 subscribers before you pay anything.

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