# MailCheap vs beehiiv: Pricing, Features & Honest Trade-offs > Compare MailCheap and beehiiv with dated pricing examples, feature differences, a savings calculator and migration guidance. Canonical: https://alternativetobeehiiv.com/alternative/mail-cheap Last updated: 2026-10-26 [Home](https://alternativetobeehiiv.com/) / MAILCHEAP VS BEEHIIV MAILCHEAP VS BEEHIIV ## Less to spend. *A different set of strengths.* MailCheap is our featured option for a straightforward newsletter. Here is where the lower price helps, and where beehiiv still makes more sense. OUR EDITORIAL TAKE ## Start with what earns its place. Write down the three things your newsletter platform must do. If they are publish an issue, manage your list and send reliably, a simpler tool deserves a closer look. If they include selling memberships or running a referral engine, price is only part of the decision. Our recommendation is conditional: consider MailCheap when its publishing workflow meets your requirements. Compare the subscription cost with the time and revenue involved in replacing features you already use. A lower bill is useful only if the trade-off works for you. Desk research, not a hands-on test. Published 25 October 2026. [Our research method](https://alternativetobeehiiv.com/methodology) SIDE BY SIDE ## The differences that matter. | What matters | MailCheap | beehiiv | | --- | --- | --- | | Hosted free plan | No | Up to 2,500 subscribers | | Monthly example: 4,000 readers | $19 Starter | $109 Lite | | AI connection (MCP) | Included in paid plans | Lite and Pro | | Paid newsletter subscriptions | Not supported | Available on paid plans | | Referral program & ad network | Not available | Available | | A/B testing | Not available | Lite and Pro | | Automation | Welcome email | Broader automation features | | Open-source option | Yes, AGPL-3.0 | No | USD, monthly billing. Published comparison snapshot: 15 October 2026; reviewed 25 October 2026. Prices and features can change. [Sources & assumptions ↗](https://alternativetobeehiiv.com/methodology#sources) 01 / THE NUMBERS ## What could you keep? A smaller platform bill leaves more room for the work your readers came for. Your active subscribers **4,000** 1k 4k 10k 50k 100k Issues per week Your current bill / month $ Starts with a published beehiiv benchmark. Enter your actual bill for a more useful estimate. Includes newsletter sends only; leave room for tests and signup emails. [How we calculate this ↗](https://alternativetobeehiiv.com/methodology#calculator-method) YOUR POTENTIAL ANNUAL SAVING $1,080 $90 less per month, at this sending volume. MailCheap Starter **$19 /mo** Your current platform **$109 /mo** About 17,200 newsletter emails per month. [Check this plan on MailCheap](https://mailcheap.ai/pricing?via=wealthyshezzy1) USD, monthly billing. Published comparison snapshot: 15 October 2026; reviewed 25 October 2026. Prices and features can change. [Sources & assumptions ↗](https://alternativetobeehiiv.com/methodology#sources) THE HONEST ANSWER ## Better for you? That depends on your newsletter. The cheapest tool is only good value if it does the job you need. CONSIDER MAILCHEAP ### You want to publish. Without the bigger bill. - You mainly send free newsletters to your audience. - You can trade growth extras for a simpler workflow. - You want an API or AI-assisted publishing setup. - You have checked your actual monthly send volume. [Take a look at MailCheap](https://mailcheap.ai/?via=wealthyshezzy1) BEEHIIV MAY FIT BETTER ### Your platform also powers your business model. - Your small newsletter fits beehiiv’s free plan. - Paid subscriptions are a core revenue stream. - You rely on its ad network or referral tools. - Advanced automations and A/B testing matter to you. [Review beehiiv’s features ↗](https://www.beehiiv.com/pricing) BEFORE YOU CANCEL ANYTHING ## A subscriber import is not a complete publication move. MailCheap documents a CSV migration path from beehiiv. Review imported fields and suppressed contacts carefully. The published migration guide separates subscribers from historic issues, paid tiers, podcasts and website pages. Keep an export, list the workflows you must replace, and test the new setup while you still have access to the old one. Plan redirects separately if your publication URLs change. [See the migration checklist →](https://alternativetobeehiiv.com/guides/migrate-from-beehiiv) A FEW GOOD QUESTIONS ## Before you make the move. ### Is MailCheap the best beehiiv alternative? + For a straightforward newsletter where sending costs matter most, it is worth considering. If paid memberships, an ad network or advanced automations drive your business, compare those needs carefully before switching. ### Is MailCheap always cheaper? + No. beehiiv has a free plan for up to 2,500 subscribers. MailCheap’s hosted service starts at $19 per month. Your send frequency, active audience and required features determine the better value. ### Can I try MailCheap for free? + There is no free trial for the hosted service. MailCheap’s billing documentation says you can prepare drafts without a plan, but sending and imports require payment. Self-hosting is a separate option and may involve infrastructure costs. ### Will all my beehiiv content move over? + Do not assume so. The subscriber import is separate from migrating your publication. Past issues, website pages, paid subscriptions, podcasts and referral rewards need a separate plan. Read the switching guide before making changes. ### Why do you recommend a product that pays commission? + This is an affiliate-funded publication focused on MailCheap. That commercial relationship influences our coverage. We disclose it, link to sources and show reasons to keep beehiiv. We do not claim a hands-on product test. ### Does using your link cost extra? + No. MailCheap says referrals pay the standard price. An affiliate link does not create a special discount. ## Explore the other options. 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