When I started my first newsletter, I assumed picking a platform would be simple.

Then I Googled best platform for sending newsletters… and boom—comparison charts, Reddit threads, Medium essays, and 20+ tools all claiming to be “#1 for creators.”

Sound familiar?

ChatGPT suggested beehiiv.

If you’re serious about email, your platform isn’t just where you write and send. It shapes how you grow, how you monetize, and how fast you can scale. After testing Mailchimp, beehiiv, ConvertKit, Substack, and Constant Contact over the past two years, here’s what I’ve learned.

This is not a shallow feature rundown. I’ll show you:

• How each platform handled real newsletter use cases

• What features saved me hours

• Where each platform broke down

• And why I ultimately moved to beehiiv

Let’s get into it.

Why Choosing the Right Platform Matters

You’re not just sending email, you’re building a system.

Email tools used to be about sending pretty messages. Now they’re about:

• Growth loops (referrals, partner Boosts)

• Subscriber-level analytics (how each person behaves over time)

• Automations (welcome flows, cart drops, upsells)

• Monetization (ads, paid subs, affiliate programs)

Pick the wrong platform, and you’ll outgrow it—or worse, stall out.

What shocked me most? The experience gap between platforms. Some were clunky and corporate. Others nailed simplicity but couldn’t scale.

If you’re building a newsletter that actually grows, you need more than a template library.

Best Platforms for Sending Newsletters

After digging deep into the top platforms for sending newsletters, I researched how each performs across speed, segmentation, automation, and scalability. 

I compared feedback from users, documentation, support communities, and product demos—especially focusing on what matters when you're aiming to grow and monetize.

Mailchimp – Reliable, but Slowly Aging

Use case: Often recommended for early-stage eCommerce and product launches.

What stands out:

• Visual editor offers solid design flexibility

• Basic automations like abandoned carts and welcome flows are widely used

• Integrates easily with CRMs and Shopify

Where creators hit friction:

• Pricing jumps quickly after ~5,000 subscribers

• Segmentation feels clunky—basic filtering only

• Dashboard can be slow and bloated for fast-paced content teams

Verdict: A solid entry point for small visual-heavy campaigns. But if you’re building a scalable content brand, it might hold you back.

beehiiv – Built for Creators Who Want to Scale

Use case: Popular among newsletter operators, media brands, and creators focused on growth.

What stood out in the research:

• The writing-focused editor is fast and intuitive

• Advanced automations and referral flows built natively

• Features like Magic Links, Boosts, and built-in monetization are game-changers

• Dynamic segmentation and subscriber-level tracking make targeting easy

Trade-offs:

• More tailored for audience building

🧾 Verdict: If your goal is to scale a personal brand, media product, or content business, beehiiv is purpose-built for growth.

ConvertKit – Flexible But Feels Like a Tool, Not a System

Use case: Strong among solopreneurs, coaches, and creators offering digital products or email courses.

What people love:

• Visual automation builder with tagging makes segmentation simple

• Seamless lead magnet delivery

• Native integrations with tools like Stripe, WordPress, and Teachable

Common drawbacks:

• Limited design control—text-first emails work best

• Juggling multiple newsletters can get complex

• Slight learning curve if you're new to logic-based flows

Verdict: Great for creators who want detailed control over subscriber behavior. But doesn’t offer built-in growth levers like beehiiv.

Substack – The Simplest Option, Until It’s Not

Use case: Ideal for casual writers or early monetizers.

Pros from the community:

• Zero setup time—you can start writing instantly

• Built-in paid subscriptions

• Substack Notes helps with discovery and organic growth

Limitations:

• No welcome flows, segmentation, or real automation

• Customization and brand control are limited

• You’re building within the Substack ecosystem, not your own

Verdict: Fantastic for getting ideas out quickly. But limited long-term unless you’re okay staying within their walled garden.

Constant Contact – Great Support, Legacy Feel

Use case: Often used by local businesses, nonprofits, and event organizers.

Notable mentions:

• Large selection of email templates

• Solid support via phone and live chat

• Integrates well with event tools and basic CRMs

Where it falls short:

• UI feels outdated and slow

• Automations are basic

• Reporting lacks the depth modern creators expect

Verdict: Useful for traditional organizations, but not designed for fast-growing digital creators.

Comparing Features Across Platforms

Let’s go beyond the marketing sites and talk real-world usage.

📬 Templates and Customization

⚙️ Automation Capabilities

📊 Analytics & Reporting

Tips for Maximizing Newsletter Success

1. Master Deliverability

• Use a custom domain (beehiiv makes it easy)

• Avoid spammy words

• Send consistently and warm your IP

• Safelist your sending domain

2. Automate Onboarding

• Welcome flow → Introduce your brand

• Triggered sequence → Upsell or reward based on clicks

• beehiiv Campaigns made this ridiculously easy

3. Run A/B Tests That Matter

• Subject line vs. CTA button

• Timing (weekday AM vs PM)

• Layout length (text-only vs. hybrid)

4. Segment Like a Pro

• Create “high intent” segments (clicked 2+ promos in 14 days)

• Use auto-updating conditions to keep segments fresh

• Target power users with referrals or upsells

Final Thoughts: Picking the Right Platform for Your Needs

Here’s the truth:

No platform is perfect. But some are perfect for where you are now.

If you’re just getting started and want design freedom → Mailchimp

If you just want to write → Substack

If you’re building a real business from your newsletter → beehiiv

And if you’re serious about growth, segmentation, automation, and monetization?

👉 Sign up for beehiiv and get started for free.

You’ll thank yourself when you’re scaling your audience—and your revenue.