Curated picks · Newsletter Creators

Best Tools for Newsletter Creators

A newsletter business needs three layers: a sender that lands in inboxes, an audience capture surface, and (eventually) paid subscriptions. Different tools win at different stages.

📅 Updated 🏆 Top pick: Loops (89/100) ⚖️ No paid placements
5
Picks
76.8
Avg score
4
Top tier
  1. 1
    Beehiiv
    Free up to 2,500 subs. The current dominant pick for serious newsletter creators in 2026. Founder-led.
    Recommended 79
  2. 2
    Kit
    Formerly ConvertKit. The veteran. Strong automations and tagging, fair pricing past 1k subscribers.
    Solid 56
  3. 3
    Substack
    Paid newsletters with built-in social and recommendations. Worth it for the network discovery if you accept the platform tax.
    Recommended 71
  4. 4
    Loops
    Transactional + marketing email under one roof. For SaaS founders who also send a newsletter.
    Top Pick 89
  5. 5
    Resend
    Pure sender for those self-hosting their own newsletter app. Cheapest delivery infrastructure on the market.
    Top Pick 89

Common questions

What is the best free newsletter tool?

Beehiiv free tier covers up to 2,500 subscribers with no email send caps. Kit also has a free tier but with a lower subscriber ceiling. For most creators, Beehiiv wins on free generosity and Kit wins on automation depth.

Should I use Substack or Beehiiv?

Substack for built-in network discovery and frictionless paid subscriptions. Beehiiv if you want to own your audience, control deliverability, and not pay 10% to the platform forever.

When should I add a paid tier?

Only when you have at least 1,000 engaged free subscribers and a 30%+ open rate. Below that, paid friction kills growth. Above that, it tests demand without much downside.

Last updated · scoring formula version 1.0 · How we rank