Beehiiv vs. ConvertKit: A Comprehensive Review and Comparison

SubscribersConvertkitBeehiiv
2,500$49 per month (Creator Plan)
$79 per month (Creator Pro Plan)
Free
10,000$119 per month (Creator Plan)
$167 per month (Creator Pro Plan)
$49 per month
25,000$199 per month (Creator Plan)
$279 per month (Creator Pro Plan)
$99 per month

Do you need exact pricing? Check our Calculator to find the cheapest email marketing software for you.

ConvertKitBeehiiv
Ease of UseWith ConvertKit, the interface is less user-friendly, and it can be challenging to find the features you needIn Beehiiv, there’s an intuitive interface that is easy to navigate
PricingConvertKit can be expensive, with pricing plans that are not as flexibleIn Beehiiv, you’ll only pay for the number of subscribers you have, and there are no hidden fees or contracts.
Customizable TemplatesConvertKit’s templates are limited, which can make it difficult to create a unique newsletter.With Beehiiv, you have access to a wide variety of customizable templates, making it easy to create a newsletter that matches your brand.
Advance SegmentationConvertKit’s segmentation features are not as advanced.Beehiiv’s advanced segmentation features allow you to target specific groups of subscribers based on their interests, behavior, and demographics.
Read Full ReviewConvertKit Review: The marketing Platform for CreatorsBeehiiv Review: A Newsletter Platform from Industry Experts

I tested ConvertKit, Beehiiv and Ghost for a month each, I looked for conversion rates from Twitter, deliverability/open rates, and just overall quality of life. My goal was to move from WordPress. ConvertKit pages and forms performed well, this was plugging my subscribe page on my Twitter profile and posts, and in-line forms on WordPress.

Image

I had good deliverability/open rates on my broadcasts, automations and sequences for the time.

Image

My issue was wanting to have in-built tools that will subscriber-gate my content on my website, and that took too much effort with ConvertKit x WordPress. So I found out about Beehiiv and Ghost, and decided to try both. To make the tests as fair as possible, I ran both for approximately a month. I also scheduled the same exact content on Twitter over 2 months as to get the same amount of visits to each site (or as closely as possible). Both were equally easy to set up, both have great user/admin dashboards, I’d say Beehiiv has more tools that actually help creators, but generally, both are great platforms off the bat. I found out that I couldn’t create automations/sequences on Ghost which was instantly an issue. My results with Beehiiv emails has been on par with ConvertKit, emails get delivered and opened.

Image

This was not the case with Ghost, as you can see below, I was getting 9% open rates compared to 40% from Beehiiv. This test was made by sending the same amount of emails, same/A/B titles and content, and were long enough apart such that users didn’t receive the same email twice within the same week for example.

Image

I emailed them and asked for help, and their response was literally “tell us who didn’t receive your email”.. I responded with screenshots of emails in junk folders and never heard from them again. This was already a big issue for me, I thought it’d probably resolve over time, but it didn’t. My goal was to gate my web content to subscribers only, this is what both platforms claim is their specialty. In terms of conversion rate, over 1,000 clicks, Beehiiv converted 229 visitors into subscribers, where Ghost only converted 29. I couldn’t pin exactly why this is the case because both pages were identical, but I have 2 theories. 1. Beehiivs form is much friendlier, it asks for your email and immediately unlocks the content. While this could have contributed to more conversions, it could also increase spam sign ups, which has not been the case for me (so far). When you subscribe and come back, the login process is simple and works, unlike Ghost. 2. Ghosts subscribe process was broken. For example, you’d go to my article, and instead of a form where you enter your email, it has a “create an account” button, which takes you to a separate page that asks for your email. You enter your email and get a confirmation email in your junk folder, so you never sign up 🙂 The 30 people that fished the email out of their junk folders were unable to sign in, because the sign in link sent them into an infinite loop where it would say “invalid link” – even though the user was signed in.. I asked Ghost to help with this, but they said since I was using a custom theme, they wouldn’t intervene, even though this sign-up function was broken without the premium theme. This was a conversion killer for me, an actual nail in the coffin. This is where Beehiiv passes with a breeze. They provide visitors with a simple sign up & login experience that doesn’t bug/ruin experience. Their content locking systems are friendly for both users and admins, controls are super simple. Their emails get delivered, and sequences/automations can be made. Their admin tools/dashboard has all the necessary features you need to run a newsletter and gated community. They also have recommend/boost features which are great for growth. Another contrast from Ghost is how responsive they are as a platform. The owners are experienced newsletter industry people and have really put in a lot of work to address lots of issues newsletter/community owners face. It’s this proactive approach that makes me trust them enough to use for my long term build. Ghost has been around for a decade and has many unanswered issues on the internet. Beehiiv is only a few years old, but has a massive community of people willing and ready to help, it’s almost like WordPress in that aspect. I wrote a much more detailed post about this a while ago, but will be updating the information to reflect what I wrote now. If anything, I highly recommend you try Beehiiv by using their 14 day free trial to do your own experiment, I think you’ll come to the same conclusion )

Read full Beehiiv review

ActiveCampaign vs Klaviyo: Decoding the Best Email Marketing Solution

Email marketing has become an essential tool for businesses looking to engage with their audience and drive conversions.

With a plethora of email marketing solutions available in the market, it can be challenging to choose the right one for your business. In this article, we will compare two popular email marketing platforms: ActiveCampaign and Klaviyo.

By understanding their features, functionalities, and benefits, you’ll be able to make an informed decision on which platform best suits your business needs.


1. Overview of ActiveCampaign

ActiveCampaign is a robust email marketing platform designed to automate and personalize your marketing efforts.

It offers a comprehensive suite of tools, including email marketing, marketing automation, CRM, and sales automation.

ActiveCampaign enables businesses to create targeted campaigns, segment their audience, and deliver personalized content based on customer behavior and preferences.

2. Key Features of ActiveCampaign

1. Email Marketing

ActiveCampaign provides a user-friendly email editor, allowing you to create visually appealing emails without any coding knowledge.

You can choose from a wide range of customizable templates and easily add images, videos, and call-to-action buttons.

The platform also offers advanced features like A/B testing, automated follow-ups, and dynamic content to optimize your email campaigns.

2. Marketing Automation

One of ActiveCampaign’s standout features is its powerful marketing automation capabilities.

You can create complex automation workflows based on triggers, actions, and conditions.

This allows you to send personalized emails at the right time, automate lead nurturing, and track customer interactions throughout the buyer’s journey.

3. CRM and Sales Automation

ActiveCampaign’s integrated CRM system helps you manage and track your customer relationships effectively.

It provides a unified view of your contacts, their interactions, and their stage in the sales funnel.

The platform also offers sales automation features such as lead scoring, pipeline management, and task automation to streamline your sales process.


3. Benefits of ActiveCampaign

1. Personalization and Segmentation

ActiveCampaign’s robust segmentation and personalization features allow you to deliver tailored content to your audience.

You can segment contacts based on their demographics, behavior, and engagement history.

This enables you to send relevant messages that resonate with each individual, increasing engagement and conversions.

2. Advanced Automation

With ActiveCampaign, you can automate repetitive tasks and workflows, saving you time and effort.

The platform’s automation features help you deliver timely messages, nurture leads, and convert prospects into customers.

By automating your marketing processes, you can focus on strategic initiatives and scale your business effectively.

3. Comprehensive Analytics

ActiveCampaign provides detailed analytics and reporting to track the performance of your email campaigns.

You can monitor key metrics such as open rates, click-through rates, and conversion rates. These insights help you identify what’s working and optimize your campaigns for better results.


4. Overview of Klaviyo

Klaviyo is an email marketing platform designed specifically for e-commerce businesses.

It integrates seamlessly with popular e-commerce platforms like Shopify, Magento, and WooCommerce, allowing you to leverage customer data to drive targeted email marketing campaigns.


5. Key Features of Klaviyo

1. E-commerce Integration

Klaviyo’s deep integration with e-commerce platforms makes it an ideal choice for online retailers. It automatically syncs customer data, purchase history, and browsing behavior, enabling you to send highly personalized emails based on real-time data.

You can create abandoned cart emails, product recommendations, and win-back campaigns to maximize conversions.

2. Behavioral Tracking and Segmentation

Klaviyo’s powerful tracking capabilities help you understand your customers’ behavior and preferences. It tracks website activity, email interactions, and purchase behavior, allowing you to segment your audience effectively.

You can create dynamic segments based on specific criteria and send targeted emails to boost engagement and sales.

3. Dynamic Personalization

Klaviyo offers advanced personalization options to create a tailored experience for your customers. You can dynamically insert product recommendations, personalized discount codes, and relevant content based on individual preferences.

This level of personalization enhances customer loyalty and drives repeat purchases.


6. Benefits of Klaviyo

1. E-commerce Focus

Klaviyo’s specialization in e-commerce marketing makes it a powerful tool for online businesses. Its integrations with popular e-commerce platforms and extensive e-commerce features help you leverage customer data to drive revenue growth.

You can automate abandoned cart recovery, cross-selling, and customer re-engagement, resulting in increased sales and customer lifetime value.

2. Data-Driven Insights

Klaviyo provides in-depth analytics and insights into your e-commerce marketing campaigns. You can track revenue generated, average order value, and customer lifetime value.

These metrics help you understand the effectiveness of your email marketing efforts and make data-driven decisions to optimize your campaigns.


7. ActiveCampaign vs Klaviyo: A Feature Comparison

Both ActiveCampaign and Klaviyo offer powerful features to drive your email marketing campaigns. Here’s a comparison of their key features:

FeatureActiveCampaignKlaviyo
Email MarketingYesYes
Marketing AutomationYesYes
CRM and Sales AutomationYesNo
E-commerce IntegrationLimitedExtensive
Behavioral TrackingYesYes
PersonalizationYesYes
Analytics and ReportingYesYes

Free Plan Features

Free Plan FeaturesActiveCampaignKlaviyo
Email MarketingYesYes
Marketing AutomationYesYes
CRM and Sales AutomationYesNo
E-commerce IntegrationLimitedExtensive
Contact LimitUp to 500 contactsUp to 250 contacts
Email Sending Limit3,000 emails per month500 emails per month
Reporting and AnalyticsBasicBasic
Support Knowledge Base, Community ForumKnowledge Base, Email Support

While both platforms excel in different areas, Klaviyo’s deep integration with e-commerce platforms makes it a top choice for online retailers.

ActiveCampaign, on the other hand, offers comprehensive automation features and CRM capabilities.


8. Pricing Comparison

Pricing is an important consideration when choosing an email marketing solution.

ActiveCampaign and Klaviyo offer different pricing models based on the number of contacts or subscribers.

It’s crucial to evaluate your business’s needs and growth trajectory to select the most cost-effective option.

Pricing Comparison between ActiveCampaign and Klaviyo

You can also use our calculator to compare prices by exact number of subscribers.

Pricing PlanActiveCampaign ContactsActiveCampaign PriceKlaviyo ContactsKlaviyo Price
Free PlanUp to 500 contactsFreeUp to 250 contactsFree
Lite/Basic PlanUp to 500 contactsStarts at $19/monthUp to 500 contactsStarts at $45/month
Plus PlanUp to 1,000 contactsStarts at $49/monthUp to 1,000 contactsCustom pricing available
Professional PlanUp to 2,500 contactsStarts at $149/monthCustom pricing availableCustom pricing available
Enterprise PlanUnlimitedCustom pricing availableCustom pricing availableCustom pricing available
Pricing PlanKlaviyoActiveCampaign
Free TrialYesNo
Basic PlanStarts at $45/monthStarting at $19/month (Sales)

Starting at $49/month (Marketing)
Plus PlanStarts at $60/monthStarting at $49/month (Sales)

Starting at $149/month (Marketing)
Business PlanCustom pricing availableCustom pricing available

9. Integrations and Third-Party Apps

Both ActiveCampaign and Klaviyo offer integrations with popular marketing tools and platforms. They have extensive app marketplaces that allow you to connect your email marketing efforts with other business systems, such as CRM, e-commerce platforms, and analytics tools.

It’s essential to consider the integrations that are critical for your business and ensure that the platform you choose supports them.


10. User-Friendliness and Ease of Use

When it comes to user-friendliness, ActiveCampaign and Klaviyo both offer intuitive interfaces and easy-to-use features.

However, Klaviyo’s seamless integration with e-commerce platforms and its focus on e-commerce-specific use cases make it particularly user-friendly for online retailers.

ActiveCampaign’s comprehensive suite of tools may require a learning curve for users who are new to email marketing automation.


11. Customer Support and Resources

Having reliable customer support and access to helpful resources is crucial when using an email marketing platform. ActiveCampaign and Klaviyo both offer various support options, including live chat, email support, and extensive knowledge bases.

They also provide educational resources like webinars, guides, and tutorials to help you maximize the potential of their platforms.


12. Case Studies and Success Stories

To gain insights into the real-world impact of ActiveCampaign and Klaviyo, it’s beneficial to explore case studies and success stories from businesses that have used these platforms.

By understanding how others have achieved success, you can gather ideas and inspiration for your own email marketing campaigns.


13. ActiveCampaign or Klaviyo: Which One Should You Choose?

Choosing between ActiveCampaign and Klaviyo depends on your business’s specific needs and goals. Consider the following factors:

  1. Business Type: If you’re an e-commerce business, Klaviyo’s deep e-commerce integration and specialized features make it an excellent choice. For other types of businesses requiring robust automation and CRM capabilities, ActiveCampaign may be a better fit.
  2. Budget: Evaluate your budget and the pricing models offered by both platforms. Consider the number of contacts you have and your projected growth to determine the most cost-effective solution.
  3. Integration Needs: Determine the integrations you require to streamline your marketing efforts. Ensure that the platform you choose supports the necessary integrations with your existing business systems.
  4. Ease of Use: Consider your team’s familiarity with email marketing automation and CRM tools. Choose a platform that aligns with your team’s skillset and offers a user-friendly interface.

By carefully assessing these factors and aligning them with your business goals, you’ll be able to make an informed decision between ActiveCampaign and Klaviyo.


14. Conclusion

ActiveCampaign and Klaviyo are powerful email marketing solutions that cater to different business needs. ActiveCampaign excels in comprehensive automation and CRM capabilities, while Klaviyo specializes in e-commerce integration and data-driven personalization.

Carefully evaluate your business requirements, budget, and integration needs to choose the platform that best aligns with your goals. With either solution, you’ll have the tools to create effective email marketing campaigns and drive engagement and conversions.


15. FAQs

Q1: Can I switch from one platform to another?

Yes, it is possible to switch from one platform to another. However, it may require some effort to migrate your contacts, email templates, and automation workflows. It’s recommended to plan the migration carefully and seek assistance from the support teams of both platforms.

Q2: Can I use ActiveCampaign or Klaviyo for my small business?

Yes, both ActiveCampaign and Klaviyo cater to small businesses. They offer pricing plans suitable for businesses of different sizes. Assess your specific requirements, budget, and growth potential to determine the best fit for your small business.

Q3: Can I track the performance of my email campaigns using these platforms?

Yes, both ActiveCampaign and Klaviyo provide detailed analytics and reporting features. You can track key metrics like open rates, click-through rates, and conversions to measure the effectiveness of your email campaigns.

Q4: Can I customize the email templates in ActiveCampaign and Klaviyo?

Yes, both platforms offer customizable email templates. You can modify the design, layout, and content of the templates to align with your branding and campaign objectives.

Q5: Do ActiveCampaign and Klaviyo offer customer support?

Yes, both ActiveCampaign and Klaviyo provide customer support options, including live chat, email support, and extensive knowledge bases. You can reach out to their support teams for assistance with any queries or issues you may have.

ActiveCampaign vs MailChimp. Which one is best for your Email Marketing?

When it comes to email marketing, choosing the right platform is crucial for the success of your campaigns.

ActiveCampaign and MailChimp are two popular email marketing tools that offer a wide range of features and functionality.

In this article, we will compare ActiveCampaign and MailChimp to help you determine which one is best suited for your email marketing needs.


1. ActiveCampaign: A Comprehensive Email Marketing Solution

ActiveCampaign is a robust email marketing platform that provides a comprehensive set of tools to automate and optimize your email marketing campaigns.

With ActiveCampaign, you can create personalized email campaigns, segment your audience, and track the performance of your emails. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key features of ActiveCampaign.

a) Automation and Personalization

ActiveCampaign offers powerful automation features that allow you to create personalized customer journeys.

You can set up triggers, actions, and conditions to automate various tasks such as sending welcome emails, follow-ups, and abandoned cart reminders.

By leveraging automation, you can deliver targeted messages to your audience based on their behavior and preferences.

b) Email Segmentation

Segmenting your email list is essential for targeting the right audience with the right message.

ActiveCampaign provides advanced segmentation capabilities, allowing you to create dynamic segments based on various criteria such as contact attributes, behavior, and engagement.

This helps you tailor your email content to specific segments, resulting in higher open rates and click-through rates.

c) Email Deliverability and Tracking

With ActiveCampaign, you can ensure that your emails reach your subscribers’ inboxes.

The platform offers features like email validation, spam testing, and deliverability monitoring to help you maintain a good sender reputation.

Additionally, you can track the performance of your emails with detailed analytics and reports, enabling you to optimize your campaigns for better results.


2. MailChimp: A User-Friendly Email Marketing Tool

MailChimp is a popular email marketing platform known for its user-friendly interface and ease of use. It offers a wide range of features and integrations that make it suitable for businesses of all sizes.

Let’s explore some of the key features of MailChimp:

a) Drag-and-Drop Email Builder

MailChimp’s drag-and-drop email builder makes it easy to create visually appealing email campaigns without any coding knowledge.

You can choose from a variety of pre-designed templates or create your own custom designs. The intuitive interface allows you to add images, text, buttons, and social media links to your emails with ease.

b) List Management and Segmentation

Managing your email list is effortless with MailChimp’s list management features. You can import contacts, organize them into different lists, and segment them based on various criteria.

MailChimp also provides pre-built segments based on customer behavior, allowing you to target specific groups of subscribers with relevant content.

c) A/B Testing

To maximize the effectiveness of your email campaigns, MailChimp offers A/B testing capabilities. You can test different subject lines, email content, and send times to identify the best-performing variations.

By analyzing the results, you can optimize your campaigns and improve engagement with your audience.


3. ActiveCampaign vs MailChimp: A Comparison

Now that we have explored the key features of both ActiveCampaign and MailChimp, let’s compare them head-to-head to help you make an informed decision for your email marketing strategy.

Free Plan

Free Plan FeaturesActiveCampaignMailchimp
Email MarketingYesYes
Marketing AutomationYesYes
CRM and Sales AutomationYesNo
E-commerce IntegrationLimitedLimited
Contact LimitUp to 500 contactsUp to 2,000 contacts
Email Sending Limit3,000 emails per month10,000 emails per month
Reporting and AnalyticsBasicBasic
SupportKnowledge Base, Community ForumKnowledge Base, Email Support

FeatureActiveCampaignMailchimp
Automation
Email Segmentation
Email Deliverability
User-Friendly Interface
A/B Testing
PricingStarting at $49/monthFree plan available, paid plans start at $3.25

As seen in the comparison table, both ActiveCampaign and MailChimp offer automation, segmentation, and email deliverability features.

However, ActiveCampaign has a more advanced automation system and provides a comprehensive set of tools for segmenting your audience.

On the other hand, MailChimp excels in user-friendliness and offers a drag-and-drop email builder, making it an ideal choice for beginners.


4. FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I try ActiveCampaign and MailChimp before making a decision?

Yes, both ActiveCampaign and MailChimp offer free trials. ActiveCampaign offers a 14-day free trial, while MailChimp provides a free plan with limited features.

Q: Which platform is better for e-commerce businesses?

Both ActiveCampaign and MailChimp have features tailored for e-commerce businesses. However, ActiveCampaign’s robust automation capabilities make it a preferred choice for businesses looking to create complex customer journeys.

Q: Does MailChimp have an integration with popular e-commerce platforms?

Yes, MailChimp integrates seamlessly with popular e-commerce platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and Magento, allowing you to sync your customer data and automate your email marketing.

Q: Can I migrate my contacts from one platform to another?

Yes, both ActiveCampaign and MailChimp provide tools and resources to help you migrate your contacts and email campaigns from one platform to another.

Q: Can I cancel my subscription at any time?

Yes, both ActiveCampaign and MailChimp offer flexible pricing plans that allow you to cancel your subscription at any time.

Q: Can I import my contacts from another email marketing platform?

Yes, both ActiveCampaign and MailChimp provide options to import contacts from other platforms. They offer easy-to-follow instructions to help you migrate your contacts seamlessly.

Q: Can I send automated follow-up emails?

Yes, both platforms offer automated follow-up capabilities. You can set up email sequences based on triggers and user behavior to engage with your audience more effectively.

Q: Can I integrate ActiveCampaign or MailChimp with my CRM system?

Yes, both platforms offer integrations with popular CRM systems. You can sync your contact data and automate processes between your email marketing platform and CRM.

Q: Can I create personalized email campaigns with dynamic content?

Yes, both ActiveCampaign and MailChimp allow you to create personalized email campaigns with dynamic content. You can use merge tags and custom fields to personalize your emails based on subscriber information.

Q: Which platform offers better customer support?

Both ActiveCampaign and MailChimp offer reliable customer support through various channels like email, chat, and knowledge base. However, ActiveCampaign offers phone support, which might be beneficial for businesses that prefer direct communication.


5. Pricing comparison

Contacts per Pricing Plan

Pricing PlanActiveCampaign ContactsActiveCampaign PriceMailchimp ContactsMailchimp Price
Free PlanUp to 500 contactsFreeUp to 2,000 contactsFree
Lite/Basic PlanUp to 500 contactsStarts at $15/monthUp to 10,000 contactsStarts at $9.99/month
Plus PlanUp to 1,000 contactsStarts at $70/monthUp to 50,000 contactsStarts at $14.99/month
Professional PlanUp to 2,500 contactsStarts at $159/monthUp to 200,000 contactsStarts at $299/month
Enterprise PlanUnlimitedCustom pricing availableUnlimitedCustom pricing available

Here’s a comparison table outlining the pricing plans for both Mailchimp and ActiveCampaign:

Pricing PlansMailchimpActiveCampaign
Free PlanAvailable with limited featuresNot available
BasicStarting at $3.25/monthStarting at $19/month (Sales)

Starting at $49/month (Marketing)
EssentialStarting at $5/monthStarting at $49/month (Sales)

Starting at $149/month (Marketing)
PremiumStarting at $87.50/monthContact Support

Please note that these pricing plans are subject to change, and it’s always a good idea to visit the respective websites of Mailchimp and ActiveCampaign for the most up-to-date information on their pricing plans.


You can also use our calculator to compare prices by exact number of subscribers.


6. Conclusion

Choosing between ActiveCampaign and MailChimp depends on your specific email marketing needs. If you require advanced automation capabilities and in-depth segmentation, ActiveCampaign is a powerful option.

On the other hand, if you value user-friendliness and a drag-and-drop interface, MailChimp might be the better choice. Consider your budget, business requirements, and long-term goals to make an informed decision.

Remember, successful email marketing relies not only on the platform but also on crafting compelling content and engaging with your audience.

Whichever platform you choose, focus on building meaningful connections with your subscribers and delivering valuable content that resonates with them.

Aweber autoresponder review

Aweber’s autoresponder feature provides a simple and intuitive interface for setting up email campaigns. With just a few clicks, you can create automated sequences that are triggered by specific actions or events. Whether you want to welcome new subscribers, follow up on purchases, or send out targeted promotions, Aweber makes it effortless to design and deploy your email sequences.

Behavior-Based Triggers and Actions:

Aweber’s autoresponder feature goes beyond simple time-based triggers and allows you to set up behavior-based triggers and actions. You can define specific triggers based on subscriber actions such as link clicks, purchases, or form submissions. This level of granularity ensures that your subscribers receive highly relevant and personalized content, leading to better engagement and conversion rates.

Segmentation and Personalization:

Personalization is key to effective email marketing, and Aweber’s autoresponder feature makes it easy to deliver targeted messages. The platform enables you to segment your subscriber list based on various criteria, such as demographics, interests, and past interactions. By tailoring your emails to specific segments, you can provide content that resonates with each group, increasing the likelihood of conversions. Aweber’s autoresponder feature ensures that your emails are not only automated but also highly personalized.

Read full Aweber review here