Discover the top free tools that let you launch and grow your newsletter without upfront costs.

Starting a newsletter in 2025 doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. Many platforms offer free plans with robust features that empower creators to build their audience, engage readers, and even start monetizing — all without spending a dime upfront.

This guide explores the best free newsletter platforms available today, focusing on subscriber limits, key features, ease of use, and scalability to help you pick the perfect fit for your goals.

Platform Highlights

LetterBucket

• Free for up to 1,000 subscribers with no revenue share.

• Clean, user-friendly editor with essential analytics and SEO-friendly public blog.

• Great for creators who want ownership and transparency from day one.
  letterbucket.com
  
  

Beehiiv

• Free tier allows up to 2,500 subscribers with unlimited emails.

• Includes referral program and basic analytics on free plan.

• Monetization features require paid upgrade.
  beehiiv.com
  
  

Substack

• Unlimited subscribers on the free plan.

• Monetization via paid subscriptions with a 10% revenue share plus Stripe fees.

• Simple writing and publishing experience.
  substack.com
  
  

Mailchimp

• Free plan includes up to 500 contacts and 1,000 sends per month.

• Offers email templates, landing pages, and basic automations.

• More marketing-focused than newsletter-first.
  mailchimp.com
  
  

Kit

• Free plan for up to 1,000 subscribers.

• Includes customizable signup forms, tagging, and basic automations.

• Paid plans unlock advanced features and monetization.
  kit.com
  
  

Quick Comparison Table

Which Free Platform Should You Start With?

• LetterBucket is ideal if you want zero fees, full control, and a clean publishing experience without limits on branding or analytics.

• Beehiiv offers the largest free subscriber limit and basic growth tools, making it great for creators who expect to grow fast.

• Substack provides unlimited free subscribers but takes a cut on paid subscriptions, suitable if you plan to monetize early.

• Mailchimp fits those who want basic marketing combined with newsletters, though its free tier is more limited.

• Kit is perfect for creators integrating newsletters with product funnels and basic automations, with room to upgrade.
  
  

Real Creator Feedback

“LetterBucket let me start my newsletter with no fees and great control over my content.”
— Independent creator

“Beehiiv’s free tier and referral system helped me build my first 2,000 subscribers quickly.”
— Productivity coach

“Substack’s simplicity is unmatched, but the fees add up as you monetize.”
— Paid newsletter writer

Resume

Starting your newsletter for free is easier than ever with many platforms offering powerful tools without upfront costs. The best choice depends on your goals: whether it’s ownership, growth, monetization, or marketing.

LetterBucket and Beehiiv stand out for generous free plans and growth-friendly features, while Substack is best for writers focused on paid subscriptions. Mailchimp and Kit offer solid free tools for creators blending newsletters with marketing or product sales.

Sources

• https://letterbucket.com/pricing

• https://beehiiv.com/pricing

• https://substack.com/pricing

• https://mailchimp.com/pricing

• https://convertkit.com/pricing

• https://www.bestnewsletterplatforms.com/blog/newsletter-platform-pricing-complete-cost-comparison/

• https://emailtooltester.com/en/reviews/beehiiv/pricing/