Quick answer
Use the lowest-cost platform that supports your current list size, signup path, and publishing cadence. Avoid paying for monetization, automation, or analytics features until you know you will use them.
Cheapest viable stack
| Need | Minimum viable option | Upgrade when |
|---|---|---|
| Email platform | Free/entry plan from beehiiv, Kit, MailerLite, Buttondown, or Substack depending on workflow. | You hit subscriber/send/feature limits. |
| Signup page | Platform-hosted landing page. | You need stronger brand control or SEO content hub. |
| Lead magnet | Checklist, template, or simple guide. | You need segmentation by interest. |
| Analytics | Platform stats + manual tracking. | You need source attribution and conversion reporting. |
Cheap can become expensive when
- You choose a tool you will need to migrate away from quickly.
- You compare annual-equivalent pricing to monthly cash flow incorrectly.
- You ignore payment processor or platform fees for paid newsletters.
- You buy multiple tools that overlap.
Official pricing checks
Verify current pricing at the vendor source before publishing or buying: beehiiv, Kit, MailerLite, Substack, Ghost, Buttondown, and Mailchimp.
Next step
If your budget is strict, read newsletter stack under $50/month. If you are choosing the main platform, read beehiiv vs Kit.