Beacons vs Linktree: Which Link-in-Bio Tool Is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Beacons and Linktree? These are two of the most popular link-in-bio platforms, but they take very different approaches. In this detailed comparison, we break down features, pricing, and which is better for different types of creators — plus a third option that might beat both.
Beacons vs Linktree: Quick Overview
Linktree is the original link-in-bio tool, founded in 2016. With 50M+ users, it's the most recognized platform in the space. Linktree focuses on simplicity — create a clean page of links, share it everywhere.
Beacons launched in 2021 as an "all-in-one creator platform." It goes beyond simple links with features like AI-generated media kits, brand outreach, email marketing, and an online store. Beacons positions itself as a complete business tool for influencers.
Both have free plans, but the real features come with paid tiers. Let's see how they compare.
Feature Comparison: Beacons vs Linktree
| Feature | Beacons | Linktree |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan | Basic link page, limited features | Unlimited links, basic analytics |
| Media Kit | ? Auto-generated (paid plan) | ? Not available |
| AI Tools | AI brand outreach, email writing | ? None |
| Online Store | Digital products, courses (paid) | Commerce links, tip jar |
| Email Marketing | ? Included (limits on free) | Mailing list on paid plans |
| Analytics | Social analytics, post tracking | Click tracking, views, CTR |
| Scheduling | ? Not available | On paid plans |
| Custom Domain | Paid plans | Paid plans |
| Integrations | Stripe, social platforms | GA, Pixel, Zapier, Mailchimp |
Pricing: Beacons vs Linktree
Pricing is where these platforms differ significantly:
Beacons:
- Free plan — basic link page
- Creator Pro — $30/month ($240/year) — unlocks media kit, full store, email marketing, AI tools
- VIP — custom pricing for large creators
Linktree:
- Free plan — unlimited links, basic analytics
- Starter — $5/month — custom backgrounds, more themes
- Pro — $9/month — analytics, scheduling, custom CSS, commerce
- Premium — $24/month — all features plus priority support
Key difference: Beacons is more expensive ($30/month for full features vs $9-$24/month for Linktree). However, Beacons includes features like media kits and AI tools that Linktree doesn't offer at any price.
Beacons Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Auto-generated media kit with real social stats
- AI-powered brand outreach — find and pitch brands directly
- Built-in email marketing tools
- Digital product store for courses and downloads
- Modern, creator-focused interface
Cons:
- Expensive — $30/month for full features
- Free plan is very limited
- No content scheduling
- Stripe-only payments (limited payment options)
- No blog publishing
- Smaller user base and less brand recognition
Linktree Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Simple, fast setup in minutes
- Largest user base (50M+) — recognized and trusted
- Good free plan for basic link pages
- Solid analytics on paid plans
- Multiple pricing tiers to choose from
Cons:
- Limited customization, especially on free plan
- No AI features
- No media kit
- No blog or content publishing
- Pages can look generic — hard to stand out
- E-commerce features are basic
The Better Alternative: UniLink
If you're comparing Beacons vs Linktree, there's a third option that combines the best of both: UniLink.
UniLink offers:
- Everything Linktree offers — links, analytics, custom domains — but with 40+ blocks instead of basic links
- AI tools like Beacons — AI content generator and AI video generation
- Features neither has — content scheduling, blog publishing, multi-page sites
- Better e-commerce — multiple payment gateways (Stripe, PayPal, Monobank, WayForPay)
- Best pricing — most features are completely free
Read the full UniLink vs Linktree comparison ?
Read the full UniLink vs Beacons comparison ?
Who Should Use Which Platform?
- Choose Beacons if: You're an influencer focused on brand deals and need media kits and AI outreach — and you're willing to pay $30/month.
- Choose Linktree if: You want the simplest possible link page with a trusted brand name.
- Choose UniLink if: You want the most features for free — 40+ blocks, analytics, e-commerce, AI tools, scheduling, and blog publishing without paying $30/month.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Beacons better than Linktree?
Beacons offers more creator tools (media kits, AI outreach, email marketing), but costs $30/month for full access. Linktree is simpler and cheaper ($9-$24/month). Which is "better" depends on whether you need media kits and brand outreach. For the best value, UniLink offers comparable features for free.
Is Beacons free?
Beacons has a free plan with basic link-in-bio features. However, the key features — media kit, full online store, email marketing, and AI tools — require the Creator Pro plan at $30/month or $240/year.
How much does Beacons cost vs Linktree?
Beacons Creator Pro costs $30/month ($240/year). Linktree ranges from $5/month (Starter) to $24/month (Premium). UniLink offers most features free, making it the most affordable option.
Can I switch from Linktree to Beacons?
Yes, you can recreate your link page on Beacons. However, consider UniLink as a free alternative that offers features from both Linktree and Beacons without the $30/month price tag.
What is the best link-in-bio tool in 2026?
For the best free option: UniLink. For simplicity: Linktree. For brand outreach and media kits: Beacons (paid). For design freedom on a budget: Carrd ($19/year).
Does Beacons have better analytics than Linktree?
Beacons focuses on social media analytics and post performance tracking, while Linktree focuses on link click analytics and visitor data. UniLink offers comprehensive analytics including click tracking, geographic data, and referral sources — all free.