Linktree vs Beacons: which bio link should you use?
Updated August 17, 2026
Linktree is the incumbent: simplest, most recognized, free for a plain link list, but selling through it costs 12% on Free and reaches 0% only on the $35 Premium plan. Beacons gives more away free (richer pages, email tools, AI features) and monetizes via paid plans and store fees. Pick Linktree for a set-and-forget link list with brand recognition; pick Beacons for a busier free page with built-in creator tools. If the page's real job is selling, both charge for the privilege, which is where a storefront-first page differs.
Where they actually differ
| Linktree | Beacons | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Plain link list, 12% commerce fee | Richer page, more blocks, store with fees |
| Paid plans | $8 / $15 / $35 monthly | Tiered, generally cheaper per feature |
| 0% selling | Only on $35 Premium | On higher paid tiers |
| Extras | Analytics, scheduling, integrations | AI tools, email marketing, media kits |
| Brand recognition | The category name itself | Growing, creator-economy native |
Choose by what the page is for
- A tidy list of links, nothing else: Linktree Free, and stop reading.
- Free-tier maximalist (email capture, media kit, AI bits): Beacons.
- Team analytics and integrations with budget: Linktree Pro.
- The page is your checkout: neither ladder flatters you; see below.
The selling question, disclosed
We build Ouish, so weigh this section accordingly: when a bio link's real job is taking money (tips, gifts, digital products), the percentage ladders on link tools invert the logic of using a free page. An Ouish handle is links, tip jar, wishlist and storefront in one, with no monthly fee and no platform percentage; the supporter covers the 6% processing fee. Ouish is a tip jar, wishlist and storefront for streamers and creators. What it lacks against Linktree Pro and Beacons' paid tiers is their deep analytics and marketing tooling; that is the honest trade.
When the link's job is getting you paid
Ouish is a tip jar, wishlist and storefront for streamers and creators. One handle carries links, tips, gifts and products; supporters cover the fee.
Claim your handleFrequently asked questions
Is Beacons better than Linktree?
Beacons gives more away free (email tools, AI features, richer pages); Linktree wins on simplicity and name recognition. For selling, compare their fee ladders against storefront-first pages before deciding.
Why did people stop using Linktree?
Mostly pricing creep and the commerce fee ladder (12% free, 0% only at $35 a month), plus richer free competitors. It remains the most-used tool in the category.
What are the disadvantages of Linktree?
The selling fees below Premium, feature-gating of customization, and being one more generic link page between a fan and the thing you actually want them to do.
Is there a free Linktree alternative?
Beacons' free tier is the most featured; Ouish is free with monetization built in (supporter-pays fees); Carrd is nearly free for full one-page sites.