Linkbay vs Linktree vs Beacons
Looking for the best Linktree alternative in 2026? Linktree, Beacons, and Linkbay all solve the same problem - one page for every link you share - but they price and package it very differently. Here's an honest side-by-side so you can pick the one that fits.
Quick verdict
- Pick Linktree if you want the most name recognition and don't mind $5-24/month.
- Pick Beacons if you're a full-time creator who wants a store, email tools, and analytics bundled - starts around $10/month.
- Pick Linkbay if you want a neon-styled page, a one-time $2.50 fee for extra handles, tips, paid DMs, and an optional $5/month custom domain.
Pricing comparison
| Feature | Linkbay | Linktree | Beacons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Pro / paid tier | One-time $2.50/handle | $5-24/month | ~$10-30/month |
| Custom themes | Yes | Pro only | Yes |
| Custom domain | $5/month add-on | Pro only | Higher tier |
| Tips / paid DMs | Built-in | Limited | Yes |
| Username marketplace | Yes | No | No |
| Platform fee on payouts | 10% | Varies | Varies |
Linktree: the default
Linktree is the name most creators know. It's fine, it's stable, and the free plan works. The catch is that anything interesting - removing branding, scheduling links, deeper analytics - lives behind a monthly Pro plan that adds up fast if you also pay for other creator tools.
Beacons: creator-heavy
Beacons leans into full creator businesses with email capture, digital storefronts, and media kits. Powerful if you'll use all of it. Overkill and expensive if you just want a link page with a couple of paid extras.
Linkbay: one-time fee, built-in monetization
Linkbay's angle is simple: your first handle at linkbay.co/yourname is free, extra handles are a one-time $2.50, and monetization (tips, paid DMs, marketplace) is baked in with a flat 10% platform fee. Custom domains are an optional $5/month because they require real infrastructure to run.
Which should you pick?
If you already pay $9-15/month for Linktree Pro or Beacons and mostly use it as a link page with a tip jar, Linkbay will save you real money. If you need a full creator storefront and email suite, Beacons is a better fit. Linktree is the safest default if brand recognition matters more than price.
Ready to try? Claim your Linkbay handle or read the Instagram & TikTok setup guide.