Linktree vs Beacons: Which Link-in-Bio Tool Reigns Supreme for Creators?
Linktree vs. Beacons: Two of the top link-in-bio tools for creators, compared side by side.
Introduction
If you’re a digital creator or influencer, you know the struggle of the “one link” limitation on platforms like Instagram. Link-in-bio tools came to the rescue, letting you share a whole menu of content through a single bio link. Two of the most popular options today are Linktree and Beacons. Linktree, launched in 2016, was one of the first on the scene and now boasts over 35 million users worldwide . Beacons arrived a few years later, aiming to be a more feature-packed contender for creators and small businesses. (In fact, Beacons claims over 2 million creators on its platform as of 2025 .)
Both Linktree and Beacons let you create a personalized landing page that houses multiple links – perfect for funneling followers to your YouTube, blog, shop, or anywhere else. But they take pretty different approaches in terms of features, customization, monetization tools, ease of use, analytics, integrations, mobile optimization, customer support, and pricing. In this post, we’ll compare Linktree and Beacons head-to-head in all these areas. We’ll lay out the honest pros and cons of each in a conversational tone, so you can decide which fits your needs as a creator.
Finally, we’ll wrap up by introducing Trovio – and why, no matter which primary link-in-bio tool you choose, Trovio might just be the most valuable link you add to your profile. (Spoiler: it helps you monetize your knowledge with personalized guides, tips, and affiliate content in a way that feels tailor-made for your audience.)
Let’s dive into the Linktree vs Beacons showdown!
Features: What Can Each Platform Do?
At a high level, Linktree and Beacons both let you build a mini landing-page with unlimited links (yes, both platforms allow unlimited links even on their free plans ). But beyond basic link lists, the feature sets start to differ:
Linktree’s Focus – Simplicity and Integration:
Linktree’s genius is its simplicity and laser focus on linking out to your most important content . It provides an easy way to compile all your links (socials, website, store, latest video, etc.) in one place with minimal fuss. You can embed rich media like YouTube videos, Spotify playlists, Tweets, or SoundCloud tracks directly on your Linktree page . Linktree also supports some interactive features like a built-in “tip jar” for fans to send you donations even on the free plan . Over time, Linktree has added more advanced options like link scheduling (to time promotions), a QR code generator for your page, email signup forms, and even simple storefront features . Many of these are geared towards helping creators drive traffic and engagement across platforms – for example, you can feature your latest YouTube video or newest podcast episode so visitors can consume it without leaving your Linktree . Overall, Linktree excels at being a quick, no-frills hub that efficiently funnels your audience wherever you want them to go.
Beacons’ Focus – All-in-One Creator Hub:
Beacons positions itself as a one-stop shop for your creator business . It does everything Linktree does (multiple links, embedded media, etc.), and then piles on extra features. With Beacons, your link-in-bio page isn’t just a static list of links – it can be a fully interactive microsite. Beacons offers a suite of “mini-apps” or content blocks you can add: think shoppable TikTok feeds, a digital storefront, an email signup and newsletter tool, audience CRM (contact management), and even tools for selling online courses . In total, Beacons includes about a dozen specialty features under the hood (from a QR code generator to an AI-powered outreach assistant) so that creators can manage many aspects of their business in one dashboard . Uniquely, Beacons even lets you create a dynamic landing page that can personalize content based on each visitor’s preferences, rather than showing the exact same page to everyone . In short, Beacons goes beyond a basic link list, aiming to be a mini-website builder and marketing hub for creators.
Bottom line: If you just need a simple link aggregator with some embedding and integration capabilities, Linktree’s feature set will cover your bases. If you’re looking for a richer toolkit – like running a small merch store, capturing emails, or adding customized content experiences – Beacons packs those advanced features (especially useful if you want to consolidate many functions in one place). Of course, more features can mean more complexity, which we’ll touch on when we discuss ease of use.
Customization & Design
Customization is everything — the right platform should let your creativity run wild.
When it comes to making your link-in-bio page reflect your brand, Beacons offers more creative freedom out of the box, whereas Linktree keeps some customization options behind paywalls.
Linktree Customization:
On Linktree’s free plan, you get to choose from a selection of themes with basic font and color options. You can add your profile picture or an icon, and even display thumbnails or icons next to your links for a visual touch . This is enough to get a decent-looking page, but many branding capabilities are restricted unless you upgrade. For instance, with a free Linktree you cannot set a custom background image for your page, and you’ll be sporting the Linktree logo on your page footer. To remove Linktree’s branding or truly tailor the design (like using custom button styles or backgrounds), you need at least the Pro plan (about $9/month) . In short, Linktree’s free themes are clean and simple, but fairly basic – which might be fine if you prefer a minimalist look or don’t mind the Linktree logo.
Beacons Customization:
Beacons shines in this department. Even on the free plan, you can heavily customize your landing page’s look and feel. Beacons lets you tweak colors, fonts, button styles, and backgrounds freely . Creators love that you can spice up a Beacons page with GIFs, videos, and animated link thumbnails to really grab attention . You’re encouraged to upload your own logo and images to make the page feel like an extension of your brand . Essentially, Beacons gives you an “aesthetic and customizable” link page right from the start . The only major restriction is that the small “Beacons” logo will appear on your page until you upgrade. Removing Beacons branding (and unlocking a custom domain) requires a paid plan starting at $10/month – which is similar to Linktree’s policy on logo removal. But aside from that, Beacons free users have enormous creative control to build a unique, on-brand page without paying. You can even claim a unique domain name through Beacons (they offer custom domains for purchase, with deals like $14 for the first year) if you want your page to live on “yourname.com” instead of a Beacons subdomain .
In summary, Beacons offers deeper design and branding flexibility for those who love to tinker with visuals. Linktree can be customized too, but you’ll hit some walls on the free tier and even the mid-tier plans for certain customizations. If having a fully branded, visually rich page is important to you (and you don’t want to pay extra for that privilege), Beacons has the edge. If you’re okay with a simple clean look (or plan to pay for premium themes on Linktree), then Linktree’s design limitations might not bother you.
Monetization Tools
Both Linktree and Beacons help creators earn—but the way they handle monetization is very different.
One of the biggest differentiators between Linktree and Beacons is how they handle monetization – i.e. helping you make money from your bio link. Both platforms recognize that creators want to monetize their content, but they approach it differently:
Linktree Monetization:
Linktree mostly acts as a bridge to your other monetization channels, rather than processing payments directly on your Linktree page. For example, Linktree has a “Shop” feature where you can showcase products (like merch or ebooks), but clicking “buy” will send users to an external site (such as your Shopify store or another e-commerce page) to complete the purchase . In other words, Linktree can list your products but doesn’t itself handle the checkout on the free plan. That said, Linktree has added some native commerce integrations for affiliate marketing. On Linktree Pro, you can connect your Amazon Associates ID or other affiliate programs so that when you feature a product link, your affiliate token is automatically applied . This is handy – it means you can, say, embed an Amazon product on your Linktree and earn commission if followers buy it, without needing a separate affiliate storefront. Linktree also lets you add a tip/donation link easily. In fact, a simple tip jar is available on the free plan – you could connect something like PayPal or a supported payment to accept tips. For other types of earnings like memberships or paid content, Linktree’s philosophy is generally to link out: e.g. link to your Patreon, link to your OnlyFans, link to your GoFundMe, etc. Linktree provides the button; the actual transaction happens elsewhere. This keeps Linktree’s interface very straightforward, but it means Linktree itself isn’t taking a cut (except perhaps for certain integrations). Notably, Linktree’s free and mid-tier plans currently charge 0% Linktree fee on transactions (for a limited time), so if you do use their Commerce links or accept payments via Linktree, you mostly just pay the standard payment processor fees .
Beacons Monetization:
Beacons is built to let you earn money directly on your Beacons page. This is arguably the biggest selling point of Beacons over Linktree . With Beacons, your bio link can double as a mini storefront or tip jar without always sending fans to an outside site. For example, you can sell digital or physical products directly through Beacons by adding a Store section to your page . If you have an e-book or a preset pack to sell, followers can click and purchase it right on your Beacons landing page (Beacons will handle the payment processing and file delivery for you). You can even import products from Etsy or Shopify into your Beacons store, or upload product files straight from your phone to sell . For service-based offerings like coaching calls or consultations, Beacons lets you embed a calendar booking form on your page so people can schedule (and pay for) sessions without leaving your bio link . Donations and tips are also very well integrated: you can of course link out to donation services if you want, but Beacons provides a built-in donation form and even supports selling memberships and paid “requests” (think custom content requests from fans) right on your page . Essentially, Beacons tries to remove as much friction as possible between a fan’s click and you getting paid. On the flip side, Beacons will take a cut unless you’re on the highest plan – free users pay a 9% transaction fee on any sales made through the platform (this is in addition to standard Stripe/PayPal processing fees). Upgrading to a Store or Business plan eliminates that Beacons commission . Beyond direct sales, Beacons also supports creators in brand partnerships – it has tools to generate a media kit, calculate your sponsorship pricing, and even keep records of brand deals and generate invoices for you . This is a pretty unique addition aimed at influencers who work with sponsors. And yes, Beacons has an affiliate program too, but it’s more about referring other creators to use Beacons (you can get 25% of a referred creator’s subscription) , as well as an internal marketplace to find affiliate products to promote through your page .
In short, Linktree is primarily a links hub that indirectly supports monetization (via external links or basic integrations), whereas Beacons tries to be a monetization platform itself. If your goal is to turn your link-in-bio into a revenue generator – selling items, taking tips, booking clients – Beacons provides the built-in tools to do that on-page . If you already have external systems (Shopify, Patreon, etc.) and just need to point people to them, Linktree works perfectly and keeps things simple. Just consider that if you use Beacons’ on-page selling features, the fees on lower tiers are something to factor in (9% can take a bite out of earnings ), whereas Linktree won’t charge a cut if you’re just linking out to other platforms.
Ease of Use
A tool can have all the features in the world, but it won’t do you much good if it’s a pain to use. Fortunately, both Linktree and Beacons are fairly user-friendly, though Linktree’s simplicity gives it a slight edge in quick setup.
Getting Started with Linktree:
Linktree is almost legendary for how quick it is to go from zero to done. Signing up is free – just an email and password, then you pick a username for your Linktree URL . Linktree then walks you through adding your first few links and choosing a theme. The interface is clean and minimal. Many users report it takes just a few minutes to have a decent Linktree page live . Adding new links is as easy as clicking “Add Link” and pasting a URL; you can drag-and-drop to reorder links, and toggle visibility on/off. The learning curve is basically nonexistent – you don’t need any design or tech skills. Linktree’s philosophy of doing one thing (link aggregation) really shows in the UI: it’s uncluttered and straightforward. Both the creator and the end-users (your followers) get a smooth experience. Visitors clicking your Linktree will find a simple list of your content that’s easy to navigate. Linktree pages are mobile-responsive by default, so they look good and function well on all screen sizes . Overall, Linktree delivers on offering a “simple and user-friendly interface” for creators and their audience . It’s a great choice if you want to set it and forget it, without needing to spend much time on maintenance.
Getting Started with Beacons:
Because Beacons offers more under the hood, the setup has a few more steps, but it’s still designed with creators in mind and isn’t hard to use. You also start with a free signup (email, password, choose your username which becomes your Beacons page URL) . Right away, Beacons may prompt you to select a template and customize design elements (since there are so many options). It might take a bit longer to fine-tune your page’s look given the breadth of customization – in other words, Beacons can be as simple or as involved as you want. If you stick to a pre-made template, you can still finish in a few minutes, just adding your links and content blocks. If you decide to explore all the bells and whistles (adding a store, email signup, etc.), setup naturally gets more complex than Linktree’s one-two-three process . The key point: Beacons is still quite user-friendly – its drag-and-drop page editor and clear menus make it approachable even for beginners, but you’ll spend longer tweaking and exploring simply because more features are available. The interface does a good job of guiding you, and there are help tips embedded throughout. Many creators find Beacons’ dashboard intuitive once they get the hang of it . It’s also worth noting that both Linktree and Beacons offer mobile apps or mobile-friendly dashboards, so you can update your links on the go. (For instance, Linktree has a mobile app and in-app chat support, and Beacons has an iOS app that over 2 million creators use to manage their pages .) In terms of the visitor experience, Beacons pages are also fully responsive and mobile-ready, just like Linktree, so your followers won’t have trouble viewing or tapping buttons.
In summary, Linktree is a bit more “plug-and-play” – you can’t really mess it up, and it’s hard to get lost in the interface because it’s so focused. Beacons offers more power, which can feel slightly overwhelming at first if you try to utilize everything, but it’s by no means difficult to use thanks to a well-designed editor. If you’re not very tech-savvy or you need to deploy your link-in-bio in five minutes flat, Linktree might be your comfort zone. If you’re willing to invest a bit more time to configure things to your liking, Beacons rewards that effort with greater capabilities.
Analytics: Tracking Link Performance
Linktree and Beacons both offer analytics—but how deep you can go depends on which platform you choose.
Both Linktree and Beacons provide analytics so you can see how your link-in-bio page is performing – but the depth of insights you get differs significantly.
Linktree Analytics:
Linktree offers basic analytics to all users and more advanced stats for paid users. On any plan (including free), you’ll at least see your total page views and total link clicks, along with your overall click-through rate and maybe the top-performing link on your page . This is often called “lifetime analytics” – it gives you a simple snapshot of how many people are clicking your Linktree and which links they click most, which is useful at a glance . If you upgrade to Linktree Pro or above, the analytics become more granular. Paid plans unlock profile analytics like audience insights (e.g. where your visitors come from – their country or which platform referred them – and what device they used) and let you view analytics over longer periods (the Pro plan allows accessing up to a year of data history on your dashboard) . You also gain the ability to track conversion and revenue if you’re using any commerce links. However, even at its most advanced, Linktree’s analytics are generally described as straightforward and not as extensive as Beacons’ . They cover the core metrics a creator might want (views, clicks, referrers, etc.) but don’t dive much deeper.
Beacons Analytics:
Analytics is an area where Beacons really pulls ahead. Because Beacons pages can do more (selling, email capture, etc.), the platform provides a robust analytics dashboard to match. Beacons gives you both individual link analytics (so you can see views and clicks for each link or button on your page, and each one’s click-through rate) and overall page analytics with visitor behavior . You can monitor the number of visitors over time, see how many clicked each link, and even track how many followers converted into customers if you’re selling products on Beacons . The data is organized into different sections: for example, if you use Beacons’ email marketing, you have stats on email open rates and subscriber growth; if you use the store, you get sales and conversion figures, etc. . Beacons essentially gives you a full funnel view – from traffic sources (referral analytics tell you where people are coming from before they click your bio link ) to on-page actions and even post-click conversions. Some advanced features include conversion tracking and A/B testing (so you can experiment with different page setups or content and compare results) . All these analytics can help serious creators identify what content or offers are resonating and adjust accordingly. The catch: like Linktree, some of the most advanced analytics features (such as deeper insights and AI-driven reports) may be reserved for higher-tier plans on Beacons. But even the free Beacons analytics are often praised as more detailed than Linktree’s, given that you can see per-link performance and more comprehensive data in one place .
To put it simply, Linktree gives you the “basics” that get the job done for understanding your link-in-bio traffic – and for many creators that’s enough. Beacons provides a wealth of data and analysis tools that are great if you want to geek out on metrics or need those insights to inform your strategy. If you love data-driven decisions, Beacons will feel empowering. If analytics aren’t a huge priority beyond “how many clicks did I get?”, Linktree’s simpler stats won’t overwhelm you.
Integrations
Integration capabilities can be a deciding factor, especially if you already use other apps in your creator workflow. Here’s how Linktree vs Beacons compare on plugging into third-party tools:
Linktree Integrations:
Since Linktree has been around longer, it has built up a strong list of integrations. On the social media side, Linktree is well-optimized to complement platforms like Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, etc. (After all, Linktree’s primary job is to circumvent Instagram’s single-link rule, and it works seamlessly for that .) But beyond social networks, Linktree offers built-in integrations with e-commerce and marketing tools. For example, it connects with Shopify and Spring (Teespring) for selling merchandise, with Typeform for embedding forms, and with scheduling apps or music platforms – so you can embed a Spotify playlist or a Calendly link easily . Linktree also supports Facebook Pixel and Google Analytics integrations on higher-tier plans, allowing you to track visitors with your own analytics or run retargeting ads . If an app isn’t natively integrated, Linktree’s Zapier integration (available on Pro plan and above) opens up the ability to send your Linktree data to thousands of other apps . For instance, you could have a new email collected via Linktree automatically added to a Mailchimp list via Zapier, etc. Overall, Linktree excels in external integrations – it’s designed to slot into your existing tech stack. Creators often appreciate that they can, say, embed a Mailchimp signup form or a Google Sheets link or connect to a GoFundMe directly through Linktree.
Beacons Integrations:
Beacons takes a somewhat different approach. Rather than emphasizing a long list of external integrations, it built many functions in-house (as described in the features section). That said, Beacons does integrate with some key external services. It natively connects with social platforms like Instagram, Twitter, TikTok (no surprise, those just link your profiles or content). It offers an official WordPress plugin so that you can embed your Beacons page on a website easily or use Beacons as a mini-site on your own domain . For marketing, Beacons directly integrates with Mailchimp (to sync email subscribers) and Substack . And similar to Linktree, Beacons has a Zapier integration to hook into thousands of other apps if you need to . The main difference is Linktree simply has more built-in third-party integrations beyond those – e.g. Beacons doesn’t list an official integration with Shopify or Typeform (though you can still link or embed things manually). The whop.com comparison put it clearly: Linktree offers far more native integrations (Shopify, SendOwl, GoFundMe, etc.), whereas Beacons’ choices are more limited aside from the big social and email platforms . The flip side is that Beacons’ strategy is to cover many needs internally so you might not require as many outside tools (for instance, Beacons has its own email newsletter tool, so you might not need a Mailchimp integration at all if you use Beacons for sending emails).
In summary, Linktree is the winner if you rely on various external services and want your bio link page to plug into all of them (especially e-commerce storefronts or external analytics/ads tools) . Beacons doesn’t have as many native integrations, but it’s not exactly isolated – it covers the essentials (social accounts, email marketing) and anything else can often be achieved via Zapier or using Beacons’ built-in capabilities. Evaluate what specific integrations you might need (for example, if you must embed a specific third-party widget, check if Linktree supports it out-of-the-box). If your goal is an all-in-one solution with fewer moving parts, Beacons tries to minimize the need for external add-ons by giving you those features within its platform.
Mobile Optimization
Let’s be real—your followers are tapping links on their phones, not desktops. Your page better look great on mobile.
Given that most of your followers will likely click your bio link from a mobile device, it’s critical that your Linktree or Beacons page looks good and loads fast on phones. The good news: both Linktree and Beacons are designed with mobile usage in mind.
Linktree pages are fully responsive, meaning they automatically adjust to various screen sizes (phone, tablet, desktop) and remain easy to navigate . The layout of a Linktree (simple vertical stack of buttons/links) is inherently mobile-friendly and quick to load. Linktree’s own website and admin dashboard are also mobile-optimized, and as mentioned, they even offer a mobile app so you can manage your links on the go. So whether your audience is tapping your Linktree from an iPhone or Android, they should get a smooth experience: buttons are large enough to tap, text is legible, and media embeds (videos, music players) are scaled to the mobile screen.
Beacons pages are similarly optimized for mobile by default. Beacons often markets itself as not just a “link in bio” but also a “mobile website” for creators . Any template or design you choose in Beacons will be mobile-responsive, ensuring that your fancy customized page still functions well on a small screen. Because Beacons allows more complex layouts, you’ll want to preview your page on mobile (which the editor allows you to do) to make sure everything flows nicely – but generally, Beacons templates are built to be mobile-first. Beacons also has a mobile app for creators (currently iOS, with over 2 million users) which implies many creators manage and perhaps even create their pages directly from mobile . In terms of speed, both Linktree and Beacons deliver content quickly, though if you load up your Beacons page with tons of images, videos, or an entire store, it might feel a tad heavier than a minimalist Linktree page. Still, in practice, both platforms know that Instagram and TikTok traffic = mobile traffic, and they prioritize a snappy, mobile-friendly experience.
In short, there’s no major red flag for mobile on either platform. Linktree’s simplicity gives it a tiny advantage in that there’s not much that can go wrong on mobile – it’s about as straightforward as it gets. Beacons offers more mobile-oriented features (like its own phone apps, and the ability for your page to act like a mini mobile website with multiple sections). If you stick to modern templates, your Beacons page will look as good on a phone as on a desktop. As always, it’s wise to test your page on your own phone, but you can rest easy that both services know mobile optimization is a must-have.
Customer Support
Even with an easy-to-use tool, questions or issues might come up. How do Linktree and Beacons support their users?
Linktree Support:
Linktree provides a Help Center with FAQs and guides that answer most common questions . If you need to reach their team, Linktree offers a support contact form and a live chat option on their site. Response times can depend on your plan: free users may wait up to 48 hours for an email reply (the live chat for free tier typically says “we’ll respond in a day”) . On paid plans, especially the top Premium plan, response times are much quicker – Premium users get priority with responses in under 4 hours . Notably, if you’re a Premium subscriber, Linktree even assigns you a dedicated customer success manager to help with onboarding or any issues , which is a nice concierge touch for high-paying customers. There’s also a direct email (support@linktr.ee) and support through the mobile app, meaning you have multiple channels to get help . Overall, Linktree’s support is solid, but keep in mind that free users don’t get lightning-fast personal support – which is pretty standard for a freemium model.
Beacons Support:
Beacons likewise offers a Help Center/Knowledge Base that is well-organized by topic . You can find tutorials on everything from setting up your page to using advanced features. If you need to contact support, Beacons provides email support (support@beacons.ai) and likely a contact form as well. Similar to Linktree, response times depend on your plan: free users might wait up to 48 hours for a reply, while Business Pro (top tier) users get priority replies, around the 6-hour mark according to one source . Beacons mentions “personalized support from experts” for those higher-tier customers , which sounds like dedicated attention for paying users. They also offer onboarding support at the Business Pro level (to help you get everything set up optimally) . In practice, users on the free plan still have the self-serve help center and community forums, but if something goes wrong, you might not get an immediate answer. Users on paid plans generally report satisfactory support experiences.
In summary, both platforms offer standard support channels and prioritize faster support for paying customers. There’s not a dramatic difference in support quality reported between Linktree and Beacons – both have knowledgeable teams. One minor edge: Linktree’s top plan includes a one-on-one success manager, which Beacons doesn’t explicitly advertise (though Beacons’ Business plan does promise personalized onboarding). If 24/7 instant support is critical for you, neither may have live 24-hour phone support (they’re mostly email/chat based). But for most, the available support is more than adequate. Community forums and help docs can also fill in gaps for common how-tos.
Pricing
Linktree and Beacons both offer free plans, but their value really shows up when you compare what’s behind the paywalls.
Let’s talk dollars (or your local currency). How much do Linktree and Beacons cost, and what do you get at each tier? Both have free plans, but their paid plans are structured a bit differently – and this is where value-for-money comes into play.
Linktree Pricing:
Linktree offers one free plan and three paid tiers (Starter, Pro, Premium). The Free plan costs nothing forever and includes unlimited links plus a good chunk of Linktree’s core features . Even on free, you can create a simple bio link page, use basic themes, and even utilize the commerce links (like the Shop or support me features) albeit with limited customization. If you need more, you can step up to Starter at $5 per month (or $4/month if paid annually) . Starter adds some customization, deeper analytics than free, and removes some Linktree branding limitations. The Pro plan at $9/month (around $7.50 on annual billing) is the most popular . Pro unlocks almost everything: you can fully customize your page’s appearance (custom backgrounds, button styles, etc.), access advanced analytics, use all the integrations (like Zapier, email signup, etc.), and you can remove the Linktree logo from your page . There’s also a 30-day free trial for Pro, which is nice to test features . Finally, Premium is $24/month (or ~$19.50/month annual) and is geared to high-demand users . Premium includes things like the dedicated support we mentioned, and unlimited expanded analytics (e.g. more historical data). For many individual creators, Pro hits the sweet spot, while Starter is a budget-friendly step up from free if you just want a bit more customization. Importantly, Linktree does not take a cut of your sales (for now at least) – aside from normal payment processing fees – even on the free plan . So the pricing is straightforward SaaS pricing without surprise commission fees.
Beacons Pricing:
Beacons also has a free plan and three paid plans (with somewhat different focus: Creator Pro, Store Pro, Business Pro). If you pay annually, Beacons gives you 2 months free (i.e. a discount), but we’ll list monthly prices here . The Free plan on Beacons is quite generous in features: you get unlimited links, nearly all customization options, the ability to set up a basic store and use most of the core Beacons apps . However, free users do have certain limits – for example, some of the AI features or email sends might be capped on free, and remember the 9% transaction fee on any sales made via your page . Stepping up, Creator Pro is $10/month (about $8.33/month if annual) . Creator Pro is aimed at serious individual creators. It gives you a free custom domain name, removes Beacons branding, provides more advanced analytics and AI tools, and allows automated emails and other perks . However, even Creator Pro users still face that 9% transaction fee on sales (the rationale being Creator Pro is not the “store-focused” plan). Next is Store Pro at $30/month (or $25 on annual) . Store Pro is geared towards those who are actively selling products or memberships: it unlocks powerful selling features like order bumps (upsells), the ability to sell courses or subscriptions, and unlimited email sends to your list . Crucially, Store Pro eliminates the 9% commission – so sellers will prefer this plan to maximize earnings . Lastly, Business Pro at $90/month (or $75 annual) is the top tier with everything Beacons offers . Business Pro basically combines all Creator and Store features, and adds priority support with 6-hour responses, personalized onboarding, Google Workspace integration, and even includes an NFC card (perhaps a physical tap-to-share card) as a perk . Business Pro is clearly aimed at organizations or high-earning creators who want concierge treatment.
To compare value: Linktree’s paid plans top out at ~$24, whereas Beacons’ top plan is a whopping $90. But Beacons’ high-end plans target a different class of user (those running a whole commerce operation via their bio link). For most creators, the relevant comparison is Linktree Pro ($9) vs Beacons Creator Pro ($10) – similar price points. Beacons gives more features at that level (no Linktree plan will give you an integrated store or AI content tools, for instance), but Linktree Pro might be sufficient if those extras aren’t needed and it remains a tad cheaper. If you’re cost-sensitive, Linktree can be more affordable especially since its mid-tier plans are lower cost and still quite functional. If you need the richer feature set of Beacons, you might feel the higher price is justified – as one review noted, Beacons’ plans are pricier as you upgrade, but “in terms of features, it provides more than Linktree does in some cases, so it may be worth the extra money” . The free plans of both are a great way to start; many creators stick with free indefinitely on one or the other.
Below is a quick comparison table summarizing the key differences:
Aspect | Linktree | Beacons |
---|---|---|
Ease of Use | Extremely quick setup; simple, intuitive interface. | Easy to use with an intuitive interface, but more features mean a few extra setup steps. |
Customization | Basic themes on free plan; advanced customizations (like removing branding) require Pro plan. | Extensive customization even on free plan. Remove branding with paid plan ($10+). |
Monetization | Links out to external platforms for sales. Tip jar and affiliate links supported. No platform fee. | Sell directly on your page. Tip jar, memberships, product sales built-in. 9% fee on lower plans. |
Analytics | Basic analytics free; Pro plan unlocks deeper insights (clicks, traffic sources, devices). | Detailed analytics dashboard with per-link data, traffic sources, conversions, A/B testing. |
Integrations | Extensive third-party integrations (Shopify, Mailchimp, Typeform, Zapier, etc.). | Limited native integrations; more features handled in-house. Zapier support available. |
Mobile Optimization | Fully mobile responsive. Dedicated mobile app for management. | Fully mobile responsive. Creator mobile app available (iOS). |
Customer Support | Help center, live chat. Faster response with paid plans. Dedicated manager at top tier. | Email support. Priority service and onboarding on Business Pro plan. |
Pricing | Free plan + paid tiers: Starter $5, Pro $9, Premium $24. No commission fees. | Free plan + paid tiers: Creator $10, Store $30, Business $90. 9% fee unless on Store+ plans. |
(All prices above are in USD and based on monthly rates; annual billing often gives a discount.)
Pros and Cons of Each Platform
To crystallize the comparison, let’s break down the major pros and cons of Linktree and Beacons for creators:
Linktree Pros:
Simplicity & Speed: Ridiculously easy to set up and update – perfect for those who want a no-hassle tool .
Affordable Upgrades: Paid plans are budget-friendly (max ~$24/mo, with many features at $9/mo) . You get a lot of functionality for the price.
Extensive Integrations: Plays well with many third-party apps (Shopify, calendar apps, social media, etc.) , making it flexible if you already use other services.
No Extra Transaction Fees: If you use it to link out to your store or accept tips, Linktree itself isn’t taking a cut . Monetization links can connect to Stripe/PayPal directly without Linktree surcharges (at least at time of writing).
Large User Base: With millions of users and being an early entrant, it’s a well-supported, continually improving platform. Plenty of tutorials and community support available. Plus, followers may find Linktree pages familiar and trustworthy.
Linktree Cons:
Limited Built-In Monetization: It doesn’t let fans buy or donate within your Linktree page on the free plan – they’ll usually be sent elsewhere to complete actions . Fewer on-page earning tools compared to Beacons.
Customization Paywalls: The free version, while functional, is pretty basic in design. You’ll need a Pro upgrade to really customize the look and remove Linktree’s branding .
Analytics Could Be Deeper: For data nerds, Linktree’s analytics (even on paid plans) might feel shallow. You won’t get as granular insight without exporting to Google Analytics or similar .
Fewer “Extra” Features: Linktree is focused on linking. It doesn’t offer things like an integrated email marketing service, media kit builder, or content creation tools that Beacons provides. You’ll rely on external tools for those functions (which, to be fair, Linktree integrates with).
Transaction Limitations: While not charging a fee is good, Linktree’s model of linking out means you might need to set up an external store or donation page yourself, which is an extra step for you and your audience.
Beacons Pros:
Robust Monetization Features: Beacons is built for creators to earn. You can sell products, offer subscriptions, collect donations, and more directly on your Beacons page . This can streamline your income streams without requiring separate storefront websites.
Highly Customizable: Your Beacons link-in-bio can look truly unique. The ability to add videos, GIFs, custom fonts, and extensive branding even on the free plan is a huge plus for standing out .
All-in-One Platform: Beyond links, Beacons gives you extra tools like email newsletters, audience CRM, AI content assistance, social post scheduling, and more in one place . It’s convenient to have an integrated mini-“creator CRM” rather than juggling multiple apps.
Advanced Analytics: You get a deep dive into your audience and link performance, helping you optimize content and marketing strategies . The ability to track conversions and user behavior is invaluable if you’re serious about growth.
Future-Oriented (AI & Personalization): Beacons is incorporating new tech like AI (for writing captions, emails, etc.) and personalized content delivery on your page . This forward-thinking approach means as a user you’re at the cutting edge of link-in-bio innovation, potentially giving your audience a more tailored experience.
Beacons Cons:
Higher Cost for Full Power: The free plan is great to start, but to get the most out of Beacons (and avoid high transaction fees on sales), you’ll likely need a paid plan which can be significantly more expensive than Linktree’s (e.g. $30 or $90 for upper tiers) . This may be overkill for smaller creators.
Steeper Learning Curve: While still user-friendly, the sheer number of features means it can take longer to configure everything to your liking. Some users may feel overwhelmed if they just wanted a simple link list. Linktree’s one-job focus can actually be a benefit to those who prefer minimalism.
Fewer External Integrations: If you rely on many external tools, you might find yourself wishing Beacons had a direct integration here or there (for example, if you use a niche platform that isn’t supported natively). Zapier can fill the gap but that may mean an extra subscription or complexity .
Beacons Branding on Free: Just like Linktree, Beacons will advertise itself on your page unless you pay to remove the watermark . Not a huge con, but something to be aware of if you care about a white-label appearance.
Transaction Fee on Lower Plans: The 9% commission on sales for Free and even Creator Pro users can deter some from using the built-in store if they’re not ready to upgrade. You might opt to still use an external store to avoid this cut until you can justify a higher plan.
Ultimately, Linktree is excellent for simplicity, affordability, and integration, while Beacons shines for monetization, customization, and all-in-one capabilities. Many creators actually test out both (since both have free versions) to see which vibe they prefer.
Trovio – The Most Valuable Link for Creators
Trovio turns your knowledge into personalized, monetizable digital guides—no matter what link-in-bio tool you use.
Whether you lean toward Linktree’s straightforward approach or Beacons’ feature-rich ecosystem, one truth remains: the real magic comes from what you link to. Your link-in-bio is essentially a gateway for your followers. And that’s where Trovio comes in as a powerful complement to either platform.
No matter which link-in-bio tool you choose, Trovio can be the single most valuable link you include. Trovio isn’t just another link aggregator – it’s a platform that helps you monetize your expertise by creating personalized guide products for your audience. Imagine being able to offer your followers something more tailored than a generic ebook or a one-size-fits-all PDF. With Trovio, you can package your knowledge (travel tips, fitness plans, parenting advice – any niche you’re passionate about) into digital guides that automatically personalize to each buyer .
Here’s why adding a Trovio link to your bio (whether on Linktree, Beacons, or even directly on social media) is a game-changer for creators:
✨ Sell Guides, Not Just Link Them:
Instead of simply linking out to a static PDF or an online course, Trovio lets you create guides that people can buy on-demand. You create a guide once – for example, “Ultimate Vegan Recipes for Busy Professionals” or “Personalized Travel Itinerary for Europe” – and when a follower clicks your Trovio link, they can purchase a version of that guide that’s tailored to them. They’ll answer a couple of quick questions, and Trovio will deliver a version of your guide adapted to their needs . You get paid for each sale, turning your expertise into a passive income stream. You keep 100% of your revenue.
💰 Multiple Income Streams in One:
Trovio isn’t just about selling guides. It also enables you to receive tips (just like a tip jar, fans can send you a few bucks if they found your advice valuable) and to embed affiliate links inside your guides in a way that doesn’t feel spammy. Because the guides are personalized, any affiliate product recommendations you include feel highly relevant – which means higher conversion rates. You’re not just pasting a list of random Amazon links; you’re genuinely guiding each reader to products or services that fit their situation, and earning commission in the process. It’s a smart way to do affiliate marketing that actually puts your audience’s needs first, so it feels custom-made for them – because it is! Your Trovio guide can seamlessly incorporate your affiliate links to recommended gear, books, apps, etc., and since the content is tailored, those recommendations come across as authentic personal suggestions rather than ads.
🤖 Personalization = More Value:
Unlike a standard link-in-bio page which is the same for everyone, a Trovio guide adapts to each person. This personalized experience means your followers get more value (they’re not stuck with generic advice that might not apply to them) . When people feel like you truly “get” their situation, they’re more likely to trust you and invest in what you offer. Trovio uses some clever tech behind the scenes to make sure each guide feels like it was written “just for them,” using the content you provided . As a creator, you come off as incredibly attentive to your audience’s needs without having to manually customize anything for each buyer – Trovio handles the heavy lifting.
🚀 Easy for Creators:
You might be thinking, “This sounds great, but creating a guide sounds like a lot of work.” The beauty of Trovio is that it’s built to be simple and scalable for creators. If you can write your tips or process in a Google Doc, you can create a Trovio guide – no complex tech or website building needed . The platform is designed so even beginners (with zero following or tech skills) can launch a product in under an hour . Trovio handles the delivery, personalization, payments, and even provides a dashboard for you to manage sales and content. Think of it as having your own little product storefront that grows with you: start with one guide, and over time you can build a whole library of guides as your audience and knowledge expand . Plus, it’s not limited to influencers – even if you have a small audience, you can help someone with your niche know-how and make money doing it .
🌐 Works With Any Link-in-Bio:
You can easily add your Trovio guide link to Linktree or Beacons as a featured link – for example, label it “🔥 My Personalized Guide: [Your Topic]”. Because Trovio is a standalone platform, it doesn’t matter what you use in your bio; it’s an additional tool in your monetization toolkit. In fact, if Linktree is your “front door” with lots of links, Trovio can be the VIP room where your most engaged followers go to get premium value (and where you earn the most per click). If you use Beacons, you could even embed your Trovio offering on your page or link out to it as a product.
Trovio works with Linktree, Beacons, or on its own—giving you total flexibility to add personalized products anywhere.
In a world where every creator is sharing links, Trovio helps your link actually do something for your audience (and for your bank account). It transforms your bio from a directory of content into a destination for personalized solutions. And that’s a unique value proposition that sets you apart from other creators – your “link in bio” isn’t just a menu, it’s an opportunity for your followers to get something crafted just for them. Get Started Now!
Final thoughts: Linktree and Beacons are both fantastic tools – the choice ultimately comes down to your priorities. Linktree is like a trusty Swiss army knife: reliable, straightforward, and gets the job done without fuss. Beacons is more like a multi-tool with all the attachments: a bit bulkier, but capable of much more if you need it. You won’t go wrong with either for amplifying your online presence. Many creators start with one and switch to the other as their needs evolve, and some even use both for different projects.
Whichever you choose as your primary link-in-bio platform, remember that the content behind your links is what matters most. By leveraging something like Trovio as your secret weapon, you ensure that one of those links leads to a truly high-value experience for your fans – one that can earn you income, strengthen your community, and showcase your expertise in a way no simple link list can. In the end, the best link is one that brings your audience closer to you and what you offer. Trovio just might be that link – the one that turns a casual scroller into a satisfied customer, and a follower into a superfan.