Beacons.ai is a link-in-bio platform built for creators and small businesses who want one URL that consolidates their links, stores, mailing list, and analytics. It's the most direct Linktree competitor in the category and one of the few that ships actual AI tooling instead of bolt-on marketing.
If you've used Linktree and outgrown the free plan — or hit its design ceiling — Beacons is the most-recommended next stop. We've helped clients migrate and tracked the data. Here's what it does, what it doesn't, and whether it's worth the move.
What Beacons.ai does
Five core features:
- Customisable link-in-bio page. Drag-and-drop builder, 100+ templates, dark mode, custom CSS for paid users. The pages look closer to a real website than a list of links.
- Email and SMS list building. Native opt-in forms on the bio page. Lists feed into Beacons' own email tool or sync to Mailchimp, ConvertKit, Klaviyo.
- Creator commerce. Sell digital products, e-books, courses, and 1-1 coaching directly from the bio page. Beacons takes 9% of revenue on the free plan, less on paid tiers.
- Media kit generator. Auto-generated PDF media kit pulling your follower counts, engagement rates, and partner brands from connected accounts. Useful for creators pitching brands.
- AI tools. AI-written bios, AI-generated landing-page copy, AI brand-deal email drafter, AI rate-card builder. Most are decent first drafts; you'll edit them.
Beacons.ai pricing
- Free: Branded Beacons URL, basic templates, 9% commerce commission, ads on your page.
- Creator Pro ($10/mo): Custom domain, no Beacons branding, advanced analytics, 5% commerce commission.
- Store Pro ($25/mo): 0% commerce commission, unlimited stores, advanced commerce features, abandoned-cart emails.
The free plan is generous on customisation but the 9% commerce cut adds up fast if you sell anything. If you plan to sell at all, jump to Creator Pro day one.
Beacons.ai vs. Linktree — the real differences
| Beacons.ai | Linktree | |
|---|---|---|
| Free customisation | Strong (CSS-light) | Limited (template-only) |
| Commerce | Built in, 9% cut on free | Built in, free for basic |
| Email list | Native opt-ins + email tool | Capture only, no native send |
| AI tools | 5+ AI features | Minimal |
| Media kit | Auto-generated | Not built in |
| Custom domain | $10/mo | $5-9/mo |
| Page speed | Slower (more features) | Faster |
If your bio link is a static list of URLs, Linktree is enough. If your bio link is a mini-website — store, email opt-in, media kit, multiple CTAs — Beacons does more.
Are the Beacons AI features actually useful?
Mixed. We've tested all five:
- AI bio generator: Good first draft. Always edit — generic AI tone gives away its origin in five seconds.
- AI landing-page builder: Decent for skeleton copy. Doesn't replace a writer.
- AI brand-deal email drafter: Solid template. Personalise heavily before sending.
- AI rate-card builder: Estimates pricing based on follower count and engagement. Treat as a floor, not a ceiling.
- AI link suggestions: Recommends content blocks based on your niche. Mostly noise.
Net: AI features are a real productivity boost for first drafts, not a replacement for editorial judgement.
Who Beacons.ai is best for
- Creators selling digital products. Templates, courses, presets, e-books. The native commerce + email opt-in combo is hard to beat at this price.
- Influencers pitching brand deals. The auto-generated media kit alone saves hours.
- Small businesses with multiple offerings. Service menus, booking links, mailing-list signup all on one page.
Where Beacons.ai falls short
- Page-load speed. Heavier than Linktree. If your bio audience is mostly mobile data users, this matters.
- SEO. Bio pages don't rank in Google. None of the link-in-bio platforms solve this — they're not designed to.
- Brands needing strict design control. Beacons templates are good, but power-users wanting full control will outgrow them. A custom-built bio page on your own domain is the upgrade.
Setting up a Beacons.ai page
- Sign up at beacons.ai with your email or Instagram login.
- Claim your URL: beacons.ai/yourname.
- Pick a template close to your visual style. Don't over-customise on day one.
- Add your top 3-5 links. Don't add 12 — bio pages convert better with fewer choices.
- Connect at least one commerce or email opt-in block.
- Update your Instagram bio URL to your new Beacons link.
Most setups take 30-45 minutes the first time. Subsequent updates are 2-5 minutes per link.
Beacons.ai alternatives
- Linktree — fastest, simplest, lower customisation.
- Stan.store — creator-commerce focused, simpler than Beacons.
- Koji — interactive bio pages with built-in mini-games and polls.
- Self-built page — Carrd, Webflow, or your own site. Maximum control.
- So-me bio links — included free with So-me Studio, custom domain, native scheduler integration.
FAQ
What is Beacons.ai?
A link-in-bio platform for creators and small businesses combining link consolidation, email capture, commerce, media-kit generation, and AI tools in one bio URL.
Is Beacons.ai free?
Yes — a free plan exists with basic features and a 9% commerce commission. Paid plans start at $10/mo and reduce commission, add custom domains, and remove Beacons branding.
Beacons.ai vs. Linktree — which is better?
Linktree if you want speed and simplicity. Beacons if you want commerce, email opt-in, and AI tools on one page.
Are the Beacons AI features worth it?
Useful for first drafts (bios, brand-deal emails, rate cards). Always edit before publishing — the generic AI tone is recognisable.
Can I sell products on Beacons.ai?
Yes. Digital products, courses, 1-1 coaching, and physical products with shipping. Free plan takes a 9% cut; paid plans reduce or eliminate that.
Next steps
If you've outgrown Linktree, spend 30 minutes setting up a Beacons account this week. If you're starting from scratch and only need a list of links, Linktree is still simpler. If you need a bio link bundled with the scheduler you're already using, our bio links integrate without a separate tool.
For more on link-in-bio strategy, read our pieces on adding a link to your TikTok bio, growing Instagram followers, and Instagram SEO strategies.
