Overview
Substack lets writers publish newsletters and charge for subscriptions. It takes 10% of paid subscription revenue — no upfront cost. Includes a web publication, app, and discovery network.
Strengths
- Free to use — takes 10% of paid subscriber revenue
- Built-in discovery and recommendation network
- Simple, distraction-free writing experience
- Mobile app for readers
Weaknesses
- 10% revenue cut is steep at scale
- Very limited customization
- Basic analytics
- No automation or segmentation
Quick info
- Category
- Email Marketing
- Starting price
- Free
- Free tier
- Fully free
- Open source
- No
- Best for
- Individuals
- Founded
- 2017
Last updated 2026-04-12
Top alternatives to Substack
1
Beehiiv
Free
Newsletter platform built for growth — with built-in referral programs, monetization, and analytics.
2
ConvertKit
Free tier
Email marketing platform built for creators — newsletters, automations, and digital products.
3
Buttondown
Free tier
Simple, elegant newsletter tool with markdown support, automation, and paid subscriptions.
Substack comparisons
vs
Mailchimp vs Substack
Substack is the free option; Mailchimp charges $13/mo but may offer more polish. Here is how they compare.
vs
ConvertKit vs Substack
Substack is the free option; ConvertKit charges $25/mo but may offer more polish. Here is how they compare.
vs
Beehiiv vs Substack
Beehiiv is built for newsletter creators focused on growth and monetization. Substack is built for writers who want to monetize with paid subscriptions. Pick the one that fits.
vs
Substack vs ActiveCampaign
Substack is the free option; ActiveCampaign charges $29/mo but may offer more polish. Here is how they compare.
vs
Substack vs Brevo
Substack is built for writers who want to monetize with paid subscriptions. Brevo is built for small businesses wanting email, sms, and chat in one. Pick the one that fits.
vs
Substack vs MailerLite
Substack is built for writers who want to monetize with paid subscriptions. MailerLite is built for small businesses and creators wanting simple email. Pick the one that fits.
More Email Marketing tools
Mailchimp
Email marketing platform with campaigns, automation, landing pages, and audience management.
ConvertKit
Email marketing platform built for creators — newsletters, automations, and digital products.
Beehiiv
Newsletter platform built for growth — with built-in referral programs, monetization, and analytics.
ActiveCampaign
Email marketing and CRM platform with sophisticated automation workflows and machine learning.
Brevo
All-in-one marketing platform for email, SMS, chat, and CRM at accessible pricing.
MailerLite
Email marketing platform with landing pages, automations, and a generous free tier.
Stay sharp
New email marketing tools, price changes, and honest takes — weekly.