Substack
Newsletter publishing platform with free and paid subscriptions
- #9 of 11 in best email marketing software
- Free plan, paid upgrades
- Free to use
- WebiOSAndroid
Ranked 9 of 11 in best email marketing software
A newsletter platform where writers publish for free and can add paid subscriptions, with the mailing list kept by the writer. Its automation and design options are simpler than full email tools, so it suits publishing more than marketing.
Best for Writers building a paid newsletter audience
About Substack
Substack hosts newsletters for independent writers. Each publication sends posts by email and on the web, and readers can subscribe for free or pay for paid tiers. The homepage says writers own their intellectual property and mailing list, and describes the app as a home for independent voices.
It suits writers and small publications that want a newsletter with built-in reader payments and do not need a full email marketing suite. Check the fee terms for paid subscriptions before setting a price, because the homepage does not describe them. Its design and automation options are simpler than full email marketing platforms, which makes it easier to start.
Key features
- Free newsletters
- Paid subscriptions
- Writer-owned mailing list
- Email newsletter delivery
Strengths
- Free to publish and to subscribe
- Writers keep their mailing list
Limits
- Fee terms apply to paid subscriptions
- Less suited to general email marketing
Where Substack ranks
How Substack compares
| Product | Score | Price | Platforms | Self-hosting | Channels | Visual automations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
#7 beehiiv | 84.0 | Free plan, paid upgrades | Web | No | Newsletter, website, podcast | Yes |
#8 GetResponse | 82.5 | Subscription | Web | No | Email, landing pages, webinars | Yes |
| #9Substack | 80.0 | Free plan, paid upgrades | WebiOSAndroid | No | Email and web posts | No |
#10 Mautic | 79.0 | Free and open source | WebSelf-hosted | Yes | Email and multi-channel | Yes |
#11 listmonk | 78.5 | Free and open source | WebSelf-hosted | Yes | Email newsletters | No |
The full comparison table for best email marketing software has all 11 products.
Alternatives to Substack
All 10 alternatives
MailchimpEmail and SMS marketing platform with a basic free plan
KlaviyoEcommerce marketing platform for email, SMS and customer data
BrevoEmail, SMS and CRM marketing platform with a free plan
ActiveCampaignMarketing automation and email platform with a CRM- OmnisendEmail and SMS marketing platform built for ecommerce stores
KitEmail marketing and newsletter platform for creators
Questions about Substack
- Is Substack free?
- Substack can be used without paying: Free to publish; paid subscriptions are optional. Check the vendor’s pricing page for current limits.
- Is Substack open source?
- No. Substack is proprietary software; its source code is not public.
- Which platforms does Substack support?
- Substack is available on: Web, iOS, Android.
- What is Substack best for?
- Writers building a paid newsletter audience. In our ranking of email marketing software it is number 9 of 11 with a score of 80.0.
- What are the best alternatives to Substack?
- The highest-ranked alternatives on listme.name are Mailchimp, Klaviyo, Brevo, ActiveCampaign.
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