Buttondown vs Substack: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Buttondown and Substack comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Buttondown
Simple newsletter tool
Best for you if:
- • You need email marketing features specifically
- • Buttondown is a simple email newsletter tool for writers and creators
- • It provides a clean writing experience with Markdown support and subscriber management
Substack
Newsletter platform for writers
Best for you if:
- • You need newsletter tools features specifically
- • Simple newsletter platform with payments
- • Built-in paid subscription model
| At a Glance |  Buttondown | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Email Marketing | Newsletter Tools |
Rating | 82/100 | 82/100 |
| Feature | Buttondown | Substack |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 82 | 82 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Email MarketingNewsletter Tools | Newsletter ToolsBlogging Platforms |
Understanding the Differences
Both Buttondown and Substack solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Buttondown positions itself as "simple newsletter tool" while Substackfocuses on "newsletter platform for writers". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Buttondown
Buttondown makes sense if you're looking for a budget-friendly option with a free tier solution.
When to Choose Substack
Substack is worth considering if you need a flexible option with both free and paid tiers tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, Buttondown lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Buttondown
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Substack is built for teams that are leveling up.
We'd pick: Substack
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Both have enterprise tiers—compare their security features.
We'd pick: Buttondown
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Tight budget? Start free with Buttondown, upgrade when you're ready.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Buttondown higher (82/100). But the community has upvoted Substack more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Buttondown Does Better
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Substack If
- You want to start free and scale later
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Buttondown (82/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Buttondown scores higher in our analysis, but Substack might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Buttondown or Substack better?
Based on our analysis, Buttondown scores higher with 82/100. Buttondown isfreemium while Substack is freemium. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Buttondown to Substack easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do Buttondown and Substack offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Buttondown is freemium with a free tier.Substack is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.