ConvertKit vs Substack: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between ConvertKit 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.
Bottom line: ConvertKit wins this matchup. Medium is our overall Writing & Content pick. Medium is our free Writing & Content pick. Pick Substack if you need newsletter tools.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
ConvertKit
Email marketing for creators: newsletters, landing pages, and monetization
Best for you if:
- • You want built specifically for creators
- • You want simple automation builder
Substack
Newsletter platform for writers
Best for you if:
- • You want completely free to start
- • You want built-in payments
| At a Glance | ConvertKit | Substack |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Email Marketing | Newsletter Tools |
Rating | 4.5/5 | 2.4/5 |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose ConvertKit or Substack?
Choose ConvertKit if
Email marketing for creators: newsletters, landing pages, and monetization
- You want built specifically for creators
- You want simple automation builder
- Your work is email marketing-shaped, not newsletter tools-shaped
Choose Substack if
Newsletter platform for writers
- You want completely free to start
- You want built-in payments
- Your work is newsletter tools-shaped, not email marketing-shaped
| Feature | ConvertKit | Substack |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★4.5/5 480 reviews | ★2.4/5 179 reviews |
| Categories | Email MarketingMarketing Automation | Newsletter ToolsWriting & Content |
In-Depth Analysis
ConvertKit
Email marketing for creators: newsletters, landing pages, and monetization
ConvertKit's pricing is fair for creators, with a generous free tier up to 10,000 subscribers.
Strengths
- +Built specifically for creators
- +Simple automation builder
- +Good free tier
- +Paid newsletter support
Weaknesses
- -Limited design customization
- -Basic analytics
- -More expensive than competitors at scale
Key features
Substack
Newsletter platform for writers
Substack's pricing is incredibly generous, offering a full-featured free tier and only taking a 10% cut of revenue for paid newsletters.
Watch out
Stripe payment processing fees (approx. 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction)
Strengths
- +Completely free to start
- +Built-in payments
- +Simple to use
- +Large network
Weaknesses
- -10% revenue cut
- -Limited customization
- -Basic features
Key features
Pricing: ConvertKit vs Substack
| Plan | ConvertKit | Substack |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $0 Newsletter | 0 forever Free |
| Tier 2 | $33 Creator | 10% of revenue Paid newsletters |
| Tier 3 | $66 Pro | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on ConvertKit pricing and Substack pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: ConvertKit
Want the highest-rated option?
ConvertKit: 4.5/5 (480 reviews). Substack: 2.4/5 (179 reviews).
Go with: ConvertKit
Value user reviews?
ConvertKit: 480 reviews (4.5/5). Substack: 179 reviews (2.4/5).
Go with: ConvertKit
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are freemium. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
ConvertKit is a email marketing tool. Substack is in newsletter tools. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
ConvertKit is rated higher: 4.5/5 vs 2.4/5.
Key Takeaways
ConvertKit
- Higher user rating: 4.5/5 vs 2.4/5
- Larger review base (480 reviews)
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Substack
- Better fit for newsletter tools
The Bottom Line
ConvertKit wins this matchup. Medium is our overall Writing & Content pick. Medium is our free Writing & Content pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ConvertKit or Substack better?
ConvertKit is rated in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are ConvertKit and Substack used for?
ConvertKit: Email marketing for creators: newsletters, landing pages, and monetization. Substack: Newsletter platform for writers.
What does ConvertKit cost vs Substack?
ConvertKit is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Substack is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.