HeyNews vs Substack: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between HeyNews 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: Substack wins this matchup. Our overall Newsletter Tools pick is Constant Contact. Our free Newsletter Tools pick is Zetik. Pick HeyNews if you need email marketing.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
HeyNews
Create and publish your newsletter in minutes, directly from your browser.
Best for you if:
- • You want extremely fast publishing process (5 minutes)
- • You want simple and intuitive to use, no technical skills required
Substack
Newsletter platform for writers
Best for you if:
- • You want completely free to start
- • You want built-in payments
| At a Glance | HeyNews | Substack |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Email Marketing | Newsletter Tools |
Rating | 3.5/5 | 2.4/5 |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose HeyNews or Substack?
Choose HeyNews if
Create and publish your newsletter in minutes, directly from your browser.
- You want extremely fast publishing process (5 minutes)
- You want simple and intuitive to use, no technical skills required
- 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 | HeyNews | Substack |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★3.5/5 5 reviews | ★2.4/5 179 reviews |
| Categories | Email MarketingWriting & Content | Newsletter ToolsWriting & Content |
In-Depth Analysis
HeyNews
Create and publish your newsletter in minutes, directly from your browser.
HeyNews offers a fair pricing structure, especially with its generous Free tier and affordable Basic plan at $10/month.
Watch out
No clear overage fees for storage
Strengths
- +Extremely fast publishing process (5 minutes)
- +Simple and intuitive to use, no technical skills required
- +Accessible directly from a web browser
Weaknesses
- -Limited information on advanced features or integrations
- -No explicit mention of a free tier or trial
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: HeyNews vs Substack
| Plan | HeyNews | Substack |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free | 0 forever Free |
| Tier 2 | $10/mo Basic | 10% of revenue Paid newsletters |
| Tier 3 | $25/mo Pro | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on HeyNews pricing and Substack pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: HeyNews
Want the highest-rated option?
HeyNews: 3.5/5 (5 reviews). Substack: 2.4/5 (179 reviews).
Go with: HeyNews
Value user reviews?
HeyNews: 5 reviews (3.5/5). Substack: 179 reviews (2.4/5).
Go with: Substack
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?
HeyNews is a email marketing tool. Substack is in newsletter tools. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
HeyNews is rated higher: 3.5/5 vs 2.4/5.
Key Takeaways
Substack
- Larger review base (179 reviews)
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
HeyNews
- Higher user rating: 3.5/5 vs 2.4/5
- Better fit for email marketing
The Bottom Line
Substack wins this matchup. Our overall Newsletter Tools pick is Constant Contact. Our free Newsletter Tools pick is Zetik.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is HeyNews or Substack better?
Substack is rated in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are HeyNews and Substack used for?
HeyNews: Create and publish your newsletter in minutes, directly from your browser.. Substack: Newsletter platform for writers.
What does HeyNews cost vs Substack?
HeyNews is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Substack is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.