Medium vs Substack: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Medium 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.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated March 22, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Medium
Publishing platform for ideas and stories
Best for you if:
- 0
- • Publishing platform for writers
- • Monetization through Partner Program
Substack
Newsletter platform for writers
Best for you if:
- 0
- • Simple newsletter platform with payments
- • Built-in paid subscription model
| At a Glance |  Medium |  Substack |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Blogging Platforms | Blogging Platforms |
Rating | — | — |
| Feature | Medium | Substack |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Blogging PlatformsSocial Writing | Blogging PlatformsNewsletter Tools |
How Medium and Substack Compare
Medium
Publishing platform for ideas and stories
Free tier available
Substack
Newsletter platform for writers
Free tier available
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Medium
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Medium
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Medium
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?
Both are blogging platforms tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Key Takeaways
Medium
- 0
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Substack
The Bottom Line
Medium is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Medium or Substack better?
Medium is rated high in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are Medium and Substack used for?
Medium: Publishing platform for ideas and stories. Substack: Newsletter platform for writers.
What does Medium cost vs Substack?
Medium is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Substack is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.