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.
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:
- • You need blogging platforms features specifically
- • Publishing platform for writers
- • Monetization through Partner Program
Substack
Newsletter platform for writers
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.2/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You need newsletter tools features specifically
- • Simple newsletter platform with payments
- • Built-in paid subscription model
| At a Glance |  Medium | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Blogging Platforms | Newsletter Tools |
Rating | —/100 | 82/100 |
| Feature | Medium | Substack |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | — | 82 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Blogging PlatformsSocial Writing | Newsletter ToolsBlogging Platforms |
Understanding the Differences
Both Medium and Substack solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Medium positions itself as "publishing platform for ideas and stories" while Substackfocuses on "newsletter platform for writers". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Medium
Medium 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. Scoring 82/100, it edges ahead in our evaluation.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, Medium lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Medium
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: Substack
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Tight budget? Start free with Medium, 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 Substack higher (82/100). But the community has upvoted Substack more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Substack Does Better
- Higher overall score (82/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Medium 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 Substack (82/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Substack scores higher in our analysis, but Medium 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 Medium or Substack better?
Based on our analysis, Substack scores higher with 82/100. Medium 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 Medium 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 Medium and Substack offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Medium is freemium with a free tier.Substack is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.