Patreon vs Substack: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Patreon 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 February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Patreon
Creator membership platform
Best for you if:
- • You need membership sites features specifically
- • Patreon is a membership platform for creators to earn from their audience
- • It enables subscription-based support with tiered rewards
Substack
Newsletter platform for writers
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.2/10 vs 7.5/10)
- • You need blogging platforms features specifically
- • Simple newsletter platform with payments
- • Built-in paid subscription model
| At a Glance |  Patreon |  Substack |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Membership Sites | Blogging Platforms |
Rating | 75/100 | 82/100 |
| Feature | Patreon | Substack |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 75 | 82 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Membership SitesSubscription Billing | Blogging PlatformsNewsletter Tools |
How Patreon and Substack Compare
Patreon
Creator membership platform
Free tier available · 75/100 score
Substack
Newsletter platform for writers
Free tier available · 82/100 score
Patreon is a membership sites tool. Substack is in blogging platforms.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Patreon
Want the highest-rated option?
Patreon: 75/100. Substack: 82/100.
Go with: Substack
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
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?
Patreon is a membership sites tool. Substack is in blogging platforms. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Substack scores higher: 82/100 vs 75/100.
Key Takeaways
Substack
- Higher score: 82/100 vs 75
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Patreon
- Better fit for membership sites
The Bottom Line
Substack (82/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Patreon or Substack better?
Substack scores 82/100 in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are Patreon and Substack used for?
Patreon: Creator membership platform. Substack: Newsletter platform for writers.
What does Patreon cost vs Substack?
Patreon is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Substack is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.