Substack vs ConvertKit: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Substack and ConvertKit 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
Based on published vendor pricing and features and on public review data, here's who should pick what:
Substack
Newsletter platform for writers
Best for you if:
- • You want completely free to start
ConvertKit
Email marketing for creators: newsletters, landing pages, and monetization
Best for you if:
- • You want built specifically for creators
| At a Glance | Substack | ConvertKit |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free Free plan | Free Free plan |
Category | Newsletter Tools Writing & Content | Email Marketing Marketing Automation |
Rating | 2.4/5 Trustpilot 1.3 · G2 4.3 179 reviews | 4.5/5 Capterra 4.6 · G2 4.4 480 reviews |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Watch out for | Stripe payment processing fees (approx. 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction) | n/a |
Choose Substack or ConvertKit?
Choose Substack if
- You want completely free to start
- You want built-in payments
- You work in newsletter tools, not email marketing
Choose ConvertKit if
- You want built specifically for creators
- You want simple automation builder
- You work in email marketing, not newsletter tools
In-Depth Analysis
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
- Pro: Completely free to start
- Pro: Built-in payments
- Pro: Simple to use
- Pro: Large network
Weaknesses
- Con: 10% revenue cut
- Con: Limited customization
- Con: Basic features
Key features
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
- Pro: Built specifically for creators
- Pro: Simple automation builder
- Pro: Good free tier
- Pro: Paid newsletter support
Weaknesses
- Con: Limited design customization
- Con: Basic analytics
- Con: More expensive than competitors at scale
Key features
Pricing: Substack vs ConvertKit
| Plan | Substack | ConvertKit |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | 0 forever Free | $0 Newsletter |
| Tier 2 | 10% of revenue Paid newsletters | $33 Creator |
| Tier 3 | N/A | $66 Pro |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Substack pricing and ConvertKit pricing.
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 Substack or ConvertKit better in 2026?
ConvertKit wins this matchup. Medium is our overall Writing & Content pick. Medium is our free Writing & Content pick. Pick Substack for newsletter tools workflows (main strength: completely free to start). Pick ConvertKit for email marketing workflows (main strength: built specifically for creators).
What are Substack and ConvertKit used for?
Substack: Newsletter platform for writers. ConvertKit: Email marketing for creators: newsletters, landing pages, and monetization.
What does Substack cost vs ConvertKit?
Substack pricing is on their site. ConvertKit's paid plans start at Free (Creator).
What's the main difference between Substack and ConvertKit?
Substack's main strength: completely free to start. ConvertKit's main strength: built specifically for creators.