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 is our overall pick for email marketing workflows. Pick Substack if you need newsletter tools.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Substack
Newsletter platform for writers
Best for you if:
- • You need newsletter tools features specifically
- • Simple newsletter platform with payments
- • Built-in paid subscription model
ConvertKit
Email marketing for creators: newsletters, landing pages, and monetization
Best for you if:
- • You need email marketing features specifically
- • Email marketing for creators
- • Automation and sequences
| At a Glance |  Substack |  ConvertKit |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | 10%/of revenuePaid newsletters | $0/moNewsletter |
Best For | Newsletter Tools | Email Marketing |
Rating | - | - |
Choose Substack or ConvertKit?
Choose Substack if
Newsletter platform for writers
- Completely free to start
- Built-in payments
- Simple to use
- Your work is newsletter tools-shaped, not email marketing-shaped
Choose ConvertKit if
Email marketing for creators: newsletters, landing pages, and monetization
- Built specifically for creators
- Simple automation builder
- Good free tier
- Your work is email marketing-shaped, not newsletter tools-shaped
| Feature | Substack | ConvertKit |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★4.4/5 13 reviews | ★4.5/5 4,453 reviews |
| Categories | Newsletter ToolsWriting & Content | Email MarketingMarketing Automation |
In-Depth Analysis
Substack
Newsletter platform for writers
Strengths
- +Completely free to start
- +Built-in payments
- +Simple to use
- +Large network
Weaknesses
- -10% revenue cut
- -Limited customization
- -Basic features
Key features
ConvertKit
Email marketing for creators: newsletters, landing pages, and monetization
Strengths
- +Built specifically for creators
- +Simple automation builder
- +Good free tier
- +Paid newsletter support
Weaknesses
- -Limited design customization
- -Basic analytics
- -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.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Substack
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Substack
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: ConvertKit
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?
Substack is a newsletter tools tool. ConvertKit is in email marketing. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Key Takeaways
ConvertKit
- Higher user rating: 4.5/5 vs 4.4/5
- Larger review base (4,453 reviews)
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Substack
- Better fit for newsletter tools
The Bottom Line
ConvertKit is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Substack or ConvertKit better?
ConvertKit is rated in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
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 is freemium (free tier + paid plans). ConvertKit is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.