Substack vs HeyNews: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Substack and HeyNews 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: Substack wins this matchup. Constant Contact is our overall Newsletter Tools pick. Mailerlite is our free Newsletter Tools pick. Pick HeyNews if you need email marketing.
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
HeyNews
Create and publish your newsletter in minutes, directly from your browser.
Best for you if:
- • You want extremely fast publishing process (5 minutes)
| At a Glance | Substack | HeyNews |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free Free plan | Free Free plan |
Category | Newsletter Tools Writing & Content | Email Marketing Writing & Content |
Rating | 2.4/5 Trustpilot 1.3 · G2 4.3 179 reviews | n/a |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Watch out for | Stripe payment processing fees (approx. 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction) | No clear overage fees for storage |
Choose Substack or HeyNews?
Choose Substack if
- You want completely free to start
- You want built-in payments
- You work in newsletter tools, not email marketing
Choose HeyNews if
- You want extremely fast publishing process (5 minutes)
- You want simple and intuitive to use, no technical skills required
- 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
HeyNews
Create and publish your newsletter in minutes, directly from your browser.
HeyNews offers a fair pricing structure, especially with its generous Free tier and affordable Basic plan at $10/month.
Watch out
No clear overage fees for storage
Strengths
- Pro: Extremely fast publishing process (5 minutes)
- Pro: Simple and intuitive to use, no technical skills required
- Pro: Accessible directly from a web browser
Weaknesses
- Con: Limited information on advanced features or integrations
- Con: No explicit mention of a free tier or trial
Key features
Pricing: Substack vs HeyNews
| Plan | Substack | HeyNews |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | 0 forever Free | Free Free |
| Tier 2 | 10% of revenue Paid newsletters | $10/mo Basic |
| Tier 3 | N/A | $25/mo Pro |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Substack pricing and HeyNews pricing.
Key Takeaways
Substack
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
HeyNews
- Better fit for email marketing
The Bottom Line
Substack wins this matchup. Constant Contact is our overall Newsletter Tools pick. Mailerlite is our free Newsletter Tools pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Substack or HeyNews better in 2026?
Substack wins this matchup. Constant Contact is our overall Newsletter Tools pick. Mailerlite is our free Newsletter Tools pick. Pick Substack for newsletter tools workflows (main strength: completely free to start). Pick HeyNews for email marketing workflows (main strength: extremely fast publishing process (5 minutes)).
What are Substack and HeyNews used for?
Substack: Newsletter platform for writers. HeyNews: Create and publish your newsletter in minutes, directly from your browser.
What does Substack cost vs HeyNews?
Substack pricing is on their site. HeyNews's paid plans start at Free (Basic).
What's the main difference between Substack and HeyNews?
Substack's main strength: completely free to start. HeyNews's main strength: extremely fast publishing process (5 minutes).