Substack vs Medium: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Substack and Medium 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:
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
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
| At a Glance |  Medium | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Newsletter Tools | Blogging Platforms |
Rating | 82/100 | —/100 |
| Feature | Substack | Medium |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 82 | — |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Newsletter ToolsBlogging Platforms | Blogging PlatformsSocial Writing |
Understanding the Differences
Both Substack and Medium solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Substack positions itself as "newsletter platform for writers" while Mediumfocuses on "publishing platform for ideas and stories". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Substack
Substack makes sense if you're looking for a budget-friendly option with a free tier solution. With a score of 82/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose Medium
Medium is worth considering if you need a flexible option with both free and paid tiers tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, Substack lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Substack
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Substack handles scale better in our testing.
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 Substack, 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 Medium 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 Substack or Medium better?
Based on our analysis, Substack scores higher with 82/100. Substack isfreemium while Medium 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 Substack to Medium 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 Substack and Medium offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Substack is freemium with a free tier.Medium is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.