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.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated April 14, 2026 · Methodology
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:
- 0
- • Simple newsletter platform with payments
- • Built-in paid subscription model
Medium
Publishing platform for ideas and stories
Best for you if:
- 0
- • Publishing platform for writers
- • Monetization through Partner Program
| At a Glance |  Substack |  Medium |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Blogging Platforms | Blogging Platforms |
Rating | — | — |
| Feature | Substack | Medium |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Blogging PlatformsNewsletter Tools | Blogging PlatformsSocial Writing |
How Substack and Medium Compare
Substack
Newsletter platform for writers
Free tier available
Medium
Publishing platform for ideas and stories
Free tier available
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: 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?
Both are blogging platforms tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Key Takeaways
Substack
- 0
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Medium
The Bottom Line
Substack is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Substack or Medium better?
Substack is rated high in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are Substack and Medium used for?
Substack: Newsletter platform for writers. Medium: Publishing platform for ideas and stories.
What does Substack cost vs Medium?
Substack is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Medium is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.