11 Best Substack Alternatives in 2026

Substack changed the newsletter game when it launched, making it ridiculously easy for writers to build paid subscription audiences. But here's the thing: it's not the only option anymore, and for many creators, it's not even the best option.

Maybe you're frustrated with Substack's limited design options. Maybe you want more control over your subscriber data. Or perhaps you're just exploring what else is out there before committing to a platform for the long haul.

The newsletter platform landscape has exploded, with dozens of alternatives offering everything Substack does and often quite a bit more. Some give you better monetization options, others offer superior analytics, and a few provide complete creative control over your publication's look and feel.

In this guide, we'll explore the best Substack alternatives available in 2026, what makes each one unique, and how to decide which platform deserves to be the home for your writing and your audience.

What to Look for in a Newsletter Platform

Before we explore specific alternatives, let's talk about what actually matters when choosing where to publish your newsletter.

A solid newsletter platform should give you:

• Easy publishing without wrestling with complicated software
• Subscriber management that helps you understand and grow your audience
• Monetization options if you want to earn from your writing
• Email deliverability that ensures your newsletters actually reach inboxes
• Analytics showing who reads what and when
• Design flexibility to make your newsletter look how you want
• Data ownership so you can leave with your subscriber list if needed

Different platforms excel at different things. Some prioritize simplicity like Substack does, while others offer deeper customization or better integration with existing websites. The right choice depends on what matters most to you.

1. Beehiiv: The Feature-Rich Powerhouse

Pricing: Free plan available; Scale at $42/month; Max at $84/month

Best for: Creators who want advanced features and monetization options

Overview:

Beehiiv has rapidly become the most popular Substack alternative, and for good reason. It offers everything Substack does plus features that make serious newsletter creators salivate: referral programs, A/B testing, advanced segmentation, and a recommendation network.

The platform was built by former Morning Brew employees who understood what professional newsletter operators actually need.

Key Features:

• Referral program to incentivize subscriber growth
• A/B testing for subject lines and content
• Advanced audience segmentation
• Subscriber recommendations and network
• Multiple monetization options (subscriptions, ads, boosts)
• Custom domains included on all plans
• 3D analytics dashboard
• Polls and surveys built-in

Why it's better than Substack:

You get far more tools to grow your audience organically. The referral program alone can supercharge growth, and the recommendation network exposes your newsletter to other newsletters' audiences. The analytics are significantly more detailed.

Downside:

The abundance of features can feel overwhelming for beginners. The interface, while powerful, has a steeper learning curve than Substack's simplicity.

2. Kit: The Creator-First Platform

Pricing: Free up to 1,000 subscribers; Creator at $25/month; Creator Pro at $50/month

Best for: Creators building complete businesses around their content

Overview:

Kit positions itself as more than a newsletter platform, it's a complete creator business system. Beyond newsletters, you get landing pages, automation sequences, digital product sales, and powerful subscriber management tools.

If your newsletter is part of a larger creator business that includes courses, ebooks, or other products, Kit's integrated approach makes life much easier.

Key Features:

• Visual automation builder for email sequences
• Landing page and form builders
• Digital product sales and delivery
• Subscriber tagging and segmentation
• Sponsorship marketplace (Creator Pro)
• Paid newsletter subscriptions
• Customizable email templates
• Integration with dozens of other tools

Why it's better than Substack:

Kit gives you way more control over subscriber journeys. You can create sophisticated welcome sequences, tag subscribers based on interests, and build automated funnels. Perfect if you're monetizing beyond just newsletter subscriptions.

Downside:

Pricing scales with subscriber count, which can get expensive. The platform prioritizes function over beautiful design, so newsletters look simpler than Substack's clean aesthetic.

3. Ghost: The Open-Source Alternative

Pricing: Starter at $11/month; Creator at $31/month; Team at $63/month (self-hosting free)

Best for: Writers who want complete control and ownership

Overview:

Ghost is the open-source darling of the newsletter world. It's a complete publishing platform that handles newsletters, membership sites, and blogs all in one place. If you value independence and control, Ghost is worth serious consideration.

You can use Ghost's hosted service or self-host it on your own server for complete ownership of everything.

Key Features:

• Complete CMS for blogging and newsletters
• Built-in membership and subscription management
• Native payment processing
• SEO-optimized from the ground up
• Custom themes and complete design control
• No transaction fees on any plan
• API access for custom integrations
• Self-hosting option available

Why it's better than Substack:

You own everything. Ghost is open-source software you can host yourself, meaning no platform can shut you down or change terms. The design flexibility is unmatched, and there are zero transaction fees on paid subscriptions.

Downside:

Self-hosting requires technical knowledge. Even with hosted Ghost, you'll need more technical comfort than Substack. The audience discovery features are limited compared to platforms with recommendation networks.

4. Medium: The Built-In Audience Giant

Pricing: Free to publish; earn through Partner Program

Best for: Writers who want immediate audience exposure

Overview:

Medium takes a fundamentally different approach than most newsletter platforms. Instead of building your own subscriber list, you publish to Medium's existing audience of millions and earn based on member engagement with your stories.

In 2026, Medium has enhanced its newsletter features, letting you also build a direct subscriber list while benefiting from their massive platform reach.

Key Features:

• Instant access to millions of potential readers
• Earn money through the Partner Program
• No need to build an audience from scratch
• Clean, distraction-free reading experience
• Built-in newsletter functionality
• Publication creation for multiple writers
• Built-in social features
• No technical setup required

Why it's better than Substack:

You don't start at zero. Medium's algorithm can surface your writing to interested readers immediately. For new writers, getting those first readers and validation is invaluable. Plus, you can earn without needing paid subscribers.

Downside:

You're building on rented land. Medium's algorithm and policies change. Monetization is tied to their Partner Program rules. Less control over design and subscriber relationships.

5. Buttondown: The Minimalist's Choice

Pricing: Free up to 100 subscribers; Standard at $9/month; Professional at $29/month

Best for: Writers who value simplicity and developer-friendly features

Overview:

Buttondown embraces radical simplicity while offering surprisingly powerful features for technical users. It's the anti-bloatware newsletter platform, designed by a developer who wanted something clean and fast.

If you love markdown, hate unnecessary features, and appreciate thoughtful minimalism, Buttondown might be your perfect match.

Key Features:

• Markdown-based writing
• Clean, fast interface
• Automated RSS-to-email conversion
• Powerful API for custom integrations
• Pay-what-you-want subscriptions
• Excellent deliverability
• Subscriber surveys and analytics
• Privacy-focused approach

Why it's better than Substack:

It's refreshingly simple and incredibly fast. The markdown support appeals to technical writers. The privacy focus means no tracking pixels or invasive analytics. The pay-what-you-want model offers flexible monetization.

Downside:

Very basic design options might feel too limited for branding-conscious creators. Fewer growth features compared to platforms like Beehiiv. The minimalism is a feature for some, a limitation for others.

6. MailerLite: Budget-Friendly Powerhouse

Pricing: Free up to 1,000 subscribers; Growing Business at $10/month; Advanced at $21/month

Best for: Creators on a tight budget who need full features

Overview:

MailerLite offers an impressive feature set at prices significantly lower than most competitors. It's not just a newsletter platform but a complete email marketing solution that includes landing pages, websites, and automation.

For creators watching every dollar while building their audience, MailerLite delivers exceptional value.

Key Features:

• Newsletter and email campaigns
• Landing page builder
• Website builder included
• Marketing automation workflows
• Digital product sales
• Subscriber segmentation
• A/B testing
• 24/7 support on all plans

Why it's better than Substack:

The free plan is incredibly generous, and paid plans cost less than most alternatives while offering more features. You get landing pages, automation, and a website builder included. Transaction fees on paid newsletters are lower than Substack's.

Downside:

The interface feels more like a corporate email marketing tool than a writing-focused newsletter platform. Less elegant for pure writing compared to Substack's beautiful simplicity.

7. Kit Creator Network: Community-Powered Growth

Pricing: Integrated with ConvertKit pricing

Best for: Writers who want community-driven discovery

Overview:

Kit creator network focuses on helping creators grow through recommendations and community rather than algorithms. It's less a standalone platform and more an extension of Kit that emphasizes creator-to-creator support.

The recommendation features help newsletters grow by tapping into other creators' audiences in mutually beneficial ways.

Key Features:

• Creator recommendation network
• Subscriber matching algorithms
• Cross-promotion opportunities
• Built on Kit infrastructure
• Community support and resources
• Collaboration tools
• Growth analytics
• Integration with Kit features

Why it's better than Substack:

The recommendation features are more sophisticated, actively matching your newsletter with audiences likely to appreciate it. The creator community feels more supportive and collaborative.

Downside:

Requires Kit subscription, which can be pricey as you grow. The platform is still developing compared to more established alternatives.

8. Letterdrop: SEO and Content Marketing Focus

Pricing: Starter at $99/month; Professional at $299/month

Best for: Companies and creators focused on SEO and content marketing

Overview:

Letterdrop combines newsletter functionality with powerful SEO and content marketing tools. It's designed for creators who want their content to rank in search engines while also building an email audience.

This is less "simple newsletter platform" and more "complete content marketing system."

Key Features:

• SEO optimization tools
• Content calendar and planning
• AI writing assistance
• Newsletter publishing
• Social media cross-posting
• Team collaboration features
• Performance analytics
• CRM integrations

Why it's better than Substack:

If SEO matters to your content strategy, Letterdrop's tools help your writing rank in Google while also going to subscribers. The content planning features help you maintain consistent publishing.

Downside:

Significantly more expensive than most alternatives. The feature set is overkill for simple newsletter writers. Better suited for businesses than individual creators.

9. Paragraph: Web3 Newsletter Platform

Pricing: Free to use; optional NFT features

Best for: Crypto-curious creators exploring blockchain publishing

Overview:

Paragraph represents the web3 approach to newsletters, offering blockchain-based features like NFT collectibles for subscribers and cryptocurrency payments. It's experimental but interesting for creators in the crypto space.

The platform maintains traditional newsletter functionality while adding web3 options for those who want them.

Key Features:

• Traditional newsletter publishing
• NFT creation for subscribers
• Cryptocurrency payment options
• On-chain content archiving
• Decentralized ownership
• Token-gated content
• Community features
• Traditional payment options also available

Why it's better than Substack:

If you're publishing about web3 or want to experiment with blockchain features, Paragraph offers unique monetization and engagement options. Your content can be archived on-chain for permanence.

Downside:

Web3 features may confuse or alienate non-crypto audiences. The platform is newer and less proven than established alternatives. The long-term viability of web3 publishing is still uncertain.

10. HubSpot: Enterprise-Grade Solution

Pricing: Free tools available; Marketing Hub starts at $45/month

Best for: Businesses and professional marketers

Overview:

HubSpot's email marketing tools include newsletter functionality as part of their complete marketing platform. It's overkill for most individual writers but perfect for companies using newsletters as part of larger marketing strategies.

The platform offers enterprise-grade reliability and features that serious businesses require.

Key Features:

• Complete CRM integration
• Marketing automation
• Landing pages and forms
• Social media management
• Analytics and reporting
• A/B testing
• Personalization features
• Team collaboration tools

Why it's better than Substack:

For businesses, the CRM integration means newsletter engagement informs your entire customer relationship. The automation and segmentation capabilities are industry-leading.

Downside:

Expensive for individual creators. The platform's complexity is designed for marketing teams, not solo writers. Many features will go unused by simple newsletter publishers.

11. WordPress + Newsletter Plugins: Complete Ownership

Pricing: Varies by hosting; plugins from free to $200+/year

Best for: Writers who want absolute control and already use WordPress

Overview:

WordPress with plugins like Mailpoet, Newsletter, or Subscribe2 gives you complete control over your newsletter while integrating with your existing website. You own everything, control everything, and answer to no platform.

This approach requires more technical knowledge but offers maximum flexibility and independence.

Key Features:

• Complete ownership of platform and data
• Unlimited customization possibilities
• Integration with your website
• No platform fees or transaction costs
• Plugin ecosystem for any feature
• Complete design control
• Self-hosted or managed hosting options
• Thousands of themes and extensions

Why it's better than Substack:

You own the entire stack. No platform can shut you down, change fees, or alter features. Once set up, operating costs can be lower than platform subscriptions.

Downside:

Requires technical knowledge or willingness to learn. You're responsible for updates, security, and deliverability. Email deliverability requires more work to maintain compared to specialized platforms.

Comparison Overview: Substack Alternatives

How to Choose Your Newsletter Platform

The right platform depends on your priorities, technical comfort, and long-term vision.

If you want the easiest migration from Substack: Beehiiv offers the most similar experience with better features. Ghost is also relatively painless if you value ownership.

If monetization is your priority: ConvertKit or Ghost offer the most flexibility for selling subscriptions, digital products, and more. Neither takes transaction fees beyond payment processing.

If you're just starting and need audience: Medium gives you immediate reach. Build there first, then migrate to a dedicated platform once you have traction.

If you're technically inclined: Ghost (self-hosted) or WordPress give you complete control. Buttondown offers technical features in a simpler package.

If growth features matter most: Beehiiv's referral program and recommendation network are unmatched. Kit also excels at community-driven growth.

If you're on a tight budget: MailerLite or Buttondown offer generous free plans. WordPress can be economical if you're comfortable managing it yourself.

Making the Switch

If you're leaving Substack, the process is usually straightforward:

Most platforms let you export your subscriber list from Substack and import it directly. Your existing subscribers typically transfer seamlessly with their subscription status intact.

A few tips for smooth transitions:

• Export your Substack data before canceling anything
• Set up your new platform completely before announcing the move
• Send a clear email explaining the change to subscribers
• Keep your Substack archive accessible or redirect to new platform
• Update all links in bios and websites
• Give subscribers time to whitelist your new email address

The platforms we've discussed all support imports from Substack, and most have migration guides specifically for Substack users.

Conclusion

Substack proved newsletters could work as a standalone publishing platform, but the 2026 landscape offers alternatives that excel in different ways. Whether you prioritize growth tools, ownership, simplicity, monetization flexibility, or budget, there's a platform better suited to your specific needs.

The best newsletter platform is the one that disappears into the background, letting you focus on writing and connecting with readers. It should handle the technical complexity while giving you the features you actually need without drowning you in ones you don't.

Don't choose based on what's popular. Choose based on what matches your workflow, goals, and values as a creator. Your newsletter deserves a home that supports your vision, not one that constrains it.