Software Alternatives & Startups

ConvertKit VS Substack

Compare ConvertKit VS Substack and see what are their differences

ConvertKit

Email marketing software for online creators. We help you earn a living online through an intuitive email marketing automation tool.

Rating
0 reviews
Substack

With Substack, anyone can start a publication that combines a personal website, blog, and email newsletter or podcast. It's quick and simple.

Rating
0 reviews
Note: These products don't have any matching categories. If you think this is a mistake, please edit the details of one of the products and suggest appropriate categories.

Which is more popular?

Based on our record, Substack should be more popular than ConvertKit. It has been mentioned 108 times since March 2021.

social mentions
22 vs 108
Email Marketing popularity
100% vs 0%

Base details

Website, pricing, platforms and company facts side by side.

ConvertKit
Substack
Website kit.com substack.com
Pricing —
Company Startup from the United States Startup from the United States
Listed in

Features and specs

What each product offers, as listed by its team.

ConvertKit 7 features
Substack 6 features
  • Ease of Use
    ConvertKit offers a user-friendly interface that is straightforward to navigate, making it easy for beginners to set up and use.
  • Automation
    The platform provides robust automation features, allowing users to set up complex email funnels and sequences efficiently.
  • Landing Pages
    ConvertKit includes built-in landing page templates that allow users to quickly create high-converting landing pages.
  • Segmentation
    Users can easily segment their audience based on various factors to send more targeted and personalized emails.
  • Integrations
    ConvertKit integrates with numerous third-party applications and services, facilitating seamless workflow and data synchronization.
  • Support
    Offers excellent customer support, including live chat and email support, as well as a rich knowledge base and community.
  • Affiliate Program
    Provides a lucrative affiliate program that allows users to earn commissions by promoting ConvertKit.

Possible disadvantages

  • Pricing
    ConvertKit is relatively more expensive compared to some other email marketing platforms, which may be a deterrent for small businesses and startups.
  • Limited Design Flexibility
    Although the templates are clean and functional, ConvertKit lacks the advanced design customization options available in some other platforms.
  • Basic Email Templates
    The email templates are relatively basic and limited in variety, which may not suit users looking for elaborate design options.
  • No Free Plan
    ConvertKit does not offer a free plan beyond the initial trial period, which can be a limitation for users not ready to commit financially.
  • Learning Curve for Advanced Features
    While basic functionalities are easy to use, there may be a learning curve for some of the more advanced features and automations.
  • Ease of Use
    Substack offers a user-friendly interface that makes it easy for writers to publish and monetize their newsletters.
  • Built-in Monetization
    Writers can easily charge readers for subscriptions, allowing for straightforward monetization.
  • Direct Audience Connection
    Substack allows writers to build a direct relationship with their audience via email, which can lead to a more engaged readership.
  • Discovery and Community
    Features like staff picks and recommendations help writers get discovered by new readers.
  • No Upfront Costs
    Substack does not charge upfront fees; instead, it takes a percentage of subscription revenues, making it easier to start.
  • Content Ownership
    Writers retain full ownership of their content, giving them more control over their work.

Possible disadvantages

  • Revenue Share
    Substack takes a 10% cut of subscription revenues, which can add up for writers with a large subscriber base.
  • Limited Customization
    The platform has limited customization options compared to building a custom website or using more flexible CMS options.
  • Dependency on Platform
    Relying on Substack means depending on its policies and infrastructure, which could pose risks if the platform changes its terms or features.
  • Competition
    As more writers join Substack, it can become challenging to stand out amidst the growing competition.
  • Email Deliverability
    Writers may face issues with email deliverability, as some newsletters may end up in spam folders.
  • Payment Processing Fees
    Besides Substack's fee, payment processors like Stripe also take a percentage, further reducing net earnings for writers.

Analysis

An editorial look at what each product does well and who it suits.

ConvertKit
Substack

Overall verdict

  • ConvertKit is a good choice for those who prioritize ease of use and effective email marketing automation, particularly if they are content creators or entrepreneurs seeking a straightforward yet powerful platform.

Why this product is good

  • ConvertKit is generally well-regarded because of its user-friendly interface, powerful automation features, and robust email marketing capabilities tailored specifically for content creators. It offers seamless integration with various platforms and has a supportive community. It lacks the overwhelming complexity of some larger competitors, making it accessible for smaller teams and individuals.

Recommended for

  • Bloggers
  • Podcasters
  • YouTubers
  • Small business owners
  • Online course creators
  • Freelancers and consultants

Overall verdict

  • Substack is a good choice for writers seeking autonomy and a straightforward way to monetize their content. However, it may not be the best fit for those who prefer working within the framework of a larger publication or those unfamiliar with the challenges of building and maintaining a subscriber base.

Why this product is good

  • Substack is a platform that allows writers, journalists, and content creators to publish and monetize their newsletters. It is praised for its ease of use, built-in subscription system, and direct-to-consumer model which enables writers to retain control over their audience and content. The platform has attracted both independent writers and established journalists seeking the freedom to monetize their work without traditional media constraints.

Recommended for

  • Independent writers and journalists
  • Content creators looking to monetize their work
  • Individuals seeking a direct relationship with their audience
  • Those who appreciate simplicity in publishing

Videos

Walkthroughs and reviews on video.

ConvertKit 3 videos + Add
Substack 5 videos + Add

ConvertKit Review - Don't Buy Until You See This! (Top 5 Reasons NOT to use ConvertKit)

More videos

  • - Convertkit Review - Why It's the Best Email Marketing Platform for Bloggers!
  • - Convertkit Review- Email Marketing Autoresponder Overview

Monetizing Podcasts and Newsletters - Chris Best of Substack and Jonathan Gill of Backtracks

More videos

  • - E1016 Substack CEO Chris Best empowers writers via email newsletter platform, raised $15M from a16z
  • - Why EVERYONE should be on Substack | What it is, How it Works, $$$
  • - Beehiiv vs Substack (2024) - Which is Better?
  • - My Experience with SUBSTACK: An Honest Review of Substack

Category popularity

How often each product is chosen within a category, 0–100% relative to the other.

Score bands 0–20 21–40 41–50 51–60 61–100
ConvertKit
Substack
100% 100%
0% 0%
0% 0%
100% 100%
100% 100%
0% 0%
0% 0%
CMS
100% 100%

User comments

Share your experience with using ConvertKit and Substack. For example, how are they different and which one is better?

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Reviews and articles

External articles and on-site reviews we used to compare the two products.

ConvertKit no reviews yet
Substack no reviews yet

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Social recommendations and mentions

Recommendations tracked on public social media and blogs since March 2021.

ConvertKit 22 mentions
Substack 108 mentions
  • Ask HN: What Are You Working On? (October 2025)
    Https://SaasCustomDomains.com, it started as a side project while I was working on https://sparkloop.app. https://kit.com acquired SparkLoop and I decided to go full-time on SaaS Custom Domains. It's basically a... - Source: Hacker News / 12 months ago
  • Adding Multiple Authors to my Astro Writing Blog: A Technical Walkthrough
    At the end of last year, my brothers and I wrote our first novel together (The Battle for Christmas: Reign of the Nutcrackers). That experience inspired us to continue writing together, starting with a monthly newsletter with short... - Source: dev.to / over 1 year ago
  • Low/no code signup/demo page for startup?
    I’ve used https://convertkit.com/ for this in the past. - Source: Hacker News / about 3 years ago

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  • Effective Altruism Conquered the World
    Https://substack.com/@gurwinder/posts. - Source: Hacker News / 1 day ago
  • Ask HN: Who wants to be hired? (October 2026)
    Substack: https://substack.com/@friedkielbasa. - Source: Hacker News / 4 days ago
  • Sync any blog via API to Substack in one-click
    Name Type Required Description Cookie String Yes Substack.sid= (browser session cookie) Accept String Yes Application/json Origin String Yes Publication origin, e.g.... - Source: dev.to / 7 days ago

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Alternatives to ConvertKit and Substack

When comparing ConvertKit and Substack, you can also consider the following products.