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Hashnode VS Substack

Compare Hashnode VS Substack and see what are their differences

Hashnode

A friendly and inclusive Q&A network for coders

Rating
0 reviews
Alternatives Is it good?
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
Alternatives Is it good?
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Which is more popular?

Hashnode might be a bit more popular than Substack. We know about 136 links to it since March 2021 and only 109 links to Substack.

social mentions
136 vs 109
CMS popularity
66% vs 34%

Base details

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

Hashnode
Substack
Website hashnode.com substack.com
Company Startup from India Startup from the United States
Listed in
Web App Social Media Tools Software Engineering CMS Open Source +2
Creators Blogging Paid Newsletters CMS +1

Features and specs

What each product offers, as listed by its team.

Hashnode 6 features
Substack 6 features
  • Developer-Focused Community
    Hashnode is tailored specifically for developers, fostering a specialized community where you can share technical content and engage with like-minded individuals.
  • Free Custom Domain
    Hashnode allows you to link a custom domain to your blog for free, enabling you to build a personal brand without additional costs.
  • SEO Optimization
    The platform is designed to be SEO-friendly, which helps your posts rank better on search engines, increasing visibility and reach.
  • Markdown Support
    Hashnode supports Markdown, making it easy for developers to write and format their content efficiently.
  • Analytics
    The platform provides built-in analytics, allowing you to track the performance of your posts and understand your audience better.
  • Community Engagement
    Hashnode has features like comments and reactions to facilitate interaction with readers and other community members.

Possible disadvantages

  • Limited Customization
    While you can link a custom domain, the customization options for the blog's appearance and functionality are limited compared to self-hosted solutions.
  • Developer Niche
    The focus on a developer community can be a double-edged sword if your content appeals to a broader audience, as the reach might be limited.
  • Dependency on Platform
    Relying on a third-party platform means you are subject to their policies, rules, and potential changes in service.
  • Content Export
    If you decide to move your blog to another platform, exporting your content can be less straightforward compared to self-hosted solutions.
  • Feature Limitations
    While Hashnode offers various features, it may not provide the extensive range of functionalities available with other blogging platforms or custom-built websites.
  • 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.

Hashnode
Substack

Overall verdict

  • Hashnode is generally considered a good option for developers who want to share their knowledge and experiences through blogging. Its focus on the tech community and tools tailored for developers make it a valuable platform.

Why this product is good

  • Hashnode is a platform specifically designed for developers and tech enthusiasts to publish blogs and articles. It offers features like SEO optimization, the ability to map custom domains, and integration with GitHub, making it easy for users to write and share technical content. The community is active and supportive, providing a rich environment for feedback and engagement.

Recommended for

  • Developers looking to build an audience through technical blogging.
  • Tech enthusiasts who want to share and discuss innovative ideas.
  • Individuals seeking a community of like-minded tech professionals.
  • Anyone interested in reading up-to-date content on software development and technology.

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.

Hashnode 3 videos + Add
Substack 5 videos + Add

Take Your Online Presence to the Next Level with Hashnode

More videos

  • - Hashnode: giving voice to people with a blogging platform for Developers - with Sandeep Panda
  • - How To Use Custom CSS To Make Your Hashnode Blog Awesome

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
Hashnode
Substack
66% 66%
CMS
34% 34%
52% 52%
Blogging
48% 48%
100% 100%
Web App
0% 0%
0% 0%
Creators
100% 100%

User comments

Share your experience with using Hashnode 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.

Hashnode 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.

Hashnode 136 mentions
Substack 109 mentions

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