Software Alternatives & Startups

OpenPhone VS Substack

Compare OpenPhone VS Substack and see what are their differences

OpenPhone

Simplest way to own a business phone number

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 seems to be a lot more popular than OpenPhone. While we know about 113 links to Substack, we've tracked only 11 mentions of OpenPhone.

social mentions
11 vs 113
VoIP popularity
100% vs 0%
alternatives listed
210 vs 240+

Base details

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

OpenPhone
Substack
Website openphone.com substack.com
Pricing —
Company — Startup from the United States
Listed in

Features and specs

What each product offers, as listed by its team.

OpenPhone 5 features
Substack 6 features
  • Pricing
    OpenPhone offers competitive pricing, especially beneficial for small businesses and startups. The cost efficiency and value for money can be appealing for those looking for a budget-friendly communication solution.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    The platform boasts a user-friendly interface that simplifies the user experience. Setting up and managing phone lines is intuitive, with features easily accessible.
  • Integration Capability
    OpenPhone integrates seamlessly with various tools such as Slack, HubSpot, and Zapier, providing enhanced productivity and streamlined workflows.
  • Shared Numbers
    Teams can share numbers, allowing collaborative management of calls and messages, which is useful for departments like sales and support.
  • VoIP Technology
    Being based on VoIP, OpenPhone provides flexibility as you can make calls from anywhere with an internet connection, using various devices.

Possible disadvantages

  • Limited Advanced Features
    While OpenPhone covers basic needs, it may lack some advanced features found in more robust VoIP systems, such as detailed call analytics and comprehensive CRM integrations.
  • International Calling Costs
    The cost for international calls can be higher compared to some other VoIP providers, potentially increasing the expense for businesses with global operations.
  • Customization Limits
    There may be limitations in terms of customization options, which could be a concern for businesses looking for more tailored communication solutions.
  • Scalability for Large Enterprises
    OpenPhone might not scale as efficiently for very large enterprises with highly complex communication needs, where more established solutions could be more appropriate.
  • Dependence on Internet Quality
    As with any VoIP service, call quality can be heavily dependent on the strength and stability of the internet connection, which can be an issue in areas with poor connectivity.
  • 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.

OpenPhone
Substack

Overall verdict

  • OpenPhone is generally regarded as a reliable and effective communication tool, especially for startups, small to medium-sized businesses, and remote teams looking for an easy-to-use VoIP solution with robust features.

Why this product is good

  • OpenPhone is considered a good option for businesses and individuals seeking a modern VoIP service due to its user-friendly interface, integration capabilities with tools like Slack and HubSpot, and its ability to provide multiple phone numbers for various team members or projects. It also offers competitive pricing and flexible plans that can scale with a business's needs.

Recommended for

  • Startups and small businesses
  • Remote teams needing seamless communication
  • Individuals or teams that require multiple business phone numbers
  • Businesses seeking integration with CRM and productivity tools

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.

OpenPhone 3 videos + Add
Substack 5 videos + Add

OpenPhone

More videos

  • - How to get a business phone number on OpenPhone app
  • - OpenPhone Web App 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
OpenPhone
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 OpenPhone 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.

OpenPhone 5.0 · 1 review
Substack no reviews yet
  • Easy to use, and just what we needed!
    SaaSHub review
    · Jul 2022

    I needed a 1800 number for my business, and paying for a second phone line and getting a second phone is overpriced for what I needed. for 10 bucks a month, OpenPhone allows me to have a 1800 number right on my own...

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Social recommendations and mentions

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

OpenPhone 11 mentions
Substack 113 mentions
  • Near a Cheap Alternative to PublicMobile
    I usually use VOIP with openphone.com and use her phone when I am on the go... But now need a phone for something simple and was looking to sign up with Public mobile for the $15 / month my wife had, but NOW ITS GONE!!! Dang those bastards. Source: over 3 years ago
  • Need a permanent USA virtual phone number or virtual simcard capable of receiving sms when connected to DATA and/or WIFI. As cheap as possible.
    Google voice is free! If you need something with a little more power. Voip.ms, sipharmony.com, and openphone.com. Source: about 4 years ago
  • Favorite VOIP service?
    Hey – I'm one of the founders at OpenPhone so obviously biased here. I'm confident OpenPhone is the superior product and experience in every way. Would be happy to talk to you about it directly and show you a demo. Feel free to book a... Source: almost 5 years ago

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  • How to Get Substack Newsletter Data: Posts, Comments and Subscriber Counts
    a profile link: https://substack.com/@noahpinion. - Source: dev.to / about 19 hours ago
  • Ask HN: What are you working on? (November 2026)
    A free comedy newsletter that has nothing to do with technology yet mentions it from time to time. https://substack.com/@yelluwcomedy. - Source: Hacker News / 4 days ago
  • UK Defence Startups Are Being Denied Banking Services Under ESG Rules
    Books have already been written on this, some as early as 1945 (That Hideous Strength, C.S. Lewis). Otherwise I can recommend basically everything by Curtis Yarvin and Kevin Dolan (https://substack.com/@exitgroup,... - Source: Hacker News / 23 days ago

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Alternatives to OpenPhone and Substack

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