Software Alternatives & Startups

Substack VS Blockstream

Compare Substack VS Blockstream and see what are their differences

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
Blockstream

Blockstream is an all-in-one bitcoin and digital asset infrastructure that has been the leader in providing the top-notch developing experience to deliver blockchain applications.

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 Blockstream. It has been mentioned 112 times since March 2021.

social mentions
112 vs 51
Blogging popularity
100% vs 0%
alternatives listed
240+ vs 57

Base details

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

Substack
Blockstream
Website substack.com blockstream.com
Company Startup from the United States Startup from Canada
Listed in

Features and specs

What each product offers, as listed by its team.

Substack 6 features
Blockstream 5 features
  • 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.
  • Enhanced Security
    Blockstream Green offers advanced security features such as multi-signature protection and two-factor authentication, which reduce the risk of unauthorized access to your funds.
  • Privacy Features
    Includes integration with Tor network for increased privacy, as well as features like transaction blinding that help in obscuring transaction details from third parties.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    The wallet has an intuitive and clean interface, making it accessible even for users who are new to cryptocurrency.
  • Multi-Platform Support
    Blockstream Green is available on multiple platforms including iOS, Android, and desktop, providing flexibility in how you manage your funds.
  • Customizable Fee Settings
    Allows users to customize transaction fees, giving them the option to prioritize speed or cost-effectiveness depending on their needs.

Possible disadvantages

  • Learning Curve
    Due to its advanced features, some users (especially beginners) may find the initial setup and navigation complex.
  • Custodial Elements
    While it's primarily a non-custodial wallet, the need for connecting with Blockstream servers for secondary authentication introduces a semi-custodial element, which might be a concern for those looking for complete autonomy.
  • Limited Coin Support
    Supports primarily Bitcoin and Liquid Network assets, limiting its usefulness for users who hold a variety of altcoins.
  • No Built-in Exchange
    Lacks an integrated cryptocurrency exchange, requiring users to use external services for swapping their assets.
  • Potential Privacy Trade-offs
    While the wallet incorporates privacy features, users must trust Blockstream's servers to some extent, potentially exposing some metadata.

Analysis

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

Substack
Blockstream

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

Overall verdict

  • Blockstream is generally regarded as a reputable company within the blockchain and cryptocurrency community, especially known for its work on Bitcoin and related technologies.

Why this product is good

  • Expertise: Blockstream is known for its team of experts and pioneering work in Bitcoin development, including contributions to the Lightning Network and other scaling solutions.
  • Innovation: The company has introduced and developed numerous innovative projects such as Liquid Network, a sidechain solution that enhances Bitcoin transaction efficiency.
  • Security Focus: Blockstream places a strong emphasis on security, offering products like Blockstream Green, a secure Bitcoin wallet, and deploying robust cryptographic standards.

Recommended for

  • Cryptocurrency Enthusiasts: Individuals who are passionate about Bitcoin and its development will appreciate Blockstream's contributions to the space.
  • Developers: Those looking to work with cutting-edge blockchain technology and contribute to projects that focus on improving Bitcoin scalability and security.
  • Investors: People interested in investing in blockchain companies or technologies, given Blockstream's reputation and industry influence.

Videos

Walkthroughs and reviews on video.

Substack 5 videos + Add
Blockstream 3 videos + Add

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

Why Blockstream Destroyed Bitcoin

More videos

  • - Everything you need to know before getting Blockstream's JADE Bitcoin hardware wallet
  • - BLOCKSTREAM JADE - Secure Your Bitcoin and Liquid Network Assets

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
Substack
Blockstream
100% 100%
0% 0%
0% 0%
100% 100%
100% 100%
CMS
0% 0%
0% 0%
100% 100%

User comments

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Reviews and articles

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

Substack no reviews yet
Blockstream no reviews yet

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Social recommendations and mentions

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

Substack 112 mentions
Blockstream 51 mentions
  • 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 / 2 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 / 22 days ago
  • Show HN: Sphinx – a hook that quizzes you on your AI agent's code before push
    We built something quite similar 6 months ago called PEAK (Proof of Effort And Knowledge). Blog post and YT video here: https://substack.com/@jeffksmithjr/p-195763168 Our version has its own TUI and was intended for semi-adversarial... - Source: Hacker News / 24 days ago

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Alternatives to Substack and Blockstream

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