Software Alternatives & Startups

Substack VS Grasshopper

Compare Substack VS Grasshopper 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
Grasshopper

Grasshopper enables entrepreneurs to build a virtual office that connects callers to employees, wherever they are.

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 Grasshopper. While we know about 113 links to Substack, we've tracked only 5 mentions of Grasshopper.

social mentions
113 vs 5
Blogging popularity
100% vs 0%

Base details

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

Substack
Grasshopper
Website substack.com grasshopper.com
Pricing —
Company Startup from the United States —
Listed in

Features and specs

What each product offers, as listed by its team.

Substack 6 features
Grasshopper 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.
  • Professional Image
    Grasshopper helps small businesses project a more professional image with features like a dedicated business number, custom greetings, and voicemail transcription.
  • Portability
    The virtual phone system allows you to make and receive calls on your existing devices, so you can manage your business calls from anywhere.
  • Ease of Use
    Grasshopper is designed to be user-friendly with a straightforward setup process, making it accessible for businesses without technical expertise.
  • Scalability
    Grasshopper offers a variety of plans, allowing businesses to scale their communication needs as they grow.
  • Features
    Grasshopper includes a range of useful features such as call forwarding, business texting, voicemail transcription, and extensions, catering to various business needs.

Possible disadvantages

  • Cost
    Grasshopper's pricing may be considered high for very small businesses or startups, especially when compared to other VoIP services.
  • Limited International Features
    The service's international call capabilities are limited, which might be a drawback for businesses with a global client base.
  • No Unified Communication Platform
    Grasshopper focuses solely on phone services and does not offer a unified communication platform that includes video conferencing or team messaging.
  • Call Quality
    Some users have reported occasional call quality issues, such as dropped calls or static, which can hamper business communications.
  • Lack of Integration
    Grasshopper does not offer many integrations with other business software, which could be a limitation for companies looking to streamline their operations.

Analysis

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

Substack
Grasshopper

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

  • Grasshopper is generally considered a good option for small businesses and entrepreneurs who need a cost-effective, easy-to-implement phone system. It offers a solid set of features that can streamline communications and help maintain a professional image. However, it may lack some advanced functionalities that larger enterprises require.

Why this product is good

  • Grasshopper is a virtual phone system designed for entrepreneurs and small businesses. It provides users with a professional phone number that can be used to manage calls through dedicated apps, without the need for a separate phone line or device. Features such as call forwarding, voicemail transcription, and business SMS make it a flexible and efficient tool for managing business communications.

Recommended for

  • Entrepreneurs and small business owners looking for a virtual phone system.
  • Freelancers who need a professional phone presence without using personal lines.
  • Businesses looking for a solution that is easy to set up and use without technical expertise.

Videos

Walkthroughs and reviews on video.

Substack 5 videos + Add
Grasshopper 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

Grasshopper Phone System Review | ENTREPRENEURS NEED THIS

More videos

  • - Grasshopper Phone System Review: Pricing, Complaints, Number Comparisons - RingCentral Phone.com
  • - 5 Reasons Grasshopper VOIP is NOT GOOD for Small Business

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
Grasshopper
100% 100%
0% 0%
0% 0%
100% 100%
100% 100%
CMS
0% 0%
0% 0%
100% 100%

User comments

Share your experience with using Substack and Grasshopper. 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.

Substack no reviews yet
Grasshopper no reviews yet

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Social recommendations and mentions

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

Substack 113 mentions
Grasshopper 5 mentions
  • How to Get Substack Newsletter Data: Posts, Comments and Subscriber Counts
    a profile link: https://substack.com/@noahpinion. - Source: dev.to / about 4 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 / 3 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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  • Best alternative to personal cell phone for business use?
    Grasshopper works great. https://grasshopper.com/. Source: over 3 years ago
  • In their efforts to put every round from the clip into their foot, Blizzard will be recording voice chat in Overwatch 1.5(Also your account requires a phone number now)
    Get a burner number, there's services for that. Something like Grasshopper. Source: about 4 years ago
  • Toll-Free Number
    I used grasshopper.com successfully. Not sure what the free tier is now. Source: over 4 years ago

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Alternatives to Substack and Grasshopper

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