Software Alternatives & Startups

Substack VS Preply

Compare Substack VS Preply 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
Preply

Large database of experienced English language tutors. Native speakers. Flexible payment system

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?

Substack might be a bit more popular than Preply. We know about 111 links to it since March 2021 and only 84 links to Preply.

social mentions
111 vs 84
Blogging popularity
100% vs 0%

Base details

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

Substack
Preply
Website substack.com preply.com
Company Startup from the United States Startup from the United States · 1,000 - 1,999 employees · 2012
Listed in

Features and specs

What each product offers, as listed by its team.

Substack 6 features
Preply 6 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.
  • Wide Variety of Tutors
    Preply offers a large selection of tutors for various subjects and languages, providing users the flexibility to choose based on qualifications, teaching style, and rates.
  • Customizable Learning Experience
    Students can tailor their learning experience by selecting tutors that fit their learning pace, preferences, and specific needs.
  • User-Friendly Platform
    The platform is designed to be easy to navigate, allowing for efficient scheduling, messaging, and payment processing.
  • Flexible Scheduling
    Preply allows students to schedule lessons at their convenience, accommodating varying time zones and personal schedules.
  • Variety of Price Points
    With tutors from different backgrounds and expertise levels, Preply offers a range of pricing options that can fit different budgets.
  • Free Trial Lessons
    Students can often try a lesson with a new tutor at a lower cost or sometimes for free, helping them to make an informed decision.

Possible disadvantages

  • Quality Variability
    With a wide range of tutors, the quality of teaching can vary significantly, which may require students to try multiple tutors before finding a suitable one.
  • Platform Fees
    Preply charges a commission fee on each lesson, which can make the overall cost higher than if you were to pay a tutor directly.
  • Cancellation Policies
    The cancellation policy may vary from tutor to tutor, and some may have strict rules that can lead to loss of payment if lessons are canceled last minute.
  • Potential Communication Barriers
    Given the global network of tutors, language barriers or differing communication styles can sometimes be an issue.
  • Limited In-Person Interaction
    As an online platform, it lacks the face-to-face interaction that some learners may prefer for more effective learning.
  • Dependence on Technology
    Lessons conducted online require reliable internet access and adequate technology, which may be a limitation for some users.

Analysis

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

Substack
Preply

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

  • Preply is generally considered a good option for learners seeking flexible, personalized tutoring solutions. Its broad tutor selection and ease of use make it appealing, though prospective users should carefully review tutor profiles and feedback to ensure a good match.

Why this product is good

  • Preply is a popular online platform designed to connect students with tutors offering personalized lessons in a variety of subjects, including languages, academics, and professional skills. It is known for its flexible learning options, allowing users to choose tutors based on their individual needs, budget, and schedule. The platform provides tools for interactive learning experiences, which are beneficial for both students and tutors. However, as with any service, the experience may vary depending on the selected tutor and personal preferences, so it's important to read reviews and clarify expectations prior to starting lessons.

Recommended for

  • Students looking to improve or learn a new language
  • Individuals seeking help with academic subjects
  • Professionals wanting to enhance specific skills
  • Learners who prefer a one-on-one, personalized educational approach
  • Those who need flexibility in scheduling lessons

Videos

Walkthroughs and reviews on video.

Substack 5 videos + Add
Preply 2 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

Preply Review - Learn Languages Online {Learn Spanish Online}

More videos

  • - PREPLY REVIEW: +29,000 Tutors Are Willing to Help You. This Is How It Works!

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
Preply
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 Preply. For example, how are they different and which one is better?

Log in or Post with

Reviews and articles

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

Substack no reviews yet
Preply no reviews yet

View more

View more

Social recommendations and mentions

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

Substack 111 mentions
Preply 84 mentions
  • 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 / 11 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 / 13 days ago
  • Why Isn't the Industry Freaking Out About DeepSeek 4.1 Flash?
    Https://substack.com/@rubenafo/note/c-332218129?r=26y5kn&utm_source=notes-share-action&utm_medium=web. - Source: Hacker News / 23 days ago

View more

  • Production-grade gradient bordered, transparent, and rounded button
    There are a lot of articles out there on making gradient-bordered buttons, but the ones I read do not provide a production-grade solution. At Preply, we needed to have a partially transparent background button with rounded corners, and... - Source: dev.to / about 3 years ago
  • Looking for Ukrainian Teacher for US Native Online
    Preply is a Ukrainian-run tutor platform that is awesome. I have a tutor for Ukrainian language on there and he’s quite affordable and really good at what he does. Highly recommend the platform, feel free to DM me if you’re interested in... Source: over 3 years ago
  • If you were broke right now, and needed to earn money today, what would you do?
    You could try to teach on Preply maybe? Source: over 3 years ago

View more

Alternatives to Substack and Preply

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

  • Ghost

    Ghost is a fully open source, adaptable platform for building and running a modern online publication. We power blogs, magazines and journalists from Zappos to Sky News.

    Compare Ghost to Substack or Preply:

  • Duolingo

    Duolingo is a free language learning app for iOS, Windows and Android devices. The app makes learning a new language fun by breaking learning into small lessons where you can earn points and move up through the levels. Read more about Duolingo.

    Compare Duolingo to Substack or Preply:

  • Medium

    Welcome to Medium, a place to read, write, and interact with the stories that matter most to you.

    Compare Medium to Substack or Preply:

  • Italki

    italki is a language learning social network that connects students and language teachers.

    Compare Italki to Substack or Preply:

  • Buttondown

    Buttondown is the best way to start and run your newsletter

    Compare Buttondown to Substack or Preply:

  • Babbel

    Babbel is a paid language learning service that aims to strike a balance between thoroughness and cost efficiency.

    Compare Babbel to Substack or Preply: