Ghost vs Substack
Full side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, and use cases to help you pick the right tool.
Bottom line: Both tools are competitively priced. Ghost edges ahead with a 4.4/5 rating.
Pricing Comparison
| Plan | Ghost | Substack |
|---|---|---|
| Free | No | Yes |
| Starter | $9/mo | - |
| Pro | $25/mo | - |
| Enterprise | Custom | Custom |
Feature Matrix
| Feature | Ghost | Substack |
|---|---|---|
| Newsletter publishing | Yes | Yes |
| Membership and subscriptions | Yes | - |
| 0% transaction fees | Yes | - |
| SEO-optimized | Yes | - |
| Self-hosting option | Yes | - |
| Paid subscriptions | - | Yes |
| Podcast hosting | - | Yes |
| Notes social feed | - | Yes |
| Video publishing | - | Yes |
When to Choose Each
Choose Ghost if you need...
- +No revenue cut
- +Clean writing experience
- +Great SEO
- +Self-host option
Choose Substack if you need...
- +Zero upfront cost
- +Built-in audience network
- +Simple to start
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Ghost or Substack?
Ghost scores higher in our review (4.4/5 vs 4.3/5). However, Substack may be a better fit depending on your specific needs and budget.
Is Ghost cheaper than Substack?
Pricing varies by plan. Ghost starts at $9/mo and Substack starts at Free.
What is the difference between Ghost and Substack?
Ghost focuses on newsletter publishing and membership and subscriptions, while Substack emphasizes newsletter publishing and paid subscriptions. Ghost is best for Content Creatorss, Solopreneurss, Freelancerss, while Substack suits Content Creatorss, Solopreneurss, Freelancerss.
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