Substack vs Ghost
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 | Substack | Ghost |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Yes | No |
| Starter | - | $9/mo |
| Pro | - | $25/mo |
| Enterprise | Custom | Custom |
Feature Matrix
| Feature | Substack | Ghost |
|---|---|---|
| Newsletter publishing | Yes | Yes |
| Paid subscriptions | Yes | - |
| Podcast hosting | Yes | - |
| Notes social feed | Yes | - |
| Video publishing | Yes | - |
| Membership and subscriptions | - | Yes |
| 0% transaction fees | - | Yes |
| SEO-optimized | - | Yes |
| Self-hosting option | - | Yes |
When to Choose Each
Choose Substack if you need...
- +Zero upfront cost
- +Built-in audience network
- +Simple to start
Choose Ghost if you need...
- +No revenue cut
- +Clean writing experience
- +Great SEO
- +Self-host option
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Substack or Ghost?
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 Substack cheaper than Ghost?
Pricing varies by plan. Substack starts at Free and Ghost starts at $9/mo.
What is the difference between Substack and Ghost?
Substack focuses on newsletter publishing and paid subscriptions, while Ghost emphasizes newsletter publishing and membership and subscriptions. Substack is best for Content Creatorss, Solopreneurss, Freelancerss, while Ghost suits Content Creatorss, Solopreneurss, Freelancerss.
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