Head-to-head
Substack vs Ghost
Two publishing platforms with paid memberships at the core: the network against full ownership.
For creators
SubstackSubstack Inc.
Substack
Start publishing in five minutes; pay 10% if you charge.
Our pick
For creators
GhostGhost Foundation
Ghost
Own your publication: open source, 0% fees on memberships.
SubstackGhost
Our score4.2 / 54.4 / 5
PriceFreeFree
Free plan
Best forPaid newsletters, zero setupIndependent publishers
CategoryFor creatorsFor creators
ProviderSubstack Inc.Ghost Foundation
Our verdict
Substack gives you a free start, zero setup, and a discovery network that can bootstrap an audience, in exchange for 10% of your paid revenue and limited control. Ghost flips that: open source, a complete website plus newsletter, 0% fees, and everything under your own flag, from $9 a month hosted or free self-hosted. For testing an idea, Substack is fine; for anyone building a serious publication, Ghost's ownership and economics win.
“The fastest way from zero to a paid newsletter, with a real discovery network behind it. But the 10% cut of paid revenue stings once you grow, and the platform owns the relationship with your readers.”Editorial team, on Substack
“A full publishing platform with newsletters built in, open source, and 0% fees on paid memberships. For writers who want to own their website and their list, the most independent option there is.”Editorial team, on Ghost