Substack Alternatives
6 Tools Like Substack
Quick answer: Top Substack alternatives include beehiiv, Ghost and Kit. For open source, look at Ghost. beehiiv and Kit are free or have free plans.
Substack is newsletters and paid subscriptions with a built-in network.
Writers look for Substack alternatives to avoid its 10% revenue share, own their domain or get more design control.
- 6 alternatives
- 4 with a free plan
- 1 open source
- 1 self-hostable
The best Substack alternatives
#1beehiiv
beehiiv.com
Newsletter platform with growth tools and an ad network.
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In beehiiv’s own words: “beehiiv is the newsletter platform built for creators, publishers, and businesses. Grow, publish, and monetize your audience in one place.”
beehiiv has a free plan.
People switching from Mailchimp, MailerLite, Kit (ConvertKit), Ghost and Substack often consider beehiiv.
#2Ghost
ghost.org
Open-source publishing with newsletters and memberships.
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In Ghost’s own words: “Beautiful, modern publishing with email newsletters and paid subscriptions built-in. Used by Platformer, 404Media, Lever News, Tangle, The Browser, and thousands more.”
Ghost is open source and can be self-hosted.
People switching from WordPress, Kit (ConvertKit) and Substack often consider Ghost.
#3Kit
kit.com
Email marketing for creators (formerly ConvertKit).
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Kit (formerly ConvertKit) has a free plan.
People switching from Mailchimp, MailerLite, ActiveCampaign, AWeber and Substack often consider Kit (formerly ConvertKit).
#4Buttondown
buttondown.com
Simple, developer-friendly newsletters.
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In Buttondown’s own words: “Buttondown is the last email platform you'll migrate to. We're focused on your success, not on bleeding you dry.”
Buttondown has a free plan.
People switching from Mailchimp, MailerLite, Kit (ConvertKit), Ghost and Substack often consider Buttondown.
#5Medium
medium.com
Blogging platform with a large built-in readership.
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In Medium’s own words: “On Medium, anyone can share insightful perspectives, useful knowledge, and life wisdom with the world.”
Medium has a free plan.
People switching from Ghost and Substack often consider Medium.
#6Patreon
patreon.com
Memberships for creators and their fans.
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In Patreon’s own words: “Build a community, share exclusive work, and turn your passion into a thriving business with Patreon. Get started today!”
People switching from Substack often consider Patreon.
Listed for information; LaunchStall isn’t affiliated with these companies. Features and plans change — check each site for current details.
How these Substack alternatives compare
| Tool | Best for | Where it beats Substack | The trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| beehiiv | Growing and monetising with ads | Built-in growth, ads and full branding. | No Substack reader network. |
| Ghost | Owning your publication | Open source, no revenue share, and full control. | A monthly cost or self-hosting. |
| Kit | Creators selling products | Strong automation and digital sales. | No reader network. |
| Buttondown | Minimal newsletters | Simple and developer-friendly. | Few growth tools. |
| Medium | Reaching readers | A big reader base. | You don’t own your audience. |
| Patreon | Memberships beyond writing | Supports video, audio and tiers. | Less focused on email newsletters. |
Which should you choose?
- You want to keep all revenue: Ghost or beehiiv
- You make video or audio too: Patreon
Our editorial summary of each tool’s focus, written November 2026. Tools change quickly, so check the details on each site.
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best Substack alternatives?
Popular Substack alternatives include beehiiv, Ghost and Kit. The best choice depends on whether you need a free plan, open-source software or specific features.
Is there a free alternative to Substack?
Yes. beehiiv, Kit, Buttondown and Medium are free or have free plans.
Is there an open-source alternative to Substack?
Yes — Ghost is open source.
Why do people look for Substack alternatives?
Writers look for Substack alternatives to avoid its 10% revenue share, own their domain or get more design control.
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