creator
Ghost
$18Newsletters · Monetization
Open-source publishing platform for blogs and newsletters with built-in paid membership subscriptions.
Updated September 2026
Ghost vs Substack (2026)
Ghost is best for independent publishers wanting an open-source, self-brandable site with no payment processing fees; Substack is best for writers and podcasters building a paid subscription newsletter with built-in reader discovery. Ghost starts at $18/mo (Starter, annual) and Substack at Free + 10% fee on paid subscriptions.
Substack
FreeNewsletters · Monetization
Newsletter publishing platform letting writers monetize via paid subscriptions with a built-in discovery network.
| Ghost | Substack | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | independent publishers wanting an open-source, self-brandable site with no payment processing fees | writers and podcasters building a paid subscription newsletter with built-in reader discovery |
| Starting price | $18/mo (Starter, annual) | Free + 10% fee on paid subscriptions |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Platforms | — | — |
| Free plan | No | Yes |
| Users | — | 5M+ paid subscriptions (vendor claim) |
| Key features | Website & blog builder, Built-in email newsletters, Paid membership subscriptions, Native analytics, Custom themes, Self-hosting option (free, open source) | Newsletter publishing & website, Paid subscriptions, Podcast/video hosting, Notes (social feed), Recommendations network, Substack Chat |
| Integrations | Stripe, Zapier, 8,000+ integrations via Zapier | Stripe (payments), Apple/Spotify podcast distribution |
| Founded | 2013 | 2017 |
Questions people ask
+Is Ghost or Substack cheaper?
Ghost starts at $18/mo (Starter, annual); Substack starts at Free + 10% fee on paid subscriptions.
+What does Ghost have that Substack doesn't?
Website & blog builder, Built-in email newsletters, Paid membership subscriptions, Native analytics, Custom themes, Self-hosting option (free, open source).
+What does Substack have that Ghost doesn't?
Newsletter publishing & website, Paid subscriptions, Podcast/video hosting, Notes (social feed), Recommendations network, Substack Chat.