creatorapps

Updated September 2026

Substack review

Newsletter publishing platform letting writers monetize via paid subscriptions with a built-in discovery network. Best for writers and podcasters building a paid subscription newsletter with built-in reader discovery. Starts at Free + 10% fee on paid subscriptions.

Key features

  • Newsletter publishing & website
  • Paid subscriptions
  • Podcast/video hosting
  • Notes (social feed)
  • Recommendations network
  • Substack Chat

Pros

  • Free to start, no monthly fee
  • Built-in network drives ~30%+ of subscriber growth
  • Writers keep 90% of subscription revenue

Cons

  • 10% platform fee plus card processing on paid subscriptions
  • Limited design/customization vs. dedicated site builders
  • Discovery feed can surface content creators don't control

Substack alternatives

  • beehiiv

    Free · $49+

    Newsletters · Monetization

    Newsletter platform built by ex-Morning Brew staff, offering a website builder, ad network, and 0% cut on paid subscriptions.

  • Kit

    Free · $25+

    Newsletters · Monetization

    Email marketing and automation platform for creators to grow lists and monetize via newsletters and digital products.

  • Ghost

    $18

    Newsletters · Monetization

    Open-source publishing platform for blogs and newsletters with built-in paid membership subscriptions.

All Substack alternatives →

Sources: substack.com, substack.com, www.ycombinator.com