How We Match You With the Right Newsletter Platforms
Our quiz evaluates five newsletter platforms across 18 scoring dimensions. Your goal and top priority carry the heaviest weights (25% each) because they most strongly predict which platform you will be happy with long-term.
The 5 Newsletter Platforms in Our Quiz
Substack is the simplest way to start a newsletter. Zero setup, built-in discovery through the Substack network, and one-click paid subscriptions. 35+ million active subscriptions.
Beehiiv has the best growth toolkit for newsletters. Referral programs, recommendation network, built-in ad network, and advanced analytics. Built by the former Morning Brew team.
Ghost gives you complete ownership of your newsletter. Open-source, custom themes, native SEO, and 0% platform fee on memberships. The choice for publishers who want independence.
Kit (ConvertKit) is a full creator marketing platform with newsletters plus automations, landing pages, and digital product sales. Best for creators who sell alongside their newsletter.
Buttondown is the minimalist choice for writers. Markdown editor, API-first design, and affordable pricing. No bloat, no distractions, just write and send.
Newsletter Platforms Pricing Comparison 2026
| Tool | Free Tier | Pro Price | Best For | Key Strength |
|---|
| Substack | Yes (full) | Free | Simplest way to start a newsletter | Zero setup |
| Beehiiv | Yes (full) | Free | Growth-focused newsletter platform | Referral program |
| Ghost | No | $9 | Open-source publishing with full ownership | Open-source |
| Kit (ConvertKit) | No | $29 | Creator email marketing platform | Visual automations |
| Buttondown | Yes (full) | Free | Minimalist newsletter for writers | Markdown editor |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which newsletter platform is best?
Substack for simplicity, Beehiiv for growth, Ghost for ownership, ConvertKit for creators selling products, Buttondown for developers. Compare Substack vs Beehiiv or take the quiz above.
Is Substack free?
Yes. Substack is free for free newsletters with no limits. They charge 10% only on paid subscriptions.
What is the difference between email marketing and newsletter platforms?
Email marketing platforms focus on promotional campaigns, automation sequences, and e-commerce integration. Newsletter platforms are built for content creators who publish regular editions to subscribers. Newsletter tools prioritize writing experience, subscriber growth, and monetization features like paid subscriptions.
Best By Use Case
Head-to-Head Comparisons