Substack vs Kit (ConvertKit)
A head-to-head comparison for 2026 — pricing, features, and which is better for different use cases.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Substack | Kit (ConvertKit) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free (10% on paid) | Free–$29/mo |
| Free Plan | Yes (full product) | Yes (1,000 subs) |
| Paid Subs | Yes (10% fee) | Yes |
| Custom Domain | Yes | Landing pages |
| Discovery | Substack network | Creator network |
| Best For | Writers who want simplicity | Creators selling products |
Substack — Overview
Substack is the simplest way to start a newsletter. Zero setup, built-in audience discovery through the Substack network, and paid subscription support with a 10% platform fee. Notes (social features) and podcast hosting included. Over 35 million active subscriptions.
Kit (ConvertKit) — Overview
Kit (ConvertKit) is a full email marketing platform that handles newsletters alongside automations, landing pages, and subscriber tagging. The creator network enables cross-promotion. Free plan for up to 1,000 subscribers.
Key Differences
Newsletter-first vs marketing platform. Substack is built purely for newsletters with discovery and paid subscriptions. ConvertKit is a full email marketing platform with automations, landing pages, and subscriber tagging. Substack for pure newsletter writing; ConvertKit for creators who sell products alongside their newsletter.
The Verdict
Choose Substack for a pure newsletter with built-in audience. Choose Kit (ConvertKit) for email marketing with automations, landing pages, and digital product sales.