Ghost vs Substack: Which Newsletter Platform Fits You?
Last updated August 22, 2026
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Still deciding between Ghost and Substack?
Ghost suits publishers who want more control over their platform and are willing to pay a monthly fee: plans start at $15/mo for 1,000 members and scale to $199/mo for 10,000 members and 15 staff users, with API access and managed deliverability included at every tier, plus Zapier/n8n automation from the Publisher plan ($29/mo) upward. It fits teams that need multiple staff logins, higher file upload limits, or custom-plan scale. Substack fits solo writers or small teams who want to start publishing with no upfront cost—there are no platform fees or tiers on the Free plan, and it includes built-in revenue tools like welcome sequences and win-back campaigns without needing a separate automation add-on. If budget is the main constraint and you don't need multi-user staff accounts or API access, Substack's free tier removes that barrier; if you need paid-tier infrastructure and integration flexibility, Ghost's paid plans deliver that.
Compare plans side by side based on your member count, staff needs, and budget before committing.
Feature-by-feature comparison
| Feature | Ghost | Substack | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marketing automation workflows | 3/5 | 3/5 | Ghost offers Zapier and n8n automation integrations, but only from the Publisher plan ($29/mo) and above—not on the $15/mo Starter plan. Substack includes built-in revenue tools like welcome sequences and win-back campaigns as part of its offering, without requiring a paid tier upgrade, though its automation is limited to these specific campaign types rather than broader third-party integrations. |
Frequently asked questions
How does Ghost pricing compare to Substack pricing?
Ghost has paid plans starting at $15/mo (Starter, 1,000 members, 1 staff user) up to $199/mo (Business, 10,000 members, 15 staff users), plus a Custom plan with unlimited members and staff users at unlisted pricing. Substack offers a Free plan with no platform fees, tiers, or contracts, plus an Enterprise plan with pricing not listed by the vendor.
Does Substack have a free plan?
Yes. Substack is free to start and free to leave, with no platform fees or tiers on its Free plan.
Is there a free plan for Ghost?
Based on the available data, Ghost's plans start at $15/mo (Starter); no free plan is listed for Ghost.
Can I migrate from Substack to Ghost, or vice versa?
Migration steps and tools aren't detailed in the vendor data provided here. Check each platform's current documentation for import/export options before switching.
Who should use Ghost versus Substack?
Ghost fits publishers needing multiple staff accounts, API access, or higher member/file limits and who are willing to pay a monthly fee starting at $15. Substack fits individual writers or small teams who want to start publishing with zero platform fees and use its built-in welcome and win-back email sequences.
Which platform has stronger marketing automation?
Ghost provides Zapier and n8n integrations from its Publisher plan ($29/mo) up, enabling broader third-party automation. Substack includes native revenue tools—welcome sequences and win-back campaigns—built into its offering without a separate paid tier for these specific features.