Introduction: The best Substack alternatives for newsletter creators in 2025
If you’re exploring Substack alternatives, you’re in the right place. This guide gathers the best newsletter platforms and Substack competitors for creators who want more growth, control, and ways to monetize than a basic paywalled newsletter. At BlogBowl, we evaluate tools through the lens of sustainable growth - SEO visibility, automations, and revenue options - so you can pick a stack that’s simple today and scalable tomorrow.
Who this guide is for
Writers, creators, SaaS teams, and publishers who want more growth, control, and monetization than Substack provides.
How we picked these tools
Growth levers (referrals, recommendations, SEO)
Monetization options beyond paywalls (sponsors, products, memberships)
Automation & segmentation depth
Ownership (custom domains, exportability, platform fees)
Deliverability & integrations
Quick tip for picking a platform fast
Define your primary goal (paid newsletter, community, SEO traffic, or products)
Pick the stack that minimizes tools while maximizing growth
Start with a free plan or trial, then scale
1) BlogBowl - AI-powered blog + newsletter growth for SEO-first creators
BlogBowl is the SEO-first choice among Substack alternatives, built for creators and SaaS teams who want a fast, fully hosted blog plus integrated newsletter tools - without juggling multiple platforms. With AI-driven keyword research, internal linking, and daily article publishing, it’s a streamlined way to grow organic traffic and nurture subscribers from a single, no-code workspace.
Who it’s for
Creators and SaaS teams who want a fast, SEO-optimized blog with integrated newsletters and AI-driven publishing.
Standout features
AI does keyword research, internal linking, and daily SEO articles (with images/video embeds)
Integrated newsletter and privacy-friendly analytics
Launch a professional blog in under 60 seconds with custom domains
Where it shines vs Substack
Strong SEO + speed, purpose-built to rank on Google and AI search
Automation reduces content ops overhead dramatically
No-code setup with unlimited blogs, changelogs, and docs in one place
Keep in mind
Best fit if organic growth and content velocity matter (beyond just a simple newsletter)
Pricing snapshot
Free trial available; paid tiers for advanced automations and scale
Quick spec table (consistent across tools below)
See table for plan availability, monetization, automations, domain, SEO tools, integrations
Plans | Monetization | Automations | Custom domain | SEO tools | Integrations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Free trial; paid tiers for scale | Integrated newsletter; sponsor/product promotion support | AI keyword research, daily SEO articles, internal linking, auto-publishing | Yes | Fast templates, structured optimization for Google & LLMs, embedded images/videos, internal links | Works with no-code tools and existing sites; embedded media; built-in analytics |
2) beehiiv - Growth-first newsletter platform with referrals, boosts, and ad network
beehiiv focuses on built-in growth mechanics - referrals, recommendations, and Boosts - so your list compounds faster while you monetize via paid subs and a sponsorship marketplace. With zero platform fees on subscriptions, it’s a strong Substack alternative for operators who want growth levers and better automations under one roof.
Who it’s for
Newsletter operators who want built-in growth loops and monetization without platform fees on subscriptions.
Standout features
Referrals, recommendations, and Boosts for list growth
Sponsorship marketplace and paid subscriptions (0% platform fee on subs)
Segmentation, journeys, and A/B testing
Where it shines vs Substack
Native growth levers + ad network; better automations
Custom domains and stronger SEO options
Keep in mind
Some advanced growth/monetization features are on paid plans
Pricing snapshot
Free tier + paid plans for advanced capabilities
"Substack charges a 10% fee on each paid subscription transaction." - Source
Quick spec table
Plans | Monetization | Automations | Custom domain | SEO tools | Integrations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Free + paid tiers | Paid subscriptions (0% platform fee), sponsorship marketplace, ad network, Boosts | Journeys, segmentation, recommendations, A/B testing | Yes | Site + template controls; stronger SEO options vs basic newsletter tools | Stripe, Zapier, analytics, CRM syncs, and more |
3) Kit (formerly ConvertKit) - Best for automations, digital products, and creator monetization
Kit is the automation-first choice for creators who want to build sophisticated email journeys, run paid newsletters, and sell digital products without duct-taping tools. Its visual automation builder, tagging, and segmentation help you deliver the right message at the right time - while the Creator Network and Sponsor Network expand reach and revenue.
Who it’s for
Creators who want powerful automations, paid newsletters, and the option to sell digital products.
Standout features
Visual automation builder with tags/segments
Creator Network for cross-promotion
Sponsor Network + commerce for products
Where it shines vs Substack
Far stronger automation and segmentation
Flexible monetization beyond a basic paywall
Keep in mind
Template/design library is focused on clean, lightweight layouts
Pricing snapshot
Generous free tier; paid plans unlock advanced automations/monetization
Quick spec table
See table below
Plans | Monetization | Automations | Custom domain | SEO tools | Integrations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Free + paid tiers | Paid newsletters, digital products, sponsor marketplace (Kit Ads) | Visual automation builder, tags, segments, behavior triggers | Yes (landing pages and domains) | N/A (email-first) | Creator apps, commerce, CRM, forms, landing pages, podcast embeds, Zapier |
4) MailerLite - Easiest drag‑and‑drop editor with solid automations and simple paid subs
MailerLite pairs an intuitive drag‑and‑drop builder with visual automations, landing pages, and Stripe-powered sales - ideal for teams that want a clean workflow from capture to conversion without heavy complexity.
Who it’s for
Teams that want an intuitive email builder, landing pages, and straightforward automations with paid options.
Standout features
Drag-and-drop email + landing page builder
Visual workflows with templates
Sell digital products and paid subscriptions via Stripe integrations
Where it shines vs Substack
Better design control + landing pages and forms
Visual automation builder
Keep in mind
Some monetization features require paid tiers
Pricing snapshot
Free tier for smaller lists; paid tiers for templates, automations, monetization
Quick spec table
See table below
Plans | Monetization | Automations | Custom domain | SEO tools | Integrations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Free + paid tiers | Stripe-powered digital products and paid subscriptions | Visual workflows, templates, behavior-based triggers | Yes (landing pages, sites) | N/A (email-first) | Zapier, ecommerce, forms, analytics, CRM, webhooks |
5) Ghost - Open-source publishing with paid memberships and full brand control
Ghost gives writers a minimalist, performance-focused CMS with built-in memberships and newsletters - plus total ownership of your brand, stack, and audience. Run it self-hosted or choose Ghost(Pro) for zero-maintenance hosting, then monetize with Stripe and keep 100% of subscription revenue (platform fee: 0%).
Who it’s for
Writers who want a minimalist CMS with built-in memberships, strong SEO, and complete ownership.
Standout features
Open-source + hosted Ghost(Pro)
Paid memberships via Stripe with 0% platform fee
Themes, code injection, and robust SEO controls
Where it shines vs Substack
True CMS + full design/brand control
No platform fee on memberships
Keep in mind
Fewer native growth loops; more setup than plug-and-play tools
Pricing snapshot
Open-source (self-host) or hosted plans; no platform fees
Quick spec table
See table below
Plans | Monetization | Automations | Custom domain | SEO tools | Integrations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Open-source + hosted Ghost(Pro) | Paid memberships via Stripe (0% platform fee) | Newsletter scheduling; workflows via integrations | Yes | Themes, meta controls, sitemaps, clean HTML, speed-focused | Webhooks, Zapier, custom code, theme ecosystem |
6) Buttondown - Minimal, indie-friendly newsletter tool with markdown and API
Buttondown is a lightweight, privacy-minded newsletter platform built for solo creators who value simplicity, markdown writing, and developer-friendly extensibility. It keeps your workflow focused - write, send, repeat - while giving you control via API, custom domains, and multi-newsletter support.
Who it’s for
Solo creators who want a lightweight, privacy-minded tool with markdown support and simple monetization.
Standout features
Clean UX, markdown writing, powerful API
Built-in proofreading and link/image checks
Multiple newsletters under one account
Where it shines vs Substack
Simpler interface, better control for tinkerers
Easy custom domains and developer-friendly API
Keep in mind
Fewer advanced marketing features (A/B, complex automations)
Pricing snapshot
Free for very small lists; paid tiers scale with audience size
Quick spec table
See table below
Plans | Monetization | Automations | Custom domain | SEO tools | Integrations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Free + usage-based paid tiers | Simple paid subscriptions; no platform cut | Light automations; RSS-to-email | Yes | N/A (email-first) | API, webhooks, Discord, Memberful, Zapier; markdown + headless workflows |
7) GetResponse - Paid newsletters, memberships, webinars, and course tools
GetResponse is an email marketing powerhouse that goes beyond newsletters. If you want paid newsletters plus gated content, memberships, webinars, and even course hosting under one roof - with advanced automations and segmentation - this all-in-one platform is a strong Substack alternative for multi-product creators.
Who it’s for
Creators who want an email powerhouse with options to add paid newsletters, gated content, and webinars.
Standout features
Premium Newsletters, memberships, and course hosting
Advanced automations, segmentation, landing pages
Native webinar hosting
Where it shines vs Substack
True marketing automation + multi-product monetization
All-in-one for creators selling beyond a newsletter
Keep in mind
Advanced monetization typically on higher tiers
Pricing snapshot
Free tier for basic email; paid tiers for paid newsletters/memberships/webinars
"The average email open rate across all industries in 2021 was 21.5%." - Source
Quick spec table
See table below
Plans | Monetization | Automations | Custom domain | SEO tools | Integrations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Free + paid tiers | Premium Newsletters, memberships, course sales, webinars | Advanced workflows, segmentation, behavior triggers | Yes (landing pages, websites) | N/A (email-first) | Ecommerce, CRM, webinar stack, Zapier, payment gateways |
8) Podia - All-in-one site for memberships, courses, paid communities, and email
Podia bundles your website, products, email, and simple community into one intuitive platform. If you want to sell courses, downloads, memberships, and run newsletters without stitching together multiple tools, Podia’s all-in-one approach keeps everything under one roof.
Who it’s for
Creators who want to bundle newsletters with courses, downloads, and a simple community.
Standout features
Site builder + products (courses, downloads, memberships)
Basic email broadcasts and automations
Simple community spaces
Where it shines vs Substack
More monetization paths than a paywalled newsletter
Single roof for site + products + email
Keep in mind
Email design/analytics are basic vs specialist ESPs
Pricing snapshot
Paid plans; email add-ons scale with subscriber count
Quick spec table
See table below
Plans | Monetization | Automations | Custom domain | SEO tools | Integrations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Paid tiers; email add-ons by subscriber count | Courses, downloads, memberships, upsells, bundles | Basic email automations; product-triggered workflows | Yes | Built-in SEO for site/pages | Payment gateways, webinar tools, affiliate features; Zapier |
9) Mighty Networks - Community-first memberships that out-earn subscriptions
Mighty Networks helps creators graduate from “subscribers” to high-value members with courses, events, livestreams, and rich discussions - all inside a fully featured community platform with native mobile apps. If you want community-led growth and more revenue per member, it’s a compelling Substack alternative.
Who it’s for
Creators who want to move beyond subscribers to high-value members with events, courses, and forums.
Standout features
Full community platform with posts, chat, livestreams, events
Courses, groups, and bundles in 135+ currencies
Native mobile apps and branding options
Where it shines vs Substack
Community-led growth and higher average member value
Rich engagement formats beyond email
Keep in mind
Not a traditional ESP; pair with an email tool if newsletters are core
Pricing snapshot
Paid plans; no revenue share on subscriptions
Quick spec table
See table below
Plans | Monetization | Automations | Custom domain | SEO tools | Integrations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Paid tiers (community-first) | Memberships, courses, paid groups, bundles (135+ currencies) | On-platform engagement automations, onboarding flows | Yes; branded apps available | N/A (community-first) | 2,000+ embeds, Zapier, Zoom, Kit integration |
10) Mailchimp - Business-grade email with deep integrations and analytics
Mailchimp brings enterprise-grade email features - advanced segmentation, journeys, and analytics - plus landing pages, basic sites, and ecommerce tie-ins. If you need robust reporting and an extensive integration ecosystem, it’s a proven choice; for paid newsletters, you’ll typically add a paywall integration.
Who it’s for
Brands that need robust email + reporting and broad integrations; paid newsletters via add-ons/integrations.
Standout features
Advanced segmentation, journeys, and reporting
Landing pages, basic sites, and ecommerce tie-ins
AI-assisted content tools
Where it shines vs Substack
Mature automation + analytics stack
Strong ecosystem of integrations
Keep in mind
Paid newsletter gating typically needs an integration
Pricing snapshot
Free for very small lists; paid tiers unlock advanced features
Quick spec table
See table below
Plans | Monetization | Automations | Custom domain | SEO tools | Integrations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Free + paid tiers | Paid newsletter gating via integrations; ecommerce tie-ins | Customer journeys, segmentation, behavioral triggers | Yes (landing pages/site) | N/A (email-first) | Extensive app marketplace, ecommerce, CRM, ad platforms, webhooks |
Overall comparison table
Tool | Best for | Pricing model (Free/Trial/Paid/Open-source) | Monetization (subs, ads/sponsors, products, memberships) | Automations (Basic/Advanced) | SEO/Website tools (Basic/Strong/CMS) | Community features (Yes/No) | Ideal audience |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
BlogBowl | SEO-first blog + newsletter with AI publishing | Free trial + Paid | Subs, sponsors/products (via content), analytics | Advanced | CMS | No | SaaS teams, creators focused on organic traffic |
beehiiv | Growth-focused newsletters with referrals/Boosts | Free + Paid | Subs (0% fee), ads/sponsors, Boosts | Advanced | Strong | No | Newsletter operators who want built-in growth |
Kit (ConvertKit) | Automations + digital products + paid newsletters | Free + Paid | Subs, products, sponsors | Advanced | Basic | No | Creators needing powerful automations |
MailerLite | Easiest builder + visual workflows + paid subs | Free + Paid | Products, paid subs (Stripe) | Advanced | Strong | No | Teams wanting intuitive design + workflows |
Ghost | Open-source CMS with paid memberships | Open-source + Hosted Paid | Memberships (0% fee), subs | Basic | CMS | No | Writers who want full brand/control |
Buttondown | Minimal, markdown-friendly newsletters | Free + Paid (usage-based) | Subs (simple) | Basic | Basic | No | Indie/solo creators, developers |
GetResponse | Paid newsletters + memberships + webinars/courses | Free + Paid | Subs, memberships, products, webinars/courses | Advanced | Strong | No | Multi-product creators needing all-in-one |
Podia | Site + products + email + simple community | Paid (email add-ons scale) | Products, memberships, bundles | Basic | Strong | Yes | Creators bundling courses, downloads, email |
Mighty Networks | Community-first memberships and courses | Paid | Memberships, courses, bundles | Basic | Basic | Yes | Creators building community-led businesses |
Mailchimp | Business-grade email + analytics + integrations | Free + Paid | Subs via integrations, ecommerce | Advanced | Basic | No | Brands needing mature ESP + ecosystem |
Conclusion: Pick the platform that matches your growth model
Quick recap
If you want SEO + newsletter in one, with AI doing the heavy lifting: BlogBowl
If you want native newsletter growth loops: beehiiv
If automations and selling products matter most: Kit or MailerLite
If you want full control and memberships: Ghost
If you’re building beyond a newsletter (courses, community): Podia or Mighty Networks
Next step
Spin up an SEO-ready blog + newsletter on BlogBowl, connect your domain, and let AI handle the heavy lifting while you focus on your voice and audience.