Ghost vs Substack
Updated for 2026
🏆 Quick verdict: Ghost wins for most teams.
Choose Substack if you prioritize high roi channel for smbs.
🏆 Our Pick
Ghost
Open-source publishing platform for creators — combining blog, newsletter, and paid membership in one.
Key Features
- ✦Newsletter + blog combined
- ✦Paid memberships
- ✦Native SEO
- ✦No transaction fees
- ✦Open source
Substack
Publishing platform for paid and free newsletters.
Key Features
- ✦Audience segmentation
- ✦Campaign automation
- ✦A/B testing
- ✦Signup forms and landing pages
- ✦Performance analytics
💰 Pricing Comparison
Ghost
StarterCHF 9 / month
CreatorCHF 25 / month
TeamCHF 50 / month
Self-hostedCHF 0 (own server)
Substack
FreeCHF 0 / month
StarterCHF 15 / month
ProCHF 39 / month
EnterpriseCustom pricing
Ghost
✅ No revenue cut on memberships
✅ Fastest loading of all CMS
✅ Open source option
⚠️ Less brand recognition
⚠️ No free hosted plan
Substack
✅ High ROI channel for SMBs
✅ Good automation depth
✅ Strong template ecosystem
⚠️ Deliverability requires good hygiene
⚠️ Advanced automations can be complex
Ready to try Ghost?
Start with the free plan and see if it fits your workflow.