AWeber vs Substack — Which One Wins?
A detailed, side-by-side comparison of AWeber and Substack to help you pick the right tool for your workflow.
Quick Verdict
Substack takes the lead with a 4.2 rating and is best for writers who want the simplest path to publishing a newsletter with paid subscriptions.. AWeber (4.0) is the better pick if you need small businesses wanting reliable, no-nonsense email marketing.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Criteria | AWeber | Substack |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★★★★ 4.0(94) | ★★★★ 4.2(312) |
| Pricing Model | freemium | free |
| Starter Price | $14.99/mo | N/A |
| Free Tier | Yes | Yes |
| Platforms | web, ios, android | web, ios, android |
| Learning Curve | easy | easy |
| API Available | Yes | No |
| Best For | Small businesses wanting reliable, no-nonsense email marketing | Writers who want the simplest path to publishing a newsletter with paid subscriptions. |
| Verdict | recommended | situational |
Feature Checklist
| Feature | AWeber | Substack |
|---|---|---|
| Email automation | — | |
| Landing pages | — | |
| Web push notifications | — | |
| A/B testing | — | |
| Advanced analytics | — | |
| Clean writing editor | — | |
| Paid subscriptions built in | — | |
| Web archive for every post | — | |
| Podcast hosting | — | |
| Substack Notes (social) | — | |
| Network discovery | — |
AWeber
Pros
- ✓Excellent deliverability
- ✓Decades of reliability
- ✓Good free tier
Cons
- ✕Templates feel dated
- ✕UI is not modern
- ✕Automation is basic compared to newer tools
Substack
Pros
- ✓Zero monthly cost — only pay when you earn
- ✓Simplest writing and publishing experience available
- ✓Built-in paid subscriptions with no setup
Cons
- ✕10% revenue cut is expensive at scale
- ✕Virtually no email marketing or automation features
- ✕Zero customization — every Substack looks the same
The Bottom Line
Both AWeber and Substack are solid tools in the Email Marketing space. Substack edges ahead with a stronger overall rating (4.2 vs 4.0) and is the better choice for writers who want the simplest path to publishing a newsletter with paid subscriptions.. However, if you prioritize small businesses wanting reliable, no-nonsense email marketing, AWeber is worth serious consideration. We recommend trying the free tier or trial of each before committing.