Benchmark Email vs Substack — Which One Wins?
A detailed, side-by-side comparison of Benchmark Email 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.. Benchmark Email (3.9) is the better pick if you need small businesses wanting simple, affordable email marketing.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Criteria | Benchmark Email | Substack |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★★★★ 3.9(52) | ★★★★ 4.2(312) |
| Pricing Model | freemium | free |
| Starter Price | $13/mo | N/A |
| Free Tier | Yes | Yes |
| Platforms | web | web, ios, android |
| Learning Curve | easy | easy |
| API Available | Yes | No |
| Best For | Small businesses wanting simple, affordable email marketing | Writers who want the simplest path to publishing a newsletter with paid subscriptions. |
| Verdict | situational | situational |
Feature Checklist
| Feature | Benchmark Email | Substack |
|---|---|---|
| Drag-and-drop editor | — | |
| Automation | — | |
| Landing pages | — | |
| A/B testing | — | |
| Reporting | — | |
| Clean writing editor | — | |
| Paid subscriptions built in | — | |
| Web archive for every post | — | |
| Podcast hosting | — | |
| Substack Notes (social) | — | |
| Network discovery | — |
Benchmark Email
Pros
- ✓Clean easy interface
- ✓Decent free plan
- ✓Reliable deliverability
Cons
- ✕Limited automation depth
- ✕Basic reporting
- ✕Template library is small
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 Benchmark Email and Substack are solid tools in the Email Marketing space. Substack edges ahead with a stronger overall rating (4.2 vs 3.9) 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 simple, affordable email marketing, Benchmark Email is worth serious consideration. We recommend trying the free tier or trial of each before committing.