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Substack
Situational
The simplest newsletter platform. Write, publish, get paid. Nothing else.
312 reviews
Free tier
Substack is the purest writing-to-publishing experience available. No design decisions, no automation complexity, no monthly fees. The 10% revenue cut is fair for the simplicity and built-in audience. But if you need any marketing features beyond "write and send," you will outgrow it immediately.
What's great
- Zero monthly cost — only pay when you earn
- Simplest writing and publishing experience available
- Built-in paid subscriptions with no setup
Watch out for
- 10% revenue cut is expensive at scale
- Virtually no email marketing or automation features
- Zero customization — every Substack looks the same
Quick Facts
Founded2017
PricingFree
Free tierYes
Platformsweb, ios, android
APINot available
CategoryEmail Marketing
Q: What is Substack?
Substack is the simplest newsletter platform available. Write in a clean editor, hit publish, subscribers get it via email and on the web.
Q: How much does Substack cost?
Substack offers a free plan. Free forever, 10% of paid subscription revenue.
Q: Who is Substack best for?
Substack is best for writers who want the simplest path to publishing a newsletter with paid subscriptions..
Q: Is Substack free?
Yes, Substack is completely free.
Best for
Writers who want the simplest path to publishing a newsletter with paid subscriptions.
Not ideal for
Marketers needing automation, segmentation, A/B testing, or custom design.
Free
Free forever, 10% of paid subscription revenue
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AICores Editorial Review
Reviewed by AICores Editorial Team
Last updated: May 2026
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