Start a publication that belongs to you
Substack is the leading newsletter platform for independent writers and creators. Build a direct relationship with your audience through email and web publishing, with built-in paid subscriptions and a growing network effect through Notes and recommendations.
Best for: Independent writers and journalists building a paid newsletter business
Key Features
- ✓Free hosting and email delivery
- ✓Built-in paid subscription system
- ✓Substack Notes for social discovery
- ✓Podcast and video hosting
- ✓Custom domains available
Popular Integrations
StripeTwitter/XApple PodcastsSpotify
Pricing: Free to start, 10% fee on paid subscriptions
Turn your audience into a business
Ghost is an open-source publishing platform that combines a powerful CMS with native newsletter functionality and membership features. Self-host for free or use Ghost(Pro) for managed hosting. Perfect for publishers who want full control over their content and data.
Best for: Publishers and creators wanting ownership and flexibility with their platform
Key Features
- ✓Open-source and self-hostable
- ✓Native newsletter and members
- ✓Beautiful default themes
- ✓Headless CMS capabilities
- ✓Zero platform fees on revenue
Popular Integrations
StripeZapierSlackUnsplashCustom integrations
Pricing: Free (self-hosted), Ghost(Pro) from $9/month
The newsletter platform built for growth
beehiiv is a modern newsletter platform built by former Morning Brew operators. Designed specifically for newsletter growth with features like built-in referral programs, recommendation networks, and advanced analytics. The fastest-growing newsletter infrastructure.
Best for: Newsletter operators focused on growth and monetization
Key Features
- ✓Built-in referral program
- ✓Recommendation network
- ✓Advanced segmentation
- ✓A/B testing
- ✓Custom website builder
Popular Integrations
StripeZapierSparkloopSegmentConvertKit
Pricing: Free plan available, paid from $42/month
ConvertKit (Kit)
Creator Email Platform
The creator marketing platform
ConvertKit (rebranding to Kit) is an email marketing platform designed specifically for creators. Features visual automation builders, landing pages, commerce tools, and sponsor network. Helps creators earn a living through email marketing and digital product sales.
Best for: Creators selling digital products and courses alongside newsletters
Key Features
- ✓Visual automation builder
- ✓Landing pages and forms
- ✓Creator commerce tools
- ✓Sponsor network for monetization
- ✓Tag-based subscriber management
Popular Integrations
TeachableShopifyWordPressZapierGumroad
Pricing: Free up to 1,000 subscribers, paid from $9/month
Buttondown
Simple Newsletter Tool
The simplest way to start a newsletter
Buttondown is a minimalist, developer-friendly newsletter tool that focuses on simplicity and reliability. Write in Markdown, automate with the API, and enjoy clean, fast email delivery. Perfect for developers and writers who value simplicity over complex features.
Best for: Developers and writers who want a simple, no-frills newsletter tool
Key Features
- ✓Markdown-first editing
- ✓Powerful API and automation
- ✓Clean, minimal interface
- ✓Paid subscription support
- ✓RSS-to-email automation
Popular Integrations
StripeZapierRSS feedsCustom webhooksGitHub
Pricing: Free up to 100 subscribers, paid from $9/month
Mailchimp
Email Marketing Platform
Turn emails into revenue
Mailchimp is the most widely-used email marketing platform, now part of Intuit. Offers comprehensive email marketing with newsletters, automation, landing pages, and CRM features. A full marketing platform that goes beyond just newsletters.
Best for: Small businesses needing comprehensive email marketing beyond newsletters
Key Features
- ✓Drag-and-drop email builder
- ✓Marketing automation
- ✓Audience segmentation
- ✓Landing pages and forms
- ✓E-commerce integrations
Popular Integrations
ShopifyWooCommerceSalesforceCanvaGoogle Analytics
Pricing: Free up to 500 contacts, paid from $13/month
MailerLite
Email Marketing Platform
Create email marketing your audience will love
MailerLite is an affordable email marketing platform with a clean interface and powerful features. Offers email automation, landing pages, and a website builder. Known for excellent deliverability and customer support at competitive prices.
Best for: Cost-conscious creators and small businesses wanting reliable email marketing
Key Features
- ✓Intuitive drag-and-drop editor
- ✓Website and blog builder
- ✓Email automation workflows
- ✓A/B split testing
- ✓Excellent deliverability
Popular Integrations
ShopifyWordPressStripeZapierWooCommerce
Pricing: Free up to 1,000 subscribers, paid from $9/month
Where good ideas find you
Medium is a publishing platform with a built-in audience of millions of readers. Writers can earn through the Partner Program based on member reading time. Offers newsletter functionality to build direct relationships with followers alongside the discovery benefits of the platform.
Best for: Writers wanting built-in audience discovery and the Medium network effect
Key Features
- ✓Built-in audience discovery
- ✓Clean, distraction-free writing
- ✓Partner Program monetization
- ✓Newsletter to followers
- ✓Publications and collections
Popular Integrations
Twitter/XFacebookCustom domainsRSS feeds
Pricing: Free to publish, Partner Program for monetization
Letterdrop
B2B Content Platform
Content that ranks and converts
Letterdrop is a B2B content publishing platform focused on SEO and demand generation. Combines content planning, SEO optimization, and multi-channel distribution. Helps B2B companies create content that ranks in search and converts visitors to leads.
Best for: B2B marketing teams focused on SEO-driven content and demand generation
Key Features
- ✓SEO content optimization
- ✓Content planning and calendar
- ✓Multi-channel distribution
- ✓LinkedIn automation
- ✓AI writing assistance
Popular Integrations
LinkedInHubSpotSalesforceSlackWordPress
Hashnode
Developer Publishing
Blog on your own domain for free
Hashnode is a developer blogging platform that lets you blog on your own domain with zero configuration. Features built-in newsletter functionality, a developer community for discovery, and headless CMS capabilities. The go-to platform for developer content creators.
Best for: Developers and tech writers wanting a free, developer-focused publishing platform
Key Features
- ✓Free custom domain hosting
- ✓Built-in newsletter feature
- ✓Developer community discovery
- ✓GitHub backup and sync
- ✓Headless CMS mode
Popular Integrations
GitHubCustom domainsGoogle AnalyticsFathom Analytics
Pricing: Free, Pro from $9/month