Best Email Newsletter Platforms
Substack alternatives
8 tools scored in the same category. 1 score higher than Substack's 3.9/5.
Ranked by independent composite score, not by payment. Nobody on this page paid to be here.
Before you switch — what Substack does well
- Direct-to-subscriber model
- Multimedia support
- You own the proprietary content and can take it with you if you leave
And where it was marked down
- Could do better with advanced content discovery features
- Substack takes 10% of revenue from paid subscriptions
The newsletter-first operating system for modern media brands, creators, and digital publishers.
Scores 0.6 higher than Substack
The newsletter operating system for newsrooms to automate editorial workflows and scale advertising revenue
Scores level with Substack
Email marketing and audience development platform purpose-built for media companies and digital publishers. Now operating independently as PostUp LLC following its divestiture from Upland Software.
Scores 0.1 lower than Substack
People-based identity and programmatic monetization platform for premium email and web publishers
Scores 0.3 lower than Substack
Professional email marketing and automation platform featuring designer-grade templates and visual journeys
Scores 0.6 lower than Substack
WordPress-integrated newsletter platform for publishers using Leaky Paywall subscription models
Scores 0.6 lower than Substack
Reliable email marketing and automation for independent publishers and small media businesses
Scores 1.1 lower than Substack
AI-powered marketing automation platform for integrated email and e-commerce campaigns
Scores 1.2 lower than Substack
Common questions
What is the best alternative to Substack?
On Benchmark Grid's independent scoring, beehiiv is the highest-scoring alternative in Best Email Newsletter Platforms at 4.5/5, against Substack at 3.9/5. Which is right for you depends on your publication's size, revenue model and vertical.
Why would a publisher move away from Substack?
Our editors flagged: Could do better with advanced content discovery features; Substack takes 10% of revenue from paid subscriptions. Whether those matter depends on your setup — many publishers run Substack successfully despite them.
Are these alternatives ranked by paid placement?
No. Every tool here is ranked by a composite score set by SODP's editorial team across 12 criteria. Vendors cannot pay for inclusion, for a score, or for a position on this page.
