Head to head · Best Digital Publishing Platforms
BlueToad vs Shorthand.com
BlueToad and Shorthand.com score within 0.2 of each other, so the decision comes down to fit rather than quality.
| Criterion | BlueToadStrong Choice | Shorthand.comStrong Choice |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 4.1 | 4.1 |
| Capability45% of composite | 4.0— higher score for BlueToad | 3.5 |
| Publisher fit40% of composite | 4.5 | 5.0— higher score for Shorthand.com |
| Total cost of ownership15% of composite | 3.2 | 3.7— higher score for Shorthand.com |
| Best for | Mid-Market, Enterprise | Mid-Market, Enterprise |
| Pricing | Custom pricing; historically based on a per-page model (approx. $5-$8 per page) plus platform licensing fees. | Free trial available; paid plans include Starter at $50/mo, Team at $875/mo, and Business at $1,750/mo, plus custom Enterprise tiers. |
BlueToad
- User-friendly platform
- Advanced analytics and tracking tools
- Drag-and-drop content creation without needing a PDF
- Doesn't offer as many customization options as some other platforms
Shorthand.com
- Stunning visual storytelling without developer resources
- Stories hosted on publisher domain preserve SEO value
- Used by major newsrooms (BBC, Reuters) — proven editorial tool
- Subscription cost significant for smaller publishers
- Not a traditional syndication network — distribution is manual
- Best for occasional premium pieces, not high-frequency publishing
Common questions
Is BlueToad or Shorthand.com better?
BlueToad and Shorthand.com score within 0.2 of each other, so the decision comes down to fit rather than quality. BlueToad scores 4.1/5 and Shorthand.com scores 4.1/5 on Benchmark Grid's independent assessment. Scores are set editorially by SODP against published criteria and cannot be purchased.
Which is cheaper, BlueToad or Shorthand.com?
On total cost of ownership — which covers pricing transparency, entry cost, implementation, hidden-fee risk and ongoing cost — BlueToad scores 3.2/5 and Shorthand.com scores 3.7/5. A higher score means better value, not a lower sticker price.
How are these scores calculated?
Each tool is assessed across 12 criteria grouped into Capability (45% of the composite), Publisher Fit (40%) and Total Cost of Ownership (15%). Assessment is carried out by SODP's editorial team against a published methodology. Vendors cannot pay for inclusion, scores or rankings.
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Both tools are scored in Best Digital Publishing Platforms. See alternatives to BlueToad or alternatives to Shorthand.com.
