Head to head · Best Digital Publishing Platforms
MagLoft vs Shorthand.com
Shorthand.com scores higher overall (4.1 vs 3.9), but the right pick depends on which dimension matters most to you.
| Criterion | MagLoftStrong Choice | Shorthand.comStrong Choice |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 3.9 | 4.1— higher score for Shorthand.com |
| Capability45% of composite | 3.5 | 3.5 |
| Publisher fit40% of composite | 4.5 | 5.0— higher score for Shorthand.com |
| Total cost of ownership15% of composite | 3.8 | 3.7 |
| Best for | Small, Mid-Market, Enterprise | Mid-Market, Enterprise |
| Pricing | Paid plans starting at $199/month for the Starter tier (PWA), $499/month for Professional (Native Apps + Apple News), and custom enterprise pricing via Tech Studio. | Free trial available; paid plans include Starter at $50/mo, Team at $875/mo, and Business at $1,750/mo, plus custom Enterprise tiers. |
MagLoft
- Simple interface for PDF-to-interactive-content conversion
- Customized design apps for iOS, Android, and desktop
- Built-in payment gateway and CRM
- No support for PayPal
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 MagLoft or Shorthand.com better?
Shorthand.com scores higher overall (4.1 vs 3.9), but the right pick depends on which dimension matters most to you. MagLoft scores 3.9/5 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, MagLoft or Shorthand.com?
On total cost of ownership — which covers pricing transparency, entry cost, implementation, hidden-fee risk and ongoing cost — MagLoft scores 3.8/5 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.
Still deciding?
Answer four questions about your publication and we'll recommend a full stack — with the reasoning for each pick and what it will cost.
Both tools are scored in Best Digital Publishing Platforms. See alternatives to MagLoft or alternatives to Shorthand.com.
