Head to head · Best Digital Publishing Platforms
PressPad vs Shorthand.com
Shorthand.com scores higher overall (4.1 vs 3.8), but the right pick depends on which dimension matters most to you.
| Criterion | PressPadStrong Choice | Shorthand.comStrong Choice |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 3.8 | 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 | 3.2 | 3.7— higher score for Shorthand.com |
| Best for | Small, Mid-Market | Mid-Market, Enterprise |
| Pricing | Free trial available; custom pricing based on publication scope with modular components starting at $29 per feature. | Free trial available; paid plans include Starter at $50/mo, Team at $875/mo, and Business at $1,750/mo, plus custom Enterprise tiers. |
PressPad
- Easy integration with social media
- Complete control over entire production lifecycle of publication
- Branded mobile app creation from PDF files within seven days
- May not suit publishers looking for extensive customization options
- No free plan
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 PressPad or Shorthand.com better?
Shorthand.com scores higher overall (4.1 vs 3.8), but the right pick depends on which dimension matters most to you. PressPad scores 3.8/5 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, PressPad or Shorthand.com?
On total cost of ownership — which covers pricing transparency, entry cost, implementation, hidden-fee risk and ongoing cost — PressPad 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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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 PressPad or alternatives to Shorthand.com.
