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Ghost vs Substack
Both sit in newsletters & publishing. Here is how they differ on the things you can actually check.
Ghost
ghost.org
Independent publishing platform with newsletters, paid memberships and a proper CMS. Self-host free or use Ghost(Pro).
Newsletters & Publishing
Visit GhostSubstack
substack.com
Free to run; takes a percentage of paid subscriptions. Includes a discovery network, notes and podcast hosting.
Free planNewsletters & Publishing
Visit Substack| Ghost | Substack | |
|---|---|---|
| Entry price | $18/mo | Custom / not published |
| Entry plan | Starter | — |
| Paid annually | $18/mo | — |
| Price checked | 21 Sept 2026 | 28 Sept 2026 |
| Pricing model | Free trial | Free |
| Free plan | No | Yes |
| Category | Newsletters & Publishing | Newsletters & Publishing |
| Around since | 2013 | 2017 |
Every price here was read from the vendor's own pricing page, most recently on 21 Sept 2026. Entry tier only — vendors change pricing without notice.
Ghost vs Substack, answered
- Do Ghost or Substack have a free plan?
- Substack publishes an ongoing free plan; Ghost does not.
- What is the difference between Ghost and Substack?
- Ghost: Independent publishing platform with newsletters, paid memberships and a proper CMS. Self-host free or use Ghost(Pro). Substack: Free to run; takes a percentage of paid subscriptions. Includes a discovery network, notes and podcast hosting.
