Substack vs Buttondown
Both sit in newsletters & publishing. Here is how they differ on the things you can actually check.
Substack
substack.com
Free to run; takes a percentage of paid subscriptions. Includes a discovery network, notes and podcast hosting.
Free planNewsletters & Publishing
Visit SubstackButtondown
buttondown.com
Markdown-first newsletters with a deliberately minimal interface, good API and a free tier for small lists.
Free planNewsletters & Publishing
Visit Buttondown| Substack | Buttondown | |
|---|---|---|
| Entry price | Custom / not published | $9/mo |
| Pricing model | Free | Free plan |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Category | Newsletters & Publishing | Newsletters & Publishing |
| Around since | 2017 | 2017 |
Prices are indicative entry-tier figures, not verified quotes. Both vendors change pricing without notice.