ConvertKit vs Substack: Side-by-Side Comparison (2025)

Choosing between ConvertKit and Substack comes down to your specific use case. Both are legitimate email marketing platforms, but they serve different audiences. ConvertKit is built for creators, bloggers, and course sellers, while Substack targets writers monetising directly from subscribers. This comparison covers the key differences so you can decide quickly.

Quick Verdict

Overall winner
ConvertKit
Better pricing
Substack
More features
ConvertKit
For beginners
ConvertKit
E-commerce
ConvertKit

Feature Comparison

FeatureConvertKitSubstack
Starting price$29/mo$0/mo
Free planYesYes
Best forCreators, Bloggers, And Course SellersWriters Monetising Directly From Subscribers
Free subscriber limit1000-1
G2 rating4.44.0

Which Should You Choose?

Choose ConvertKit if...

  • You are primarily focused on creators, bloggers, and course sellers
  • You value visual automations
  • You prefer freemium pricing
Try ConvertKit โ†’

Choose Substack if...

  • You are primarily focused on writers monetising directly from subscribers
  • You value paid subscriptions
  • You prefer revenue-share pricing

Frequently Asked Questions

Is ConvertKit better than Substack?

It depends on your use case. ConvertKit wins for creators, bloggers, and course sellers, while Substack is stronger for writers monetising directly from subscribers. Neither is objectively better โ€” the right choice depends on your specific needs.

Which is cheaper, ConvertKit or Substack?

Substack starts at a lower price point ($0/mo vs $29/mo). However, pricing scales with subscriber count, so the total cost depends on your list size.

Can I switch from Substack to ConvertKit?

Yes, switching from Substack to ConvertKit is possible. Most platforms support CSV import/export for subscriber lists. Plan for some time to recreate automations and templates, as these rarely transfer directly between platforms.