Ghost vs Substack
Compare Ghost vs Substack for publishing and newsletters. Open-source vs simplicity, pricing, features, and our verdict for writers.
Quick Verdict
Choose Substack for the easiest way to start a paid newsletter with no upfront cost. Choose Ghost for complete control, open-source flexibility, and lower costs at scale. Substack for simplicity, Ghost for control.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Ghost | Substack |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront Cost | $9/mo (or free self-hosted) | Free |
| Revenue Share | None | 10% |
| Open Source | Yes | No |
| Self-Hostable | Yes | No |
| Customization | High | Limited |
| Ease of Use | Moderate | Excellent |
| Best For | Technical writers, control | Writers wanting simplicity |
Control & Ownership
Ghost is open-source and self-hostable. You own your content, data, and platform. Customize everything, add features, and never worry about platform changes.
Substack is a closed platform. You're subject to their rules, fees, and feature decisions. However, they handle all the technical complexity for you.
Pricing at Scale
Ghost Pro starts at $9/month with no revenue share. Self-hosted Ghost is free. At scale, Ghost costs significantly less than Substack's 10% fee.
Substack is free to start but takes 10% forever. Once you're earning significant revenue, Ghost's flat fee becomes much cheaper.
Best For
**Choose Ghost for:** Complete control, lower costs at scale, open-source values, technical ability, custom themes and features.
**Choose Substack for:** Easiest setup, no upfront cost, discovery through Substack network, non-technical writers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ghost really free?
Ghost is open-source and free to self-host. You'll need a server and some technical knowledge. Ghost Pro managed hosting starts at $9/month.
Can I migrate from Substack to Ghost?
Yes, you can export subscribers from Substack and import to Ghost. You'll need to update your URL and branding. Many writers migrate as they grow.
Which is better for SEO?
Ghost has better built-in SEO tools and allows full customization. Substack has basic SEO but less control. For SEO-focused writers, Ghost is superior.