Substack vs Ghost
Substack vs Ghost compared for independent creators. Ownership, SEO, monetization, and which platform to choose if you want to own your audience.
Quick Verdict
Choose Substack to start with zero friction and tap into their network. Choose Ghost when you're ready to own your platform, your SEO, and your revenue.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Substack | Ghost |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue cut | 10% of paid subs | 0% |
| Cost | Free + 10% | Free (self-hosted) or $9/mo+ |
| Custom domain | $50 one-time | ✅ Included |
| SEO control | ❌ Minimal | ✅ Full |
| Open source | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Discovery network | ✅ Strong (Notes) | ❌ None built-in |
| Design control | Minimal | ✅ Full themes |
| Newsletter + membership | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Best for | Starting out, building audience | Serious publishers, ownership |
Rent vs Own
Substack's network effect is real — recommendations and Notes can grow a new newsletter fast. But you're building on someone else's land. Ghost gives you full ownership: your domain, your SEO, your data, your design. The question is whether you value speed or control more.
When to Choose Substack
Choose Substack if you're a writer who just wants to write. Setup takes 5 minutes, the discovery network helps you grow, and you can flip on paid subscriptions instantly. It's the fastest path from zero to paid readers.
When to Choose Ghost
Choose Ghost when you want to own your platform. 0% revenue cut, full SEO control, custom design, open-source flexibility, and self-hosting option. The tradeoff is more setup and no built-in discovery — you drive your own traffic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ghost really free?
Yes if you self-host. Ghost Pro starts at $9/month. Self-hosting requires your own server but has zero platform costs.
Can I move from Substack to Ghost?
Yes. Export your subscribers from Substack and import to Ghost. Content migration is also supported. You'll need to set up your own payment processing (Stripe).