Substack vs MailerLite
Substack is newsletter and publishing platform with built-in paid subscriptions, while MailerLite is email marketing platform with landing pages, automations, and a generous free tier. Substack is built for writers who want to monetize with paid subscriptions, whereas MailerLite targets small businesses and creators wanting simple email.
| Feature | Substack | MailerLite |
|---|---|---|
| Free tier available | ✓ | ✓ |
| Open source | — | — |
| Automations | — | ✓ |
| Community | ✓ | — |
| Discovery Network | ✓ | — |
| Email Campaigns | — | ✓ |
| Landing Pages | — | ✓ |
| Mobile App | ✓ | — |
| Paid Subscriptions | ✓ | — |
| Podcasts | ✓ | — |
| Surveys | — | ✓ |
Pricing: Both Substack and MailerLite are free. You can try both without spending a dollar.
Feature gaps: Substack offers Community, Discovery Network and Mobile App that MailerLite lacks. MailerLite brings Automations, Email Campaigns and Landing Pages that Substack does not have.
Team fit: Both tools target individuals teams, so the decision hinges on features and workflow fit rather than scale.
Where each tool shines: Substack's biggest strengths are: free to use — takes 10% of paid subscriber revenue. built-in discovery and recommendation network. MailerLite's biggest strengths are: includes email campaigns as a core feature, purpose-built for email marketing workflows. includes landing pages as a core feature, purpose-built for email marketing workflows.
Watch out for: With Substack, users commonly note that 10% revenue cut is steep at scale. With MailerLite, the main complaint is that free plan exists but key features are locked behind the paid upgrade.
choose Substack if
- You need a tool built for writers who want to monetize with paid subscriptions
- You specifically need Community and Discovery Network
- You care about built-in discovery and recommendation network
choose MailerLite if
- You need a tool built for small businesses and creators wanting simple email
- You specifically need Automations and Email Campaigns
- You care about includes landing pages as a core feature, purpose-built for email marketing workflows
- The free tier works for you: free for 1000 subscribers
frequently asked
What is the difference between Substack and MailerLite?
Substack is newsletter and publishing platform with built-in paid subscriptions, while MailerLite is email marketing platform with landing pages, automations, and a generous free tier. Substack is built for writers who want to monetize with paid subscriptions, whereas MailerLite targets small businesses and creators wanting simple email.
Should I use Substack or MailerLite?
Substack is built for writers who want to monetize with paid subscriptions. MailerLite is built for small businesses and creators wanting simple email. Pick the one that fits.
When should I choose Substack over MailerLite?
Choose Substack if You need a tool built for writers who want to monetize with paid subscriptions; You specifically need Community and Discovery Network; You care about built-in discovery and recommendation network.
When should I choose MailerLite over Substack?
Choose MailerLite if You need a tool built for small businesses and creators wanting simple email; You specifically need Automations and Email Campaigns; You care about includes landing pages as a core feature, purpose-built for email marketing workflows; The free tier works for you: free for 1000 subscribers.
related comparisons
Mailchimp vs Substack · ConvertKit vs Substack · Beehiiv vs Substack · Substack vs ActiveCampaign · Substack vs Brevo · Substack vs Buttondown · Substack vs Resend · Substack vs Loops