Kit (ConvertKit) vs Substack (2026): Which Pays Better?
Both are popular newsletter platforms. Here is how Kit (ConvertKit) and Substack stack up on requirements, what you keep, payout terms, strengths and weaknesses, and which one we would pick.
Kit (ConvertKit)
Email marketing for creators with paid newsletters, digital product checkout, tip jars and a sponsor network.
8.2 /10
Pricing: Free plan, paid from $25/mo
Pros
- Automations, landing pages and commerce in one tool
- Creator Network recommendations and a sponsor network for larger lists
Cons
- Paid newsletter features are less polished than Substack's
- Costs rise with list size
Substack
Free newsletter hosting with one-click paid subscriptions; Substack takes 10% of paid revenue.
8.5 /10
Pricing: Free
Pros
- Zero setup, the recommendation network brings subscribers, and paid tiers are one switch
- Podcasts, video, chat and Notes included
Cons
- 10% forever, and no ads or sponsorship tooling of its own
- Design control and custom domains are limited
Kit (ConvertKit) vs Substack at a glance
| Kit (ConvertKit) | Substack | |
|---|---|---|
| Editor score | 8.2 / 10 | 8.5 / 10 |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Free |
| Starting price | $25/mo | Free |
| Web rank | #4.4k | #450 |
| Minimum traffic | None | None |
| Revenue share / fee | Commerce: 3.5% + 30c per transaction; plans from $25/mo (free to 10,000 subscribers) | 10% of paid subscription revenue plus Stripe fees |
| Commission | – | – |
| Payout | Via Stripe | Via Stripe (2-7 days) |
| Methods served | paid newsletter, newsletter sponsorship, memberships subscriptions, digital products | paid newsletter, memberships subscriptions, podcast sponsorship |
| Niches accepted | General, Tech & SaaS, Finance & Insurance, Health & Supplements, Gaming & Esports, E-commerce & Retail | General, Tech & SaaS, Finance & Insurance, Health & Supplements, Gaming & Esports, E-commerce & Retail |
| Reader upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Best for | email marketing, creators, automations | newsletter, paid subscriptions, recommendations |
Our pick
Substack edges it with a score of 8.5 versus 8.2. Substack is the better fit if you value: zero setup, the recommendation network brings subscribers, and paid tiers are one switch, podcasts, video, chat and notes included. Choose Kit (ConvertKit) instead if you need: automations, landing pages and commerce in one tool, creator network recommendations and a sponsor network for larger lists.
Other newsletter platforms to consider
Full ranking →Ghost 🧰 PlatformOpen source
Open-source publishing with newsletters, memberships and paywalls built in; 0% platform fee, hosted from $9 a month.
beehiiv 🧰 PlatformFreemium
Newsletter platform with paid subscriptions at 0% cut, a built-in ad network, referral program and boosts.
MailerLite 🧰 PlatformFreemium
Affordable email marketing with paid newsletter subscriptions and digital product sales via Stripe.