Platform comparison
MailerLite vs Substack: Which platform is better?
MailerLite and Substack can both run paid newsletters, but their pricing models and features are very different. MailerLite uses a subscription-based email marketing model, while Substack is free to publish on and generally takes a percentage of paid subscription revenue.
Quick answer
Choose MailerLite if you want more control over email marketing, automations, landing pages and subscriber management.
Choose Substack if you want the simplest possible publishing experience and value its built-in reader network.
MailerLite vs Substack at a glance
| Feature | MailerLite | Substack |
|---|---|---|
| Paid newsletters | Yes | Yes |
| Platform fee on paid subscriptions | No standard 10% revenue-share fee | 10% standard fee* |
| Email automations | Strong | Limited |
| Built-in discovery | Limited | Strong |
| Best for | Email marketing and automation | Writers wanting simplicity and built-in distribution |
*Substack's standard platform fee has country-specific exceptions. Payment processing fees may still apply.
The biggest difference: fixed pricing vs revenue share
MailerLite charges according to your plan and subscriber tier. Paid newsletter features are available on its paid plans, and your platform cost does not automatically increase as a percentage of your subscription revenue.
Substack uses a different model. Publishing can be free, but when you enable paid subscriptions, its standard fee is 10% of paid transactions, plus applicable payment processing charges.
Example: $3,000/month in paid subscription revenue
At the standard Substack rate, the platform fee alone would be approximately $300 per month, before applicable Stripe fees.
When MailerLite makes more sense
MailerLite can make more sense if you want a newsletter to be part of a broader email marketing system. It gives you automations, landing pages, forms and more control over how subscribers move through your audience.
When Substack makes more sense
Substack can be a better fit if simplicity and publishing speed matter more than advanced email marketing tools. Its built-in network can also help writers who want to participate in the Substack ecosystem.
Compare MailerLite and Substack using your numbers
Use NewsletterFit to compare estimated platform and payment costs using your subscriber count, paid members and subscription price.
Use the free calculator →Bottom line
MailerLite is generally stronger when you want affordable email marketing, automation and greater control over your audience. Substack is generally stronger when you want maximum simplicity and access to an existing publishing network.
Pricing, fees and features can change. Always verify current information directly with each provider before making a final decision.