Substack vs Medium: Head-to-Head Comparison

Quick Verdict

Substack is the better pick for writers wanting discovery and simple paid subscriptions. Medium is the better pick for writers wanting reach without running a site.

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At a Glance

Feature	Substack	Medium
Best For	Writers wanting discovery and simple paid subscriptions	Writers wanting reach without running a site
Pricing	Free; 10% fee on paid subscriptions	Free to publish; paid reader membership
Free to Start	Yes	Yes
License	Proprietary	Proprietary
Deployment	Managed cloud	Managed cloud
Link	Visit Substack	Visit Medium

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Detailed Breakdown

Substack

Newsletter platform with a built-in network

Pros:

• Free to start
• Built-in discovery network
• Very simple

Cons:

• 10% fee on paid subscriptions
• Limited customization

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Medium

Open publishing platform with a reader network

Pros:

• Built-in audience
• Partner Program earnings
• Clean reading experience

Cons:

• You do not own the audience relationship
• Paywall can limit reach

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Key Differences

• Positioning: Substack — newsletter platform with a built-in network. Medium — open publishing platform with a reader network.
• Both share the same licensing model (proprietary), so the decision comes down to features and workflow fit.
• Pricing: Substack — Free; 10% fee on paid subscriptions. Medium — free to publish; paid reader membership.
• Signature strength: Substack — free to start. Medium — built-in audience.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Substack better than Medium?

It depends on your requirements. Substack is a strong fit for writers wanting discovery and simple paid subscriptions, while Medium suits writers wanting reach without running a site.

Is Substack free to use?

Yes, you can start with Substack for free. Pricing model: Free; 10% fee on paid subscriptions.

Is Medium free to use?

Yes, you can start with Medium for free. Pricing model: Free to publish; paid reader membership.

Can I self-host Substack or Medium?

Substack is offered as a managed service: managed cloud. Medium is offered as a managed service: managed cloud.

What are the main drawbacks of Substack and Medium?

Substack: 10% fee on paid subscriptions; limited customization. Medium: you do not own the audience relationship; paywall can limit reach.