Ghost vs Substack
Compare Ghost and Substack for publishing.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Ghost | Substack |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free self-host / $9/mo | 10% revenue |
| Open Source | Yes | No |
| Discovery | No | Yes |
| Customization | High | Low |
Main Differences
Ghost is open-source and can be self-hosted for full control. Substack is simpler with built-in discovery but takes 10% of revenue. Different philosophies.
When to Choose Ghost
Choose Ghost if you want full control, can handle technical setup, or prefer open-source. Great for developers and those who want ownership.
When to Choose Substack
Choose Substack if you want the simplest setup, value discovery and recommendations, or prefer a platform where readers already are.