Ghost vs Substack
Compare Ghost and Substack for publishing. Open source vs simple, self-hosted vs hosted. Which is right for your publication?
Quick Verdict
Choose Ghost for control and customization. Choose Substack for simplicity and discovery.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Ghost | Substack |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free self-host / $9/mo | 10% revenue |
| Open Source | Yes | No |
| Discovery | No | Yes |
| Customization | High | Low |
| Rating | ★ 4.3 | ★ 4.2 |
| Starting Price | Free | Free |
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ghost really free?
Yes, if you self-host. The hosted version starts at $9/month. Self-hosting requires technical knowledge and server costs.
Which is better for paid newsletters?
Both work well. Substack is simpler but takes 10%. Ghost keeps more revenue but requires more setup.