// comparison
Substack vs. Buttondown
pricing checked June 2026
Cheaper start
$0/mo
Newsletter platform with paid subs
- Best for: Independent writers selling paid newsletters
- Model: free
Pricing math
Substack is 100% cheaper than Buttondown on starting plans — roughly $9/mo · $108/yr per seat.
Formula: monthly = pricier − cheaper · percent = round((monthly / pricier) × 100) · annual = monthly × 12
Verdict
Pick Substack if you're independent writers selling paid newsletters. Pick Buttondown if you're devs and minimalists.
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Caveats
- Substack: Takes 10% of paid sub revenue
- Buttondown: Fewer marketing automations
More comparisons
Other ways to swap Substack or Buttondown.
Prices change often — verify on the vendor's site before switching.