Choosing the right newsletter platform can make all the difference for a writer aiming to grow an audience, monetize work, and maintain creative freedom. While Substack has become a well-known choice in recent years, many writers on platforms like Reddit have explored—and even preferred—alternative options that better suit their specific needs. From more robust formatting to increased control over branding and subscription models, several apps have emerged as favorites among serious writers.
TL;DR:
If you’re a writer looking to manage a newsletter outside of Substack, Reddit users have voiced strong preferences for a handful of competitive tools. Top alternatives include Beehiiv, Ghost, and ConvertKit, each offering unique benefits in terms of customization, monetization, and audience growth. These platforms are often considered more flexible or cost-effective by experienced newsletter creators. Whether you’re writing for free or monetizing your content, there’s likely a better-suited platform than Substack depending on your goals.
1. Beehiiv – A Versatile Substack Alternative
One of the most frequently recommended alternatives to Substack on Reddit’s writing and creator forums is Beehiiv. Built by former Morning Brew employees, Beehiiv is tailored specifically for newsletter writers who want modern features and scalable growth options.
- Advanced analytics: Real-time insights into open rates, click-throughs, and subscriber growth help you optimize performance.
- Referral system: Grow your subscriber list using a built-in referral program.
- Monetization tools: Send paid newsletters and create tiered subscriptions.
- Custom domain and branding support: Essential for writers serious about personal branding.
Reddit writers often highlight Beehiiv’s user-friendly interface and scalability for creators who intend to grow large audiences. It offers a comprehensive free tier, and when it’s time to scale, options are available without immediately locking users into expensive tiers.
2. Ghost – Fully Customizable and Writer-Owned
Another strong favorite among independent creators, bloggers, and journalists is Ghost, an open-source publishing platform ideal for writers who value full control over their content, design, and monetization strategy.
- Ownership of content and data: As a self-hosted or managed SaaS platform, Ghost ensures writers maintain full control.
- Custom theming: Advanced users can fully customize the look and feel of their publication using themes or code.
- Membership capabilities: Integrated tiers for free and paid subscribers.
- No platform branding: Keeps your newsletter looking 100% professional.
Writers on Reddit love Ghost for empowering creators to own what they build. Ghost requires some technical knowledge if self-hosted, but the managed Ghost(Pro) solution makes it accessible for non-tech-savvy users as well. Those who prefer long-form essays and in-depth blog-style newsletters tend to gravitate toward the platform’s minimalist, distraction-free writing environment.
3. ConvertKit – The Marketer’s Choice
ConvertKit is a powerful platform that moves beyond just newsletters and into the realm of full-on email marketing and digital commerce. Writers who treat their newsletters like a business toolkit often endorse ConvertKit in Reddit communities for its extensive automation capabilities.
- Visual automation builder: Helps writers set up sequences, welcome flows, and audience tags with ease.
- Creator-centered features: Built with authors, bloggers, and course creators in mind.
- Commerce integration: Sell products, subscriptions, or workshops directly from emails.
- Landing pages and forms: Capture leads and grow your list without needing a separate web builder.
Reddit users respect ConvertKit for its matured infrastructure, scalability, and trusted user base. It’s highly recommended for writers aiming to combine content with monetization strategies like ebooks, coaching sessions, or gated content. Its downside? The cost can be steep as your list and automation complexity grow.
4. Revue (for Twitter Integration)
Though officially sunset by Twitter in early 2023, Revue is still frequently mentioned in Reddit nostalgia threads due to its simplicity and social media synergy. While no longer in operation, many users found its tight integration with Twitter (X) particularly useful for writers with large social followings.
For a comparable replacement, Redditors now regularly suggest MailerLite and Buttondown for their simplified newsletter interfaces—reminiscent of Revue’s designer-friendly user experience.
Revue-like Alternatives:
- MailerLite: Lightweight and easy to navigate, suitable for beginners with budget concerns.
- Buttondown: Favored by developers and tech-savvy writers for its Markdown support and privacy respect.
If you loved Revue, these alternatives might meet your needs depending on your workflow and aesthetic preferences.
5. Buttondown – Minimalist and Markdown-Friendly
Buttondown consistently attracts praise on Reddit for its streamlined interface, Markdown support, and emphasis on privacy and simplicity. It is perfect for developers, minimalist writers, and anyone seeking a distraction-free writing experience.
- Markdown editing: Write and format emails using Markdown for clean, efficient workflows.
- API-first approach: Technical users can fully automate the newsletter pipeline.
- Privacy-friendly: No logo, no tracking pixels, and GDPR-compliant by default.
- Pricing transparency: Pay only for what you use, with generous free plan.
If you’re publishing short essays, code digests, or personal insights and want an easy-to-maintain backend, Reddit users frequently claim Buttondown is a top-tier choice.
Comparison Table: Substack Alternatives at a Glance
| Platform | Best For | Free Plan | Customization | Monetization |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beehiiv | Growing newsletters with referral tools | Yes | Medium | Yes |
| Ghost | Writers seeking full control | Free if self-hosted | High | Yes |
| ConvertKit | Authors, bloggers, marketers | Limited | Medium | Robust |
| MailerLite | Budget-conscious beginners | Yes | Basic | Yes |
| Buttondown | Minimalists, developers | Yes | Medium | Yes |
Final Thoughts: Choose What Aligns With Your Goals
Each of these Substack alternatives has been highly praised in Reddit communities for a reason. Choosing the right one ultimately depends on your goals as a writer: do you value simplicity, customization, conversion tools, or independence?
If you’re just starting out, Beehiiv offers an accessible entry with long-term scaling potential. For writers desiring autonomy and a fully branded site, Ghost won’t disappoint. Meanwhile, ConvertKit is ideal if marketing and monetization are top priorities. Those who want minimalism and Markdown might find heaven in Buttondown.
Reddit writers often prioritize real-world functionality over buzz. And according to them, while Substack is useful, it’s no longer the only—or the best—game in town. By exploring these platforms, writers can craft meaningful connections and publish newsletters that reflect their unique voices and ambitions.
