How Shopify and Substack compare
Shopify is what you use when the store is the business. World-class checkout, inventory and shipping, taxes, POS, thousands of apps, Shopify Email, Shopify Inbox, and a theme store make it the standard for merchants of every size. It scales from one product to a warehouse without changing platforms.
Substack made paid newsletters normal. You write, it sends, and readers can subscribe or pay in one click. The network effects are real: recommendations, Notes, the app, and discovery bring new readers you did not have to find. There is no monthly fee, and for a writer who wants to write rather than run software, that is a gift.
Where they are different
Shopify
- Shopify's blog and pages serve the store.
- Shopify Inbox handles chat.
- Shopify doesn't manage scheduling natively.
Substack
- Substack is a network you publish into.
- Substack takes a percentage of paid subscriptions.
- Substack chat and comments live in its app.
Choose Shopify when you sell products at volume and need inventory, shipping, tax, and apps.
Choose Substack when you want to write, get paid, and be discovered with the least possible setup.
Compare features
What's on Shopify and Substack
A check means that capability is available. Shopify and Substack are marked only when the offer is comparable, not the same product.
Site and brand
- Workspace siteShopify: IncludedSubstack: Included
- Custom domainShopify: IncludedSubstack: Included
- Theme and fontsShopify: IncludedSubstack: Included
Public content
- BlogShopify: IncludedSubstack: Included
- Reader engagementShopify: IncludedSubstack: Included
- Showcase pagesShopify: IncludedSubstack: Not included
- Shop pagesShopify: IncludedSubstack: Not included
Reach and quality
- SEOShopify: IncludedSubstack: Included
Audience and email
- AudienceShopify: IncludedSubstack: Included
- Marketing emailsShopify: IncludedSubstack: Included
- Campaign workflowsShopify: IncludedSubstack: Not included
Messaging
- Built-in chatShopify: IncludedSubstack: Included
- Messaging CenterShopify: IncludedSubstack: Not included
Commerce
- Shop paymentsShopify: IncludedSubstack: Not included
- Orders and fulfillmentShopify: IncludedSubstack: Not included
Team
- Admin usersShopify: IncludedSubstack: Included
- Per-admin permissionsShopify: IncludedSubstack: Included
- AI AssistantShopify: IncludedSubstack: Not included
* Note: This table does not capture every feature of Shopify or Substack, and is not intended as a comprehensive list. We keep this page current, but Shopify or Substack may add or remove features that are not shown here.
Shopify vs Substack pricing
Compare plans, prices, and what it costs to get started.
Shopify
Current plans and prices
See what Shopify charges on their pricing page.
Substack
Current plans and prices
See what Substack charges on their pricing page.
Cardel: An alternative to
Shopify and Substack
You don't pay until you publish.
Cardel provides a home for your craft. Share and sell your work, grow your audience, and bring your community together on a site of your own.
Common questions
Is Cardel an alternative to Shopify or Substack?
Cardel is a home for your craft: a site of your own with a blog, newsletter, shop, community, and one inbox. It can replace Shopify or Substack when you want your work, audience, and sales in one place. The feature list on this page shows where Shopify and Substack are marked.
Can I use Cardel with Shopify or Substack?
Yes. Cardel pages can link out to other products, so you can keep Shopify or Substack for what it does best and bring the rest of your work to Cardel.
How much does Cardel cost compared with Shopify and Substack?
You don't pay for Cardel until you publish. Choose Starter, Pro, or Studio when your site goes live. Shopify and Substack set their own prices, so check their pricing pages on this page for current plans.
How do I switch from Shopify or Substack to Cardel?
Start with Build Your Site, set up your home, and bring your work over at your own pace. You do not have to move everything on day one.
