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SubstackvsSysteme.io

Substack is the simplest way to write a newsletter, grow it through its network, and get paid. Systeme.io packs funnels, email, courses, and affiliates into one low-cost login.

How Substack and Systeme.io compare

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.

Systeme.io is a bargain of the all-in-one software category. In this comparison, it is also a clear alternative for a solo marketer who wants every marketing tool under one cheap login: a free plan that never expires with 2,000 contacts, unlimited email sends on every tier, a funnel builder with A/B tests and deadline timers, courses with drip and quizzes, an affiliate program manager, and zero transaction fees. When comparing pricing, plans, and cost, the math is hard to argue with.

Where they are different

Substack

  • Substack is a network you publish into.
  • Substack takes a percentage of paid subscriptions.
  • Substack chat and comments live in its app.

Systeme.io

  • Systeme.io is organized around the funnel: opt-in, sales page, order bump, upsell.
  • Systeme.io sends email from your domain and stops there.
  • Both take bookings that sync with Google Calendar.

Choose Substack when you want to write, get paid, and be discovered with the least possible setup.

Choose Systeme.io when you want its marketing features for funnels, courses, or webinars, and want affiliates promoting you at a reasonable cost.

Compare features

What's on Substack and Systeme.io

A check means that capability is available. Substack and Systeme.io are marked only when the offer is comparable, not the same product.

Site and brand

  • Workspace site
    Substack: Included
    Systeme.io: Included
  • Custom domain
    Substack: Included
    Systeme.io: Included
  • Theme and fonts
    Substack: Included
    Systeme.io: Included

Public content

  • Blog
    Substack: Included
    Systeme.io: Included
  • Reader engagement
    Substack: Included
    Systeme.io: Not included
  • Showcase pages
    Substack: Not included
    Systeme.io: Included
  • Shop pages
    Substack: Not included
    Systeme.io: Included

Reach and quality

  • SEO
    Substack: Included
    Systeme.io: Included

Audience and email

  • Audience
    Substack: Included
    Systeme.io: Included
  • Marketing emails
    Substack: Included
    Systeme.io: Included
  • Campaign workflows
    Substack: Not included
    Systeme.io: Included

Messaging

  • Built-in chat
    Substack: Included
    Systeme.io: Not included

Commerce

  • Shop payments
    Substack: Not included
    Systeme.io: Included
  • Orders and fulfillment
    Substack: Not included
    Systeme.io: Included
  • Scheduling and bookingsLink to external scheduling available on Starter.
    Substack: Not included
    Systeme.io: Included

Team

  • Admin users
    Substack: Included
    Systeme.io: Included
  • Per-admin permissions
    Substack: Included
    Systeme.io: Included
  • AI Assistant
    Substack: Not included
    Systeme.io: Included

* Note: This table does not capture every feature of Substack or Systeme.io, and is not intended as a comprehensive list. We keep this page current, but Substack or Systeme.io may add or remove features that are not shown here.

Substack vs Systeme.io pricing

Compare plans, prices, and what it costs to get started.

Cardel: An alternative to
Substack and Systeme.io

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 Substack or Systeme.io?

    Cardel is a home for your craft: a site of your own with a blog, newsletter, shop, community, and one inbox. It can replace Substack or Systeme.io when you want your work, audience, and sales in one place. The feature list on this page shows where Substack and Systeme.io are marked.

  • Can I use Cardel with Substack or Systeme.io?

    Yes. Cardel pages can link out to other products, so you can keep Substack or Systeme.io for what it does best and bring the rest of your work to Cardel.

  • How much does Cardel cost compared with Substack and Systeme.io?

    You don't pay for Cardel until you publish. Choose Starter, Pro, or Studio when your site goes live. Substack and Systeme.io set their own prices, so check their pricing pages on this page for current plans.

  • How do I switch from Substack or Systeme.io 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.