How Substack and Teachable 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.
Teachable is a mature course platform. Curriculum, quizzes, certificates, coaching products, digital downloads, and a checkout that handles tax and payouts have carried a great many creators from first sale to real business. If teaching is your product, Teachable knows the job.
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.
Teachable
- Teachable is a school with a few site pages around it.
- Teachable coaching relies on a Calendly link.
- Teachable emails students.
Choose Substack when you want to write, get paid, and be discovered with the least possible setup.
Choose Teachable when you sell courses or coaching and want the checkout, tax, and student experience handled.
Compare features
What's on Substack and Teachable
A check means that capability is available. Substack and Teachable are marked only when the offer is comparable, not the same product.
Site and brand
- Workspace siteSubstack: IncludedTeachable: Included
- Custom domainSubstack: IncludedTeachable: Included
- Theme and fontsSubstack: IncludedTeachable: Included
Public content
- BlogSubstack: IncludedTeachable: Not included
- Showcase pagesSubstack: Not includedTeachable: Included
- Shop pagesSubstack: Not includedTeachable: Included
Reach and quality
- SEOSubstack: IncludedTeachable: Included
Audience and email
- AudienceSubstack: IncludedTeachable: Included
- Marketing emailsSubstack: IncludedTeachable: Included
Commerce
- Shop paymentsSubstack: Not includedTeachable: Included
- Orders and fulfillmentSubstack: Not includedTeachable: Included
Team
- Admin usersSubstack: IncludedTeachable: Included
- Per-admin permissionsSubstack: IncludedTeachable: Included
- AI AssistantSubstack: Not includedTeachable: Included
* Note: This table does not capture every feature of Substack or Teachable, and is not intended as a comprehensive list. We keep this page current, but Substack or Teachable may add or remove features that are not shown here.
Substack vs Teachable pricing
Compare plans, prices, and what it costs to get started.
Substack
Current plans and prices
See what Substack charges on their pricing page.
Teachable
Current plans and prices
See what Teachable charges on their pricing page.
Cardel: An alternative to
Substack and Teachable
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 Teachable?
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 Teachable when you want your work, audience, and sales in one place. The feature list on this page shows where Substack and Teachable are marked.
Can I use Cardel with Substack or Teachable?
Yes. Cardel pages can link out to other products, so you can keep Substack or Teachable for what it does best and bring the rest of your work to Cardel.
How much does Cardel cost compared with Substack and Teachable?
You don't pay for Cardel until you publish. Choose Starter, Pro, or Studio when your site goes live. Substack and Teachable set their own prices, so check their pricing pages on this page for current plans.
How do I switch from Substack or Teachable 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.