How Substack and Webflow 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.
Webflow is where designers build real websites without writing code. Pixel-level layout, a proper CMS with collections, interactions and animations, ecommerce, localization, and clean hosting make it the choice of marketing teams and agencies who need control and speed. What you can express in Webflow is remarkable.
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.
Webflow
- Webflow stops at the site.
- Webflow readers cannot comment or like natively.
- Webflow ecommerce is a full store plan.
Choose Substack when you want to write, get paid, and be discovered with the least possible setup.
Choose Webflow when you need design control, a CMS, and a site that a team will build and maintain.
Compare features
What's on Substack and Webflow
A check means that capability is available. Substack and Webflow are marked only when the offer is comparable, not the same product.
Site and brand
- Workspace siteSubstack: IncludedWebflow: Included
- Custom domainSubstack: IncludedWebflow: Included
- Theme and fontsSubstack: IncludedWebflow: Included
Public content
- BlogSubstack: IncludedWebflow: Included
- Reader engagementSubstack: IncludedWebflow: Not included
- Showcase pagesSubstack: Not includedWebflow: Included
- Shop pagesSubstack: Not includedWebflow: Included
Reach and quality
- SEOSubstack: IncludedWebflow: Included
Audience and email
- AudienceSubstack: IncludedWebflow: Not included
- Marketing emailsSubstack: IncludedWebflow: Not included
Messaging
- Built-in chatSubstack: IncludedWebflow: Not included
Commerce
- Shop paymentsSubstack: Not includedWebflow: Included
- Orders and fulfillmentSubstack: Not includedWebflow: Included
Team
- Admin usersSubstack: IncludedWebflow: Included
- Per-admin permissionsSubstack: IncludedWebflow: Included
- AI AssistantSubstack: Not includedWebflow: Included
* Note: This table does not capture every feature of Substack or Webflow, and is not intended as a comprehensive list. We keep this page current, but Substack or Webflow may add or remove features that are not shown here.
Substack vs Webflow pricing
Compare plans, prices, and what it costs to get started.
Substack
Current plans and prices
See what Substack charges on their pricing page.
Webflow
Current plans and prices
See what Webflow charges on their pricing page.
Cardel: An alternative to
Substack and Webflow
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 Webflow?
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 Webflow when you want your work, audience, and sales in one place. The feature list on this page shows where Substack and Webflow are marked.
Can I use Cardel with Substack or Webflow?
Yes. Cardel pages can link out to other products, so you can keep Substack or Webflow for what it does best and bring the rest of your work to Cardel.
How much does Cardel cost compared with Substack and Webflow?
You don't pay for Cardel until you publish. Choose Starter, Pro, or Studio when your site goes live. Substack and Webflow set their own prices, so check their pricing pages on this page for current plans.
How do I switch from Substack or Webflow 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.