How Substack and Wix 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.
Wix can build almost anything. A free-form editor, hundreds of templates, an app market, Wix Stores, Wix Bookings, Wix Chat, email marketing, and a business inbox make it a full small-business toolkit, and the AI site builder gets you to a first draft fast. For a business that needs breadth and an app for everything, Wix is a safe bet.
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.
Wix
- Wix adds features through apps and plan upgrades.
- Wix's inbox gathers chat and forms.
- Wix is designed for any business.
Choose Substack when you want to write, get paid, and be discovered with the least possible setup.
Choose Wix when you need breadth: any layout, any app, any business type.
Compare features
What's on Substack and Wix
A check means that capability is available. Substack and Wix are marked only when the offer is comparable, not the same product.
Site and brand
- Workspace siteSubstack: IncludedWix: Included
- Custom domainSubstack: IncludedWix: Included
- Theme and fontsSubstack: IncludedWix: Included
Public content
- BlogSubstack: IncludedWix: Included
- Reader engagementSubstack: IncludedWix: Included
- Showcase pagesSubstack: Not includedWix: Included
- Shop pagesSubstack: Not includedWix: Included
Reach and quality
- SEOSubstack: IncludedWix: Included
Audience and email
- AudienceSubstack: IncludedWix: Included
- Marketing emailsSubstack: IncludedWix: Included
- Campaign workflowsSubstack: Not includedWix: Included
Messaging
- Built-in chatSubstack: IncludedWix: Included
- Messaging CenterSubstack: Not includedWix: Included
Commerce
- Shop paymentsSubstack: Not includedWix: Included
- Orders and fulfillmentSubstack: Not includedWix: Included
- Scheduling and bookingsLink to external scheduling available on Starter.Substack: Not includedWix: Included
Team
- Admin usersSubstack: IncludedWix: Included
- Per-admin permissionsSubstack: IncludedWix: Included
- AI AssistantSubstack: Not includedWix: Included
* Note: This table does not capture every feature of Substack or Wix, and is not intended as a comprehensive list. We keep this page current, but Substack or Wix may add or remove features that are not shown here.
Substack vs Wix pricing
Compare plans, prices, and what it costs to get started.
Substack
Current plans and prices
See what Substack charges on their pricing page.
Wix
Current plans and prices
See what Wix charges on their pricing page.
Cardel: An alternative to
Substack and Wix
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 Wix?
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 Wix when you want your work, audience, and sales in one place. The feature list on this page shows where Substack and Wix are marked.
Can I use Cardel with Substack or Wix?
Yes. Cardel pages can link out to other products, so you can keep Substack or Wix for what it does best and bring the rest of your work to Cardel.
How much does Cardel cost compared with Substack and Wix?
You don't pay for Cardel until you publish. Choose Starter, Pro, or Studio when your site goes live. Substack and Wix set their own prices, so check their pricing pages on this page for current plans.
How do I switch from Substack or Wix 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.