How Substack and Zenpage 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.
Zenpage turns one Amazon link or ISBN into a finished author site. It finds the rest of your books with their covers and buy links, picks a template that suits your genre, and sets up search data, share previews, and a sitemap before you touch a setting. Ebooks, audiobooks, and signed print copies sell straight from the book page through your own Stripe account, files reach the buyer by email within seconds, and Zenpage takes no commission. Every reader confirms by email, a free first chapter can go out on signup, and the whole thing is free, built by one person who answers every message personally.
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.
Zenpage
- Zenpage collects readers and hands them to Mailchimp, Kit, Beehiiv, Brevo, MailerLite, or Substack, and it does not send newsletters itself.
- Zenpage sells files and print copies with no Zenpage fee and delivers downloads automatically.
- Zenpage's contact page shows your email address and its blog has no comments.
- Zenpage templates have fixed layouts and font pairings, with no custom pages.
Choose Substack when you want to write, get paid, and be discovered with the least possible setup.
Choose Zenpage when you want a free site that sells your ebooks and signed copies directly, and you already have an email service you like.
Compare features
What's on Substack and Zenpage
A check means that capability is available. Substack and Zenpage are marked only when the offer is comparable, not the same product.
Site and brand
- Workspace siteSubstack: IncludedZenpage: Included
- Custom domainSubstack: IncludedZenpage: Included
- Theme and fontsSubstack: IncludedZenpage: Included
Public content
- BlogSubstack: IncludedZenpage: Included
- Reader engagementSubstack: IncludedZenpage: Not included
- Shop pagesSubstack: Not includedZenpage: Included
Reach and quality
- SEOSubstack: IncludedZenpage: Included
Audience and email
- AudienceSubstack: IncludedZenpage: Included
- Marketing emailsSubstack: IncludedZenpage: Not included
Commerce
- Shop paymentsSubstack: Not includedZenpage: Included
- Orders and fulfillmentSubstack: Not includedZenpage: Included
* Note: This table does not capture every feature of Substack or Zenpage, and is not intended as a comprehensive list. We keep this page current, but Substack or Zenpage may add or remove features that are not shown here.
Substack vs Zenpage pricing
Compare plans, prices, and what it costs to get started.
Substack
Current plans and prices
See what Substack charges on their pricing page.
Zenpage
Current plans and prices
See what Zenpage charges on their pricing page.
Cardel: An alternative to
Substack and Zenpage
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 Zenpage?
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 Zenpage when you want your work, audience, and sales in one place. The feature list on this page shows where Substack and Zenpage are marked.
Can I use Cardel with Substack or Zenpage?
Yes. Cardel pages can link out to other products, so you can keep Substack or Zenpage for what it does best and bring the rest of your work to Cardel.
How much does Cardel cost compared with Substack and Zenpage?
You don't pay for Cardel until you publish. Choose Starter, Pro, or Studio when your site goes live. Substack and Zenpage set their own prices, so check their pricing pages on this page for current plans.
How do I switch from Substack or Zenpage 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.