Creators love Substack, but its 10% transaction fee can leave you out of pocket.

It's safe to say that with over 2 million paid subscribers by 2023 and top writers making $25 million each year, Substack clearly has some potential power.

However, remember platform fees can significantly reduce your revenue.

So, wouldn't it be nice if you could keep more revenue?

In that case, you might consider platforms like EzyCourse or Ghost if you want more flexibility, lower costs, or additional features. All newsletters, courses, and memberships are available in one place with EzyCourse without transaction fees.

No matter what your needs are, these No fee substack alternatives let you keep more of what you earn.

Want to know what the best options are for 2024? Let's begin!

A Quick Discussion about Substack

Substack is your platform for presenting your ideas and creativity to others. It is a website platform where subscribers can pay to receive newsletters written by

• Writers

• Creators

• Podcasters

Founded in 2017, Substack ensures complete control over the audience. Therefore, there is no need to deal with advertisements, algorithms, etc.

Whatever your field, whether you're a journalist, a professional or an amateur blogger, Substack offers an opportunity to inspire people.

But how does it work?

Well, here is the way-

• Paid or Free Work: You can work free of charge or get paid according to a subscription plan you have set.

• Split of Profits: If you opt for the paid plan, Substack takes 10%, while the remaining 90% is yours.

• Essential Skills: You do not need technical skills to do so. All it takes to start a newsletter, blog, or podcast is an email account.

However, what makes Substack work is

• How easy it is?

• How much autonomy does it give you?

Even here, your content is yours, you make all the revenue, and you communicate with the audience without restrictions.

Core Features of Substack

• Simple, clean design for creating and managing content.

• Supports text, podcasts, videos, and discussion threads.

• Allows paid subscriptions with creators keeping 90% of revenue.

• Perfect for beginners; no coding or hosting knowledge is needed.

• Delivers content directly to subscribers' inboxes.

• Provides insights on subscriber growth, revenue, and engagement.

• Includes discussion threads and Q&A features for interaction.

• Readers can access content conveniently on their phones.

• Writers own their mailing lists, giving them control over their community.

• Focused on quality content without the distraction of ads.

Growth and Reach of Substuck:

• 35+ million active subscriptions and growing.

• 3 million paid subscribers as of 2023.

• $29 million in revenue generated in 2023—a 50% jump from the previous year.

• $650 million valuation, cementing its place as a major player in the creator economy.

• Top creators collectively earned $20 million in 2021 alone.

Substack’s Demographics

Are you curious about who’s on Substack? Let’s see:

Audience Gender: 62.6% male, 37.4% female.

Age Groups:

• Largest: 25–34 (31.74%).

• Second Largest: 35–44 (19.23%).

Top Countries:

• USA (46.57%), UK (5.9%), Canada (5.77%).

How Substack Brings Writers and Readers Together?

Actually, the Substack is about the connection between creators and their audience.

 It works like this:

For Writers: 

Substack allows you to monetize your work in the best way possible. 

Provide free content or charge subscriptions for additional content to reach new audiences. You can create written pieces, podcasts, videos, and even conduct live sessions. 

It's that easy with Substack! 

Plus, you own your mailing list and don't depend on social media algorithms or intermediaries. 

For Readers: 

Usually, you can curate a list of writers and topics to follow on Substack. 

It's easy to follow them if you're interested in tech news or their latest blogs about their lives. 

You can easily reach your favorite writers even with emails. Access free content or make a payment to unlock extra features; the decision is yours. 

[Read also: 10 Best Successful Group Coaching Programs and Structure Examples]

Is Substack Right for You? Weighing the Pros and Cons

As I explained earlier, Substack has become a popular platform for writers and creators looking to share their work and earn money.

But is it the right fit for you? Let’s break down the pros and cons to help you decide:

Why Do Writers Love Substack?

• Retain 90% of subscription revenue.

• No fees for free content.

• Freedom to write about any topic without algorithmic constraints.

• Features like email newsletters, podcasts, and discussion threads.

• Audience segmentation for tailored content delivery.

• There is no need for web hosting, coding, or third-party integrations.

• The mailing list belongs to the writer, offering complete control over their community.

• Top writers earn six-figure incomes.

• Flexible subscription models for maximizing earnings.

Why Readers Love Substack

• Access to top creators and a diverse range of topics.

• Includes newsletters, podcasts, videos, and more.

• Engage with writers through Q&A sessions, exclusive updates, and personal interactions.

• Free and premium content is available.

• Affordable subscriptions start at $5 per month.

• Enjoy distraction-free reading without intrusive ads.

• Content delivered directly to your inbox.

• Mobile app for on-the-go access.

But What are the Reasons for Considering Alternatives (downsides)?

While Substack has a lot to offer, it’s not perfect. Here are some potential downsides:

• Substack takes 10% of your subscription revenue, which might feel steep for smaller creators.

• Your content and audience are tied to Substack. If policies change, it could impact your work.

• Some other platforms offer more design and layout options for newsletters.

• Substack doesn’t allow advertising, which limits additional income opportunities.

• As Substack grows, it becomes harder for new writers to stand out.

• While you own your content, relying on Substack’s platform could pose risks if the service changes.

What to Look for in a Substack Alternative?

Are you thinking about switching from Substack?

Well, different reasons may motivate you to switch, such as greater control, increased earning potential, or simply starting over.

However, choosing the right replacement is crucial to a successful switch. 

Let's look at the essential features for newsletter growth after the switch. 

Importing Subscribers

Don't abandon your readers, whom you worked hard to acquire! 

Make sure the platform makes it easy to assign a subscriber list to import you. If done correctly, this will ensure you don't lose your audience or momentum.

Cost and Charges 

Don't waste money! The more fees are kept low on platforms, the more profits you retain.

Be Bold with Your Appearance 

Your newsletter depicts your brand's strategy. Make your page templates more appealing and reflect your branding aesthetics with such tools.

Multiple Income Streams 

Why should you limit yourself to just one source of income? 

Try a system that supports subscriptions, sponsorships, and even merchandise sales.

Ease of Use 

The interface has to be clean and self-explanatory. Your clients and you need a "wow" newsletter experience, from content creation to delivery.

Customer Service 

Do you have any queries or concerns? 

Ensure that the platform provides timely and good support for everything to run smoothly.

[Read also: Best GoHighLevel Alternatives for Course Creators in 2025]

16 Best No Fee Substack Alternatives (Free and Paid)

We have selected these 16 exciting alternatives of Substack for you. Each of these platforms has something unique to give, depending on what you are trying to achieve.

Let me break them down for you.

Alternative 1: EzyCourse

First on the list is EzyCourse. It is like a one-stop selling and making platform for online courses. Whether you are just a beginner or have been doing this for some time now, EzyCourse supports you.

Besides creating interactive lessons, you can also manage memberships and sell physical goods.

Also, they have tailored mobile applications for both iOS and Android. 

Think about how convenient it would be for your students to have access to your courses from anywhere!

Email marketing with gamification features is also really cool. It makes your courses fun and allows you to communicate with your audience effectively. 

In a word, EzyCourse is really a no-brainer if you are looking for a comprehensive approach to grow your teaching business.

Why Is It the Best No Fee Alternative for Substack?

• Customizable mobile apps for both iOS and Android.

• Advanced course builder with multiple lesson types (videos, quizzes, assignments).

• Community engagement features that resemble social media platforms.

• Multiple monetization options including subscriptions, one-time payments, and bundles.

• Built-in email marketing tools for seamless communication with students.

• Gamification elements like badges, leaderboards, and achievements to boost engagement.

• Detailed analytics dashboard to track student progress and course performance.

• Easy integration with third-party tools and platforms like Zoom, Google Analytics, and more.

Likes:

• User-friendly interface, ideal for beginners.

• Flexible mobile app customization for a personalized experience.

• Multiple monetization options for diverse income streams.

• Built-in email marketing to keep students engaged.

• Advanced analytics for in-depth performance tracking.

• Seamless integrations with other tools and platforms.

• Excellent customer support to assist with any issues.

• Ability to sell both digital and physical products.

Dislikes:

• Can be pricier when opting for higher-tier plans.

• Users have reported occasional technical issues.

Alternative 2: Ghost

Indeed, for the ones who enjoy writing or owning a content-driven website, there's Ghost. It's neat, it's quick, and most importantly, it's easy.

As Ghost is a source code, it can be modified as many times as one wishes. That means one can customize it to suit their needs.

Writers on this platform should not experience too much of a technical hassle as the user interface is straightforward. One gets ready-made SEO tools and membership functionalities as the choice of going headless as a developer.

In fact, consider Ghost an upland where you can write and have all the features you need for the future.

Why Is It the Best Alternative for Substack?

• Clean, distraction-free writing environment.

• Supports Markdown for easy formatting and publishing.

• Built-in SEO tools for optimizing your content.

• Membership and subscription features for monetization.

• Fast, optimized performance for better user experience.

• Customizable themes for a unique site appearance.

• Multi-user collaboration to streamline content creation.

• Built-in email newsletter functionality to reach your audience directly.

Likes:

• Fast and optimized for speed and performance.

• Focus on content creation with a simple interface.

• Built-in SEO tools for better discoverability.

• Supports membership and subscription models for revenue.

• Customizable themes to personalize your site.

• Open-source flexibility for developers.

• Great for multi-user collaboration.

• Excellent for bloggers looking to focus solely on content.

• Strong community support and regular updates.

Dislikes:

• Limited plugin options compared to competitors.

• Theme customization can be challenging for non-developers.

• Limited features for complex websites.

• No free tier: pricing can be restrictive for beginners.

Alternative 3: Beehiiv

Want to take your newsletter game seriously? It's Beehiiv you're looking for.

Actually, it is designed for newsletter publishers and contains the necessary tools for audience growth, engagement, and monetization.

A lot of daunting work has been relieved with the introduction of AI writing assistance. Also, you can get performance metrics for your newsletters and see how the target audience is reacting.

The referral program is another cool feature—your subscribers can do the work of getting even more readers for you!

Beehiiv helps all the people overcome the intricacies of the work and focus on what they do best: Weekly newsletters.

Why Is It the Best Alternative for Substack?

• Customizable templates to suit your branding.

• Powerful analytics to optimize newsletter performance.

• Audience segmentation for targeted content.

• Integration with CRM tools to manage subscribers.

• Monetization options, including paid subscriptions and referral programs.

• AI writing assistance to help craft high-quality content.

• Zero fees on paid newsletters.

• Multiple newsletters in one account for easy management.

Likes

• User-friendly interface, ideal for beginners.

• Powerful analytics to track and optimize performance.

• Monetization through paid subscriptions with zero fees.

• AI writing assistance for quality content creation.

• Great referral programs to boost subscriber growth.

• Solid SEO capabilities for better visibility.

• Multiple newsletter management under one account.

• No fees for paid newsletters.

Dislikes:

• Some advanced SEO features are locked behind paid plans.

• Best features are only available on higher-tier plans.

• Can be overwhelming for beginners.

Alternative 4: Podia

If you are looking for an all-inclusive solution that is not complicated to use, try Podia. It is a good option for selling digital goods, online lessons, and even memberships.

 A big plus of Podia is that they do not charge any transaction fees. That saves you more money!

The interface is super friendly, and there is email marketing, customization of storefronts, and tools for community building.

It doesn't matter if you're offering webinars, digital downloads, or courses; Podia makes this clean and easy.

Why Is It the Best Alternative for Substack?

• No restrictions on the number of products you can sell.

• Easily manage and automate email campaigns.

• Customize your website to match your brand’s look and feel.

• No extra charges on any sales, unlike other platforms.

• Allow affiliates to promote your products and earn commissions.

• Quick and responsive customer service to resolve issues.

• Engage with your audience through forums and groups.

• Reward students with certificates after completing courses.

Likes:

• No transaction fees on any plan.

• Unlimited courses and digital products.

• Built-in video hosting.

• User-friendly interface for easy navigation.

• Excellent customer support via live chat.

• Flexible website customization options.

• Multiple payment options for convenience.

• Easy-to-use course creation tools.

Dislikes:

• No mobile app for creators.

• Limited design customization options for the storefront.

• Basic community features are not as strong as dedicated community platforms.

Alternative 5: ConvertKit

Let's talk about ConvertKit now. It is an email marketing software especially designed for creators like you.

In fact, using ConvertKit, it is possible to expand your email database, organize your subscribers, and automate emails to ensure that your clients are always engaged. 

The visual automation builder is a massive benefit as it allows you to personalize your emails quickly.   

So, if you run a newsletter sell products, or simply approach your followers, ConvertKit is the best tool to increase the scale.

Why Is It the Best Alternative for Substack?

• Visual automation builder,  Easily create automated email sequences.

• Use tags and segments to organize your audience.

• Build landing pages without any coding.

• Automatically send personalized emails based on actions.

• Integration capabilities that Connect with tools like Shopify, WordPress, and Zapier.

• Organize your list and target specific groups.

• Sell digital products and accept payments.

• Track performance with detailed reports.

Likes:

• High email deliverability for better inbox placement.

• Visual email builder to design stunning emails.

• Excellent customer support with detailed resources.

• Built-in commerce tools to sell products.

• Advanced tagging system for better audience segmentation.

• Unlimited landing pages to capture leads.

• Regular updates and new features.

Dislikes

• Limited template options for emails and landing pages.

• A complex pricing structure can be confusing.

• Limited integration options with some niche tools.

• The free plan has limited features, with restrictions on subscriber count.

Alternative 6: Mighty Networks

Do you want to build a community? You can do it with Mighty Networks.

It is an all-in-one solution for the course, membership, and community creation."

What is remarkable is that it even allows us to conduct live streams and have discussion groups or events.

However,  Mighty Networks helps you make your learning environment more enjoyable, whether you're a coach, a business owner, or an instructor." 

Aside from that, there are so many options to monetize, such as paid membership, courses, or content on demand. 

It is like creating your online world where individuals can meet, learn, and grow together.

Why Is It the Best Alternative for Substack?

• Mobile apps for iOS and Android, Reach your audience on the go with custom mobile apps.

• Stream live content directly on the platform.

• Discussion boards with polls and Q&As

• Create and manage paid courses and memberships.

• Customizable community spaces tailor your community to your brand’s needs.

• Foster communication between members.

• Offer memberships, courses, and content for sale.

Likes

• Great potential for fast community growth.

• Multiple monetization options for flexibility.

• Unlimited members and community spaces.

• Native live streaming capabilities.

• Custom branding options for a unique look.

• Excellent support resources for creators.

• Available mobile apps for iOS and Android.

• Strong engagement tools to keep your audience involved.

Dislikes:

• Lacks advanced course creation features.

• No native video hosting; requires integrations.

• Transaction fees on sales can add up.

• Limited customer service options internationally.

Alternative 7: WordPress

In my opinion, the next one is the heavyweight of the Market – WordPress. It's been around forever and is the perfect option if you want full autonomy over your page. 

It can be used for blogs, e-commerce stores, portfolios, and virtually anything. 

However, the good part is that it is free and open source, which also means you can tweak it however way you want.

 Featuring thousands of plugins and themes, you can create something that is entirely yours.  

In fact, beginners and experts alike can benefit from its features. 

No matter what your critical goals are, whether it's starting a blog or starting an online enterprise, WordPress has it covered.

Why Is It the Best Alternative for Substack?

• Intuitive dashboard for easy management.

• Thousands of plugins to extend functionality.

• Built-in features to optimize content for search engines.

• Websites adapt to any screen size.

• Themes and plugins for a personalized look.

• Suitable for small blogs to large corporate websites.

• A large global community for help and advice.

• Continuous improvements and security updates.

Likes

• Free and open-source.

• Easy-to-use interface, great for beginners.

• Flexible for various types of websites.

• Huge selection of themes and plugins.

• SEO-friendly for better search rankings.

• Mobile-optimized designs.

• Active community support and forums.

• Frequent security and feature updates.

Dislikes:

• Security risks due to its popularity.

• Requires frequent plugin and theme updates.

• High maintenance costs for premium features.

• Some beginners may find it complex.

Alternative 8: Medium

Medium is suitable for many readers and writers, and if readers and writers are your style of work, this is the best place for you.

Anyone can do it, and it's incredibly convenient: you just write and publish; there is no need for programming or any graphic design skills.

Medium is great for those who want to concentrate entirely on their writing and the scope of their work to be worldwide. 

As a result, they have a Medium Partner Program where you can get paid whenever someone reads one of your articles or when they interact with your article or post.

You can think of Medium as a big library, not where you would get lost. Instead, your books can be set out on the shelves in the front for other people to read and interact with.

Why Is It the Best Alternative for Substack?

• Built-in Audience which reaches over 100 million readers monthly.

• Distraction-free interface for smooth writing.

• Content is promoted based on engagement and relevance.

• Earn money through the Medium Partner Program.

• Medium’s established domain authority boosts visibility.

• Connect with other writers and readers.

• Focus entirely on the content with a clean, ad-free layout.

Likes:

• Potential for monetization.

• Large, built-in audience.

• Easy to use for beginners.

• No technical setup is required.

• Clean, distraction-free writing environment.

• Networking opportunities with other writers.

• No ads on the platform.

Dislikes

• Limited control over content and audience.

• Medium owns the audience, not the writers.

• Limited monetization without curation or article boosts.

Alternative 9: Patreon

Patreon is what supports users with constant money in case they have a devoted fanbase. 

On this platform, fans or Patreon (patrons) can pay for different memberships on a regular monthly basis and, in return, get exclusive features.

In fact, It’s a good solution for singers, artists, writers, and even content creators. You can combine different tiers to allow differing fan bases to become members of yours. 

This includes special privileges such as getting behind the scenes of your projects or getting early access to them.

Patreon helps provide a stable income while still keeping your most enthusiastic supporters engaged and satisfied.

Why Is It the Best Alternative for Substack?

• Offer multiple levels of support for patrons.

• Creators receive funds directly from fans.

• Engage with patrons through posts, messages, and polls.

• Gain insights into audience engagement and performance.

• Easily connect with other platforms like Discord.

• Share content that’s only available to patrons.

• Sell merchandise directly to fans.

• Gather input from patrons on future content.

Likes

• Flexible membership options.

• No minimum subscriber requirements.

• Integrates well with other platforms.

• Tools for community engagement.

• Provides analytics for tracking performance.

• Supports various content types (videos, podcasts, etc.).

• Builds a loyal, engaged fanbase.

Dislikes

• Platform fees can add up as earnings increase.

• Requires consistent content creation to maintain patrons.

• Audience insights may not be as detailed as desired.

• Dependence on Patreon’s rules and changes.

Alternative 10: Gumroad

You can sell to your audience directly and develop your own brand through Gumroad.

 It's meant for creators looking to sell their digital products to the audience."

As a seller, whether it is selling an eBook, music, software, or a course, Gumroad has simplified life to a large extent. 

Besides its uncomplicated interface, it allows users to edit their stores. They even assist you with email marketing and sales analysis.

If you want to sell your work without all the stress, then Gumroad is like having your website without all the hassle. 

Why Is It the Best Alternative for Substack?

• Simple setup for creators to start selling quickly.

• Customizable Storefronts, which tailor your storefront to fit your brand.

• Reach your audience directly with email campaigns.

• Track sales and customer data to optimize your business.

• et your own pricing for digital products.

• Build and maintain strong customer connections.

• Sell eBooks, music, software, and more.

• Easy payment handling with low fees.

Likes

• Simple setup and use.

• No monthly fees on the free plan.

• Analytics to track sales performance.

• Flexible pricing for products.

• Low transaction fees compared to other platforms.

• Excellent for selling digital products.

• Direct communication with customers.

Dislikes

• High transaction fees on the free plan.

• Limited support options.

• No physical product support (only digital goods).

• Less discoverability than bigger platforms.

Alternative 11: Mailchimp

Currently, Mailchimp is the biggest name in email marketing, and Intuit owns it. 

It's no longer just about sending emails with Mailchimp. Now, it offers a unified system for marketing. 

You can build beautiful email marketing, run a CRM, or even a complete site. 

However, for online businesses, it's a wet dream. Why? 

Because it knits itself perfectly with Shopify, woo commerce, and Bigcommerce.

Those are the things I love about Mailchimp: audience segmentation with automation features that sound like they came from a master strategist but are all data-driven.

 Consumers can also personalize their emails. Thus, they send the right message at the right time while appearing to be well-crafted.

Why Is It the Best Alternative for Substack?

• Easy to navigate and intuitive for both beginners and experienced marketers.

• Automate email sequences based on customer behavior or specific triggers.

• Create highly targeted lists based on customer demographics and behaviors.

• Easily integrates with apps like Shopify, WooCommerce, and Google Analytics.

• Access a variety of email templates that are easy to customize.

• Detailed reporting on campaign performance, open rates, and customer interactions.

• Visual tool to map out the entire customer journey, from awareness to conversion.

Likes

• Offers detailed insights into email campaign performance.

• Automate email flows and customer engagement.

• Connects with numerous apps and services.

• Perfect for small businesses and startups.

• Segment audiences for targeted campaigns.

• Test different elements of your emails to optimize performance.

• Integrates well with e-commerce platforms like Shopify.

Dislikes

• Higher-tier plans can be costly for smaller businesses.

• The tiered pricing can be confusing for new users.

• Even unsubscribed contacts still count toward your contact limit.

• Some users report their emails being flagged as spam.

Alternative 12: MailerLite

MailerLite is an affordable, easy-to-use email marketing platform. 

It is very likely to become your best friend if you're only starting an email marketing or have just launched a small firm.

Also, it has a fundamental email creator that enhances your email experience. They also have automation and landing page creation tools, along with sign-up forms and pop-ups.

MailerLite further integrated AI writing tools and more advanced automation features, making the expansion even larger. 

One of the best things about it? 

Their free plan is feature-rich so that a beginner would enjoy it. And when you want to expand your options, their pricing plans adjust to your growth.

Why Is It the Best Alternative for Substack?

• Easy-to-use email editor for creating professional emails.

• Set up automated email sequences based on customer actions.

• Create custom landing pages to convert visitors into subscribers.

• Integrates with platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce.

• Helps generate email content using AI.

• Access a range of templates for different marketing needs.

• Tools to capture leads directly from your website.

• Extensive resources to help users maximize the platform’s features.

Likes:

• Great value for small businesses with budget constraints.

• Excellent for creating automated email workflows.

• Wide range of templates to fit different business needs.

• Responsive and helpful support team.

• Emails tend to land in inboxes more frequently.

• Tutorials and guides to help users succeed.

• Offers solid features even on the free plan.

Dislikes

• Beginners may need time to fully understand the platform.

• Free and lower-tier plans offer fewer customization options.

Alternative 13: Teachable

Now, let's say there's a skill or a hobby that you want to share with others or be paid for. Teachable can provide you with that opportunity.

This platform makes creating a course straightforward. 

Also, you can upload videos, add exercises or even create a certification. Teachers even do the marketing part for you so that you can concentrate on teaching.

Any organization or target market that you want to reach will find a platform providing the tools it needs. A good example is when creating and selling an e-course. 

What’s more, anyone can use Teachable to brand their training, whether they are an individual or a company.

It offers a variety of features that can be profitable for both - selling and marketing products.

Why Is It the Best Alternative for Substack?

• Includes multimedia content support, quizzes, and assessments.

• Release content over time to keep students engaged.

• Fully brand your course with logos, colors, and custom domains.

• Built-in payment gateways for easy transactions.

• Features like coupons, affiliates, and email marketing.

• Offer one-on-one coaching along with courses.

• Track student progress and course performance.

• iOS app for students to access content on the go.

Likes

• Simple to use for those new to online course creation.

• Fast and helpful customer service.

• Includes quizzes, certificates, and drip content.

• Built-in features for email marketing and affiliate programs.

• Create diverse course types easily.

• Fully customize the branding and appearance of your courses.

• Set up automated author and affiliate payouts.

Dislikes

• Higher plans can be costly compared to other platforms.

• Basic site-building tools may not suit advanced users.

• Lacks advanced email marketing features.

Alternative 14: Kajabi 

If you are overwhelmed by course creation and want to simplify the process, Kajabi is what you need. 

Actually, those who develop and scale online products, including online coaching, will find this platform ideal.

In its most simple definition, Kajabi can be explained as a combination of selling and marketing tools. 

One can create a course, market it, and develop a sales funnel without utilizing other external tools. You are also someone who is looking to make money out of the knowledge that you have.

In fact, individuals or businesses who want to create an e-course have to understand that it comes at a cost. 

Why Is It the Best Alternative for Substack?

• Combines course creation, website building, and marketing in one place.

• Choose from a variety of themes to match your brand.

• Easily handle transactions through Kajabi’s payment gateway.

• Easily build multimedia courses with quizzes and assignments.

• Set up automated workflows to engage with students.

• Offer membership options alongside courses.

•  Track performance across courses, memberships, and marketing campaigns.

Likes:

• All-in-one platform for course creation and marketing.

• Simple interface for both beginners and experts.

• Includes email marketing, landing pages, and automation.

• Excellent service for users who need help.

• Integrated system for easy transactions.

• Manage both courses and memberships with ease.

• Create diverse and engaging course formats.

• Frequent improvements and feature releases.

Dislikes:

• Relatively expensive compared to other platforms.

• New users may need time to learn all the features.

• Fewer customization options for websites and courses.

• Not included on the basic plan.

Alternative 15: LearnWorlds

Every e-learning platform should emphasize creating engaging and interactive courses for students, and LearnWorlds does just that. 

In 2019, it launched a new platform combining marketing, course development, and e-commerce tools.

It offers gamification, video, and site builder features that may be unique to the platform alone. 

While students are learning, they can be quizzed or given tests and certificates as fun activities, and they can get reports on them. 

I think this one is for educators, businesses, and students who are looking to become entrepreneurs.

But The only downside? 

Transaction fees apply to the Starter plan, and the upper-end pricing can be pretty high for some.

Why Is It the Best Alternative for Substack?

• Track learner progress, course completion, and user engagement with detailed reporting.

• Create courses using a drag-and-drop builder that offers both simplicity and customization.

• Integrate quizzes, surveys, and exams to test and track learner understanding.

• Design your site with a fully customizable builder to reflect your brand’s identity.

• Add rewards, points, and certificates to keep learners motivated and engaged.

• Sell your courses with integrated payment processing, coupon creation, and sales page options.

• Offer a fully branded experience with the ability to remove LearnWorlds branding from your platform.

Likes

• Extensive customization options for courses and websites.

• Advanced analytics for detailed learner tracking.

• Ability to create interactive, engaging content.

• White-label branding options for professional appearance.

• Supports SCORM files for course integration.

• Strong gamification features to boost learner engagement.

• No transaction fees on higher-tier plans.

Dislikes

• Limited features on the Starter plan.

• Transaction fees on the Starter plan can be a drawback.

• Higher pricing compared to other platforms in the market.

• Customer support responsiveness can sometimes be slow.

Alternative 16: Thinkific

Lastly, there's Thinkific, a platform that enables businesses and educators to publish their online courses. 

Using Thinkific's course builder is quite simple, you drag and drop and courses can include videos, quizzes, and PDFs. 

You can also create websites for your courses and embed other applications for extended features. 

However, Thinkific, unlike some rivals, has no transaction fee pricing. Still, however, it does not have good funnel-selling features, which might require customization from some users. 

For users looking to make a course scalable, it is perfect as well.

Why Is It the Best Alternative for Substack?

• Build your courses quickly with an intuitive drag-and-drop editor.

• Create a branded website with various theme options.

• No fees on any of the plans, which allows you to keep all your earnings.

• Engage students with built-in community features like discussion forums and groups.

• Test and assess learners with quizzes, assignments, and surveys.

• Track learner progress and analyze performance with detailed reporting.

• Whether you're a solo entrepreneur or a large organization, Thinkific adapts to your needs.

Likes:

• Zero transaction fees on all plans.

• Robust community-building features for engagement.

• No limits on the number of students or courses.

• Strong e-commerce integration with Stripe and PayPal.

• Customizable branding and design options.

• Detailed analytics for tracking learner performance.

• Scalable for businesses of all sizes.

• Excellent customer support with responsive assistance.

Dislikes:

• Higher pricing for premium plans may be a barrier for small businesses.

• No built-in blogging feature for content marketing.

• Some users find advanced features to have a steep learning curve.

Last Note

Ultimately, which platform is the best for you depends on your goals and needs.

Substack isn't for everybody, and options like EzyCourse, Ghost, and Beehiiv offer some solid alternatives with additional features.

It doesn't matter if your goal is to monetize your newsletter, build a course, or engage your community; there's a tool that fits your needs.

So, find the perfect match to grow your business and keep your profits where they belong - in your pocket!