Medium vs Substack
A detailed comparison of Medium and Substack in 2026. Compare pricing plans, features, and find out which news service is right for you.
Medium
Online publishing platform for thoughtful writing
Medium is a news and media service that provides online publishing platform for thoughtful writing. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, Medium offers 2 pricing plans. It offers a free tier as well as paid plans starting from $5/month. Key features include Unlimited reading, Audio articles, Highlights, Follow writers. Medium is a popular choice for users looking for quality news subscriptions.
Substack
Platform for independent newsletter writers
Substack is a news and media service that provides platform for independent newsletter writers. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, Substack offers 2 pricing plans. It offers a free tier as well as paid plans starting from $undefined/month. Key features include Newsletter platform, Podcasts, Chat, Notes. Substack is a popular choice for users looking for quality news subscriptions.
Feature Comparison
Side-by-side comparison of features and capabilities
| Feature | Medium | Substack |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | Free | Free |
| Plans Available | 2 | 2 |
| Year Founded | 2012 | 2017 |
| Headquarters | San Francisco, California | San Francisco, California |
| Unlimited reading | ||
| Audio articles | ||
| Highlights | ||
| Follow writers | ||
| Publications | ||
| Writing tools | ||
| Newsletter platform | ||
| Podcasts | ||
| Chat | ||
| Notes | ||
| Community | ||
| Monetization |
Pricing Comparison
Compare all available plans and pricing tiers
Medium Pricing
$50/yr
Substack Pricing
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Medium or Substack better in 2026?
Both Medium and Substack are excellent news services. Medium offers Unlimited reading and Audio articles, while Substack features Newsletter platform and Podcasts. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget.
How much does Medium cost compared to Substack?
Medium starts at $5/month, while Substack starts at $Free/month. Both offer multiple pricing tiers to fit different budgets.
Can I track both Medium and Substack subscriptions?
Yes! TrackMySubscriptions lets you track all your subscriptions in one place, including Medium and Substack. Get renewal alerts, spending analytics, and never miss a payment — 100% free.
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Track Both Services in One Dashboard
Whether you choose Medium, Substack, or both — track all your subscriptions in one place with smart alerts and analytics.