Substack
Ulysses
| Feature | Substack | Ulysses |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Free / from $0/mo | From $5.99/mo |
| Free Plan | ✓ Yes | ✗ No |
| Rating | 4.4 / 5 | 4.4 / 5 |
| Best For | independent-writers, journalists, newsletter-creators, thought-leaders | bloggers, journalists, apple-users, writers |
| Founded | 2017 | 2013 |
| Newsletter | ✓ | ✗ |
| Paid Subscriptions | ✓ | ✗ |
| Podcast Hosting | ✓ | ✗ |
| Community Chat | ✓ | ✗ |
| Recommendations | ✓ | ✗ |
| Notes | ✓ | ✗ |
| Analytics | ✓ | ✗ |
| Markdown Editor | ✗ | ✓ |
| Library Management | ✗ | ✓ |
| Publishing | ✗ | ✓ |
| Goals | ✗ | ✓ |
| Icloud Sync | ✗ | ✓ |
| Themes | ✗ | ✓ |
✓ Substack Pros
- Completely free to start — no monthly fees
- Built-in paid subscription infrastructure
- Network effects from Substack recommendations
- Simple writing interface without distractions
✗ Substack Cons
- 10% cut of paid subscriber revenue
- Limited design and branding customization
- No automation or complex email sequences
✓ Ulysses Pros
- Beautiful interface
- Markdown support
- iCloud sync
- Direct publishing
✗ Ulysses Cons
- Apple only
- Subscription model
- Limited formatting
The Verdict
Substack is built for independent writers and journalists, with a focus on newsletter and paid-subscriptions. Ulysses targets bloggers and journalists and leads with markdown-editor and library-management.
On pricing, Substack is the clear winner for budget-conscious users — starting at $0/mo compared to $5.99/mo for Ulysses. That $5.99/mo difference adds up quickly for growing teams.
Substack has a free plan, which gives it a meaningful edge for individuals and small teams exploring their options. Ulysses requires a paid subscription from day one.
Feature-wise, Substack offers broader built-in capabilities (7 features vs 6), while Ulysses takes a more focused approach — which can mean a simpler, faster onboarding experience.
Both tools are a solid fit for journalists — in those cases, the decision often comes down to workflow style and how your team prefers to organize work.
This is a genuinely close comparison. If you can, sign up for both free trials (where available) and run a one-week test with your actual team tasks before deciding.