Business Operations·Standings

Publishing and Subscriptions Software

Publishing and subscription tools help people publish content and manage paid access; compare paywall and newsletter features, platform support, and pricing to find a fit.

The board shows a signal score out of 10, plus marks for public API access, open-source code, and a free tier. Use those alongside the listed comparison points, such as audience analytics, custom domains, and paid subscriptions.

• 22 platforms
• 4 with a public API on this page
• 9 with a free tier
• Checked 28 Sept 2026

1. #PlatformSignalPlugs inPrice
2. 1
   S

   Substacksubstack.com

   Substack is a publishing and subscription platform for writers, podcasters, video creators and media companies, combining content creation, email distribution…

   6.6 APIOpenFree Free tier · $50 one-time
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3. 2
   P

   Patreonpatreon.com

   Patreon lets creators build communities, share exclusive work, and earn through paid memberships or digital shops.

   6.6 APIOpenFree Free tier · from $10/mo (lower tiers unpriced)
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4. 3
   WC

   WordPress.comwordpress.com

   Hosted site builder with a no-cost option, annual billing from $2.75 monthly, and Android and iOS apps.

   6.4 APIOpenFree Free tier · from $2.75/mo
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5. 4
   B

   Buttondownbuttondown.com
   6.3 APIOpenFree Free tier · from $9/mo
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6. 5
   S

   Steadysteady.page

   Steady helps independent media makers build newsletters and memberships to earn directly from their audiences.

   6.3 APIOpenFree Free tier
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7. 6
   W

   Writizzywritizzy.com

   Blogging platform with free and €9/mo plans, web and API access, domains, scheduling, memberships, and analytics.

   6.3 APIOpenFree Free tier · from €9/mo
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8. 7
   K

   Kajabikajabi.com

   Kajabi combines product creation, marketing, payments and client delivery for knowledge businesses.

   6.2 APIOpenFree From $179/mo
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9. 8
   P

   Peekavuepeekavue.com

   Peekavue describes itself as a membership platform for creators and their supporters.

   6.0 APIOpenFree Free tier
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10. 9
    G

    Ghostghost.org
    5.9 APIOpenFree From $18/mo
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11. 10
    M

    Memberfulmemberful.com

    Memberful connects payments, content, and community to help businesses run branded memberships.

    5.9 APIOpenFree From $49/mo
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12. 11
    M

    MagLoftmagloft.com

    MagLoft Universal App turns publisher content into mobile-first digital experiences optimized for search engines.

    5.8 APIOpenFree From $199/mo
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13. 12
    B

    beehiivbeehiiv.com
    5.6 APIOpenFree Free tier · from $517/yr
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14. 13
    P

    Pooolpoool.fr

    Poool is a platform for digital media to manage audience engagement, conversion, and retention journeys.

    5.5 APIOpenFree —
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15. 14
    PD

    Piano DMPpiano.io

    Piano Audience ingests and enriches visitor data for segmentation, analytics, targeting, and machine learning.

    5.5 APIOpenFree —
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16. 15
    W

    Wallkitwallkit.net

    Wallkit describes itself as a modular platform for media companies to run predictive paywalls, memberships, and audience monetization.

    5.5 APIOpenFree From $799/mo
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17. 16
    NN

    Naviga Newsroom Plannernavigaglobal.com

    Newsroom Planner helps editorial teams track events, plans, and assignments from conception to publication.

    4.9 APIOpenFree —
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18. 17
    R

    Reamreamstories.com
    4.8 APIOpenFree Free tier
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19. 18
    EE

    Exact Editionspublisher.exacteditions.com
    4.4 APIOpenFree —
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20. 19
    T

    Twipetwipemobile.com
    4.4 APIOpenFree —
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21. 20
    P

    PressReaderpressreader.com
    4.4 APIOpenFree —
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22. 21
    M

    MagCastmagcast.co
    4.3 APIOpenFree —
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23. 22
    S

    SimpleCircsimplecirc.com
    4.0 APIOpenFree —
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Places #1, #2, #3, #4, #5 on this board are open to sponsors. Take #1 · Other ways to advertise

How to choose

Which platforms does it need to run on?

Start with the places you and your readers need to use it. The board tracks web, iOS, Android, API, extension, and Windows support.

Check the individual platform marks before choosing; support differs by product.

What paid access features should I compare?

Compare paywall support and paid subscriptions to see whether a product covers the paid-access needs you have.

Pricing is another comparison point. Check whether a paid price is listed or whether pricing is available on request.

Does it include newsletter and audience tools?

Compare newsletter tools and audience analytics if you need to communicate with readers or understand your audience.

The board lists these as separate features, so check the product details for the capabilities that matter to you.

Can I try it before paying?

Check the free-plan and free-trial information separately. A free plan and a free trial are different ways to try a product.

For example, Exact Editions lists a 30-day trial and pricing on request, while Peekavue lists a free plan.

Does it connect to my existing setup?

Check for public API access if you need the software to connect with other apps. The board marks API access, and the platform list also identifies API support.

Custom-domain support is another listed comparison point if you want to use your own domain.

Questions

What should I compare in publishing and subscription software?

Compare paid subscriptions, paywall support, newsletter tools, audience analytics, custom domains, API access, platforms, and pricing.

Which publishing tools have a free plan?

The board marks whether a product has a free plan. Peekavue is listed with a free plan.

How can I tell if publishing software has an API?

Check the API-access mark and platform details. API access is one of the board's comparison points.

Are publishing software free plans and free trials the same?

No. The board tracks free plans and free trials separately. Check the product details to see which option it offers.

Some top positions on this board can be paid placements, standing where they were sold. The facts on each platform are not for sale. How we rank · Disclosure