Substack vs Topic
A detailed comparison of Substack and Topic in 2026. Compare pricing plans, features, and find out which news service is right for you.
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.
Topic
Curated international and independent storytelling
Topic is a streaming and entertainment service that provides curated international and independent storytelling. Founded in 2019 and headquartered in New York, New York, Topic offers 1 pricing plan. Plans start from $5.99/month. Key features include International series, Independent films, Curated collections, No ads. Topic is a popular choice for users looking for quality entertainment subscriptions.
Feature Comparison
Side-by-side comparison of features and capabilities
| Feature | Substack | Topic |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | Free | $5.99/mo |
| Plans Available | 2 | 1 |
| Year Founded | 2017 | 2019 |
| Headquarters | San Francisco, California | New York, New York |
| Newsletter platform | ||
| Podcasts | ||
| Chat | ||
| Notes | ||
| Community | ||
| Monetization | ||
| International series | ||
| Independent films | ||
| Curated collections | ||
| No ads | ||
| Offline downloads | ||
| Exclusive content |
Pricing Comparison
Compare all available plans and pricing tiers
Substack Pricing
Topic Pricing
$59.99/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Substack or Topic better in 2026?
Both Substack and Topic are excellent news services. Substack offers Newsletter platform and Podcasts, while Topic features International series and Independent films. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget.
How much does Substack cost compared to Topic?
Substack starts at $Free/month, while Topic starts at $5.99/month. Both offer multiple pricing tiers to fit different budgets.
Can I track both Substack and Topic subscriptions?
Yes! TrackMySubscriptions lets you track all your subscriptions in one place, including Substack and Topic. 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 Substack, Topic, or both — track all your subscriptions in one place with smart alerts and analytics.