What are the Best Newsletter Platforms? A Creator's Guide for 2025
The search for the best newsletter platforms is a critical step for any creator looking to build a direct relationship with their audience. With options from simple tools like Substack to powerful email marketing platforms like ConvertKit, the choice can feel overwhelming.
But what if the very question is flawed?
In 2025, a "newsletter" is no longer just an email. It's a brand and a business. The best newsletter platforms aren't just for sending emails; they are all-in-one systems for building a sustainable creative enterprise.
Before you commit, you need a clear framework. Use our guide to 10 questions to ask before you choose a newsletter platform.
The 4 Pillars of the Best Newsletter Platforms in 2025
A great creator platform must deliver on four foundational pillars.
1. True Ownership of Your Brand and Audience
This is non-negotiable. You must have full control.
- Look for: A custom domain, full content ownership, and 100% ownership of your email list.
- Avoid: Platforms that trap you on a subdomain. This is why creator data ownership is your most valuable asset.
2. Powerful and Fair Monetization
Your platform should empower your newsletter monetization, not penalize it with exorbitant fees.
- Look for: Support for subscriptions, one-time products, and tipping with low, transparent platform fees.
- Avoid: Platforms with high percentage-based fees (like Substack's 10%). See the full platform cost breakdown here.
3. A Powerful Website with Built-in SEO
Your newsletter archive is a valuable asset. It should attract new subscribers through search engines.
- Look for: A platform that is also a world-class website builder with a clean, fast, SEO-first foundation. Strong newsletter SEO is a must.
- Avoid: Email-only tools with weak website capabilities.
4. An All-in-One, Integrated System
Your time is best spent creating, not managing disconnected tools.
- Look for: A single, unified platform that handles everything seamlessly.
- Avoid: The "duct-tape" approach of stitching together multiple services.
Comparing the Top Newsletter Platforms by Category
Most platforms excel at one or two of these pillars but compromise on the others.
The Simple Starters (e.g., Substack, Beehiiv)
- Pros: Incredibly easy to start sending emails.
- Cons: They fail on fair monetization (high fees), newsletter SEO (very poor), and true ownership. They are a great place to start, but serious creators often find themselves needing a Substack alternative.
The Email Marketing Powerhouses (e.g., ConvertKit, Mailchimp)
- Pros: Excellent for advanced email automation and segmentation.
- Cons: They are email platforms, not publishing platforms. Their website and blog-building features are often clunky and lack SEO power. This is a key point in the Substack vs ConvertKit debate.
The DIY Powerhouse (e.g., Ghost)
- Pros: The gold standard for ownership, customization, and SEO.
- Cons: It comes with a steep technical learning curve. For non-developers, managing a Ghost site can be a distraction. This is the core issue we address in our Ghost vs. Postion comparison.
Postion: The All-in-One Platform for Publications, Not Just Newsletters
We built Postion because we believe creators shouldn't have to compromise. You shouldn't have to choose between simplicity and power.
Postion is the best newsletter platform for creators who understand a newsletter is just one part of a larger business. We deliver on all four pillars in one elegant system.
| Pillar | Substack / Beehiiv | ConvertKit / Mailchimp | Ghost | Postion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ownership | ❌ Weak | ⚠️ Partial | ✅ Strong | ✅ Strong & Simple |
| Monetization | ❌ Unfair Fees | ✅ Flexible | ✅ Fair | ✅ Fair & Flexible |
| SEO & Website | ❌ Very Weak | ❌ Weak | ✅ Strong | ✅ Strong & Automated |
| All-in-One | ❌ Limited | ❌ Email-focused | ⚠️ DIY | ✅ Truly Integrated |
With Postion, you get:
- The ease of use of Substack.
- The ownership and SEO power of Ghost.
- The monetization flexibility you need to build a real business.
- A world-class website that acts as the hub for your entire brand.
Conclusion: Choose a Platform for Your Business, Not Just Your Email
The best newsletter platforms of today are complete creator platforms. They provide the foundation for your entire business.
Stop thinking about just sending emails. Start thinking about building your empire.
Ready to build your publication on a platform designed for growth? Discover Postion today.