Substack
by Substack Inc. · News & Magazines · Reading Platforms
Subscribe to independent writers and journalists for newsletters, podcasts, and community discussions.
Quick Answer: Substack has a verified Real Score of 3.9/5 based on 16,750 verified reviews, compared to its App Store rating of 4.5/5. Mixed reviews from verified users.
Real Score vs App Store Rating
App Store Rating
Includes unverified reviews
Verified Real Score
Based on 16,750 verified reviews
Gap Alert: Substack's App Store rating is 0.6 points higher than its verified Real Score. This suggests that some store reviews may be inflated by fake or incentivized ratings.
Pros & Cons
What Users Love
- Direct writer-to-reader model
- High-quality independent writing
- No algorithm determining visibility
- Community features and discussions
Common Complaints
- Subscriptions add up quickly
- Content moderation concerns
- App is basic
- Discovery is limited
Verified Reviews (20)
The future of journalism
Independent writers free from editorial constraints producing their best work directly for readers. Substack represents what journalism is becoming. The writing quality is phenomenal.
Subscription fatigue is real
Each writer wants $5-15/month. Following 5-6 writers costs more than a NYT subscription. The costs add up fast. Need to be very selective about who you pay for.
Some of the best writing online
Writers on Substack produce deeper, more personal, and more thoughtful content than traditional media. The long-form essays are consistently excellent.
Content moderation issues
Substacks hands-off moderation has allowed some problematic content. The platform needs clearer policies on misinformation without stifling free expression.
Supporting writers directly
Love that my subscription goes directly to writers I value. No corporate middleman. Its the most direct way to support journalism and writing I care about.
Notes feature is growing
The Notes feature (like Twitter for Substack writers) is growing into something interesting. Short-form thoughts from writers I already follow. Good addition.
App is pretty basic
The app is functional but bare-bones. Reading experience is fine but lacks features like offline reading, bookmarks, and organization tools. Needs improvement.
Discussion threads are thoughtful
The comments and discussions on Substacks are among the most thoughtful online. The subscription model filters for engaged readers. Quality over quantity.
Podcast integration improving
More writers are adding podcast content alongside written posts. Having both formats in one subscription adds value. The audio experience is getting better.
Discovery is the weak point
Finding new writers to follow requires external recommendations. The in-app discovery is limited. Would love better recommendation engine based on my reading habits.
Free content is often great too
Many writers offer substantial free content alongside paid posts. You can follow excellent writers without paying. Free tiers are generous.
Writers voice shines through
Without editors filtering their work, writers voices are more authentic and personal on Substack. The raw, unfiltered perspective is refreshing.
Email overload problem
Following many writers means a flooded email inbox. Using the app for reading helps but the email-first design can overwhelm. Need better in-app reading workflow.
Niche expertise thrives here
Experts in narrow fields who wouldnt get a column at a major publication can build audiences on Substack. Deep expertise finds its readers. Perfect matching.
Replaced my newspaper subscription
My curated Substack subscriptions provide more value than any single newspaper. Diverse writers, deeper analysis, and more personal perspectives.
Quality varies wildly
Anyone can start a Substack so quality ranges from Pulitzer-worthy to terrible. Have to curate carefully. The open platform is both strength and weakness.
Bundling discounts help
The bundle feature letting you subscribe to multiple writers at a discount makes the total cost more manageable. Wish more writers participated in bundles.
Independent journalism at its best
Former NYT, WaPo, and Atlantic writers producing unconstrained journalism on Substack. The talent migration to independent platforms is producing excellent work.
Not a replacement for traditional news
Substack complements traditional news but doesnt replace it. You need both - the institutional reporting AND the independent analysis. They work together.
Writing renaissance
Substack has created a renaissance in long-form writing. Writers who had nowhere to publish their best work now have a platform and an audience. Beautiful.
Showing 1-20 of 12,847 reviews
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Last updated: April 2026