Comparison 2026

    PayLinks vs Substack

    Compare both solutions side by side. See fees, features and find out which one suits you best.

    TL;DR — In Brief

    PayLinks: Create an account in 30 seconds, send a link, customer pays. No website, no business registration required. Substack: Better suited for writers and journalists. Larger ecosystem, but payments are not the main focus.

    30s
    PayLinks Setup
    $0
    Monthly Fee
    Yes
    No Business Required
    Global
    Payments Accepted

    Detailed Comparison

    Feature
    PayLinksPayLinks
    SubstackSubstack
    Payment links
    Recurring payments
    Apple Pay
    Google Pay
    Revolut Pay
    No business registration
    No website required
    Instant setup (30 sec)
    Local support
    Fee2%10% + processing fees
    Monthly feeNoneNone

    Competitor information is accurate as of February 2026 and is based on publicly available data. Prices and features may change. Always verify on official websites for the latest information.

    Choose PayLinks if you want:

    • 👉5x lower fees (2% vs 10%)
    • 👉Sell any type of product or service
    • 👉Not limited to newsletter format
    🔍

    Choose Substack if you want:

    • 👉Best platform for paid newsletters
    • 👉Complete publishing and distribution infrastructure
    • 👉Built-in audience on platform

    What is PayLinks?

    PayLinks is a simple way to collect payments online, created for freelancers and entrepreneurs. Create a link in 30 seconds, send it via WhatsApp or Instagram, customer pays with card or Apple Pay, money arrives in your account. No website, no POS, no business registration required.

    30 second setupNo business registration required - start as individualNo website or technical knowledge requiredAll payment methods: Card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Revolut Pay

    What is Substack?

    Substack — "A new economic engine for culture". It's a fintech platform that offers payment functionality alongside other financial services.

    All-in-one platform for paid newslettersCreators own email listNetwork effect (readers discover new publications)Extremely simple to use

    Pricing Comparison

    PayLinks

    • Fee:2%
    • Monthly fee:$0
    • Setup:Free

    Substack

    • Fee:10% + processing fees
    • Monthly fee:None
    • Setup:Varies

    Who is each better for?

    PayLinksPayLinks is for you if:

    • Freelancers and solopreneurs
    • Individuals wanting to collect online
    • Private tutors and teachers
    • Trainers and coaches
    • Photographers and videographers

    SubstackSubstack is for you if:

    • ☑️Writers and journalists
    • ☑️Podcasters
    • ☑️Content creators relying on subscriptions

    Questions about PayLinks vs Substack

    It depends on your needs. PayLinks is ideal for freelancers and small businesses who want to collect payments simply, without a website and without technical knowledge. Substack is better suited for writers and journalists.

    The best way to choose? Try it.

    Free account, no card required, no obligations. If it doesn't fit, you've lost nothing.

    2% fee only when you get paid. Zero monthly fee.

    PayLinks vs Substack - Complete Comparison 2026 | PayLinks