DEV (dev.to) vs Substack

Compare DEV (dev.to) and Substack to find the best tool for your needs.

DEV (dev.to)

Community-focused platform where software developers write articles, take part in discussions, and build their professional profiles.

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VS

Substack

Publishing platform that combines newsletters, blogs, and podcasts with built-in monetization via paid subscriptions.

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Quick overview

Pricing

Free
Free to use, 10% of subscription revenue + payment processing fees

Pros & Cons

DEV (dev.to)

Pros

  • Large developer audience and community
  • High engagement potential
  • Great for technical content
  • Good for personal branding

Cons

  • Limited customization
  • No direct monetization
  • Focused only on tech/development topics
  • Platform controls distribution

Substack

Pros

  • Integrated newsletter and blog
  • Simple paid subscription model
  • Full ownership of subscriber list
  • Easy to start and use

Cons

  • Limited design customization
  • 10% fee on all paid subscriptions
  • Basic analytics
  • Limited content organization options