Substack alternative for builders in tech | Hashnode
The Substack alternative for technical writing
Own your domain, publish dev-grade content, and get found. No cut of your work.
Substack is built for newsletters, and it takes a cut of what you earn. Your words live on Substack, the editor was never built for code, and your reach runs through their network. For technical writing, Hashnode is the better home: your own domain, code blocks and LaTeX that actually work, and a flat price with no revenue share.
Made for technical content
Code blocks with syntax highlighting, LaTeX, tables, and embeds, not just a newsletter editor.
Your domain and your reach
Publish on your own domain and rank in search, instead of living inside one network.
Keep what you earn
No platform cut on your work. Pro is a flat $5 a month per publication.
Hashnode vs Substack
| Feature | Hashnode | Substack |
|---|---|---|
| Your own domain | Map your custom domain (Pro) | Custom domain available; content lives on Substack |
| Own your audience | Your readers and data stay yours | You keep your list; Substack takes a cut of paid subs |
| Built for technical writing | Code blocks, syntax highlighting, LaTeX, embeds | Newsletter editor, limited code and dev formatting |
| Found in search and AI engines | Ranks in search and gets cited by AI engines | Discovery via the Substack network, not search-first |
| API and headless mode | GraphQL API and headless mode (Pro) | No headless mode or publishing API |
| Price | Free to start. Pro is $5/mo per publication | Free, plus 10% of paid subscriptions |
Bringing your content over
Moving from Substack? Bring your posts in as Markdown, map your domain, and set up redirects so old links keep working. Export your subscriber list to keep it.
Frequently asked questions
Is Hashnode a newsletter tool like Substack?
Hashnode is a blogging platform first, built for publishing articles on your own domain. If a paid email newsletter is your entire product, Substack may suit you better. If you want a technical blog you own, Hashnode is the stronger fit.
Does Hashnode take a cut of my revenue?
Can I use my own domain?
Compare other platforms
Hashnode vs Medium
Publish on your own domain, keep your audience, and get found. No paywall on your words.
Hashnode vs WordPress
Own your domain and your content, without managing hosting, plugins, or security.
Hashnode vs Ghost
Ownership and headless publishing, plus distribution Ghost cannot give you. Free to start.
Hashnode vs Notion
A blog built to rank, on your own domain, instead of a Notion page bolted onto a website.
Hashnode vs Dev.to
Keep the community reach, but publish on your own domain and own your audience.
Ready to make the switch?
Start free on your own publication. Add a custom domain, the API, and more whenever you need them.