Comparison

Substack vs Collective Vote

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Substack

Discover creators, ideas, and communities through videos, writing, and podcasts. Subscribe for free or upgrade to access exclusive content and connect directly with creators. Enjoy ad-free media and participate in live events.

Highlights
  • Subscribe to creators
  • Ad-free video and podcasts
  • Live streams and group chats
  • Explore independent ideas
  • Read aloud articles
Features
Read full description

Substack is a new media app that connects you with the creators, ideas, and communities you care about most. - Support the creators you love: Subscribe for free or upgrade to view original work and connect directly with your favorite writers, artists, and podcasters. - Enjoy ad-free videos and podcasts: Access short-form clips, video episodes, and read-aloud articles without interruptions. - Connect in real time: Join livestreams and live group chats, where top creators bring their biggest supporters into their world. - Explore independent ideas: Discover bold opinions and engaging views across food, sports, politics, fashion, comedy, finance, and more. How it works: 1. Download the Substack app. 2. Claim your handle. 3. Explore the feed to enjoy notes, videos, and clips from creators. 4. Subscribe to your favorites for free, tune into their livestreams and join private group chats.

About

Collective Vote

Features
Currently charting
Read full description

Collective Vote: Elevating Every Citizen's Voice in Democracy! Overview: Collective Vote transforms political engagement, placing unparalleled influence and legislative tracking in the palm of your hand. Navigate effortlessly through local and state policies and ensure your elected representatives hear, understand, and act upon your views. Explore & Follow Legislation: - Access the latest updates and insights into local and state bills and initiatives. - Track specific legislation, ensuring you’re informed at each pivotal moment. Amplify Your Voice: - Share your stance on vital legislation directly with your elected officials. - Mobilize others by sharing advocacy actions and content within your network. Connect with Elected Officials: - Obtain detailed contact information for your local and state representatives. - Message, call, or email officials directly through the Collective Vote app. Timely Alerts & Updates: - Receive notifications about bill status changes, voting timelines, and more. - Stay abreast of critical news and outcomes related to your legislative interests. In-Depth Voting Records: - Explore the voting histories of elected officials and gain insight into past legislations. - Make informed choices during elections with a wealth of contextual information. Intuitive & User-Friendly Interface: - Engage in advocacy with an easy-to-navigate and accessible user experience. - Simplify your political participation, regardless of your technological expertise. Effortless Advocacy for All: Collective Vote is not merely an app; it’s a revolution in civic participation, ensuring your voice isn’t just heard, but resonates. Tailored for both seasoned activists and those new to political engagement, Collective Vote demystifies the legislative process, making political involvement accessible and impactful. Your Voice, Magnified with Collective Vote! Be more than a spectator — be a formidable participant in shaping your government. Download Collective Vote and redefine your role in the democratic process!

Screenshots

Substack4 screens
Collective Vote4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Substack at Free against Collective Vote's $99.99. Substack also leads on update cadence (weekly vs every 3 weeks) and chart position (#5 vs #153). Collective Vote's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 24). On ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Substack is free to download; Collective Vote costs $99.99 up front. Substack sells 18 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Collective Vote asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Substack ships an update weekly, Collective Vote every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 25, 2026 and September 6, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 7 level
Substack versus Collective Vote: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSubstackCollective Vote
PriceFree — better$99.99
Rating4.9 (537K ratings) — better—
Positive reviews72.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings537K — better—
Update frequencyWeekly — betterEvery 3 weeks
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
Best chart rank#5 — better#153
DevicesiPhone, iPad, Apple TV — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS17.016.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size223 MB49 MB
Age rating17+12+
DeveloperSubstack, Inc.Michael Sacks

Bugs and requests

Substack

Reported bugs

4 issues
  • Login issues and inability to sign in
  • Inconsistent behavior when archiving/deleting posts
  • Playback issues with audio content
  • Incompatibility with older devices or operating systems

Requested features

5 requests
  • Add search functionality within app
  • Improve notification management
  • Allow customization of font size and style
  • Implement ability to mark articles as read/unread
  • Add option to collapse/expand comment threads

Collective Vote

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

18 purchases

Substack

Subscriptions18
  • Hung Up (Monthly)$4.991 Month
  • The Dworkin Report (Monthly)$4.991 Month
  • Popular Information (Monthly)$5.991 Month
Show 15 more
  • Monthly$5.991 Month
  • Isolation Journals (Monthly)$5.991 Month
  • Ettingermentum (monthly)$5.991 Month
  • What To Cook (Monthly)$5.991 Month
  • The Present Age (Monthly)$6.991 Month
  • The Message Box (Monthly)$7.991 Month
  • House Inhabit (Monthly)$8.991 Month
  • Noahpinion (Monthly)$9.991 Month
  • Slow Boring (Monthly)$9.991 Month
  • Razib Khan (Monthly)$10.991 Month
  • House of Strauss (Monthly)$11.991 Month
  • The Dworkin Report (Annual)$49.991 Year
  • Annual$59.991 Year
  • Isolation Journals (Annual)$59.991 Year
  • Slow Boring (Annual)$99.991 Year
None

Collective Vote

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Substack free?
Substack is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Collective Vote free?
Collective Vote costs $99.99, with no in-app purchases.
Do Substack or Collective Vote have ads?
Neither Substack nor Collective Vote shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Substack or Collective Vote?
Substack ships an update weekly, and Collective Vote every 3 weeks. Most recently, Substack was updated on September 25, 2026 and Collective Vote on September 6, 2026.
Which is more popular, Substack or Collective Vote?
Substack currently peaks at #5 in the App Store charts, and Collective Vote at #153. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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