Buttondown is a small, independent newsletter tool built for writers who want clean emails and little fuss. It is free for the first 100 subscribers, then priced by subscriber count. Paid subscriptions run through your own Stripe account, and Buttondown takes nothing from them. It supports pay-what-you-want pricing, a Markdown editor and a hosted archive.
At a glance
| What it is | Minimalist newsletter platform |
| Free tier | First 100 subscribers |
| Pricing | By active subscriber count, with feature add-ons |
| Revenue cut | 0% on paid subscriptions (Stripe fees apply) |
| Payment options | Fixed price or pay what you want |
| Editor | Markdown or rich text |
| Founded | 2017 |
How it works
You sign up, write in Markdown or the rich text editor and send to your list. When you want to earn, you connect a Stripe account in settings, create a paid plan with your price and billing period, and mark issues as paid-only. Buttondown tracks who has paid and what they can read; Stripe collects the money and sends it to you.
Paid subscriptions
Buttondown has kept a 0% take rate on paid subscriptions through several pricing changes. You can choose who can subscribe, with free and paid, or paid only, and you can let readers pay what they think the newsletter is worth. Each newsletter with paid subscriptions needs its own Stripe account. Paid subscriptions are a paid feature, so check the current pricing page for which plan or add-on unlocks them.
What you can realistically earn
Buttondown does not bring readers to you, so income depends on the audience you build elsewhere. Its strength is keeping costs low while the newsletter is small.
Writing experience
Writers like Buttondown for its focus. There is no feed to compete in and no push to add features you do not need. Developers also value its API, which lets them connect the newsletter to their own sites and tools.
Getting started
Start free, publish regularly and grow past 100 subscribers. Add paid subscriptions once readers ask for more, and consider pay-what-you-want if you are unsure what to charge.
Common mistakes
Some writers expect the tool to grow the list for them. Others forget that each paid newsletter needs its own Stripe account and run into trouble when they launch a second one.
Keeping costs low
Because pricing follows active subscribers, Buttondown stays cheap while your list is small. You add only the features you need, such as analytics or automations, rather than paying for a bundle. That makes it a good fit for a side project that may grow slowly.
Combining income
Many writers on Buttondown earn from paid subscriptions and add sponsorships they sell directly or through a marketplace. Recommendation networks that work through links can add a little more. The key is that every source sits on top of a list you fully own.
Keeping track
Buttondown shows opens, clicks and subscriber growth for each issue. Watch which topics bring new readers and which ones make readers upgrade, then plan future issues around them.
Final tip
If you are not sure what to charge, start with pay what you want for a few months. The amounts readers choose will show you a fair fixed price.
Is it worth it?
For a writer starting small, yes. The free tier covers the first readers, and the 0% cut means paid growth costs you only Stripe fees.
Owen’s take
Buttondown is a quiet favourite for writers who want to own their list and keep every cent of subscription revenue. Pair it with a place where readers already find you.
Who it suits
It suits writers, developers and small publishers who value simplicity. It suits less well those who want ad networks or discovery built in.
Similar options
- Ghost adds a full website with 0% fees.
- Substack offers discovery for 10%.
- Kit has a larger free plan.
- SparkLoop adds paid recommendation income.
More options are in Newsletters.
Pros and cons
Pros
- 0% cut on paid subscriptions
- Free for the first 100 subscribers
- Pay-what-you-want option
Cons
- No built-in discovery or ads
- Small team, slower feature pace
- One Stripe account per paid newsletter
FAQ
Is Buttondown free?
Yes, for the first 100 subscribers.
Does Buttondown take a cut of paid subscriptions?
No, 0%. You pay only Stripe fees.
Can readers pay what they want?
Yes, Buttondown supports pay-what-you-want plans.
Do I need Stripe?
Yes, payments run through your own Stripe account.
Can I import my list from another platform?
Yes, Buttondown supports imports from other newsletter tools.
