Newspack vs PaywallProject
Choosing the right publishing platform matters. Here’s a side-by-side look at how Newspack compares to PaywallProject in terms of features, technology, and service.
Newspack vs PaywallProject
A quick, honest look at what’s included — and what isn’t.
| Feature | PaywallProject | Newspack |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing (entry level) | ✅ Better value (publisher-friendly) | ❌ Higher monthly pricing tiers |
| Newsletter Glue included | ✅ Yes — built in | ❌ Not included |
| Mobile Apps (iOS / Android) | ✅ Available (higher tiers) | ❌ Not offered |
| Automated Local Calendar (ingest + publish events) |
✅ Yes — automated pipeline | ❌ Not offered |
| Email & ESP integrations | ✅ Broad ESP coverage + deep WP workflow | ✅ Limited to a few ESPs |
| Metered paywall, tiered subscriptions | ✅ Yes (WordPress-native stack) | ✅ Yes |
| Newsletter & site ads (no-code placements) | ✅ Yes — ad blocks & integrations | ❌ Code/custom setup often required |
| WordPress CMS + custom design | ✅ Yes — flexible themes & brand support | ✅ Yes |
| Migrations & onboarding | ✅ Included | ✅ Included |
| Managed hosting & updates | ✅ Included | ✅ Included |
| Dedicated publisher support | ✅ Hands-on, newsroom-focused | ✅ Technical account management |
Newspack is well-known for giving small and medium-sized publishers an easy way to get started with WordPress. It streamlines setup, simplifies hosting, and offers a bundled selection of tools. For some, that’s enough.
But for publishers who need a more powerful platform and deeper support, it often feels limiting. You want more flexibility in how your site operates, more reliability under heavy traffic, and more direct help from people who understand the publishing business inside and out.
That’s where PaywallProject steps in.
Built for Serious Publishing
PaywallProject is more than just another managed WordPress solution. It’s a fully optimized publishing environment designed to handle the realities of a growing newsroom or independent publication. From complex paywall setups to newsletter integrations, from ad management to performance tuning, everything is tailored to help you run a sustainable media business.
Instead of locking you into a simplified system, PaywallProject keeps your site fully WordPress-based, giving you the freedom to grow in any direction. You can expand your subscription offerings, integrate new revenue streams, or redesign your site without worrying about hitting the limits of a one-size-fits-all platform.
All the Best Publishing Tools, Already Included
With PaywallProject, you get a managed WordPress site along with a complete suite of top-tier publishing technology. Everything is fully licensed and maintained as part of your plan.
We include Newsletter Glue for seamless newsletter publishing, Leaky Paywall for subscriptions and memberships, Broadstreet Ads for premium ad management, Plausible Analytics for privacy-friendly audience insights, WPForms for reader engagement, and built-in email sending so your newsletters reach inboxes reliably.
All of this runs on premium BigScoots hosting, optimized for speed, security, and scalability. Your site stays fast and reliable even during major traffic spikes.
There are no extra licensing fees, no juggling multiple vendors, and no hidden complexity. You get a fully equipped publishing platform with everything you need to run and grow your publication.
Service That Feels Like a Partnership
What truly sets PaywallProject apart is the way we work with publishers. With Newspack, support is shared across a wide pool of clients. With PaywallProject, you get a team that knows your publication, your setup, and your goals. We’re not just here to keep your site online—we’re here to make sure it thrives.
When you need to launch a new membership tier, improve subscriber retention, or adjust your paywall strategy, we’re hands-on. When something breaks or slows down, we’re already looking into it. Many publishers think of us as an extension of their editorial team rather than just another service provider.
A Platform That Grows With You
Publishing is constantly evolving. PaywallProject gives you the flexibility to adapt without migrating to a different system or being locked into a rigid roadmap.
Because your site remains entirely yours—your content, your subscriber data, your revenue streams—you never lose control. And because it’s still WordPress, you’re free to integrate new tools and workflows as your needs change.
PaywallProject provides a more robust platform with bundled premium tools, dedicated support, and flexibility for serious publishers.
Ready for a Stronger Foundation?
For publishers who have outgrown basic hosting or who find Newspack too limiting, PaywallProject offers a more robust platform and a more dedicated level of service. It’s not just about keeping your site running—it’s about helping you build a stronger, more sustainable publication.
If you’re ready to move beyond a simplified platform and work with a team that truly understands your needs, PaywallProject is here to help.
???? Book a consultation and see how we can power your next stage of growth.
