10 Best Ghost Alternatives in 2025: The best blogging platforms for you

So, you’re looking for a blogging platform, but Ghost isn’t quite cutting it for you?

I get it. Ghost is great, clean, fast, and SEO-friendly but it’s not for everyone.

Maybe it’s too expensive, too technical, or just doesn’t give you the customization you need.

No worries! There are plenty of alternatives out there, and I’ve rounded up the best ones for 2025. Whether you want something cheaper, super customizable, or just dead simple to use, there’s definitely an option that’ll fit your needs.

Why look for a ghost alternative?

Ghost is cool, but it does have some downsides:

• It can get pricey : If you go with Ghost’s official hosting, it’s not cheap. And if you self-host, you need some technical skills.

• Limited customization : Sure, you can tweak things, but it’s nowhere near as flexible as WordPress.You can read the reviews about it on Reddit.

• Not as many integrations : If you need tons of plugins and third-party tools, Ghost might feel a bit restrictive. You can find reviews on the Ghost forum, that emphasize this point.

• Slight learning curve : It’s not crazy hard, but if you’re not tech-savvy, setting it up can be a headache.

If any of that sounds like a dealbreaker, let’s check out some other alternatives.

1. InBlog : A modern blogging platform for content teams

Best for: Marketing teams looking for an SEO-friendly blog with built-in lead generation.

• Self-hosted? No

• Pricing: Starts at $39/month

InBlog is a blogging platform designed for content marketing teams. It offers built-in SEO optimization, lead capture forms, and advanced analytics to help businesses grow their audience and convert readers into leads.

Pricing details:

You can also try InBlog for free for 14 days with no commitment.

Example:

If you’re a B2B marketing team looking to turn blog visitors into potential customers, InBlog helps by providing integrated lead capture forms, SEO tracking, and performance analytics.

Blux's blog is an example of a website built on Inblog. It focuses on AI-driven marketing solutions designed to enhance corporate sales. The blog features insights from industry experts and showcases Blux’s innovative products, such as AI-powered personalized recommendations and hyper-personalized CRM marketing.

Why it’s great:

• Fully optimized for SEO without extra effort

• Built-in lead generation forms

• Advanced analytics to track content performance

• User-friendly interface for marketing teams

• Free 14-day trial

Why it might not be for you:

• A relatively new platform, so some features may still be evolving

• No AI assistance for content creation

Want to learn more about this platform? Check out our detailed guide on How to Use InBlog.

2. WordPress : The OG CMS

Best for: Anyone who wants full control over their blog.

If you want maximum control, WordPress is hands down the best choice. You can customize literally everything, design, functionality, SEO, you name it. That’s why it powers 43.4% of the internet.

WordPress.org vs WordPress.com: What’s the difference?

• WordPress.org → Self-hosted, full control. You need to find a hosting provider, but you get full customization, access to all plugins, and the ability to monetize freely. Best for those who want a serious, scalable website.

• WordPress.com → Hosted solution, easier to use. No need for separate hosting, but customization is limited unless you pay for higher-tier plans. Best for beginners who want a simple, hassle-free setup.

Example:

Say you’re a travel blogger. With WordPress.org, you can add interactive maps, custom galleries, and even a booking system if you start selling trips. With WordPress.com, you get a simpler setup, but fewer customization options unless you upgrade.

An example of a website built with WordPress :

The official Star Wars blog features frequent articles about the saga. The header includes the Star Wars logo and a login/signup button. Below, tabs lead to various sections like videos, movies, and series. The blog itself consists of a continuous stream of articles. The footer encourages users to follow Star Wars on social media.

Why it’s great:

• Thousands of themes and plugins

• Powerful SEO tools (Yoast SEO, RankMath, etc.)

• Can grow with you, from a small blog to a full business

• Fully customizable (design, functionality, features)

• Scalable: from a personal blog to a full e-commerce site

Why it might not be for you:

• Takes a bit of setup

• Can be overwhelming for beginners

• Requires maintenance (updates, security, backups)

• Some premium themes and plugins can add extra costs

Pricing details:

3. Feather.so : Perfect for notion users

Best for: People who use Notion and want a seamless blogging experience.

• Self-hosted? No

• Pricing: Starts at $39/month

If you already use Notion to organize your thoughts, Feather.so lets you publish straight from there. Super clean, minimal, and easy to use.

Pricing details:

Example:

Imagine you’re a productivity coach who writes all your content in Notion. With Feather.so, you can turn those notes into a blog without copying and pasting.

Why it’s great:

• Direct Notion integration

• No distractions, just write and publish

• Built-in SEO features

• Includes custom domains, analytics, and email collection

Why it might not be for you:

• Almost no customization

• A bit pricey for what it does

4. Substack : Best for newsletters & making money

Best for: Writers looking to build a paid subscriber base.

• Self-hosted? No

• Pricing: Free to start; Substack takes 10% of your subscription earnings, plus Stripe processing fees of 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction 

Substack combines blogging and newsletters, allowing writers to monetize their content through subscriptions. This means you can charge readers to access your premium content directly via email, without needing extra tools.

Example:

A finance expert could offer a weekly newsletter analyzing stock market trends, charging subscribers $10/month for exclusive insights.

Why it’s great:

• Easy content monetization : Start earning without complicated setup

• Built-in platform for writing and email distribution : No need for extra newsletter tools.

• User-friendly interface : Simple and clean, even for beginners.

Why it might not be for you:

• Limited design and SEO customization : You can’t personalize your blog’s appearance much or optimize for Google searches.

• Substack takes a percentage of your earnings : Unlike platforms with fixed monthly fees, Substack follows a revenue-sharing model (it keeps 10% of what you earn, plus Stripe’s transaction fees).

This is an example of a newsletter created on Substack. It features "BIG" by Matt Stoller, a newsletter about the history and politics of monopoly power. The design includes a signup form, subscriber count, and an illustration, making it a typical Substack landing page.

Additional info:

• How Substack's pricing works: Every time a subscriber pays, Stripe (the payment processor) takes a small fee before you receive the money.

  • 2.9% of the transaction amount: If a subscriber pays $10, Stripe takes $0.29.

  • +$0.30 fixed fee per transaction: On top of that, Stripe also takes $0.30 per payment.

  • Total Stripe fees for a $10 subscription: $0.59

  • Substack then takes 10% ($1.00), so you receive approximately $8.41 per subscriber.

• Higher-priced niche newsletters: While most Substack newsletters cost between $5 and $50 per month, some niche publications (finance, law, medicine, etc.) charge more because they provide exclusive, high-value insights.

Substack is a good choice for writers looking to monetize their content through subscriptions. However, it has some customization limitations and follows a revenue-sharing model, which may not be ideal for everyone.

5. Medium : Best for writing

Best for: Writers who just want to write and get readers, no tech stuff involved.

• Self-hosted? No

• Pricing: Free for writers; readers can access a limited number of stories for free. To read unlimited paywalled content, a Medium membership costs $5/month or $50/year.

Medium is great if you don’t care about design and just want to focus on writing. Plus, it has a built-in audience, which can help your content get discovered. Writers can also earn money through the Medium Partner Program, which compensates them based on reading time and engagement from Medium members.

Example:

If you write thought-provoking essays, Medium can be a really good tool for getting your work in front of people.

Why it’s great:

• Built-in audience = more exposure : Medium’s recommendation system helps articles get discovered.

• No setup, no hassle : Just sign up and start writing.

• Clean, distraction-free writing experience : The editor is simple and minimalistic.

Why it might not be for you:

• You don’t really “own” your blog : Your content is hosted on Medium, and if Medium changes its policies, your blog is affected.

• Limited customization : You can’t change layouts, add plugins, or fully personalize your blog like on WordPress.

• Earnings depend on Medium’s algorithm : You only get paid through the Medium Partner Program, and revenue is based on how long paying Medium members read your articles and engage with them.

Netflix Tech Blog is built on Medium and features insights from Netflix engineers on technology, scalability, AI, and innovation behind the streaming service.

Medium is ideal for writers who want a simple, hassle-free platform with access to a large audience. However, it lacks customization and ownership compared to self-hosted options.

6. Wix : Best for beginners who want a visual editor

Best for: People who want an easy drag-and-drop website builder.

• Self-hosted? No

• Pricing: Free / Paid plans start at $17/month

Wix is perfect if you want a simple way to build a blog without touching a single line of code. It’s primarily a website builder, but it includes solid blogging features as well. The drag-and-drop editor makes it easy for beginners to design a website without technical skills.

Example:

Let’s say you’re a lifestyle blogger who wants a stylish site but doesn’t want to deal with WordPress plugins. Wix gives you beautiful templates and a super easy-to-use editor to bring your vision to life.

Why it’s great:

• Drag-and-drop builder (no coding required) : Easy for beginners.

• 900+ templates : Wix offers a wide selection of modern, customizable designs.

• Built-in SEO tools : Helps improve your site’s visibility on search engines.

Why it might not be for you:

• Less flexible than WordPress : Customization options are more limited.

• Can get expensive if you need extra features : Advanced tools require higher-tier plans.

• Non-transferable websites : Once you build your site on Wix, you can’t move it to another platform 

• Template limitations : You can’t switch templates once your site is live without rebuilding it

Additional info:

• Wix provides its own hosting, so you don’t need to set up external web hosting.

• Advanced features like e-commerce, booking systems, and analytics are available on higher-tier plans.

• SEO tools are included, but some professionals prefer WordPress for better long-term SEO control.

Wix pricing breakdown:

7. Squarespace : Best for design-focused bloggers

Best for: People who want a sleek, professional-looking blog with minimal effort.

• Self-hosted? No (Squarespace hosts your site on its own servers)

• Pricing: $16–$52/month 

• Free plan? No, but 14-day free trial available (no credit card required)

Squarespace is a solid option if design is a priority for you. It’s known for its high-quality, modern templates that make your blog look polished and professional without needing to hire a designer. The platform also includes strong built-in ecommerce tools, making it a great choice if you plan to sell products alongside your blog.

Example:

Imagine you’re a photographer or a food blogger. You want a site that showcases big, beautiful images while keeping things minimal and easy to navigate. Squarespace offers stunning templates designed for visual-heavy content.

Hunter & Folk is an example of a website built on Squarespace. It is a digital publication showcasing art, design, and creative storytelling through visually engaging content.

Why it’s great:

• Gorgeous, mobile-friendly templates : Professional designs without extra effort.

• Built-in SEO and analytics tools : Helps you optimize content and track performance.

• All-in-one solution : Includes hosting, domain, and security.

Why it might not be for you:

• Less customization compared to WordPress : More restrictive in terms of advanced modifications.

• No free plan : Only a 14-day free trial 

• Limited third-party integrations : Fewer plugin options than WordPress.

Squarespace pricing breakdown:

So Squarespace is great for bloggers who prioritize design and want an all-in-one solution with beautiful templates and built-in tools. However, it lacks customization flexibility compared to WordPress and does not offer a free plan beyond the 14-day trial.

8. Blogger : Best free option for beginners

Best for: Anyone looking for a completely free blogging platform with no hosting costs.

• Self-hosted? No (Google hosts your blog for free)

• Pricing: 100% free, no hosting or domain costs

• Ease of use: Extremely simple, ideal for beginners

Blogger is one of the oldest blogging platforms, owned by Google since 2003. It’s a great choice for those who want a basic, hassle-free blogging experience without worrying about hosting, maintenance, or costs. Since it’s part of Google’s ecosystem, it integrates well with Google Drive, Google Photos, and Search Console.

Example:

Imagine you want to share your thoughts on movies, music, or travel adventures but don’t want to spend money or learn how to manage a website. Blogger provides a ready-to-use platform, and all you need is a Google account.

Expert Vagabond is an example of a travel blog built on Blogger. It features adventure stories, photography tips, and travel guides to inspire readers to explore the world.

Why it’s great:

• 100% free : No hosting fees, no hidden costs.

• Google integration : Works seamlessly with Google services like Drive, Photos, and Search Console.

• Super easy to use : Even complete beginners can start blogging in minutes.

• Hosting included : No need to purchase a separate web server.

Why it might not be for you:

• Limited design options : The themes are basic and lack flexibility compared to WordPress or Squarespace.

• Restricted customization : Few options for adding advanced features like memberships or ecommerce.

• Not really great for SEO : While it has basic SEO settings, it’s not as powerful as WordPress or Ghost for ranking on Google.

• Limited monetization options : You can use Google AdSense, but customization and control over monetization are minimal.

• You don’t fully own your blog : Since Blogger is owned by Google, you must follow their policies, and your blog could be taken down if it violates their terms.

Additional info:

• No custom domain by default : Your blog will have a blogspot.com address unless you purchase a custom domain.

• Outdated interface : Blogger’s editor has not evolved much in recent years, making it feel old-fashioned compared to modern platforms.

• Not ideal for scaling : If you plan to turn your blog into a business, WordPress or Ghost would be better long-term options.

Blogger is a solid free option for hobby bloggers and beginners who want an easy-to-use platform with zero costs. However, its design, customization, SEO, and monetization limitations make it less suitable for professional bloggers looking to grow their audience or monetize their content.

9. Beacons : The all-in-one platform for creators

Best for: Content creators, influencers, and small businesses who want an easy way to manage their audience and monetize their content, all in one place.

• Self-hosted? No

• Pricing: Free plan available, paid plans from $8.33/month

If you’re a creator trying to keep everything organized, emailing your fans, selling products, managing your audience, Beacons makes it all super simple. Instead of using multiple platforms for different tasks, Beacons puts everything in one place, so you don’t have to jump between different tools.

Why it’s great ?

• Affordable, even for beginners : There’s a free plan, and even the paid options are pretty budget-friendly compared to other platforms.

• Syncs all your data automatically : If you’re tired of manually updating lists or switching between apps, Beacons keeps everything updated for you.

• Packed with creator-friendly tools : You get email marketing, audience insights, monetization features, and their famous "Link-in-bio" tool, which makes it easy to send fans exactly where you want them.

Real-world example

Imagine you’re an independent musician. You’re trying to grow your fanbase, send out updates about new releases, and maybe sell some merch. Instead of using one tool for emails, another for sales, and another for fan engagement, Beacons handles all of it in one dashboard.

The Chainsmokers' website is an example of a site built on Beacons. The music duo uses it to share their latest songs, videos, and updates with their fans.

Pricing breakdown

Beacons has a really good high rating, 4.9 out of 5 from user reviews. People love how easy and useful it is, with some calling it "the most valuable tool for creators."

10. Beehiiv : The newsletter platform built for growth

Best for: Creators, writers, and businesses who want an easy way to build, grow and monetize newsletters without needing any tech skills.

• Self-hosted? No

• Pricing: Free plan available, paid plans start at $39/month

• Ease of use: Beginner-friendly with a modern, clean interface

If you’re thinking about starting a newsletter or already have one and want to level up, Beehiiv is one of the best platforms available. Designed specifically for creators who want to grow their audience and monetize content, Beehiiv stands out with its built-in ad network and referral system. Unlike some outdated newsletter platforms, it’s modern, sleek and easy to use.

Why it’s great ?

• Built-in Ad Network : Beehiiv connects you with premium sponsors, so you can monetize your newsletter without hunting for advertisers. If you’re looking to make money but don’t have time to find sponsors, this feature is a game-changer.

• No coding or complex setup : Beehiiv is designed for non-technical users. Its drag-and-drop interface makes it easy to create, format, and send newsletters without any technical knowledge.

• Powerful writing and design tools : The intuitive editor ensures a clean, distraction-free writing experience, while still providing customization options for more advanced users.

• Expanded integrations : While Beehiiv initially had limited third-party integrations, it now supports platforms like: WordPress Webflow, Shopify, Squarespace, Wix, Zapier (for connecting with other apps).

This means easier content migration and better automation for your newsletter.

Where Beehiiv falls short

• Pricing can be high : If you’re just starting out, Beehiiv’s paid plans might feel expensive compared to Substack for example. The free plan is great for beginners, but advanced features require upgrading.

• Still fewer integrations than competitors : While Beehiiv has expanded its integrations, it still lacks deep connections with email marketing and CRM platforms that some competitors offer.

• Slight learning curve : Some users find the dashboard confusing at first. However, after a short adjustment period, most find it easy to use.

Example

Let’s say you’re a finance writer building a newsletter about investing tips. With Beehiiv, you can:

• Write and publish easily (no coding or complicated formatting needed)

• Grow your audience using Beehiiv’s referral system and SEO tools

• Monetize quickly with ads or paid subscriptions

This means you can focus on writing great content, not on dealing with tech headaches.

The Wolf on Wealth is an example of a newsletter built on Beehiiv. Written by Jordan Belfort, it provides weekly insights on wealth creation, business strategies, and personal development.

Beehiiv pricing breakdown :

What users are saying

Beehiiv has a 4.6/5 rating from users, with many praising its ease of use, referral system, and monetization tools. However, some find the pricing steep, especially for smaller newsletters.

If you’re serious about growing a newsletter and making money, Beehiiv is one of the best platforms available. It’s modern, easy to use, and comes with built-in monetization tools that take the hassle out of finding sponsors.

How to pick the right blogging platform (without overthinking it)

Choosing a blogging platform is a big deal. Here’s how to figure out which one’s right for you :

1. What’s your blog about?

Think about what you want to post:

Long articles? Platforms like Medium have a built-in audience for writers.

Lots of images? Squarespace and Wix are great for design-heavy blogs.

Videos & multimedia? Consider something flexible like WordPress.

Want a mix of all formats with an easy-to-use interface? InBlog offers a clean, distraction-free writing experience with flexibility for text, images, and embeds.

Also, think about who’s reading your blog. If you want built-in readers, Medium or Substack might be perfect. But if you want total control over your audience and branding, go for WordPress or Ghost.

2. Do you want to make money?

Planning to earn from your blog? Choose a platform with monetization options:

• Substack = Great for paid newsletters.

• WordPress = Best for ads, affiliate marketing, and ecommerce.

• Beehiiv = Built-in ads and referral system for newsletters.

If you’re just blogging for fun, you can skip this and go for a free option like Blogger or Medium.

3. What’s your budget?

Free options: Medium, Blogger, and WordPress.com (basic version).

Paid options: WordPress.org (hosting costs), Wix, Squarespace, Ghost, etc.

Some platforms seem cheap at first but add costs over time (like premium themes, plugins, or transaction fees on paid newsletters).

4. How easy should it be?

If you hate tech stuff, go for Wix or Squarespace (drag-and-drop, no coding).

If you love control and customization, WordPress.org is your best bet but it comes with a learning curve.

5. Will it grow with you?

You might start small, but what if your blog blows up?

• InBlog = Scales with your needs, from personal blogs to professional content platforms.

• WordPress is super customizable and scalable.

• Ghost is great for serious bloggers with built-in memberships.

• Blogger? Not so much, it’s outdated and limited.

6. Does it work with your other tools?

If you need email marketing, analytics, or social media integrations, check what each platform supports. WordPress has tons of plugins, while simpler platforms might be more limited.

Keep it simple

Pick a platform that fits your needs today, you can always switch later if you outgrow it.

Don’t stress too much, just start blogging!

Summary

So in the end, it really depends on what you're looking for. Some platforms focus on simplicity, others on customization, and some help you reach an audience more easily.

Whether you want full control, a beautiful design, or just a space to write without distractions, there’s an option for you. It’s all about what fits your style and needs best!

Now that you’ve got a better idea of how to choose the right platform, why not make your content even better?

Check out our article on the Top 5 Blog Post Templates You Need to Try in 2025!

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