Ghost Alternatives
5 Tools Like Ghost
Quick answer: Top Ghost alternatives include Substack, beehiiv and WordPress. For open source, look at WordPress. Substack and beehiiv are free or have free plans.
Ghost is open-source publishing with newsletters and memberships.
Writers compare Ghost alternatives for a built-in audience network or free hosting.
- 5 alternatives
- 5 with a free plan
- 1 open source
The best Ghost alternatives
#1Substack
substack.com
Newsletters and paid subscriptions with a built-in network.
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In Substack’s own words: “Substack is the app for independent voices: a free newsletter, video, and podcast hosting platform with paid subscriptions built in.”
Substack is free to use.
People switching from Kit (ConvertKit), Ghost and Patreon often consider Substack.
#2beehiiv
beehiiv.com
Newsletter platform with growth tools and an ad network.
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In beehiiv’s own words: “beehiiv is the newsletter platform built for creators, publishers, and businesses. Grow, publish, and monetize your audience in one place.”
beehiiv has a free plan.
People switching from Mailchimp, MailerLite, Kit (ConvertKit), Ghost and Substack often consider beehiiv.
#3WordPress
wordpress.org
The open-source CMS behind a large share of the web.
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In WordPress’s own words: “Open source software which you can use to easily create a beautiful website, blog, or app.”
WordPress is open source and is free to use.
People switching from Webflow, Wix, Squarespace, Ghost and Drupal often consider WordPress.
#4Medium
medium.com
Blogging platform with a large built-in readership.
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In Medium’s own words: “On Medium, anyone can share insightful perspectives, useful knowledge, and life wisdom with the world.”
Medium has a free plan.
People switching from Ghost and Substack often consider Medium.
#5Buttondown
buttondown.com
Simple, developer-friendly newsletters.
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In Buttondown’s own words: “Buttondown is the last email platform you'll migrate to. We're focused on your success, not on bleeding you dry.”
Buttondown has a free plan.
People switching from Mailchimp, MailerLite, Kit (ConvertKit), Ghost and Substack often consider Buttondown.
Listed for information; LaunchStall isn’t affiliated with these companies. Features and plans change — check each site for current details.
How these Ghost alternatives compare
| Tool | Best for | Where it beats Ghost | The trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Substack | Starting a paid newsletter for free | Free to start, with a discovery network. | Takes a share of paid revenue, with less control. |
| beehiiv | Newsletter growth | Referrals and ads built in. | Less of a full website. |
| WordPress | Sites that need plugins | A huge plugin and theme range. | More upkeep and more complexity. |
| Medium | Reaching readers without a site | A built-in reader network. | You don’t own the platform or audience. |
| Buttondown | Simple newsletters | Minimal, Markdown-friendly. | Not a publication website. |
Which should you choose?
- You don’t want to pay up front: Substack
- You want plugins: WordPress
- You want to grow a newsletter fast: beehiiv
Our editorial summary of each tool’s focus, written November 2026. Tools change quickly, so check the details on each site.
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best Ghost alternatives?
Popular Ghost alternatives include Substack, beehiiv and WordPress. The best choice depends on whether you need a free plan, open-source software or specific features.
Is there a free alternative to Ghost?
Yes. Substack, beehiiv, WordPress and Medium are free or have free plans.
Is there an open-source alternative to Ghost?
Yes — WordPress is open source.
Why do people look for Ghost alternatives?
Writers compare Ghost alternatives for a built-in audience network or free hosting.
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