WordPress
Open-source CMS powering over 40% of the web with extensive themes and plugins....
Ghost
Open-source publishing platform for professional blogs and newsletters....
WordPress vs Ghost: Which Is Better in 2026?
Comprehensive comparison of WordPress and Ghost covering features, pricing, pros & cons, and our expert verdict to help you make the right choice for your business.
Quick Overview
WordPress
- Best for: Blogs, Content sites
- Starting price: Free
- Category: website builders
- Founded: 2003
Ghost
- Best for: Professional bloggers, Newsletter creators
- Starting price: Free
- Category: website builders
- Founded: 2013
Feature Comparison
Side-by-side feature comparison to help you understand the key differences between WordPress and Ghost.
| Feature | W WordPress | G Ghost |
|---|---|---|
| Visual Editor | ||
| Responsive Design | ||
| CMS | ||
| Ecommerce | Via WooCommerce | |
| Custom Code | ||
| SEO Tools | Via plugins | |
| Hosting | Optional | |
| Animations | Via plugins | |
| Newsletter |
Our Verdict
After extensive testing and analysis, Ghost edges out as the winner in this comparison. While both tools excel in their respective areas, Ghost offers better overall user satisfaction. WordPress remains a strong alternative, especially for users who prioritize blogs.
Pros & Cons
WordPress Pros & Cons
Pros
- Largest ecosystem
- Highly flexible
- Free and open-source
- SEO friendly
- Huge community
Cons
- Requires maintenance
- Security concerns
- Learning curve
- Plugin conflicts
Ghost Pros & Cons
Pros
- Great for writers
- Built-in newsletter
- Fast and clean
- Open source option
- No external tools needed
Cons
- Not for complex sites
- Limited themes
- No ecommerce
- Requires technical knowledge for self-hosted
Pricing Comparison
Compare the pricing plans and see which tool offers better value for your budget.
WordPress
freemium- Full control
- Unlimited plugins
- Custom themes
- Custom domain
- Basic support
- No ads
- Premium themes
- Google Analytics
- Advanced SEO
- Plugins
- SFTP
- Automated backups
Ghost
freemium- Open source
- Full control
- No limits
- 500 members
- Custom themes
- Ghost(Pro) hosting
- 1000 members
- Native newsletter
- Staff users
- 10000 members
- Unlimited staff
- Priority support
Which Tool Is Best For You?
Choose WordPress if you need:
- Blogs
- Content sites
- Developers
- Budget-conscious users
- Largest ecosystem
- Highly flexible
Choose Ghost if you need:
- Professional bloggers
- Newsletter creators
- Publishers
- Writers
- Great for writers
- Built-in newsletter
WordPress vs Ghost FAQ
What are the main differences between WordPress and Ghost?
WordPress focuses on blogs with largest ecosystem, while Ghost excels at professional bloggers with great for writers. Key differences include pricing structure, feature depth, and target user base.
Is WordPress or Ghost better for small businesses?
WordPress offers a free tier which is great for small businesses starting out. For small businesses with limited budgets, consider starting with the tool that offers WordPress's lower starting price of $0/month.
What is the pricing difference between WordPress and Ghost?
WordPress starts at $0/month with a free tier available, while Ghost starts at $0/month with a free tier available. Both offer multiple pricing tiers with different feature sets.
Can WordPress integrate with Ghost?
While direct integration may vary, both WordPress and Ghost support third-party integrations through platforms like Zapier. WordPress integrates with WooCommerce, Yoast, Elementor, while Ghost works with Stripe, Zapier, Slack.
Which tool is easier to use, WordPress or Ghost?
Based on user reviews, Ghost generally receives higher marks for ease of use with a 4.6 rating. However, ease of use can depend on your specific needs and technical background. WordPress is known for highly flexible.
Does WordPress or Ghost offer better customer support?
Both WordPress and Ghost provide customer support, with options varying by plan tier. WordPress offers support through standard support channels. Check each tool's specific plan for support details.
What are the pros of WordPress compared to Ghost?
WordPress's main advantages include: Largest ecosystem, Highly flexible, Free and open-source. Compared to Ghost, it's particularly strong for blogs.
What are the cons of WordPress compared to Ghost?
WordPress's potential drawbacks include: Requires maintenance, Security concerns. Ghost may be a better choice if these limitations affect your use case.
Should I switch from WordPress to Ghost or vice versa?
Consider switching if your current tool doesn't meet your needs. Key factors include: current pain points, migration complexity, team training, and total cost of ownership. Use our ROI calculator to estimate the potential impact of switching.
Which tool is best for website builders in 2026?
In 2026, Ghost leads in this comparison with a 4.6 rating. However, the best choice depends on your specific requirements. WordPress excels for blogs, while Ghost is ideal for professional bloggers.