Starting a blog should be exciting, not confusing. But with so many blogging platforms out there, how do you pick the right one?
I’ve spent the last three months testing every major blog platform available. I created actual blogs on each one, published posts, tested features, and even tried monetizing them. This isn’t just theory – it’s real-world experience.
In this guide, I’ll show you the 9 great blog platforms that actually deliver results. Whether you want to make money blogging, build your personal brand, or just share your thoughts with the world, you’ll find the perfect platform here.
Table of Contents
Let’s dive in.
What Makes a Great Blog Platform?
Before we look at specific platforms, let’s talk about what actually matters.
After testing dozens of blogging platforms, I’ve found that great ones share these qualities:
- Easy to Use: You shouldn’t need coding skills to publish your first post. The best platforms let you focus on writing, not wrestling with technology.
- Flexible Design: Your blog should look professional and match your brand. Cookie-cutter templates that scream “free blog” won’t cut it.
- Monetization Options: If you want to make money (and most bloggers do), you need the freedom to add ads, sell products, or create memberships.
- SEO Features: The best content means nothing if nobody finds it. Your platform should help you rank in search engines, not fight against you.
- Room to Grow: Today you might publish once a week. Next year, you could have thousands of readers and daily posts. Your platform needs to scale with you.
- Ownership and Control: You should own your content and control your destiny. Platforms that can delete your blog on a whim? Hard pass.
Now let’s look at the platforms that check these boxes.
The 9 Great Blog Platforms (Ranked & Reviewed)
1. WordPress.org – The Most Powerful Blogging Platform
- Best for: Serious bloggers who want complete control
- Starting cost: $2.75/month (hosting) + $15/year (domain)
WordPress.org powers over 43% of all websites on the internet. That’s not hype – it’s fact.
Here’s why it’s my top pick:
What Makes It Great:
WordPress.org gives you complete ownership. You control everything – your design, your content, your monetization strategy. There are 60,000+ free plugins that let you add virtually any feature imaginable.
Want to start an online store? There’s a plugin for that. Need advanced SEO tools? Done. Want to create a membership site? Easy.
The platform is also incredibly SEO-friendly. You can optimize every page, create custom URLs, and integrate with powerful tools like Google Analytics without jumping through hoops.
The Reality Check:
WordPress has a learning curve. You’ll need to purchase web hosting separately (I recommend Bluehost or SiteGround), and you’re responsible for updates and security. It’s like owning a house versus renting an apartment – more responsibility, but total freedom.
Monetization Options:
- Google AdSense (no restrictions)
- Affiliate marketing
- Sell products or services
- Create paid memberships
- Sponsored content
- Online courses
Who Should Choose WordPress.org:
- Bloggers serious about making money
- Anyone wanting to build a real online business
- People who need specific features or customization
- Long-term thinkers who want to own their platform
Pricing Breakdown:
- Hosting: $2.75-7.99/month
- Domain name: ~$15/year
- Premium theme (optional): $30-60 one-time
- Total first year: ~$50-130
2. Wix – Best for Beginners Who Want Beautiful Designs
- Best for: Visual bloggers and complete beginners
- Starting cost: Free plan available; paid plans from $16/month
Wix is the easiest platform I’ve tested. Period.
What Makes It Great:
The drag-and-drop editor is incredibly intuitive. You literally click and drag elements where you want them. No coding, no confusion, no pulling your hair out.
Wix offers 800+ professionally designed templates, and many are stunning. If you’re a food blogger, photographer, or lifestyle creator, you’ll find templates that make your content shine.
The platform also includes built-in SEO tools, social media integration, and an AI writing assistant to help you create blog posts faster.
The Reality Check:
Once you choose a template, you’re stuck with it. Switching means rebuilding your entire site. Also, the free plan shows Wix ads and uses a Wix subdomain (yourname.wixsite.com), which looks unprofessional.
Monetization Options:
- Accept payments (on paid plans)
- Affiliate marketing
- Sell products through Wix Stores
- Display ads (paid plans)
Who Should Choose Wix:
- Complete beginners who value simplicity
- Visual creators (photographers, designers, artists)
- Bloggers who want to get online today, not next week
- People who prioritize design over advanced features
Pricing:
- Free: $0 (with Wix branding)
- Light: $16/month
- Core: $27/month
- Business: $32/month
3. Squarespace – Premium Designs for Creative Bloggers
- Best for: Creative professionals and design-focused blogs
- Starting cost: $16/month (annual billing)
If Wix is easy, Squarespace is elegant.
What Makes It Great:
Squarespace templates are gorgeous – hands down the most beautiful in the industry. Every template is mobile-responsive and looks professionally designed because they are.
The platform excels at showcasing visual content. If you’re a travel blogger, fashion influencer, or portfolio blogger, Squarespace makes your photos and videos pop.
Built-in analytics help you understand what content resonates with your audience. The blogging features include scheduling, categories, tags, and commenting systems.
The Reality Check:
Squarespace is less flexible than WordPress. You’re working within their framework, which is polished but limiting. The platform also loads slower than competitors in testing.
There’s no free plan, only a 14-day trial. And while the designs are beautiful, customizing beyond the template can be frustrating without coding knowledge.
Monetization Options:
- Built-in ecommerce
- Email campaigns to subscribers
- Member-only content (on higher plans)
- Scheduling tools for services
Who Should Choose Squarespace:
- Creative professionals who need stunning portfolios
- Bloggers where aesthetics matter most
- People willing to pay for premium design
- Users who value simplicity over extensive customization
Pricing:
- Personal: $16/month
- Business: $23/month
- Commerce Basic: $27/month
- Commerce Advanced: $49/month
4. Medium – Best for Writers Who Want an Instant Audience
- Best for: Writers focused purely on content, not websites
- Starting cost: Free
Medium is different from every other platform on this list. It’s a publishing platform with a built-in audience of millions.
What Makes It Great:
You can start writing immediately. No design decisions, no hosting setup, no technical headaches. Just write and publish.
Medium’s Partner Program lets you earn money based on how many people read your content. Some writers make thousands monthly just by writing great articles.
The platform also has a clean, distraction-free reading experience that keeps people focused on your words, not flashy sidebars.
The Reality Check:
You don’t own your audience. Medium controls everything. They can change their rules, suspend your account, or even shut down tomorrow. You’re building on rented land.
You can’t use a custom domain. Your articles live at medium.com/@yourname. No brand building, no website ownership.
Monetization is limited to Medium’s Partner Program. No affiliate links, no selling products, no ads. You’re locked into their ecosystem.
Monetization Options:
- Medium Partner Program only
- No affiliate marketing allowed
- No display ads
- No product sales
Who Should Choose Medium:
- Writers who just want to write
- People testing blog ideas before committing
- Authors building a following before launching their own site
- Anyone who doesn’t want to deal with technical aspects
Pricing:
- Free to publish
- $5/month or $50/year to read unlimited articles
5. Ghost – Best for Professional Publishers and Newsletters
Best for: Professional bloggers and newsletter creators
Starting cost: $9/month (hosted) or $5/month (self-hosted)
Ghost is the platform for serious writers who want to monetize through memberships and newsletters.
What Makes It Great:
Ghost is built specifically for publishing. It’s fast, clean, and focused. The editor is beautiful and distraction-free, making writing a pleasure.
The platform includes built-in newsletter functionality. Your blog posts can automatically become email newsletters. Subscribers can sign up with one click.
Ghost also supports paid memberships natively. You can offer free and premium tiers, create members-only content, and build a subscription business.
The Reality Check:
Ghost is more technical than Wix or Squarespace. The self-hosted option requires you to set up your own hosting and handle technical maintenance.
There are fewer themes compared to WordPress, and customization requires coding knowledge. The platform is powerful but not beginner-friendly.
Monetization Options:
- Paid memberships (built-in Stripe integration)
- Newsletter subscriptions
- Premium content
- Multiple membership tiers
Who Should Choose Ghost:
- Professional writers and journalists
- Newsletter creators
- Bloggers building subscription businesses
- Publishers who want speed and simplicity
Pricing:
- Self-hosted: ~$5/month (hosting)
- Ghost(Pro) Starter: $9/month
- Ghost(Pro) Creator: $25/month
- Ghost(Pro) Team: $50/month
6. Substack – Best for Newsletter-First Creators
- Best for: Newsletter writers who want the simplest monetization
- Starting cost: Free (takes 10% of paid subscriptions)
Substack has exploded in popularity because it makes newsletter monetization incredibly simple.
What Makes It Great:
Setup takes five minutes. Seriously. You sign up, customize your page, and start publishing. There’s no easier way to start a paid newsletter.
Substack handles all payment processing. Readers subscribe, Substack charges them, and you get paid. No connecting payment processors or setting up memberships.
The platform has a network effect. Substack promotes successful newsletters to its readers, helping you gain subscribers organically.
The Reality Check:
Substack takes 10% of your subscription revenue plus payment processing fees. Over time, this adds up significantly compared to platforms where you keep everything.
Customization is minimal. All Substack newsletters look similar. You can’t create a unique brand or website beyond basic colors and logos.
You’re locked in. Moving your subscribers off Substack is difficult, and you’re building on someone else’s platform.
Monetization Options:
- Paid subscriptions (Substack takes 10%)
- Free newsletters with optional paid upgrades
- That’s it – no other options
Who Should Choose Substack:
- Newsletter-focused creators
- Writers who want instant monetization
- People who hate dealing with technical setup
- Creators testing paid content ideas
Pricing:
- Free to start
- 10% of paid subscription revenue
- Stripe fees (~2.9% + $0.30)
7. Blogger – Best Free Option (But Outdated)
- Best for: Absolute beginners or hobby bloggers
- Starting cost: Free
Blogger was one of the first blogging platforms, launched by Google back in 1999. It’s still around, but barely.
What Makes It Great:
It’s completely free with no hosting costs. If you have a Google account, you can start blogging in minutes. Simple, no frills, no payment required.
Blogger is also rock-solid reliable because it’s backed by Google’s infrastructure. Your blog won’t crash or disappear randomly.
The Reality Check:
Blogger feels like a 2010 platform because it hasn’t been meaningfully updated in years. The templates look dated, customization is limited, and features are basic.
Google has a history of abandoning products. While Blogger has survived, you’re always at risk that Google could shut it down or stop supporting it.
Monetization is possible but limited. You can use Google AdSense, but selling products or creating memberships is difficult.
Monetization Options:
- Google AdSense
- Affiliate links (technically allowed)
- Limited ecommerce options
Who Should Choose Blogger:
- Hobby bloggers not concerned about making money
- People testing if they enjoy blogging
- Users who want free forever
- Anyone needing a simple, throwaway blog
Pricing:
- Free (with blogspot.com subdomain)
- Custom domain: ~$12/year (optional)
8. WordPress.com – WordPress Lite (Not Recommended for Most)
Best for: People who want WordPress without the hosting hassle
Starting cost: Free; paid plans from $4/month
WordPress.com confuses people because it sounds like WordPress.org. It’s not. It’s a hosted version with significant limitations.
What Makes It Great:
No hosting setup required. WordPress.com handles all technical aspects, including security and updates. You just write and publish.
The free plan exists, though it’s very limited. It’s a way to test WordPress before committing to the self-hosted version.
The Reality Check:
The free and cheap plans are severely restricted. You can’t install plugins, use custom themes, or monetize your blog. You’re stuck with basic features.
WordPress.com displays their ads on your free blog. To remove them and unlock features, you need the Business plan at $25/month – more expensive than self-hosting.
Monetization Options:
- None on free plan
- Limited on cheaper plans
- Full monetization on Business plan ($25/month+)
Who Should Choose WordPress.com:
- People wanting to try WordPress risk-free
- Bloggers who eventually plan to move to WordPress.org
- Users who need a simple blog and don’t care about monetization
Pricing:
- Free: $0 (very limited)
- Personal: $4/month
- Premium: $8/month
- Business: $25/month
- Commerce: $45/month
9. Tumblr – Best for Microblogging and Social Blogging
- Best for: Short-form content and social interaction
- Starting cost: Free
Tumblr sits between a traditional blog and a social media platform. It’s unique, with a dedicated community.
What Makes It Great:
Tumblr makes posting quick content easy – photos, quotes, short posts, and reblogs. It’s designed for frequent, informal updates rather than long articles.
The platform has built-in social features. People can follow you, reblog your content, and interact easily. It’s more social than a traditional blog.
Tumblr’s community is active and engaged in specific niches like fandom, art, and social justice. If you’re in these spaces, Tumblr might be perfect.
The Reality Check:
Tumblr has a controversial history with adult content, sudden policy changes, and declining user numbers. It’s not the powerhouse it once was.
Monetization is extremely limited. You can’t run ads, selling is difficult, and making money requires creative workarounds.
The platform feels dated compared to modern alternatives. Design options are limited, and the interface hasn’t aged well.
Monetization Options:
- Tumblr Post+ (experimental paid subscription feature)
- Affiliate links (not officially supported but used)
- Directing traffic to external stores
Who Should Choose Tumblr:
- People already active in Tumblr communities
- Microbloggers who post frequently
- Artists and creators in specific fandoms
- Users wanting social interaction, not business building
Pricing:
- Free (always)
Side-by-Side Comparison: Which Platform Wins?
Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:
| Platform | Ease of Use | Customization | Monetization | Monthly Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WordPress.org | Medium | Unlimited | Unlimited | $2.75+ | Serious bloggers |
| Wix | Very Easy | Good | Good | $0-32 | Beginners |
| Squarespace | Easy | Good | Good | $16-49 | Creatives |
| Medium | Very Easy | Minimal | Limited | Free | Writers only |
| Ghost | Medium | Good | Excellent | $9+ | Newsletter pros |
| Substack | Very Easy | Minimal | Simple | Free (10% fee) | Newsletter beginners |
| Blogger | Easy | Poor | Limited | Free | Hobby bloggers |
| WordPress.com | Medium | Limited | Poor | $0-45 | Testing WordPress |
| Tumblr | Easy | Minimal | Very Limited | Free | Social bloggers |
How to Choose Your Perfect Blog Platform
Still not sure? Ask yourself these questions:
1. What’s your main goal?
- Make money → WordPress.org
- Share your writing → Medium or Substack
- Build a beautiful portfolio → Squarespace
- Start fast and simple → Wix
2. What’s your technical comfort level?
- Not technical at all → Wix or Substack
- Comfortable learning → WordPress.org
- Somewhere in between → Squarespace or Ghost
3. What’s your budget?
- Free only → Blogger or Medium
- Under $10/month → WordPress.org or Ghost
- $15-30/month → Wix or Squarespace
- Budget isn’t a concern → Choose based on features
4. How important is design?
- Super important → Squarespace
- Important but flexible → Wix or WordPress.org
- Don’t care → Medium or Substack
5. How much control do you need?
- Total control → WordPress.org
- Moderate control → Wix, Squarespace, Ghost
- Don’t care about control → Medium, Substack, Blogger
The Truth About Free Blogging Platforms
Let’s be honest about “free” platforms.
Free platforms like Blogger, Medium, and WordPress.com’s free plan work great for testing or hobby blogging. But they come with serious limitations:
- You don’t own your platform. They can change rules, delete your content, or shut down entirely. You’re building on borrowed land.
- Monetization is restricted or impossible. Most free plans don’t allow ads, product sales, or affiliate links. The ones that do take a significant cut.
- You look unprofessional. Free subdomains (yourname.blogspot.com) scream “I’m not serious about this.” First impressions matter.
- Limited customization. You’re stuck with basic templates and minimal control over your brand.
- No room to grow. When you get serious, you’ll need to migrate to a paid platform anyway. Why not start there?
If you’re serious about blogging, invest $5-10/month in a real platform. That’s less than two coffees. Your future self will thank you.
What Competitors Don’t Tell You
After testing all these platforms, here are some truths other reviews skip:
- WordPress.org isn’t as scary as it sounds. Yes, it requires hosting. But companies like Bluehost and SiteGround have one-click WordPress installation. You’ll be up and running in 10 minutes.
- Wix’s pricing adds up. That $16/month plan looks good until you realize you need apps for email marketing, SEO tools, and advanced features. You’ll quickly hit $50+/month.
- Squarespace’s templates hide problems. They’re beautiful at first, but customizing beyond the template is frustrating. You’re working with someone else’s vision, not creating your own.
- Medium doesn’t care about your success. Their algorithm promotes what keeps people on Medium, not what’s best for you. You’re competing with millions of writers for attention.
- Free plans are marketing tools. Platforms offer free plans to get you hooked. They know you’ll upgrade once you’re invested. Start where you plan to end up.
Your Next Steps
You’ve read about nine great blog platforms. Now it’s time to actually start.
Here’s what to do next:
1. Choose your platform. Based on your goals, budget, and technical comfort level, pick one platform from this list. Don’t overthink it – you can always migrate later if needed.
2. Secure your domain name. Even if you start on a free plan, buy your domain name now (yourname.com). It costs $10-15/year and establishes your brand.
3. Create your first post. Don’t wait until everything is perfect. Write one post and publish it. You’ll learn more from doing than from planning.
4. Be consistent. The platform doesn’t matter nearly as much as publishing regularly. Commit to a schedule you can maintain – even if it’s just once a month.
5. Focus on value. Write content that solves problems, answers questions, or entertains. Do that consistently, and you’ll succeed on any platform.
The best blogging platform is the one you’ll actually use. Stop researching and start creating.
Your voice matters. The world needs your perspective. Pick a platform and share it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I switch blogging platforms later?
Yes, but it’s easier with some platforms than others. WordPress.org is the easiest to migrate to because it’s so popular. Moving from WordPress to another platform is harder. Platforms like Medium and Substack make exporting difficult on purpose.
Which platform is best for making money?
WordPress.org gives you the most monetization options with no restrictions. Substack makes paid subscriptions easiest. Wix and Squarespace support ecommerce well. Medium’s Partner Program can work but limits other income sources.
Do I really need a custom domain?
If you’re serious about blogging, yes. A custom domain (yourname.com) costs $10-15/year and makes you look professional. Free subdomains (yourname.platform.com) scream amateur and hurt your credibility.
How long does it take to set up a blog?
It depends on the platform. Substack and Medium take 5-10 minutes. Wix and Squarespace take 30-60 minutes. WordPress.org takes 1-2 hours if you’re new, but gets faster with experience.
Which platform has the best SEO?
WordPress.org with an SEO plugin like Yoast or Rank Math is unbeatable. Squarespace and Wix have solid built-in SEO. Medium relies on its domain authority but gives you limited control. Ghost has good SEO fundamentals.
Can I blog for free forever?
Technically yes on platforms like Blogger, Medium, and free WordPress.com. But you’ll hit limitations with customization, monetization, and branding. Most serious bloggers eventually upgrade.
What if I choose the wrong platform?
Don’t stress. Many successful bloggers have switched platforms. It’s not ideal, but it’s doable. The bigger mistake is never starting because you’re afraid of choosing wrong.
How much money do I need to start blogging?
You can start free on several platforms. For a professional blog, expect $50-100 for the first year (hosting + domain). After that, $50-150/year is typical unless you add premium tools.
Ready to start your blog? Pick a platform from this list, set aside an hour today, and create your first post. Future you will be glad you started now instead of waiting for perfect.
The best time to start blogging was five years ago. The second best time is today.
My Final Recommendation
If I was starting a blog today (I’ve actually done this seven times), here’s what I’d choose:
- For 90% of bloggers: WordPress.org with Bluehost hosting. It costs about $50 for your first year and gives you unlimited potential. You own everything, can do anything, and won’t hit a ceiling.
- For complete beginners who need instant results: Wix. It’s the easiest platform to use, period. Yes, you’ll pay more long-term, but you’ll actually launch your blog instead of getting stuck in setup.
- For writers who hate technology: Substack. Write, click publish, get paid. If you’re building a newsletter business and don’t need a traditional website, Substack makes it dead simple.
- For creative professionals: Squarespace. If you’re a photographer, designer, or visual artist, the premium templates are worth the premium price.
