creatorUpdated September 2026
Ghost review
Open-source publishing platform for blogs and newsletters with built-in paid membership subscriptions. Best for independent publishers wanting an open-source, self-brandable site with no payment processing fees. Starts at $18/mo (Starter, annual).
Key features
- Website & blog builder
- Built-in email newsletters
- Paid membership subscriptions
- Native analytics
- Custom themes
- Self-hosting option (free, open source)
Pros
- No Ghost payment fees, only Stripe processing
- Non-profit structure means it can't be bought/sold
- Full ownership of brand, no Ghost logo/branding required
Cons
- No free hosted plan (self-hosting requires technical setup)
- Member limits scale with plan tier
- Fewer built-in monetization formats (no courses/coaching) than all-in-one platforms
Ghost alternatives
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