Ghost vs Substack: Best Publishing Platform
Compare Ghost and Substack for publishing. Open source vs simple, self-hosted vs hosted. Which is right for your publication?
Quick Verdict
Choose Ghost for control and customization. Choose Substack for simplicity and discovery.
Ghost
Try GhostSubstack
Try SubstackFeature Comparison
Main Differences
Ghost is open-source and can be self-hosted for full control. Substack is simpler with built-in discovery but takes 10% of revenue. Different philosophies.
When to Choose Ghost
Choose Ghost if you want full control, can handle technical setup, or prefer open-source. Great for developers and those who want ownership.
When to Choose Substack
Choose Substack if you want the simplest setup, value discovery and recommendations, or prefer a platform where readers already are.
Full Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ghost really free?
Yes, if you self-host. The hosted version starts at $9/month. Self-hosting requires technical knowledge and server costs.
Which is better for paid newsletters?
Both work well. Substack is simpler but takes 10%. Ghost keeps more revenue but requires more setup.