The verdict
Evidence note: This is a research-based breakdown of published pricing, documented features, and independent user-rating data. It is not presented as a hands-on test unless explicitly stated.
Ghost scores 4.2/5 in our comparison model. Based on the available evidence, it's best suited to bloggers and newsletter creators and membership publications. Excellent for paid newsletters and blogs. The main trade-offs: not a general drag-and-drop builder; limited for non-blog page layouts; theming needs technical comfort. Pricing starts at $15/mo.
What Ghost looks like
A live snapshot of Ghost's site so you can eyeball the look and feel before clicking through.
Pros & cons
- Excellent for paid newsletters and blogs
- Keeps 100% of subscription revenue
- Fast, focused, and developer-friendly
- Not a general drag-and-drop builder
- Limited for non-blog page layouts
- Theming needs technical comfort
Key features
- Clean, distraction-free editor
- Native paid memberships and subscriptions
- Built-in email newsletters
- 0% revenue share on subscriptions
- Custom themes and Handlebars templates
- SEO-ready, fast managed hosting
Pricing
Self-host the open-source version free. Ghost(Pro) prices scale with members (verified 2026-10-08): Starter $15/mo yearly ($18 monthly) for 1,000 members, no paid subscriptions; Publisher $29/mo yearly ($35 monthly) at 1,000 members, $88 at 10,000, $274 at 100,000; Business $199 at 10,000 members. 0% of subscription revenue (payment processor fees apply).
| Plan | Monthly | Annual (per mo) | What you get |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starter | $18 | $15 | 1 staff user, 1,000 members, custom domain, newsletters; no paid subscriptions. |
| Publisher | $35 | $29 | Paid subscriptions, custom themes, 3 staff; at 1,000 members ($88/mo yearly at 10,000). |
| Business | $239 | $199 | 15 staff users, 10,000 members ($266/mo yearly at 25,000), priority support. |
Transaction fees: 0%. Prices verified against Ghost's pricing page; verify current pricing ↗.
Who should use Ghost?
Good fit
- Bloggers and newsletter creators
- Membership publications
Look elsewhere
- Brochure or e-commerce sites
Weighing the field? See Ghost alternatives →.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Ghost cost?
Ghost starts at $15/mo. Self-host the open-source version free. Ghost(Pro) prices scale with members (verified 2026-10-08): Starter $15/mo yearly ($18 monthly) for 1,000 members, no paid subscriptions; Publisher $29/mo yearly ($35 monthly) at 1,000 members, $88 at 10,000, $274 at 100,000; Business $199 at 10,000 members. 0% of subscription revenue (payment processor fees apply).
Does Ghost charge transaction fees?
Transaction fees: 0%. You keep the full sale (minus your payment processor).
Who is Ghost best for?
Ghost is best for bloggers and newsletter creators and membership publications. It's less ideal for brochure or e-commerce sites.
