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Best Free Alternatives to Ghost Pro
Stop paying $15 - $29/mo. Discover professional-grade tools that won't break your budget.
Category: Publishing / NewsletterVerified for 2025
Top Recommended Replacements
Ghost (Self-Hosted)
Best Direct Alternative
Why we like it
The exact same software as Ghost Pro; no staff user limits; allows custom themes and 0% revenue share for free; you own the server and data completely.
Keep in mind
Requires technical knowledge to set up (Docker/Ubuntu); you must manage your own backups and security; bulk email sending requires a separate service like Mailgun (which has its own costs).
Substack
FREEBest for Beginners
Why we like it
Completely free to start with unlimited subscribers and emails; built-in discovery network helps you find new readers; zero maintenance or technical setup required.
Keep in mind
Takes a 10% cut of all your revenue; extremely limited design customization; you are trapped in the Substack ecosystem (though you can export your email list).
beehiiv
FREEBest for Growth
Why we like it
The 'Launch' plan is free for up to 2,500 subscribers; includes more advanced growth tools (referrals, recommendations) than Ghost or Substack; 0% revenue share on the free tier.
Keep in mind
Premium features and custom domains are gated behind expensive monthly tiers ($39/mo+); focus is heavily on newsletters over 'blog' aesthetics.
Hugo / Jekyll / 11ty
Best for Speed & Security
Why we like it
Static site generators that turn text files into websites; hosting is 100% free on GitHub Pages or Netlify; virtually unhackable; blazing fast loading speeds.
Keep in mind
No built-in 'Members' or 'Newsletter' functionality; requires using external tools (like Buttondown or ConvertKit) for emails; very high technical learning curve.
WordPress (Self-Hosted)
Best for Customization
Why we like it
Endless plugin ecosystem; can be made to look exactly like Ghost using lightweight themes (Astra/GeneratePress); much cheaper hosting options available ($5/mo).
Keep in mind
Can be bloated and slow if not optimized; 'Newsletter' features require 3rd-party plugins like MailPoet or Newsletter Glue, which can get expensive.
Hashnode
FREEBest for Developers
Why we like it
Built-in community for tech writers; free custom domain mapping; zero maintenance; automatic 'back up to GitHub' feature; includes newsletter tools.
Keep in mind
The audience is primarily developer-focused; less suitable for lifestyle, politics, or general interest writing.
Medium
FREEBest for Discovery
Why we like it
Huge built-in audience and high domain authority (good for SEO); easy to start earning through the Partner Program immediately.
Keep in mind
You don't own the platform or the 'Link'; limited newsletter functionality; difficult to build a truly independent brand identity.
Buttondown
FREEBest Minimalist Newsletter
Why we like it
Focused entirely on writing and sending simple, beautiful emails; very generous free tier for small lists; easier to use than Ghost.
Keep in mind
Lacks the 'Blog/Website' features of Ghost; limited design control over the web version of your posts.
Publii
Best Offline CMS
Why we like it
A desktop app that allows you to write and design your site offline, then 'Sync' it to free hosting; excellent for privacy and security.
Keep in mind
No built-in membership or payment features; requires manual integration for email signups.
Lately
FREEBest Simple Blog
Why we like it
A minimal, modern blogging platform that focuses on speed and simplicity; free forever for personal use.
Keep in mind
Very new platform with fewer features and integrations than established players like Ghost.
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