Ghost alternatives: 6 apps ranked by verified data
Common reasons people leave Ghost: no discovery network to bring in readers, and starter plan lacks custom themes and paid subscriptions. We ranked 6 alternatives by how directly each one replaces Ghost, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. Substack currently ranks first.
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Show all 6 alternativesThe best Ghost alternative for…
The highest-ranked app in this list for each need.
Best Ghost alternative for most people
SubstackZero setup and a built-in reader network, if you can accept less control and a revenue cut.
Best Ghost alternative for a free option
WriteFreelyA much lighter open-source blog engine for writers who don't need memberships.
Best Ghost alternative for a free plan you can upgrade
beehiivMore growth tooling, like referrals and an ad network, on a hosted newsletter platform.
Best Ghost alternative for open source
WriteFreelyA much lighter open-source blog engine for writers who don't need memberships.
Best Ghost alternative for self-hosting
WriteFreelyA much lighter open-source blog engine for writers who don't need memberships.
Best Ghost alternative for iPhone and Android
SubstackZero setup and a built-in reader network, if you can accept less control and a revenue cut.
Best Ghost alternative for working in the browser
ButtondownSimpler, cheaper newsletter-first tool if you don't need a full website.
Ghost alternatives: common questions
What is the best alternative to Ghost?
Substack ranks first right now. Zero setup and a built-in reader network, if you can accept less control and a revenue cut. beehiiv and Buttondown follow it in our ranking.
Is there a free alternative to Ghost?
Yes. Substack (free plan + paid), beehiiv (free plan + paid), Buttondown (free plan + paid) and WriteFreely (open source) have a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.
Is there an open-source alternative to Ghost?
Yes: WriteFreely. WriteFreely can also be self-hosted.
Why do people switch from Ghost?
The complaints we hear most: no discovery network to bring in readers; starter plan lacks custom themes and paid subscriptions; self-hosting needs a server and some sysadmin work.
How is this list ranked?
Every app is scored with the same published formula: how directly it replaces Ghost, reviews (weighted by verification), visits from AppBreakup, how recently its facts were checked against its own website, and reader votes.