1. WordPress (Self-hosted & WordPress.com) 📝
Why it leads:
- Powers ~43% of all websites, fully customizable via themes/plugins host like DreamHost adds performance at ~$2.59/mo
- The hosted version, WordPress.com, now includes a free AI‑website builder with prompt‑based generation (30 free prompts; unlimited in premium) .
Pros:
- Massive plugin ecosystem
- Advanced content and SEO control
- Affordable and scalable
Cons:
- Self‑hosted version needs setup & management
- Hosted version limits plugin/theme flexibility unless on higher-tier plans
2. Ghost
- A modern, open-source, Node.js-based CMS tailored for writers and publications .
- Offers a clean writing interface, Markdown support, built-in SEO, memberships, and newsletter features.
- Available as self-hosted or via Ghost(Pro), a fully managed service.
Pros:
- Minimalist, distraction-free experience
- Built-in subscription/newsletter tools
- Fast, modern architecture
Cons:
- Smaller plugin ecosystem vs. WordPress
- Technical setup required for self-hosting
3. Medium & Substack
Medium:
- Combines community reach (~60M monthly readers) with a user-friendly editor and supportive infrastructure .
- The Partner Program pays authors based on member engagement (claps and reading time).
- Simple publishing without hosting concerns.
Substack:
- Built for newsletter-based monetization with subscription management .
- Supports podcasts, discussion threads, and short-form Notes.
- Ideal for writers building paid subscriber bases.
Pros (both):
- No technical overhead
- Built-in readership communities
- Monetization tools included
Cons:
- Limited branding/customization
- Medium enforces rules on AI content
4. Wix, Squarespace & Hostinger (Website-builders with blogging tools)
Drawing from recent reviews (TechRadar, WebsiteBuilderExpert, Dorik):
- Wix: All‑rounder with drag‑and‑drop editor, AI tools, and monetization features .
- Squarespace: Designer-focused templates, robust blogging, and commerce integration.
- Hostinger: Budget-friendly with AI site builder; good for basic blogs .
Pros:
- UX-friendly setup; no coding required
- All-in-one hosting and SSL included
- Good for showcasing visual content
Cons:
- Less SEO customization than WordPress
- Pricing can increase with growth
5. Additional Platforms Worth Considering
| Platform | Use Case | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Blogger | Beginners, no cost | Simple, Google-backed |
| Tumblr | Micro-blogging, Gen Z | Visual posts, tags, reblogs |
| Dorik | AI + no-code flexibility | Modern drag-&-drop with SEO focus |
| Webflow, Framer, etc. | Custom designs | Developer-level design tools |
How to Choose the Right Platform
- Control vs Simplicity:
- Want full customization? Go with WordPress.org or Ghost.
- Prefer ease and speed? Choose Medium, Substack, or Wix/Squarespace.
- Monetization Capability:
- Memberships and subscriptions: Substack, Ghost, WordPress (via plugins).
- Ad/content revenue: Medium Partner Program, custom ads on WordPress.
- Design & Branding Needs:
- High custom visuals: Squarespace or Webflow.
- Writing-first focus: Ghost, Medium, Substack.
- Technical Comfort:
- No technical overhead: Medium, Substack, Wix.
- Comfortable with hosting tools: WordPress.org, Ghost.
- Growth & Scalability:
- Plan to grow blog, add features, or monetize: lean toward self-hosted WordPress or Ghost.
Summary & Top Recommendations
- Best overall (control + SEO): Self-hosted WordPress.org
- Best writing-focused minimalism: Ghost
- Best for built-in audience + ease: Medium
- Best for subscriptions/newsletters: Substack
- Best no-code visual builder: Wix / Squarespace
Choosing the right blogging platform in 2025 comes down to balancing control, monetization, design, and effort. High flexibility and SEO power? Go WordPress or Ghost. Simplicity and built-in audiences? Medium and Substack excel. No-code, visual focus? Wix or Squarespace shine.