Ghost vs Medium: Head-to-Head Comparison

Quick Verdict

Ghost is the better pick for independent publishers wanting ownership. Medium is the better pick for writers wanting reach without running a site.

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At a Glance

Feature	Ghost	Medium
Best For	Independent publishers wanting ownership	Writers wanting reach without running a site
Pricing	Free self-hosted; paid Ghost(Pro)	Free to publish; paid reader membership
Free to Start	Yes	Yes
License	Open source	Proprietary
Deployment	Self-hosted or managed cloud	Managed cloud
Link	Visit Ghost	Visit Medium

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Detailed Breakdown

Ghost

Open-source publishing platform for newsletters and memberships

Pros:

• Open source
• Built-in memberships with no platform revenue share
• SEO-friendly

Cons:

• Self-hosting requires work
• Managed Ghost(Pro) is paid

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Medium

Open publishing platform with a reader network

Pros:

• Built-in audience
• Partner Program earnings
• Clean reading experience

Cons:

• You do not own the audience relationship
• Paywall can limit reach

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Key Differences

• Positioning: Ghost — open-source publishing platform for newsletters and memberships. Medium — open publishing platform with a reader network.
• Licensing differs: Ghost is open source while Medium is proprietary.
• Deployment: Ghost — self-hosted or managed cloud. Medium — managed cloud.
• Pricing: Ghost — free self-hosted; paid Ghost(Pro). Medium — free to publish; paid reader membership.
• Signature strength: Ghost — open source. Medium — built-in audience.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ghost better than Medium?

It depends on your requirements. Ghost is a strong fit for independent publishers wanting ownership, while Medium suits writers wanting reach without running a site.

Is Ghost free to use?

Yes, you can start with Ghost for free. Pricing model: Free self-hosted; paid Ghost(Pro).

Is Medium free to use?

Yes, you can start with Medium for free. Pricing model: Free to publish; paid reader membership.

Can I self-host Ghost or Medium?

Ghost can be self-hosted. Deployment options: self-hosted or managed cloud. Medium is offered as a managed service: managed cloud.

What are the main drawbacks of Ghost and Medium?

Ghost: self-hosting requires work; managed Ghost(Pro) is paid. Medium: you do not own the audience relationship; paywall can limit reach.