Ghost vs WordPress
What Ghost is and how it differs from WordPress
Ghost vs WordPress is mostly a question of scope. Ghost is an open-source publishing platform built on Node.js, a JavaScript runtime for server-side code, and designed for blogs, newsletters and paid memberships. WordPress is a general-purpose CMS that can run almost any kind of website through its themes and plugins.
Ghost was created for writers and publications, so its admin, editor and default themes focus on reading and publishing. Newsletters and subscriber management come built in. In WordPress, the same features are usually added through plugins, which gives more choice but also more pieces to manage. For a broader view of the categories, see the main types of CMS.
Hosting, technology and extensions
WordPress is written in PHP and runs on the standard hosting found in most web hosting plans. Ghost needs a server that can run Node.js applications, or a managed Ghost service. It stores content in a relational database, so its setup is closer to a small application than to a typical PHP site.
WordPress has an extensive library of themes and plugins covering shops, forums, learning systems and more. Ghost has a smaller set of extensions by design. Its themes use the Handlebars templating language, and the Ghost Content API lets developers use it as a headless CMS for other front ends.
Example: a newsletter writer and a small business
An independent writer who wants to publish weekly essays, send them by email and offer a paid tier will find Ghost's built-in subscriptions and newsletter tools a direct fit. Setup is focused on writing, and the audience features need little extra configuration.
A small business that needs a blog, product pages, online booking and a shop may be better served by WordPress or a dedicated ecommerce platform, because Ghost does not aim to cover those areas. The right choice depends on which functions you need on day one.
Frequently asked questions
Is Ghost free to use?
Ghost is open source, so you can download and self-host it without a license fee. Self-hosting still involves a server, a domain name, a database and ongoing maintenance. A hosted Ghost service is also available, which handles that work for a subscription. Costs for either option depend on your traffic and the extra services you add.
Can Ghost run an online shop like WordPress?
Not in the same way. WordPress can run a shop through plugins such as WooCommerce, which manage product catalogs, carts and checkout. Ghost focuses on paid subscriptions and memberships rather than product sales, so a store that sells physical goods usually needs WordPress or a dedicated ecommerce platform.
Does WordPress have built-in memberships?
WordPress core does not include paid memberships or a newsletter system. These features come from plugins, which vary widely in cost and quality. Ghost includes them as part of the platform, so there is less to install and configure, but fewer options if your needs go beyond its design.