Top 10 Blogging Platforms: Prices, AdSense, Pros and Cons

Blogging platforms compared at a glance

• WordPress.org (self-hosted): Yes
• WordPress.com: Mostly, on paid plans
• Blogger: Content yes, platform no
• Medium: No
• Ghost: Yes

1. WordPress.org (self-hosted): best for serious bloggers

WordPress.org is free, open-source software you install on your own hosting.

2. WordPress.com: WordPress without the hosting work

• Pros: no maintenance, decent security and backups handled for you.
• Cons: the free plan has a wordpress.com address and no plugins.

3. Blogger: best free blogging platform

• Pros: ₹0 forever, nothing to maintain, quick AdSense setup.
• Cons: limited themes and features, few new updates.

4. Medium: best for writers who want readers fast

• Pros: zero setup, clean editor, chance of being read from day one.
• Cons: it's not your site, little control over SEO and design.

5. Substack: best for newsletters

Substack combines a blog with an email newsletter.

• Pros: free to start, direct relationship with readers.
• Cons: no display ads, limited design.

6. Ghost: best for paid memberships

Ghost is an open-source platform built for publishers who sell memberships and newsletters.

7. Wix: best drag-and-drop builder

• Pros: very easy, good templates, extras like bookings and a store.
• Cons: costs more than shared WordPress hosting.

8. Squarespace: best for design-led sites

• Pros: beautiful designs out of the box, hosting and security included.
• Cons: no free plan, priced in dollars, limited add-ons compared with WordPress.

9. Hashnode: best for developers

• Pros: developer community, good code formatting, custom domain.
• Cons: narrow audience; not suited to general topics or display ads.