đź“ť Content & Publishing Comparison

Ghost vs Strapi

A detailed comparison to help you choose the right tool for your needs.

Last updated: 2026-02-07

Ghost

Self-host free, managed from $9/mo

Strengths

  • + Open source (MIT license)
  • + Built-in memberships and payments
  • + Fast and clean

Weaknesses

  • − Self-hosting needs technical skills
  • − Smaller plugin ecosystem than WP
Visit Ghost →

Strapi

Free (self-hosted), Cloud from $29/mo

Strengths

  • + 100% open source (MIT license) with full self-hosting option
  • + Customizable admin panel with a plugin system
  • + REST and GraphQL APIs generated automatically from your content types

Weaknesses

  • − Self-hosting requires Node.js server management
  • − Plugin ecosystem is smaller than WordPress
Visit Strapi →

The verdict

Which one is right for you?

Choose Ghost if you want

  • → Open source (MIT license)
  • → Built-in memberships and payments
Try Ghost →

Choose Strapi if you want

  • → 100% open source (MIT license) with full self-hosting option
  • → Customizable admin panel with a plugin system
Try Strapi →

In depth

About each tool

Ghost

Open source publishing platform for serious writers

Ghost is what WordPress wishes it still was — focused on writing. Founded by John O’Nolan (ex-WordPress core team) as a non-profit. Bootstrapped after getting rejected by YC twice. Now generated over $136M total, used by Apple, DuckDuckGo, Mozilla. You can self-host free or use their managed service.

View full details →

Strapi

Open-source headless CMS built with Node.js that you can self-host or run on Strapi Cloud

Strapi is an open-source headless CMS that gives you full control over your content API. You can self-host it for free on your own server or use Strapi Cloud for a managed experience starting at $29/mo. Solo founders who are comfortable with Node.js can save money by self-hosting, while those who prefer a managed solution can use Strapi Cloud to avoid server maintenance.

View full details →

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