Starting a blog in 2025 can be an exciting and rewarding endeavor, whether you’re looking to share your thoughts, promote a business, or showcase your creative work. There are a variety of blogging platforms that cater to different needs, from beginners to seasoned bloggers. Here’s a roundup of 10+ of the best blogging platforms to use in 2025, many of which are free or have free tiers.
1. WordPress.org (Self-Hosted)
Overview:
WordPress.org is the most popular and versatile blogging platform in the world. With WordPress, you have full control over your blog and its customization, including themes, plugins, and content management.
Key Features:
- Full customization with themes and plugins.
- Open-source and free to use (requires hosting).
- Complete control over SEO, monetization, and design.
- Huge community and support forums.
- Requires a domain name and hosting service.
Best For:
Those who want complete control over their site and are willing to manage hosting and customization.
Pricing:
Free for the software, but you’ll need to pay for hosting and domain registration.
2. WordPress.com (Hosted)
Overview:
WordPress.com is a hosted version of WordPress, which takes care of the hosting for you. It offers ease of use with various free and premium plans.
Key Features:
- Easy to set up and use.
- Free hosting plan available.
- Customizable themes and some plugins.
- Built-in traffic tools and security features.
- Option to upgrade for more features and monetization options.
Best For:
Beginner bloggers who want an easy-to-use platform with minimal setup required.
Pricing:
Free with paid plans starting at $4/month.
3. Wix
Overview:
Wix is a drag-and-drop website builder that also offers blogging features. It’s known for its simplicity and visual appeal, making it ideal for beginners.
Key Features:
- Easy drag-and-drop website builder.
- Many templates and design elements.
- Built-in blogging tools.
- Free plan available with ads.
- Paid plans with additional features like custom domain and eCommerce.
Best For:
Beginners who want to create a beautiful blog with minimal effort.
Pricing:
Free with ads, paid plans start at $16/month.
4. Blogger
Overview:
Blogger is a free blogging platform owned by Google. It’s one of the oldest platforms and is still popular due to its simplicity and integration with Google services.
Key Features:
- Free to use with Google integration.
- Easy-to-use interface.
- Customizable themes.
- Reliable hosting by Google.
- Limited design and customization compared to other platforms.
Best For:
Beginners who want a straightforward, no-frills blogging experience.
Pricing:
Free with ads.
5. Medium
Overview:
Medium is a clean, minimalist blogging platform that allows you to focus purely on writing and content creation. It’s a great platform for those who want to focus on quality writing and sharing ideas.
Key Features:
- Simple, distraction-free writing experience.
- Built-in audience and exposure.
- Medium’s Partner Program for monetization through member subscriptions.
- No setup required.
- Limited customization and design options.
Best For:
Writers and thought leaders who want to focus solely on content creation.
Pricing:
Free with paid membership option for readers.
6. Ghost
Overview:
Ghost is a powerful, open-source platform designed specifically for bloggers and journalists. It’s focused on simplicity, speed, and SEO optimization.
Key Features:
- Clean, distraction-free writing environment.
- Built-in SEO and content management tools.
- Membership and subscription features for monetization.
- Open-source software (self-hosted option).
- Requires hosting for self-hosted version.
Best For:
Serious bloggers or journalists looking for a fast, clean, and SEO-friendly platform.
Pricing:
Free (self-hosted) or paid plans starting at $9/month for the hosted version.
7. Substack
Overview:
Substack is a platform designed specifically for newsletters, but it’s a great tool for bloggers looking to build an email list and monetize their content.
Key Features:
- Easy-to-use newsletter creation tools.
- Built-in monetization with paid subscriptions.
- Simple, minimalistic design.
- Direct connection with your audience through email.
Best For:
Bloggers who want to build an email list and monetize through subscriptions.
Pricing:
Free with a commission fee for paid subscriptions.
8. Squarespace
Overview:
Squarespace is a website builder that provides a beautiful blogging experience with elegant themes, integrated eCommerce, and a simple drag-and-drop interface.
Key Features:
- Beautiful, responsive templates.
- Built-in blogging and content management tools.
- ECommerce features for selling products.
- Drag-and-drop design interface.
- 24/7 customer support.
Best For:
Creative bloggers who want to integrate design, blogging, and eCommerce in one platform.
Pricing:
Paid plans starting at $16/month.
9. Weebly
Overview:
Weebly, now owned by Square, offers a simple website builder that includes easy-to-use blogging tools. It’s ideal for beginners and those looking for an affordable, all-in-one solution.
Key Features:
- Easy drag-and-drop editor.
- Blogging features built into the platform.
- Built-in eCommerce functionality.
- Free plan available with limited features.
- Customizable themes.
Best For:
New bloggers looking for a straightforward and budget-friendly platform.
Pricing:
Free with ads, paid plans start at $6/month.
10. Jekyll + GitHub Pages
Overview:
Jekyll is a static site generator that integrates with GitHub Pages, offering a free platform for bloggers who prefer coding and want full control over their site.
Key Features:
- Fully customizable through code.
- Free hosting through GitHub Pages.
- Integration with Markdown for writing content.
- Ideal for developers and technical bloggers.
Best For:
Developers or technical bloggers who want to code their own blog and have full control over hosting and design.
Pricing:
Free (GitHub Pages).
11. Tumblr
Overview:
Tumblr is a microblogging platform that combines social networking and blogging. It’s ideal for shorter posts, multimedia sharing, and casual blogging.
Key Features:
- Focus on multimedia (images, GIFs, video).
- Social sharing and reblogging features.
- Customizable themes and design.
- Free to use with a simple interface.
Best For:
Those who want to blog casually with a strong emphasis on multimedia.
Pricing:
Free.
12. Webflow
Overview:
Webflow is a powerful platform for designers and developers who want to create custom blogs and websites without writing code. It’s known for its flexibility and visual design tools.
Key Features:
- Visual website builder with drag-and-drop functionality.
- Customizable blog layouts.
- Powerful design features for developers.
- Built-in CMS and SEO tools.
- Hosting included in the plans.
Best For:
Designers and developers who want full creative control without coding.
Pricing:
Free for basic plans, paid plans start at $12/month.
13. Typepad
Overview:
Typepad is a simple, no-fuss blogging platform with all the features you need to get started quickly. It’s known for its reliability and ease of use.
Key Features:
- Easy-to-use interface.
- Customizable templates and themes.
- Social media integration.
- 24/7 customer support.
- SEO and traffic analytics tools.
Best For:
Bloggers who want a straightforward, no-hassle blogging experience.
Pricing:
Plans start at $8.95/month.
Which Blogging Platform is Right for You?
- For full control and customization: WordPress.org (self-hosted) or Ghost.
- For simplicity and ease of use: WordPress.com, Wix, Blogger, or Medium.
- For email marketing and monetization: Substack or Ghost.
- For visual design and eCommerce: Squarespace or Webflow.
- For a coding approach: Jekyll + GitHub Pages.
Conclusion
With so many options available, choosing the right blogging platform for 2025 depends on your needs, technical skills, and goals. Whether you want a free, no-fuss platform to get started or need advanced customization, there’s something for every blogger on this list. From simple platforms like Medium and Tumblr to more powerful, customizable options like WordPress.org and Ghost, you’re sure to find the perfect blogging platform for your journey.
