Buttondown vs Ghost: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Buttondown and Ghost comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Buttondown
Simple newsletter tool
Best for you if:
- • You need email marketing features specifically
- • Buttondown is a simple email newsletter tool for writers and creators
- • It provides a clean writing experience with Markdown support and subscriber management
Ghost
Professional publishing platform
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.7/10 vs 8.2/10)
- • You need blogging platforms features specifically
- • Publishing platform for creators
- • Built-in membership features
| At a Glance |  Buttondown |  Ghost |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Email Marketing | Blogging Platforms |
Rating | 82/100 | 87/100 |
| Feature | Buttondown | Ghost |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 82 | 87 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Email MarketingWriting Apps | Blogging PlatformsCMS |
How Buttondown and Ghost Compare
Buttondown
Simple newsletter tool
Free tier available · 82/100 score
Ghost
Professional publishing platform
Free tier available · 87/100 score
Buttondown is a email marketing tool. Ghost is in blogging platforms.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Buttondown
Want the highest-rated option?
Buttondown: 82/100. Ghost: 87/100.
Go with: Ghost
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Ghost
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are freemium. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Buttondown is a email marketing tool. Ghost is in blogging platforms. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Ghost scores higher: 87/100 vs 82/100.
Key Takeaways
Ghost
- Higher score: 87/100 vs 82
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Buttondown
- Better fit for email marketing
The Bottom Line
Ghost (87/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Buttondown or Ghost better?
Ghost scores 87/100 in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are Buttondown and Ghost used for?
Buttondown: Simple newsletter tool. Ghost: Professional publishing platform.
What does Buttondown cost vs Ghost?
Buttondown is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Ghost is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.