Craft CMS vs Ghost: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Craft CMS 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 March 22, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Craft CMS
Empower your creative process with a flexible and customizable content management system.
Best for you if:
- 0
- • You need cms features specifically
- • A flexible and customizable CMS for content creation, design, and e-commerce.
- • Offers a user-friendly interface for content authors and a powerful GraphQL API for developers.
Ghost
Professional publishing platform
Best for you if:
- 0
- • You need blogging platforms features specifically
- • Open-source publishing platform combining a blog, newsletter, and paid membership system with 0% platform fees
- • Self-host free or use Ghost(Pro) managed hosting starting at $18/mo for up to 1,000 members
| At a Glance |  Craft CMS |  Ghost |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | CMS | Blogging Platforms |
Rating | — | — |
| Feature | Craft CMS | Ghost |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | CMSWebsite Builders | Blogging PlatformsCMS |
How Craft CMS and Ghost Compare
Craft CMS
Empower your creative process with a flexible and customizable content management system.
Free tier available
Ghost
Professional publishing platform
Free tier available
Craft CMS is a cms tool. Ghost is in blogging platforms.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Craft CMS
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Craft CMS
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Craft CMS
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?
Craft CMS is a cms tool. Ghost is in blogging platforms. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Key Takeaways
Craft CMS
- 0
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Ghost
- Better fit for blogging platforms
The Bottom Line
Craft CMS is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Craft CMS or Ghost better?
Craft CMS is rated high in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are Craft CMS and Ghost used for?
Craft CMS: Empower your creative process with a flexible and customizable content management system.. Ghost: Professional publishing platform.
What does Craft CMS cost vs Ghost?
Craft CMS is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Ghost is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.