Crafter CMS vs Ghost: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Crafter 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 February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Crafter CMS
Open-source, Java-based headless CMS for high-performance, scalable digital experiences.
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • You need cms features specifically
- • Open-source, Java-based headless CMS for enterprise digital experiences.
- • Supports DevContentOps with Git-based content repository and decoupled delivery.
Ghost
Professional publishing platform
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.7/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You need blogging platforms features specifically
- • Publishing platform for creators
- • Built-in membership features
| At a Glance |  Crafter CMS |  Ghost |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free + Paid |
Best For | CMS | Blogging Platforms |
Rating | —/100 | 87/100 |
| Feature | Crafter CMS | Ghost |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | — | 87 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | CMSDigital Asset Management | Blogging PlatformsCMS |
How Crafter CMS and Ghost Compare
Crafter CMS
Open-source, Java-based headless CMS for high-performance, scalable digital experiences.
Free
Ghost
Professional publishing platform
Free tier available · 87/100 score
Crafter CMS is a cms tool. Ghost is in blogging platforms.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Crafter CMS is free. Ghost is freemium.
Go with: Crafter CMS
Want the highest-rated option?
Ghost scores 87/100. Crafter CMS is unrated.
Go with: Ghost
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Ghost
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Crafter CMS is free. Ghost is freemium. Go with Crafter CMS if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Crafter CMS is a cms tool. Ghost is in blogging platforms. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Not all tools have been rated yet.
Key Takeaways
Ghost
- Higher score: 87/100 vs unrated
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Crafter CMS
- Completely free
- Better fit for cms
The Bottom Line
Ghost (87/100) is our pick. That said, Crafter CMS is free — hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Crafter CMS or Ghost better?
Ghost scores 87/100 in our evaluation. Crafter CMS is free and Ghost is freemium.
What are Crafter CMS and Ghost used for?
Crafter CMS: Open-source, Java-based headless CMS for high-performance, scalable digital experiences.. Ghost: Professional publishing platform.
What does Crafter CMS cost vs Ghost?
Crafter CMS is completely free. Ghost is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.