Medium vs DEV Community: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Medium and DEV Community 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.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Medium
Publishing platform for ideas and stories
Best for you if:
- • You need blogging platforms features specifically
- • Publishing platform for writers
- • Monetization through Partner Program
DEV Community
Community for software developers
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • You need community platforms features specifically
- • Developer community platform
- • Free publishing
| At a Glance |  Medium |  DEV Community |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free |
Best For | Blogging Platforms | Community Platforms |
Rating | —/100 | —/100 |
| Feature | Medium | DEV Community |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Free |
| Editorial Score | — | — |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Blogging PlatformsSocial Writing | Community PlatformsSocial Writing |
Understanding the Differences
Both Medium and DEV Community solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Medium positions itself as "publishing platform for ideas and stories" while DEV Communityfocuses on "community for software developers". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Medium
Medium makes sense if you're looking for a budget-friendly option with a free tier solution.
When to Choose DEV Community
DEV Community is worth considering if you need a free tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, Medium lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Medium
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. DEV Community is built for teams that are leveling up.
We'd pick: DEV Community
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Both have enterprise tiers—compare their security features.
We'd pick: Medium
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Zero budget? DEV Community won't cost you anything.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Medium higher (/100). But the community has upvoted DEV Community more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Medium Does Better
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider DEV Community If
- You need a completely free solution
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Medium. But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Medium scores higher in our analysis, but DEV Community might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Medium or DEV Community better?
Based on our analysis, Medium scores higher with high/100. Medium isfreemium while DEV Community is free. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Medium to DEV Community easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do Medium and DEV Community offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Medium is freemium with a free tier.DEV Community is completely free. Visit their websites for current trial offers.