Ghost
Open-source publishing platform for websites, newsletters and paid memberships, self-hosted or as Ghost(Pro).
An MIT-licensed publishing platform with newsletters and memberships.
Ghost is an open-source publishing platform for sites, newsletters and memberships. You can run it yourself with ghost-cli or pay for the managed Ghost(Pro) service. It suits publishers who want to own their site and audience.
What it is
The README describes installing with the ghost-cli tool, locally with ghost install local or on a server with ghost install, including automatic SSL through Let's Encrypt. Themes and an API are documented for developers.
Who it's for
It suits writers, publications and small media teams that want their own domain and membership tools. It does not suit anyone who wants no server work; the README itself recommends Ghost(Pro) for most people.
Key features
ghost-cli install
Install locally or on a server with one tool.
Automatic SSL
Production install sets up Let's Encrypt.
Themes
Build or install custom themes.
Content API
Use Ghost's API for custom front ends.
Managed option
Ghost(Pro) hosts it with backups.
Monorepo codebase
Docs for working on the code.
Up and running in 3 steps
Our honest verdict
What's great
- MIT licence with no per-subscriber fee from the project.
- ghost-cli sets up SSL automatically on a server install.
- Official docs cover themes, API and upgrades.
- Managed Ghost(Pro) revenue funds the non-profit foundation.
Where it falls short
- Self-hosting means you maintain a server, updates and backups.
- The README recommends Ghost(Pro) as best value for most people.
- It names no AI features, and sending bulk email needs extra setup.
Pricing & license
Ghost is free to self-host under MIT. The managed Ghost(Pro) service at ghost.org/pricing lists Starter at $15 a month billed yearly for 1,000 members.
Open remote AI-training roles
880 open remote AI-training roles, updated November 15, 2026; most pay $20–$175 an hour. Zekai lists them free; the application goes to the employer’s platform.
Alternatives
These reviewed AI tools do the same job instantly — from our scored directory.
Use it, or have us set it up
FAQ
Is Ghost free?
The code is MIT-licensed and free to run yourself; Ghost(Pro) hosting is paid.
Can I self-host?
Yes, with ghost-cli locally or on a server.
Does Ghost handle paid memberships?
Ghost's pricing page lists paid subscriptions on its Publisher plan and above.
