10 Blogging Platforms I Actually Use: 2026 Comparison Guide

I almost gave up blogging before I even started.

I had 23 browser tabs open, comparing platforms and creating a spreadsheet. I also asked three developer friends for advice and received three different answers.

In the end I chose the one with the coolest commercials. Six months later I hit a feature wall and had to rebuild everything on WordPress.

This mistake cost me three weekends and a lot of frustration.

Here’s what I learned: When it comes to the right blogging platform, it doesn’t matter which one has the flashiest demo. It depends on which one fits what you actually need.

Over the last 10 years I have tested all major platforms and built websites on most of them. Some for clients, some for side projects and many just to see what works.

This guide will show you that 10 Best Blogging Platforms for Beginners in 2026based on real tests.

I’ll tell you which ones are worth your time and which ones look good but give you a headache later. I also describe 5 bonus platforms you should know about.

Take-away key box

• If you want complete control and room to grow, WordPress.org is my first choice.
• For absolute beginners who want AI to build everything for them, Hostinger Website Builder is the way to go.
• Do you need the easiest free option? WordPress.com or Blogger work great.
• I’ve tested all 10 platforms in this guide, some on real customer sites for years.
• Here’s an honest breakdown of what works, what doesn’t, and which platform suits your specific needs.

You can also use the table of contents below to jump to any section of the article.

With that out of the way, we can begin.

How I test blogging platforms for beginners

I don’t just read about blogging platforms and copy feature lists from their websites. I actually use them. Over the years, I’ve built client sites, tested demos, and even run my own projects on various platforms to see what works.

Here’s exactly how I evaluate each platform:

• Setup speed: I measure how long it takes from clicking sign in to publishing your first blog post. If it takes longer than 30 minutes for a beginner, that’s a red flag. With the best platforms you can be online in less than 10 minutes.
• Experience as an editor: I write the same blog post on every platform. This helps me learn which editors are intuitive and which make simple tasks frustrating. Can you add images easily? Does the formatting work as expected? These details are important if you publish weekly.
• Design flexibility: I try to achieve a certain brand presence on each platform. Some give you complete control over colors, fonts, and layouts. Others bind you to rigid templates. I’m testing how much customization I can do without touching the code since most beginners don’t hire a developer.
• Monetization options: I review the terms of service and test ad placement on each platform. Some allow you to post any ads you want. Others ban affiliate links or force you to share revenue. If you want to make money from your blog, these restrictions can destroy your income.
• Growth ceiling: I look at memory limitations, bandwidth limitations, and feature limitations. Can the platform handle 50,000 monthly visitors? What happens when you need advanced features? Some platforms scale with you. Others force you to migrate when you outgrow them.
• exit strategy: I test the export process on each platform. How easy is it to download and move your content to another location? Some platforms simplify migration with one-click exports. Others trap your content and make it nearly impossible to leave without losing everything.

I focus on what beginners actually need, rather than what looks impressive in a feature list. For this reason, my reviews emphasize ease of use and practical utility over technical specifications that don’t matter at the outset.

Why should you trust my blogging platform reviews?

I’m Alvin and I’m a writer for IsItWP.

And that’s why you should trust my blogging platform reviews.

Over the years, my team and I have helped more than 2 million people make better WordPress and blogging decisions.

IsItWP is part of driftkingsmediaTherefore, we are closely connected to the WordPress community.

Here’s the thing: I don’t just rate these platforms from afar. I manage active accounts there.

I’ve built websites for clients on WordPress and tested Hostinger’s AI Builder for small business projects. Additionally, I even ran side blogs on platforms like Medium to see how they actually work.

If I tell you that a platform has advantages or disadvantages, it is because I have encountered these limitations myself.

At IsItWP, the highest ranked platforms have earned their spots through real-world testing and my experiences.

The best blogging platforms for beginners in comparison

If you’re in a hurry, here’s how the 10 best blogging platforms perform. I have tested each one of them in practice and this table shows you the most important differences at a glance.

platform	Best for	Free version	Ease of use	Evaluation	Starting price
🥇 WordPress.org	Complete control and unlimited growth	✅ Software only	Moderate	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	FREE software + $2.99/month Bluehost hosting
🥈 Hostinger Website Builder	AI-powered complete solution	❌	Very simple	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	$2.69/month
🥉 WordPress.com	Free WordPress experience	✅	Simply	⭐⭐⭐⭐	$4/month
4. Bloggers	Google integration and AdSense	✅	Very simple	⭐⭐⭐⭐	FREE
5. HubSpot CMS	Marketing and CRM integration	❌	Simply	⭐⭐⭐⭐	$20/month
6. Network solutions	Budget-friendly small business	❌	Very simple	⭐⭐⭐⭐	$2.99/month
7. Squarespace	Design conscious creators	❌	Simply	⭐⭐⭐⭐	$16/month
8. Tumblr	Microblogging and visual content	✅	Very simple	⭐⭐⭐	FREE
9. Means	Integrated audience for authors	✅	Very simple	⭐⭐⭐	FREE
10. Weebly	Easy to do business with Square	✅	Simply	⭐⭐⭐	$10/month

💡 Short version: WordPress.org impresses with long-term growth and control. Hostinger’s AI Builder is the easiest starting point for tech-phobic beginners. WordPress.com and Blogger offer solid free options.

1. WordPress.org ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Powers 43% of all websites | Best for: Complete control and unlimited growth

WordPress.org is the platform on which IsItWP runs. I have also used it to create over 50 customer sites in the last decade.

You see, after looking at a small hobby blog, I set up a scale from 1,000 to 80,000 monthly visitors without making a single change to the hosting. I realized something important: most blogging platforms fail to succeed.

WordPress.org does not.

Why WordPress.org works for serious bloggers

The biggest advantage? You actually own your content.

Platforms like Medium or WordPress.com can change their rules overnight, forcing you to change your entire approach.

With WordPress.org, you control everything from your domain to content to monetization strategy.

You control everything through the huge plugin ecosystem.

With over 90,000 free plugins you can solve almost any problem. Do you need a contact form? WPForms Installs in 2 minutes.

Do you want to build an email list? OptinMonster integrates with every major email service. Do you want to add an online store? WooCommerce turns your blog into a shop without changing platforms.

Additionally, WordPress.org offers you the best SEO tools available, so you can increase your traffic even with little experience. All in One SEO and Yoast SEO, for example, help you optimize every post for search engines.

You can customize meta titles, descriptions, and even schema markup.

That’s not all. WordPress offers a detailed theme library with thousands of free and premium options. This means you can design and customize your website design without any experience.

But it’s not just about the design of the website. You can also choose from themes like Astra, Thrive Themesand OceanWP for themes that load quickly and look great on mobile devices.

And if you want more control, page builders are for you Seed Prod lets you design custom layouts without touching the code.

The reason I recommend WordPress.org is because it scales with you. You can start with a simple blog today and add a membership site tomorrow. Do you need to monetize it? Then simply start an online shop.

My experience

I still remember setting up my first WordPress.org site. Using Bluehost’s one-click installer, I was up and running in about 15 minutes.

I chose the Astra theme, adjusted my colors, and published my first post in one afternoon.

What really convinced me was the quick solution to problems. You can track visitors by simply installing a free plugin like MonsterInsights.

If you want to sell digital downloads, you can easily use another free plugin like Easy digital downloads to handle everything from checkout to delivery.

The learning curve can be steep at first. But after that initial investment of time, everything works out.

► Advantages

• Full ownership means no one can shut down your blog overnight
• Over 90,000 free plugins solve almost every problem imaginable
• The best SEO tools available including AIOSEO and Yoast that actually improve rankings
• Scales unlimitedly, without forced upgrades or migration issues

► Disadvantages

• For absolute beginners there is a learning curve, but it is gentler than it used to be
• You are responsible for backups and security, not a managed service
• Requires paying for hosting

My verdict

If you’re serious about blogging, WordPress.org is worth the small learning curve. Yes, you will spend an hour or two getting familiar with the dashboard.

But with this tiny investment, you get a platform that can grow from zero to millions of visitors without interruption.

Check out my detailed WordPress.org review. You will also find WordPress alternatives here that you can also check out.

Get started with WordPress.org with Bluehost hosting.

Prices: FREE software + $2.99/month Bluehost hosting

2. Hostinger Website Builder ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

AI-powered builder | Ideal for: Beginners who want to do everything quickly

Hostinger is now one of my top recommendations for blogging platforms after they launched their AI builder. It can help you create a complete blog using AI in less than 5 minutes.

All you have to do is answer three simple questions and the AI ​​will generate your entire website with relevant content, images and design. It’s like having a web designer who works at lightning speed.

Why Hostinger works for non-techies and beginners

The AI ​​website builder does the heavy lifting for you. You don’t choose templates and don’t have to mess with layouts. Just tell it what type of blog you want and everything will be created automatically.

The drag-and-drop editor makes changes easy. Do you want to move a section? Drag it. Do you need to change the text? Click and enter. Would you like images? You can generate images with AI. No training videos required.

Plus, everything is included in one package.

Your domain name, your hosting, your email accounts and your SSL certificate come together. This ensures that there is no need to search for parts across companies.

Additionally, Hostinger’s servers are fast and ensure pages load quickly without requiring you to do any optimization work.

The reason Hostinger is so high on this list is how convenient it is to set up a blog.

First of all, the mobile app allows you to manage your blog from your phone. It allows you to update posts, check statistics and reply to comments.

Everything works smoothly on mobile devices, which is important if you’re blogging on the go.

This top blogging hosting service not only makes blogging easy; The integrated e-commerce tools handle online sales without additional plugins.

Payment processing works across multiple gateways without transaction fees cutting into your profits. And the SEO tools help your posts rank on Google without any technical knowledge.

My experience

I tested Hostinger for a client who wanted a recipe blog but hated technology. The AI ​​asked three questions: What is your blog about? Who is your audience? Which style do you prefer?

Five minutes later, we had a complete website with recipe layouts, food photography placeholders, and a working contact form.

The customization surprised me.

Even if AI built it, we could change everything. We could swap colors in seconds, customize fonts with drop-down menus, add new sections by dragging blocks, and more.

► Advantages

• AI creates your entire website in less than 5 minutes
• The all-in-one package includes domain, hosting and email
• No technical knowledge is required for the drag-and-drop editor
• Fast servers and integrated SEO optimization

► Disadvantages

• After the initial setup, the templates cannot be changed
• Limited compared to WordPress’ plugin ecosystem
• Not a completely free plan (although a 30-day refund is available)

My verdict

Hostinger is perfect if you’re intimidated by technology. The AI ​​does 90% of the work and the editor does the rest without code.

In the long run, it’s not as flexible as WordPress.org, but for beginners who want to start blogging today instead of next month, it’s the easiest way I’ve found.

For more information, see my updated Hostinger review.

Get started with Hostinger Website Builder here.

Prices: Starting at $2.69/month

3. WordPress.com⭐⭐⭐⭐

Over 70 million blogs hosted | Best for: Free WordPress experience without hosting

WordPress.com is the easiest way to start blogging with WordPress today. All you have to do is sign up with your email address, choose a design, and start writing.

No hosting bills, no technical setup, no credit card required. I recommend it to anyone who wants to try blogging without any financial investment. Or people who prefer a fully managed platform.

Why WordPress.com is for hassle-free blogging

You’ll quickly notice that you can start creating your first blog post just 5 minutes after logging in. No searching for hosting companies or installing software.

WordPress.com handles all the technical work behind the scenes, ensuring your blog is automatically backed up, secure and updated.

I was surprised that the free plan gives you a complete blogging platform.

You get 1GB of storage, dozens of professional themes, and the same powerful Gutenberg editor that WordPress.org uses.

Her blog is located at yourname.wordpress.com, which is perfect for personal projects or testing your blogging commitment.

Security and maintenance are fully managed.

You don’t have to worry about updates breaking your website. Therefore, you don’t need to install security plugins or configure backups.

The upgrade path is easy and affordable.

For $4/month you get a custom domain and remove the WordPress.com branding. This is cheaper than most affordable hosting plans.

In the end, your blog will look professional with yourname.com instead of yourname.wordpress.com.

If you’re learning to blog on WordPress.com, you already know how WordPress.org works. If you decide to upgrade to self-hosting later, you won’t be learning a new platform from scratch.

Additionally, your content is exported cleanly and the migration process is well documented.

My experience

I set up WordPress.com for a travel blogging experiment and started publishing three minutes later. The process included choosing a clear travel theme, customizing the colors, and writing my first post.

Everything worked smoothly. The editor looked familiar as it is the same Gutenberg interface that I use on WordPress.org websites.

► Advantages

• Completely free to start, no credit card required
• No technical setup or hosting knowledge required
• Automatic security, backups and updates are taken care of for you
• The same editor as WordPress.org makes skills transferrable

► Disadvantages

• The free plan includes WordPress.com branding and subdomain
• Monetization and plugins require a business plan ($25/month)
• Less customization flexibility than self-hosted WordPress
• A custom domain requires an upgrade to paid plans

My verdict

WordPress.com is perfect for testing whether you enjoy blogging before investing any money. The free plan gives you everything you need to write and publish.

When you’re ready to get serious, the affordable upgrade path takes you from hobby blog to professional blog.

Yes, WordPress.org offers more power and flexibility, but WordPress.com removes all technical stress while you can focus on creating great content.

Compare WordPress.com to WordPress.org before making your decision.

Get started here with WordPress.com.

Prices: Free | Pro starts at $4/month

4. Blogger.com⭐⭐⭐⭐

Powered by Google | Best for: Free blogging with Easy AdSense

Bloggers is Google’s permanently free blogging platform, which has been reliably supporting bloggers since 1999.

If you already use Gmail, you’re just one click away from creating a blog. I recommend it to people who want the easiest possible setup and value Google’s reliable infrastructure.

Plus, it is undoubtedly the easiest platform to monetize with Google AdSense.

Why Blogger is suitable for easy blogging

Setup takes approximately 2 minutes. In fact, you simply log in with your Google account, choose a name and template, and you’re blogging.

There are never any hosting bills and no domain required unless you want one. Just pure blogging with no financial commitment.

The Google AdSense integration is seamless and powerful.

Click a button in Settings and ads will appear on your blog. The approval process is straightforward because Google trusts its own platform.

If you want to make money from ads without any complicated setup, Blogger makes it easy.

The integration of the Google ecosystem is excellent.

Analytics automatically connects to track your traffic, Search Console displays your Google rankings, while Cloud Drive stores your images. Everything works together smoothly.

If you already live in the world of Google, Blogger fits perfectly into your workflow without having to learn new tools. The platform is intentionally simple and focused. No feature bloat, just easy blogging.

My experience

I set up a blogger site in two minutes for a hobby cooking project that I wanted to make a little money from. The simplicity felt refreshing.

Adding AdSense was a one-click process and the ads started running automatically and started earning that same week.

For pure ad monetization focused on hobbyist content, the Blogger integration works better than manually configuring ads elsewhere.

The compromise? Theme customization requires HTML knowledge and you are limited to Google’s template options.

► Advantages

• Completely free forever with no hosting costs
• Easiest Google AdSense approval and integration
• 2-minute setup with just one Gmail account
• Reliable Google infrastructure and uptime

► Disadvantages

• HTML knowledge is required for design customization
• Less modern features than platforms like WordPress
• Limited to Google template options
• Best suited for simple blogging needs

My verdict

Blogger excels at straightforward, monetized blogging without any technical complexity. If you want to write, earn AdSense income and never think about hosting or updates, Blogger offers just that.

It’s not about being WordPress; it is deliberately easier.

For hobby bloggers, niche review sites, or anyone who values ​​simplicity over advanced features, Blogger remains a solid, reliable choice that won’t cost you a dime.

Compare Blogger vs WordPress before making your decision. Also check out the best Blogger alternatives if this platform doesn’t suit your needs.

Get started with Blogger here.

Prices: Free

5. HubSpot CMS ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Marketing platform + CMS | Best for: Business blogs with CRM needs

HubSpot CMS combines blogging with a complete marketing system in one powerful platform.

I recommend it to companies that want to integrate their blog with email marketing, contact management and sales tools.

If you’re building a business blog where every post supports your marketing goals, HubSpot offers tools that typically require five separate platforms.

Why HubSpot CMS works for marketing-focused blogs

As already mentioned, everything connects automatically on one platform.

Your blog, email campaigns, contact database, and analytics work seamlessly together. For example, you can write a blog post and HubSpot can automatically email it to specific contact segments.

It then tracks which posts each visitor reads and then follows up based on their interests. Once this is all done, HubSpot can score leads based on blog engagement.

But blogging nurture automation is what really put HubSpot on this list.

It allows you to achieve high aiming accuracy. For example, you can send targeted emails when someone reads three posts on a specific topic. Then create workflows that drive contact from blog reader to customer.

This level of blogging automation usually requires expensive plugins and complicated technical setup. HubSpot includes everything by default.

But HubSpot isn’t just about nurture, it’s also about growth.

SEO and conversion tools are built right into the editor. As you write, HubSpot suggests improvements to your titles, reminds you of meta descriptions, and shows you how to optimize for keywords.

Additionally, A/B testing tools allow you to test different headlines and calls to action to see which converts better.

Managed hosting eliminates all technical hassles, so you don’t have to worry about security updates, server configuration, or performance optimization.

My experience

I set up HubSpot CMS for a B2B consulting client that needed more than just a blog. We connected their contact list, configured email automation, and published their first leadership coaching post.

A visitor read three posts on the topic of leadership, HubSpot automatically marked them and sent a targeted advice offer. As a result, the customer received more qualified and higher quality leads.

► Advantages

• The all-in-one platform eliminates the need to juggle multiple tools
• Powerful marketing automation drives real business results
• Built-in SEO and conversion tools boost performance
• Managed hosting eliminates all technical responsibilities

► Disadvantages

• Higher price than basic blogging platforms
• More features than solo bloggers typically need
• The best value assumes you’re already using the HubSpot ecosystem
• Learning curve to master all functions

My verdict

HubSpot CMS makes perfect sense for companies that take content marketing seriously. If your blog is used to generate leads, nurture prospects, and drive sales, HubSpot’s integrated approach delivers measurable ROI.

Yes, you pay more than basic hosting, but you get a complete marketing system where your blog becomes a lead generation machine.

For businesses willing to consider blogging as serious marketing, the investment will be quickly recouped.

Get started with HubSpot CMS here.

Prices: Starts at $20/month

6. Network Solutions Website Builder ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Affordable All-in-One | Best for: budget-conscious small business blogs

Network Solutions offers one of the most affordable complete blogging packages available.

With this blogging platform, you get everything you need to start a professional blog like a domain name, hosting, website builder, and 24/7 support.

I recommend it to small businesses and entrepreneurs who want a legitimate online presence without high costs.

Why networking solutions work for budget-conscious bloggers

NetWork Solutions includes everything in one incredibly affordable package. You get an SSL certificate, domain name, web hosting, email accounts and a website builder in the package.

Once you’ve set up Network Solutions, the drag-and-drop website builder makes it easy to create your blog without requiring any coding knowledge.

You have the flexibility to choose from dozens of professionally designed templates, customize colors and fonts via drop-down menus, and add your content by clicking and typing.

This means your blog can be online in less than an hour.

Once you’ve set up your blog, you can use the built-in features to cover basic blogging needs.

You get SEO tools to help you get your posts found, analytics to show what content performs best, and layouts to automatically respond to mobile devices.

And if you encounter difficulties that the knowledge base can’t help with, support is available 24/7 via phone, live chat and email.

My experience

I tested Network Solutions for a local bakery client who needed a blog for recipes and business updates.

Setup took 30 minutes with a free domain and professional email addresses, which sealed the deal.

Because of the simplicity that Network Solution offered, my client felt confident in being able to perform updates themselves without any technical support from me.

► Advantages

• Affordable, all inclusive
• Free domain names and email accounts with all plans
• The drag and drop builder does not require any technical knowledge
• 24/7 customer support via phone, chat and email

► Disadvantages

• Less advanced features than WordPress
• Smaller template library than some competitors
• Limited third-party integrations available
• Best for simple blogs, not complex websites

My verdict

Network Solutions excels at providing professional blogging tools at a price everyone can afford. If you’re starting a small business blog on a tight budget, the packages offer real value.

Yes, WordPress.org offers more flexibility and power, but Network Solutions removes complexity and cost barriers.

For budget-conscious entrepreneurs who want a serious blog without the technical hassle, this is one of the best bang for your buck in blogging.

For more information, see my Network Solutions review. You can also find alternatives to Network Solutions here if you are looking for more options.

Get started here with Network Solutions Website Builder.

Prices: Starting at $2.99/month

7. Squarespace ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Premium Design Templates | Best for: Design-conscious creatives and portfolios

At Squarespace, beautiful design meets powerful blogging.

If you care about the look of your blog and want a stunning, professional website that reflects your creative work, Squarespace delivers templates that will make other platforms jealous.

I recommend it to photographers, designers, artists, and anyone who wants their blog to look as good as their work.

Why Squarespace works for creative professionals

Squarespace templates are really great. Every Squarespace theme looks professionally designed because it is.

In addition, clear layouts, elegant typography and impressive image galleries are standard. Your blog will look like a magazine from day one without the need to hire a designer.

If you want to optimize the design, the drag-and-drop editor is intuitive and powerful.

You can customize colors, fonts, layouts, and spacing with meaningful visual controls.

Then, as you design, you can preview changes in real time on both desktop and mobile, so you can see exactly how your blog looks on different screens.

One of the biggest disadvantages of using WordPress.org is that you need multiple plugins to add functionality.

But Squarespace has built-in features that save you from searching for blogging plugins, which can be overwhelming and bloat your site.

As a result, you get contact forms, image galleries, social media integration and email capture – everything works seamlessly and out of the box.

Mobile responsiveness is exceptional.

Squarespace templates automatically adapt beautifully to phones and tablets. This allows your readers to see the beautiful design of your blog regardless of the device they are using.

Additionally, Squarespace makes it easier for you to manage your blog.

You can schedule posts, create multiple authors, and organize with categories and tags. Additionally, you get surprisingly powerful eCommerce features.

So you can start with a blog and then add a store when you are ready to sell digital products or physical products with the same beautiful design.

My experience

I set up Squarespace for a wedding photographer client who needed his blog to showcase his work beautifully.

We chose the Avenue template and within an hour her blog looked like a professional magazine. The image galleries made their photos stunning with lightbox displays and elegant transitions.

The all-in-one approach simplified their lives as domain management, email marketing, and customer galleries are all on one platform instead of juggling five accounts.

► Advantages

• Absolutely stunning templates with magazine-quality design
• The intuitive editor makes customization easy and visual
• Mobile responsive designs look perfect on all devices
• Integrated eCommerce for selling products alongside blogging

► Disadvantages

• Higher price than budget hosting options
• Less plugin flexibility than WordPress
• Templates cannot be changed after startup without rebuilding
• The monthly costs add up for multiple locations

My verdict

Squarespace excels when design quality is as important as content quality. If your blog represents your creative work, such as photography, design, art, or fashion, the premium templates are right for you.

For creative professionals who want their blog to look absolutely stunning, Squarespace delivers this finishing touch effortlessly.

Start here with Squarespace.

Prices: Starts at $16/month

8. Tumblr ⭐⭐⭐

Microblogging + Social Network | Best for: Visual content and creative communities

Tumblr This is where blogging meets social networking in a uniquely creative way.

It’s perfect for sharing photos, art, short posts, and visual stories with a built-in audience that already enjoys discovering new content.

I recommend it to artists, photographers, and creative writers who want their content to be discovered organically through Tumblr’s active community of over 135 million blogs.

Why Tumblr works for visual storytelling

Setting up Tumblr is instant and effortless. You create an account, customize your blog’s appearance, and start posting within minutes.

Community discovery is really powerful and is my favorite thing about this social blogging platform. Like Pinterest, Tumblr users actively search for tags, blog content they love, and follow creators.

In the end, your posts can reach thousands organically without paid advertising. In addition, the reblog function acts like integrated viral marketing.

Multimedia sharing is what Tumblr does best.

You can share post photos, GIFs, videos, audio, quotes and text seamlessly. The tagging system connects you to passionate communities, fandoms, art movements, and photography styles that all thrive here.

It’s like having built-in SEO for niche audiences.

I like that the customization options are surprisingly extensive for a free platform, with thousands of themes available.

This is matched by the casual, creative atmosphere that invites you to experiment and celebrates authenticity over polish.

My experience

I set up Tumblr for my SEO blog. Within a week, my posts were being reblogged by people who found my work using tags like #WordPressSEO and #SEOforBeginners without ads.

Community engagement occurred organically, with other SEO experts commenting and sharing techniques.

The best part is that the mobile app made posting effortless and I was able to publish in under two minutes.

For creators and experts who want seamless sharing and organic community discovery, Tumblr is the place to be.

► Advantages

• Completely free with active built-in audiences
• Instant setup with no technical knowledge required
• The powerful tagging system connects you with passionate communities
• Great for visual content and creative expression

► Disadvantages

• Limited professional business features
• Custom domain cannot be used in the free version
• Smaller audience than in peak popularity years
• Best for creative content, not traditional business blogs

My verdict

Tumblr excels as a creative portfolio and community platform.

If you’re an artist, photographer, or creative writer looking to share your work, build an audience, and connect with other creatives, Tumblr offers social discovery that no traditional blog offers.

Imagine Instagram meets blogging, where visual storytelling thrives.

Start here with Tumblr.

Prices: Free

9. medium ⭐⭐⭐

Integrated Audience | Best for: Authors who want readers right away

medium Here, authors find readers from day one: no growing traffic, no SEO learning curve or empty analytics dashboard.

Just write, publish, and tap into Medium’s millions of active readers already looking for great content.

I recommend it to writers who want to focus solely on writing without worrying about website management or building an audience.

Why Medium works for pure authors

Medium lets you publish to real readers in minutes. All you need to do is create an account, write your first post, add relevant tags and publish.

After that, Medium’s algorithm will immediately show your content to people who read similar topics.

Integrated distribution is Medium’s superpower. Your posts appear in topic feeds, recommended reading lists, and email digests to relevant readers. It’s like having an integrated marketing team.

You don’t have to wait months for Google to rank your content or build a social media following from scratch.

The writing experience is wonderfully simple.

Unlike most blogging alternatives on this list, you don’t have to make any theme decisions or search for the best plugins. Just a clean, distraction-free editor that focuses solely on your words.

What I like best is that you can make money with the affiliate program from day one.

They publish behind Medium’s paywall and earn based on reading time from Medium members. So there are no complex monetization setups.

The community is really engaged with long-form content, readers who actually read entire articles and leave meaningful comments.

Publishing on Medium allows you to easily expand your writing portfolio with clean URLs to share with potential clients or employers.

My experience

I published a freelance writing post on Medium to test the platform. Within 24 hours I had 500 views and 20 thoughtful comments, but I had no followers and no advertising.

Medium’s algorithm automatically found interested readers. This single post raised $147 from the affiliate program within three months.

Not life-changing money, but useful for content published in 30 minutes with no need to configure ads or add affiliate links, just pure writing compensation.

► Advantages

• Instant access to millions of active readers
• Beautiful, distraction-free writing experience
• The affiliate program compensates you based on reading time
• No technical setup or website management

► Disadvantages

• You cannot use your own custom domain
• Medium owns the platform and the relationship with the audience
• Limited design customization options
• Best as a complementary platform, not as a sole presence

My verdict

One thing that sets Medium apart is that it instantly connects authors with readers. If you want to write and be read without building websites, learning SEO, or managing technical details, Medium removes all barriers.

Yes, you don’t own the platform or the domain, but you get instant access to engaged readers who actually consume long-form content.

Use Medium to build your writing portfolio, test content ideas, or make money from the affiliate program while you set up your main blog somewhere else.

Start here with Medium.

Prices: Free

10. Weebly ⭐⭐⭐

Easy drag and drop | Best for: Small businesses adding blogs to existing websites

Weebly makes adding a blog to your business website remarkably easy. It’s owned by Square, which means seamless payment processing when you sell products or services.

I recommend it to small business owners who need a straightforward website with blog functionality and easy online selling features, all managed from one dashboard without any technical complexity.

Why Weebly works for business websites with blogs

The drag and drop builder is really intuitive. Click, drag, drop. That’s it. This allows you to add blog sections, product galleries, contact forms, and service descriptions without touching the code.

Since Weebly is one of the leading online payment systems, the Square integration is powerful.

It allows you to accept payments without any transaction fees beyond standard processing fees. This means your blog and your shop have the same professional design.

But user experience is why Weebly is on this list.

Mobile responsiveness is automatic and each template adapts perfectly to phones and tablets.

But it’s not just about your users’ experience; it’s for you too. You get built-in SEO and marketing tools to help you improve the visibility of your content.

Plus, support and reliability are excellent – Weebly automatically takes care of hosting, security, and updates while you focus on running your business.

The free plan allows you to test it thoroughly before committing. You can create your entire website, add posts and see how everything works. If you’re happy, you can upgrade to a custom domain for a professional look.

My experience

I set up Weebly for a massage therapist who needs a simple website with a blog and booking functionality. We selected a wellness template, added services, and set up a blog in two hours.

We were impressed with the Square booking integration because it allowed customers to read wellness tips and then immediately book appointments and make deposits in a natural flow.

To update his blog, all my client now has to do is click “New Post”, write and publish.

► Advantages

• Extremely intuitive drag and drop builder
• Seamless Square integration for payments and bookings
• Free plan available for in-depth testing
• Automatic mobile responsiveness for all templates

► Disadvantages

• The free plan includes Weebly branding
• Less advanced features than WordPress
• Smaller selection of templates than some competitors
• Best for simple websites, not complex projects

My verdict

Weebly is great if you need a simple business website with blogging functionality. The Square integration makes it particularly valuable for professional services businesses, small retailers, and anyone who accepts payments online.

I like that Weebly’s simplicity allows you to focus on business instead of website management. For small business owners who want their blog to support sales without technical hassles, Weebly reliably delivers this streamlined experience.

Get started with Weebly here.

Prices: Free | Pro starts at $10/month

This is my list of the best blogging platforms for beginners. But below are a few more options that were just missing from the list.

4 more blogging platforms worth knowing

These platforms didn’t make it into our top 10, but they serve certain niches well. Here’s a quick overview of each option so you know when they might be the right choice.

• Wix: Is one of the most popular website builders with over 250 million users worldwide. The drag-and-drop editor gives you complete visual control. This allows you to place elements anywhere on the page. The AI ​​tool (Wix ADI) can even generate an entire website by answering a few questions.
• Gator Website Builder (HostGator): Offers a complete package including domain, hosting and drag-and-drop builder. It is similar to Hostinger but has less AI automation. You get over 200 mobile-responsive templates, basic blogging features, and 24/7 support.
• Spirit: Focuses solely on publications and memberships. Ghost is perfect if you’re creating a subscription newsletter, paid membership site, or professional publication. It offers clean, fast tools specifically designed for these niche purposes. Plus, the editor is distraction-free and beautiful.
• LiveJournal: Combines blogging with social networking. This makes it perfect for personal journaling with friend groups. You can control exactly who sees each post by setting your pages to Public, Friends Only, or Private. Community features allow you to join groups, comment on threads and follow other magazines like a social network.

How to choose your perfect blogging platform

Looking at 10+ different platforms can be overwhelming. I understand it. But choosing the right product doesn’t have to be complicated if you know what’s most important to you.

Here’s a simple framework based on what you actually need, not what sounds impressive in marketing copy.

If you want to make money from your blog

• Choose WordPress.org and use Bluehost hosting for maximum monetization freedom. Post any ads, join an affiliate program, and sell any products. No platform restrictions. No revenue share. You control every dollar your blog makes.
• Choose Blogger if AdSense is your main strategy. Google’s platform makes AdSense approval and setup really easy. Perfect for niche review blogs that focus solely on advertising revenue.
• Select “Medium”. if you want to start making money from writing right away. The affiliate program pays based on reading time. You don’t need to set up ads or find affiliate products. Just write quality content.

Learn more: How to make money blogging

If your budget is tight (under $5/month)

• Choose WordPress.com FREE for free WordPress blogging. You get WordPress’ powerful editor without paying anything. Perfect for testing whether you stick with blogging.
• Choose Blogger FREE for free blogging for life with reliable Google hosting. Never pay a hosting bill. Ideal for hobby bloggers who don’t need premium features.
• Choose Networking Solutions for $2.99/month if you need a custom domain and a professional email. Everything is included in the coffee shop prices.

When technology overwhelms you

• Choose Hostinger Website Builder for AI that creates your website in 5 minutes. Answer three questions and receive a full blog. Simplest technical setup available.
• Select “Medium”. to concentrate solely on writing. No technical decisions. Just write and publish. Perfect for writers who hate website management.
• Choose Blogger for Google easy blogging. If you can use Gmail, you can use Blogger. Two-minute setup with no configuration.

When you need complete design control

• Choose WordPress.org and use Bluehost hosting for unlimited customization. Install any theme, customize any element, program anything you imagine. Maximum creative freedom.
• Choose Squarespace for professional templates without coding. Beautiful designs that instantly look like a magazine. Best for visual creators.
• Choose Wix for drag-and-drop freedom. Visually place elements anywhere on the page. Remember that you are bound by your choice of template.

If you are building a business brand

• Choose WordPress.org and use Bluehost hosting for professional credibility. Custom domain, unlimited features, scalable as your business grows. Industry standard for serious companies.
• Choose HubSpot CMS if you need CRM integration. Your blog becomes part of your overall marketing system. Perfect for B2B companies and consulting companies.
• Choose Squarespace if you are a creative professional. Photographers, designers and artists need portfolio quality design. Squarespace provides that polish.

Learn more: How to start a business website

If you want to grow in the long term

Ranking of migration difficulties (easiest to most difficult):

1. WordPress.com → WordPress.org (smooth)
2. Blogger → WordPress.org (documented)
3. Wix → WordPress.org (challenging)
4. Medium → WordPress.org (feasible)
5. Squarespace → WordPress.org (time consuming)

Now if you are using another platform, here are instructions on how to migrate from any CMS to WordPress.org.

If you want integrated audience recognition

• Select “Medium”. for instant readers. Publish and reach thousands through Medium’s algorithm and topic feeds. Ideal for quickly building writing portfolios.
• Choose Tumblr for a creative community. Share visual content and get discovered through tags. Perfect for artists who are building followers organically.

If you need easy payment processing

• Choose Weebly for Square integration. Accept payments, book appointments and blog – all in one place. Perfect for service companies.
• Choose Squarespace for integrated e-commerce. Start with a blog and seamlessly add a store later. Beautiful design for content and products.
• Choose WordPress.org with WooCommerce for ultimate e-commerce power. Most flexible, but requires more setup. Best for reputable online stores.

My honest advice: If you’re serious about long-term blogging, start with WordPress.org and Bluehost. If this host isn’t right for you, you can check out my hosting comparison article for options.

Yes, there is a learning curve. But you won’t outgrow the goal and you won’t regret the investment if your blog is successful.

If you’re testing whether you stick with blogging, get started for free with WordPress.com or Medium. Head over to WordPress.org when you’re ready to get serious.

FAQs: The best blogging platforms for beginners compared

Final Verdict: Start today, adapt tomorrow

After testing all these platforms, the most important thing is: The best blogging platform is the one you actually use.

I’ve seen people search for perfect platforms for months and then never publish a single post. Others, however, start with simple free platforms, publish consistently and create successful blogs.

Your first platform choice is not permanent. Finally, you can migrate your content and improve your skills. Furthermore, needs change.

The biggest mistake is not choosing the “wrong” platform. It takes too long to get started.

If you’re still curious, here are 100 amazing statistics and facts.

That being said, there are posts here that I know you will enjoy.

These articles will not only help you choose the best blogging options but will also help you become a better blogger.