Many businesses rely on forums and message boards to create more life around their brand, allowing users and customers to get involved in more ways than just buying the product or service.

These effects can also lead to more growth, which is an excellent way to continue community building.

But how do you find the right forum software with so many options? Well, that’s what we’re here to help you with.

We’ve handpicked the six best forum software services and reviewed them, so let’s dive in.

Best Forum Software – Shortlist

1. phpBB
2. Vanilla Forums
3. Invision Community
4. Simple Machines Forum
5. Wix Forum
6. MyBB

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Our Pick

Vanilla Forums

• Simple and intuitive user interface
• A vast library of supported integrations
• Optional paid knowledge base system

Visit WP Engine

Runner Up

Wix Forum

• Free add-on to Wix websites
• Social features
• Can be incorporated with other Wix features
• Custom domain with easy hosting

Visit Pressable

Budget Pick

MyBB

• Open-source and free
• Numerous modern-looking templates
• Theme editor adds more customization
• Multi-language support

Visit Kinsta

The 6 Best Forum Software in 2022

Forums have been in demand since the early internet days, so naturally, there’s always been a booming market for forum software.

The problem is that picking a forum software provider for your online community can be challenging, so we’ve narrowed down our favorite options to help you pick from the top shelf.

1. phpBB

PHP bulletin board, also known as phpBB, is among the oldest forum software platforms that are still popular today, having launched in 2000.

It’s also a free and open-source forum software, giving users all the customization they may need to add to the already rich forum template it provides.

phpBB is also a relatively conservative forum platform, often keeping the simple but familiar spirit of forums from the early 2000s over fancy modern designs.

As such, the default phpBB theme system can sometimes lack some advanced functionality.

However, the user base is still strong, providing plenty of free plugins and extensions that can boost the admin and user experience.

And with decades worth of forum plugins, you’re bound to find the features you need that don’t come with the default template.

Despite its conservative nature, phpBB has always kept up with important updates such as mobile responsiveness and security measures.

Moreover, it supports multiple languages and is infinitely scalable with the right host.

Speaking of hosting, one of the main drawbacks of phpBB is that it’s a self-hosted forum service, meaning that you’ll have to host it on your own server.

You might also need some coding know-how to set up a phpBB forum according to your needs.

But if you don’t know how to do it yourself, you can often find someone from the phpBB community to do it for far less than a full-time web developer.

Pros:

• Completely free
• Hundreds of forum plugins
• Built-in SEO tools
• Robust management system and moderation tools
• Extensive security measures
• Highly customizable
• Responsive on mobile devices
• Infinitely scalable

Cons:

• Self-hosted forum software
• Default template lacks some modern functionality
• Most themes look a bit old

Pricing Plans

Free with no paid plans or additional costs.

2. Vanilla Forums

When it comes to convenience and scalable business plans, Vanilla Forums is a name that often pops up in the discussion, thanks to its naturally intuitive dashboard and selection of free and premium versions.

Even the “Vanilla” in its name describes its design practices, which opt for a simple design to maximize community engagement over flashy visuals without compromising practicality.

Moreover, Vanilla Forums is renowned for its gamification features, including user and post badges, “best of” lists, ranks, social media-like reactions, and leaderboards. Naturally, these features are always warmly welcomed in any thriving community forum.

And if your online community relies on multiple platforms, you’ll be glad to know that Vanilla Forums offers a vast array of integrations with marketing software, communication platforms, other support forums, product management systems, and more.

You can also set up a robust ticketing system on your forum, allowing you to use it as a help desk for your service.

Combine these features with Vanilla’s dedicated support team, sleek and modern-looking themes, and scalability, and it’s no wonder so many mid-to-large businesses choose it as their premium forum software.

But even small and innovative businesses can benefit from Vanilla’s free version, which is still among the best free forum software.

Pros:

• Simple and intuitive user interface
• Great management system
• A vast library of supported integrations
• Various plugins available
• Optional paid knowledge base system
• Full-time support and customer success manager
• Powerful text editor

Cons:

• The premium version is a bit pricey
• Not as many free plugins are available

Pricing Plans

There’s a free and open-source version available.

And while there are no fixed prices for the premium version, they range from hundreds to thousands of dollars per month, depending on the business.

You can contact its sales department for more info.

3. Invision Community

Invision Community is a powerful forum software solution with a heavily business-oriented design made to accommodate mid-to-large companies, thanks to its fulfilling admin tools that make forum setup, user moderation, and board segmentation near effortless.

Speaking of segmentation, not only does Invision Community allow you to create numerous boards with varying permissions, but even users can create smaller private sub-forums, known as clubs, to accommodate smaller groups within the online community.

Many businesses also use Invision Community’s forum software to create help desk forums for their customers using the support ticketing system that allows you to easily handle many messages and requests.

The achievements, badges, and rewards system is another neat addition to complete the excellent user experience.

And admins can set specific achievements and give reward points if users meet the predefined criteria.

Invision Community doesn’t neglect smaller businesses, too.

Although it’s not free forum software, its most affordable plans cater to startups and smaller companies. So you can start there and scale up as your business grows.

Lastly, Invision Community offers plenty of customization through the admin panel.

But if you’re looking to tweak the source code to adjust it to your specific needs, you won’t be able to since the software is entirely closed-source.

Pros:

• Thorough board segmentation
• Easy to set up and maintain
• Comprehensive admin and moderation tools
• Clubs available for community members
• Achievements, reward points, and badges are available
• Scalable subscription plans
• Integrations with Shopify, Slack, Meta, and more

Cons:

• No free version
• No open-source software

Pricing Plans

The free trial is available for 14 days. Afterward, there are five pricing plans, and their monthly costs are as follows:

• Creator: $89
• Creator Pro: $149
• Team: $229
• Business: $549
• Enterprise: Custom

4. Simple Machines Forum

Overview

If you’re looking for something similar to phpBB, then Simple Machines Forum (SMF) is your answer

Both have been direct competitors since SMF’s founding in 2001.

And we have to say, the 20+ years of competition made them refine their platforms to the best standard, even today.

And just like phpBB, SMF follows the traditional forum practices of the early 2000s; that is, it’s free, open-source, and self-hosted.

So you can easily download the free forum software from its website, customize the source code to your needs, then the self-hosting is up to you.

The flexible admin dashboard lets you do anything you want in a forum.

It’s one of the most thorough dashboards we’ve seen, as it lets you control permissions down to minor details.

SMF also provides an advanced level of security, SEO features, support for 45+ languages, and a paid subscription model you can implement for your members.

And with hundreds of free extensions, you’ll find all the features you need that don’t already exist in the default template.

As for appearance, SMF is about keeping the spirit of old forums alive.

Its themes deviate from the flashy modern style and stick to the plain and simple aesthetic that puts all the focus on the content.

Note that you need at least a basic technical background to unlock SMF’s full potential, as some of the features can only be tweaked with code.

Pros:

• Free forum software
• Very powerful admin dashboard
• Open source and customizable to the tiniest details
• Numerous extensions and plugins
• SEO tools and multi-language support

Cons:

• Older themes that don’t cater to everyone
• Self-hosted forum software
• Requires a bit of technical know-how

Pricing Plans

Completely free.

5. Wix Forum

Overview

Wix is a robust CMS-like website builder with forum software that allows you to build your forum using an intuitive drag-and-drop system without needing to write a single line of code.

But even if you don’t have the time to create your custom theme, you can pick one of Wix’s many website templates, none of which fall short on appearance, functionality, or modesty.

Unlike other forum software on this list, Wix Forum is available on its app market as a free add-on that you can install on an existing website rather than a standalone platform.

So it’s a good option if you don’t want to build a forum from scratch.

The catch here is that you need a regular website from Wix.

Because Wix Forum is an add-on, you can combine it with features from other Wix services to build a versatile website.

One of our favorite features is the e-commerce store you can incorporate into your forum, enabling your users and customers to buy your products easily.

Another selling point of Wix is its social media-like features, which are revolutionary for a forum.

For example, users can create much more extensive personal profiles than on traditional forums, and other users can follow them and see their profile posts.

As for hosting, Wix hosts your forum along with your website as part of its standard subscription plan, so you don’t need to handle it.

Pros:

• Free add-on to Wix websites
• Drag-and-drop option lets you customize the website easily
• Mobile responsiveness
• Social features
• Can be incorporated with other Wix features
• Custom domain with easy hosting

Cons:

• Must be built on a Wix website
• Less customizable than open-source software

Pricing Plans

The forum add-on is free. But the regular Wix website monthly prices are:

• Connect Domain: $4.50
• Combo: $8.50
• Unlimited: $12.50
• VIP: $24.50

There are also three separate business plans for e-commerce websites at these monthly prices:

• Basic: $17
• Unlimited: $25
• VIP: $35

6. MyBB

Overview

We finish off our list with another top contender that’s been among the best free forum software since its founding in 2002.

But unlike its 20-year-long competitors on this list, MyBB has always kept up with contemporary design standards, which shows in its colorful and robust themes.

MyBB’s theme editor allows you to customize pre-existing themes to your liking, giving you even more control over how your forum looks.

Even end users can customize how things look from their view, with several viewing options and system-only themes to pick from.

You also get detailed analytics and statistics on the forum users, posts, groups, comments, and more, allowing you to track your community’s growth.

And although there aren’t as many extensions and additional plugins in MyBB’s library, its design options keep it within the contention for the best forum software.

Pros:

• Open-source and free
• Numerous modern-looking templates
• Theme editor adds more customization
• Multi-language support
• Supports email blasts

Cons:

• Not as many plugins are available
• Self-hosted

Pricing Plans

Completely free.

What to Look For in Forum Software

When considering forum software, we recommend you look for these key features:

Text Editor

Decades ago, discussion forums relied entirely on plain text posts and comments, and there was practically no formatting or stylization involved.

That changed with time, as forum software became more sophisticated and allowed users some level of stylization using “primitive” technologies like bulletin board codes.

The problem with these technologies is that they’re often too complicated for the average user.

Remembering the exact codes, opening and closing tags, and using arrow brackets looks like gibberish to most casual users.

Not to mention how they make plain text hard to read, so they were often exclusively used by experienced members.

Therefore, the best solution is to have a user-friendly text editor at the submission box to enable users to stylize their text in an easy and digestible manner.

Private Messaging

Although group discussions are at the heart of any community forum, you might still want to give your forum members a way to communicate with one another, typically through private messages.

Many online communities don’t need private messaging because they don’t have a heavy focus on user-to-user relationships, especially if the forum is secondary to another service.

For example, a basic forum for a quiz site where users discuss the latest quizzes or suggest new ones won’t need the feature.

But for most online communities, private messaging is among the most basic features.

And some online forum software even lets registered users create private group messages with other users.

So consider your target audience and service, and you’ll conclude whether or not you need private messaging.

Profile Customization Options

Many people think of forums as less sophisticated social media platforms since they both allow users to create personal profile pages, customize them, then participate in discussions or even spark some talk on their profiles.

But while you don’t need Facebook levels of extensive user profile customization, it’s still good to include all the basic features like profile pictures, bios, and personal info like name, location, and age.

Other forum software even lets you add custom profile fields to fully cater the forum website to your niche.

For example, a bodybuilding forum might give users fitness-related fields such as weight and workout split.

Another iconic forum feature is user signatures, which are fields where users can add text or images that’ll appear under their comments.

Overall, giving your community members full control over their profiles can increase user engagement, and it’s generally fun for them.

Mobile Optimization

Many forum platforms failed to adapt to the rising popularity of mobile devices over the last decade and didn’t optimize the experience for mobile users.

And to this day, some traditional forums don’t work well on smartphones because they retain their horizontal alignments and button sizes on a narrow vertical screen.

However, it shouldn’t be hard to find good forum software with a responsive design for mobile devices nowadays.

You’ll need to ensure that the user interface changes from horizontal to vertical and that the buttons, text, and other basic forum features scale up on phone screens.

Some forum software services even offer a mobile app, which is better than web browser support.

User Achievements

Another way to increase engagement is by encouraging your users to post high-quality content through an achievement system, where they rise through user ranks by achieving a high number of posts and upvotes.

A common tactic is to set user groups for each level of experience a user has and signal them with stars on the user’s profile.

The higher and more experienced the group, the more stars its users will have.

These groups should be open to all users, but they may only enter them by achieving a post or upvote milestone.

You can also implement achievements with a badge or point system that displays on the user profile and under their name when they post.

Comment Chains

There are two ways to display comment chains: flat and threaded.

Flat comment chains are similar to the old style of Facebook or Instagram, when you could only post comments under the existing ones and not as a reply to a previous comment.

Meanwhile, threaded comments are like the ones on Reddit, where you can reply to any comment, creating a much more complex “comment tree” on each thread.

In practice, it sounds like threaded comments should be an automatic go-to because they give users more flexibility and the ability to reply to another comment directly.

However, many forum software managers like the famous phpBB stick to flat comments because they’re simple, straightforward, and don’t clutter the page.

There’s no objectively better choice here, it depends on your target audience, and you should consider what works best for your community forum.

Forum Segmentation

Forum segmentation is when you split your boards into smaller private forums that are only accessible by a subset of your user base.

They’re a necessary feature for many forums, especially if they have a tier system in their own online communities.

For starters, forum admins and moderators often need private boards where they can discuss sitewide rules, moderation tools, and other issues.

Premium users should also have a VIP board or lounge where you might provide exclusive content or let them spark a discussion, for example.

Overall, forum segmentation could always benefit a thriving online community, and some forum software do it better than others.

Closed vs. Open Source Software

Another important yet highly technical consideration is whether you want closed- or open-source forum software.

Open-source forum software is often free, and the providers give you the source code to customize it to your needs.

Of course, this requires a high degree of technical knowledge in web development and UI/UX design.

But if you can nail it down, you can create the best forum software for your needs.

In contrast, closed-source software is on the pricier side, but the forums come with plenty of advanced features and offer some customization.

Also, closed-source forums often have a full-time support team, an installation service, and maintenance as part of the cost.

Analytics

Analytics is always crucial for growth, so you’ll likely need a basic set of analytic tools to measure your community growth.

For example, you should be able to see monthly user activity, post activity, board and page views, and newly registered members.

It’s also helpful if the data is neatly presented instead of just giving you raw numbers.

Extra points if the forum software lets you integrate with analytics platforms like Google Analytics.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wrapping Up

A forum can benefit any brand or business by building an online community around it, which will increase user engagement and lead to more growth.

But the best forum software depends on your brand and what you’re looking for.

Some solutions like phpBB and Simple Machines Forum provide traditional and familiar forums with simple designs and a focus on content.

In contrast, more modern forum software like Vanilla Forums and Wix are more liberal with their designs, features, and integrations.

As good as Wix is, it isn’t without its issues, which is why some business owners have turned to other platforms to build and host their websites.

Today, we’ll dive deeply into the best Wix alternatives, like Squarespace, Weebly, and others, to help you decide which development platform is the best fit for your business.

The Best Wix Alternatives at a Glance

In a hurry?

Check out our favorite Wix alternatives below.

An Overview of Wix

With a sea of copycat web builders nipping at their heels for market share, it’s obvious Wix must be doing something right.

Before deciding on one of the alternatives, let’s learn more about the elephant in the room, Wix.

What Is Wix?

Wix is arguably the most full-featured web-building platform available to small and mid-size businesses.

The platform offers many excellent design templates and an industry-leading array of integrations and plug-ins you can use to add virtually any functionality to your site.

Where Does Wix Excel?

Wix excels at providing the most premium templates, site integrations, and plug-ins of any website builder.

Their drag-and-drop editor is intuitive, and their customer support team is knowledgeable and readily available to troubleshoot issues.

Wix also has robust SEO tools and delivers excellent site speeds, both factors which play a significant role in your search rankings.

Where Does Wix Fall Short?

For as good as Wix, it needs to improve in a few key areas.

While Wix’s selection of plug-ins is untouchable, many of them carry expensive monthly costs that significantly increase the price of your plan.

Wix also requires users to stick with the template they select when building their site.

If you ever want to change templates, you’ll need to rebuild your site altogether.

The final caveat of Wix is that you cannot transfer your site should you ever outgrow Wix’s capabilities.

If you choose to work with another site builder or web developer, you’ll need to rebuild your site from scratch away from Wix’s technology, and this process can be incredibly costly and time-consuming.

Best Wix Alternatives: Our Top 3 Options [Ranked & Reviewed]

Without further adieu, let’s look at the top three web builders competing with Wix to deliver customers the best and most full-featured experience of any web builder.

1. Squarespace: Our Pick

Squarespace is Wix’s direct competitor, and they deliver a compelling suite of features and excellent design templates while improving on some of the shortcomings of Wix.

At first glance, Squarespace’s interface and functionality closely mirror Wix.

As you dive deeper into the platform, you realize that Squarespace provides more granular control over site design and functionality while offering even more beautiful and intuitive templates than Wix does.

Like Wix, there are a few flaws with Squarespace.

Still, many users find these flaws to be a small tradeoff in exchange for the additional design abilities and customization that Squarespace offers.

Key Features of Squarespace

• Design templates: Squarespace offers over 100 immersive design templates that are responsive across all devices and screen resolutions.
• eCommerce: Most plans feature powerful eCommerce tools, allowing you to sell products, services, subscriptions, and more. Plus, the marketing tools you’ll need to grow your store.
• Analytics: Every plan provides all the site data and analytical information you’ll need to help improve your SEO, optimize your website, and grow your audience.
• Plug-ins & Connected Services: Squarespace offers a broad range of plug-ins and integrations with popular services that can enhance your website.
• SEO: Unbeatable search engine optimization tools to help grow your audience and ensure that people have no trouble finding your site.

Wix vs Squarespace: How They Compare

While these two web builders are pretty similar, some critical differences will make one a more compelling choice than the other, depending on your business.

Squarespace offers more beautiful templates, but Wix provides more options.

Wix offers the most features, but Squarespace does better at building and perfecting each feature they offer.

For eCommerce businesses, Squarespace offers a more nuanced platform, with more options for companies that accept donations, sell subscriptions, or provide digital goods.

Why Is Squarespace a Great Alternative to Wix?

Squarespace is the most popular Wix competitor because they do an excellent job curating its designs and features.

You won’t find the depth of features with Squarespace that Wix offers.

You will find an incredibly well-curated selection of professional designs and highly detailed features that can save you and your team time and frustration.

Pros of Squarespace

• Highly curated templates for the design of your blog
• The most intuitive drag-and-drop site editor
• Excellent analytics and SEO

Regarding templates, Squarespace’s selection is the most beautiful and functional, while their site editor is intuitive, even considering there’s a bit more room for customization than with Wix.

They also offer all the analytics data and SEO tools you could ask for.

Cons of Squarespace

• Fewer 3rd-party integrations than Wix
• No phone support
• The lowest plan tier doesn’t offer eCommerce functionality

For all the excellent benefits of Squarespace, there are a few drawbacks.

The platform offers far fewer plug-ins and integrations than Wix, and they don’t provide live phone support like some competitors.

The final caveat might be a major one for small businesses looking to sell their products online.

The lowest plan tier offers no eCommerce tools, so if you plan to sell goods, you’ll need to upgrade to the Business or Commerce plans.

Squarespace Pricing

• Personal: $23/month ($16/month if billed annually)
• Business: $33/month ($23/month if billed annually)
• Commerce Basic: $36/month ($27/month if billed annually)
• Commerce Advanced: $65/month ($49/month if billed annually)

Can You Try Squarespace for Free?

Yes, you can try Squarespace for free.

While some editors provide a free plan that allows you to run a full-featured website, Squarespace provides a 14-day trial.

During the trial, you’ll have access to virtually all the features Squarespace provides across all their plan tiers.

You won’t have access to eCommerce tools, and your trial site is private and inaccessible without a password.

Still, it’s the ideal way to try the service before buying.

Should You Choose Squarespace Over Wix?

Squarespace is a compelling choice in the web development space, and most people consider it to be the most viable alternative to Squarespace.

If you’re looking for the most beautiful themes and the most uncomplicated interface to use, Squarespace could be a better fit for you than Wix.

2. Weebly: Runner-Up

With affordable plans and incredibly helpful tutorials for beginners, Weebly is an excellent choice for people building their first website and among the best website builders.

They offer helpful tutorials throughout the building process, especially regarding SEO.

Weebly also does an excellent job of providing helpful 3rd party apps that allow you to add functionality to your site without coding.

Key Features of Weebly

• Drag and drop site editor: Intuitive site editor allows you to edit your site using the same view your site visitors will see.
• Helpful tutorials: Useful help with pop-ups, tips, and how-to videos.
• Extensive app store: Tons of third-party integrations across every possible site category.
• eCommerce functionality: No matter which plan you choose, powerful eCommerce tools come with each one.
• Powerful blogging tools: Weebly offers excellent blogging tools built into every plan.

Wix vs Weebly: How They Compare

When you look at Weebly against Wix, you see a great deal of commonality between these two platforms at the surface.

Weebly doesn’t offer the level of detail that Wix does, and there are fewer themes and integrations.

But, it’s more affordable than Wix and virtually all its competitors.

Why Is Weebly a Great Alternative to Wix?

Weebly is an excellent alternative to Wix and its competitors because it offers a comparable selection of features, a solid editor, and excellent eCommerce and SEO tools.

While Weebly can’t compete with Wix on every level, their plans are considerably more affordable, and the savings they offer is a compelling reason to go with Weebly.

Pros of Weebly

• Unbeatable pricing
• Solid selection of 3rd party apps and integrations
• Helpful tutorials to get beginners up to speed

Weebly excels as an option for first-timers and new business owners because it’s affordable.

They offer an excellent selection of apps and integrations so you can add functionality to your site without coding.

Weebly also makes it easy for newbies to get up to speed, thanks to helpful tutorials.

Cons of Weebly

• Editor limitations
• Limited template selection
• Poor mobile optimization

Weebly isn’t without its flaws.

Their drag-and-drop editor works well but isn’t as intuitive as Squarespace or Wix.

The company also has a more limited selection of templates, and none optimized for mobile displays.

Weebly Pricing

• Free: $0/month
• Personal: $9/month ($6/month if billed annually)
• Professional: $16/month ($12/month if billed annually)
• Performance: $29/month ($26/month if billed annually)

Can You Try Weebly for Free?

Weebly offers perhaps the most generous free plan of any website builder on the market.

You can build a beautiful website at no charge, even if you’re an eCommerce business.

There are some storage limitations, and you won’t be able to connect a custom domain with a free plan, but many of the features reserved for their paid plans are still available for free.

Should You Choose Weebly Over Wix?

Weebly offers a solid mix of features, excellent value for the money, and helpful tutorials to help you get your website off the ground.

Weebly also provides enough integrations to compete with Wix’s ever-expanding app library.

Experienced users will likely find that Weebly falls a bit short regarding theme selection and site editing.

3. GoDaddy: Budget Pick

The first household name in the web building space, GoDaddy has continued to grow and reinvent itself.

Today, they’re a compelling option for anyone looking to launch an inexpensive and professional-looking website.

Best of all, GoDaddy still operates its registrar business, so it’s a one-stop shop for finding and registering the domain for your website.

Key Features of GoDaddy

• Drag and drop editor: Easily drag different site elements onto the page to quickly create content for your site.
• GoDaddy Studio: Create compelling social media content and post it to your social channels with a single click.
• Powerful social marketing tools: Post directly to your social channels, schedule posts, and even promote them directly from the GoDaddy editor.
• Excellent customer support: Knowledgeable staff is available by phone or email 24/7.
• Built-in SEO and marketing tools: Includes everything you need to increase visibility and help customers and site visitors engage with your site.

Wix vs GoDaddy: How They Compare

While GoDaddy can’t compete with Wix’s 3rd party integrations, they prove highly competitive in many other ways.

Their editor interface is simple, even for beginners, and they provide content and video creation tools that are indispensable for today’s business landscape. Most of GoDaddy’s plans are also considerably more affordable than Wix.

Why Is GoDaddy a Great Alternative to Wix?

GoDaddy makes it easy for all skill levels to create an excellent website and engage with customers and site visitors.

The company also makes it easier to take care of all your web business in one place, allowing you to pick and register a custom domain and build your site with a single provider.

Pros of GoDaddy

• Excellent content creation tools
• Easy to use site builder
• 24/7 support

GoDaddy excels at delivering content creation tools for your website and social channels, and they go deeper than many competitors in this regard.

The company also features an intuitive editor that makes it easy for total beginners to build beautiful websites.

Rounding out the best parts of GoDaddy is their customer service, which is available by phone 24/7.

Cons of GoDaddy

• No eCommerce features on lower plan tiers
• Pricing based on an introductory rate
• Far fewer integrations than top web builders

For all the good GoDaddy provides, there are some drawbacks.

The most glaring issue is that eCommerce tools are only available once you jump to the second most expensive plan tier.

All of their plan tiers take a big jump in price after an introductory rate in the first year, and they don’t offer nearly as many 3rd party apps as Wix does.

GoDaddy Pricing

• Free: $0/month
• Basic: $16.99/month ($9.99/month if billed annually for the first year)
• Premium: $26.99/month ($14.99/month if billed annually for the first year)
• Commerce: $29.99/month ($16.99/month if billed annually for the first year)
• Commerce Plus: $49.99/month ($29.99/month if billed annually for the first year)

Can You Try GoDaddy for Free?

Not only can you try GoDaddy for free, but they also offer a free-for-life plan that allows you to run a basic website at no charge.

With the free plan, you can build a single website with a free theme and host it on GoDaddy’s servers.

The company also provides some social and email marketing features for free users.

Should You Choose GoDaddy Over Wix?

GoDaddy delivers a compelling suite of features, including industry-leading content creation tools.

The company also offers a solid selection of 3rd-party integrations and excellent pricing (at least for the first year, anyway).

After the promotional pricing period, GoDaddy loses some of its luster compared to Wix and other major competitors.

The Best Free Wix Options

Beyond the excellent options above, there are several compelling alternatives to Wix for users who aren’t looking to pay a monthly subscription but still need a professional website.

4. Site123

Site123 is a newer web builder that’s been making waves with everyone, from bloggers and influencers to small businesses and entrepreneurs.

It’s easy to see why their service is becoming so popular and why it’s one of the best free blog sites; their editor is among the easiest to use in the industry, and they provide compelling features, even for users subscribing to their free plan.

Why is Site123 a Great Option?

Site123 allows you to get your website launched in record time thanks to their foolproof site builder, which feels a bit like you’re filling out a form.

There’s also an excellent selection of SEO and analytics tools to help grow your site’s audience.

Drawbacks to Site123

As you’d expect with any free website builder, there are a few drawbacks.

The eCommerce functionality is mediocre, and the theme selection is relatively pedestrian.

There aren’t many 3rd-party apps or integrations, and since the builder is so simple, Site123 isn’t the best builder for users who need to build complex and detailed websites.

5. WordPress.com

WordPress.com powers nearly half the internet, and it’s considered one of the most compelling options for building out a website, whether you’re building a blog or creating a website for a Fortune 500 company.

Why Is WordPress.com a Great Option?

WordPress is hands down the most versatile web-building platform on the internet, and the base platform is entirely free.

WordPress offers the largest library of 3rd-party apps and integrations and an intuitive and easy-to-use backend, which provides the greatest depth of analytics and SEO information of any web service provider.

Drawbacks to WordPress

While it’s impossible to argue the effectiveness or depth of tools that WordPress provides, there’s a significant learning curve compared to DIY site builders like Wix.

You’ll need at least some coding knowledge to create your site on WordPress.

The WordPress platform is free, but you’ll still need to pay to register your domain and host your website, and many of the most useful 3rd party integrations require a paid subscription.

You can expect to incur at least some costs when operating a WordPress site, even if they are less expensive than Wix.

Notable Mentions: Other Alternatives to Wix

Still unsure if you’ve found the right home for your new website? Let’s check out some other viable alternatives to Wix.

6. Zyro

Zyro is quickly becoming an excellent alternative to some of the more well-known site builders, thanks to their commitment to adding new features and functionality to their site building packages.

The company has recently added eCommerce tools, which makes Zyro an even more attractive option.

Why Is Zyro a Great Option?

Zyro is an ideal solution for time-strapped business owners and solopreneurs who need to build a compelling website but don’t have hours to spend on developing the site and writing copy.

Zyro offers AI-powered tools to help generate copy, a handy logo builder to help you launch your brand, and a growing collection of 3rd-party integrations.

Drawbacks to Zyro

Zyro is an exceptionally solid web builder that we expect will continue to evolve and become even better than it is today.

Presently, there are a few drawbacks, which include the need for a free plan and the inability to switch templates.

The royalty-free photo bank and photo editing capabilities also leave a lot to be desired.

7. Duda

Duda may lack the name recognition of Wix or Squarespace, but their useful features, excellent selection of premium templates, and powerful eCommerce functionality have quickly made them a top competitor.

Plus, the editor is as simple and intuitive as you could hope for, allowing you to build out complex sites in no time.

Why Is Duda a Great Option?

Duda receives high marks for creating an easy-to-use site editor that’s less rigid than many of its competitors.

It’s easy to add custom HTML or CSS, allowing you to personalize your site more than most of the competition.

Duda also delivers more than 100 beautiful templates, best-in-class analytics, and surprisingly strong eCommerce tools with support for memberships and digital goods.

Drawbacks to Duda

For all the excellent features Duda provides, it isn’t without its shortcomings.

Duda’s most glaring issue is the price, as they’re one of the most expensive site builders on the market.

Duda also offers a relatively pedestrian selection of 3rd-party apps and plug-ins, and not all of their templates are fully responsive to different displays.

8. Webflow

A robust hybrid tool that merges the functionality of a site builder with the higher level functionality of a content management system, a la WordPress, Magneto, or Drupal, Webflow is quickly becoming the first choice of designers and agencies looking for an alternative to WordPress.

While it may seem intimidating, it’s still easy enough to use for beginners.

Why Is Webflow a Great Option?

Webflow is the ideal choice for users who don’t love the rigidity of most site builders that lock you into a template and provide limited ability to customize it.

Webflow offers the best of both worlds, allowing anyone to create using the editor while providing the heavyweight backend functionality to turn any template into a custom experience for your website.

Drawbacks to Webflow

Webflow can be a bit intimidating for new users, even though it’s easy for newbies to use.

But, if you run into any hiccups along the way, you’re practically on your own.

Webflow offers a comprehensive self-help section, but their customer service is lacking, and it can take several days to have your issue addressed.

Even More Options To Check Out

Still searching? One of these powerful web builders might be a strong fit for you.

9. Webnode

Webnode is a unique site builder, providing support for more than twenty different languages on site.

For users who need to reach an international audience, Webnode is worth its weight in gold for this reason alone.

Webnode also provides solid analytics and SEO tools, free email addresses, and a simple editor with an excellent selection of quality templates.

Webnode’s eCommerce tools are pretty limited, and there are virtually no 3rd-party plug-ins available to increase your site’s functionality.

If they fix these glaring issues, Webnode will quickly become one of the most viable options in the site building space.

10. Jimdo

How would you like to build out your website in less time than it takes to make a cup of coffee?

If that sounds good to you, you’ll want to check out Jimdo.

Jimdo leverages AI to build beautiful websites in a matter of minutes, which is perfect for those on a time crunch.

The design templates are beautiful, and Jimdo’s sites load extremely fast.

While Jimdo does an excellent job of allowing you to create a beautiful site in record time, they lose their luster when you look behind the curtain.

If you need more functionality than a landing page or a simple site with a few subpages, Jimdo isn’t up to the task.

11. Shopify

For eCommerce businesses, it’s impossible to ignore Shopify.

This web builder caters exclusively to store owners looking to launch their digital business, and it eliminates virtually all of the non-commerce-specific features that other site builders need to support their user base.

If your primary focus is launching your store, Shopify should be the first provider you look toward.

Shopify is a bit rigid and has limited customization.

You’ll also be in trouble should you ever want to migrate away from Shopify, as they own all of the infrastructures to build your site, and you cannot export it.

Other Alternative Roundups (Similar to Wix)

While Wix is undoubtedly a frontrunner, there are plenty of other platforms you can choose to host your website.

It’s a topic we’re somewhat obsessed with, and we’ve written extensively about platforms like Shopify, WordPress, and Squarespace and all their alternatives.

1. Shopify Alternatives

Shopify is an undisputed champion for small and mid-size businesses that need to launch an online store.

There’s also a sea of Shopify alternatives that provide comparable and, in some cases, better service.

Check out our guide for help deciding which eCommerce platform is best for you.

2. WordPress Alternatives

WordPress is the most popular content management platform on earth, and they’ve spawned dozens of WordPress alternatives.

If you’re looking for a truly custom website that speaks directly to your brand, WordPress or similar services may be a better choice for you than builders like Wix or Squarespace.

3. Squarespace Alternatives

Squarespace is touted as being the most visually beautiful site builder on the market, and their design-based approach to website creation has made them, along with many Squarespace alternatives, quite popular.

Be sure to learn more about Squarespace, and its alternatives as you continue to decide on the best home for your new website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have some questions about Wix?

We’ve answered a few of the most popular questions below.

Wrapping Up

Wix is a heavyweight website builder that’s the preferred choice of millions of entrepreneurs and businesses.

There are also many viable competitors to Wix, with the most obvious choice being Squarespace.

Weebly and GoDaddy are also excellent alternatives for those who prefer to look beyond Wix and Squarespace.

Squarespace is our top choice because they provide the most beautiful and well-designed templates, and their features are well executed and allow for greater control over your site than Wix.

Be sure to check out both of these top competitors, along with several other options, as you continue your search.

Blogging is a fantastic way to share your knowledge with the world and reach the people most likely to benefit from your expertise.

Better yet, if you’re able to build an audience, it could become a lucrative pursuit with the potential to earn you an income online!

Moreover, starting your blog is easier than ever, thanks to the many free blogging platforms available.

With so many options to choose from, we’ve gone ahead and made a list of the best ones, including WordPress, the best blogging platform ever.

The 8 Best Blogging Platforms in 2022

Are you ready to start your blogging journey?

The following blogging platforms are the best ones you can publish content with in 2022.

So let’s learn what makes them such great choices for people looking to start commercial or personal blogs.

1. WordPress.org – Best Overall

WordPress.org (not to be confused with WordPress.com, another entrant on our list) tops our list as the best blogging platform overall.

Powering an astounding 43% of websites on the internet (probably including the one you’re on right now), it’s the world’s most popular blogging platform.

Surf the web, and you’ll likely land on at least one WordPress site.

There are many reasons why WordPress.org is so popular: first, it’s one of the most beginner-friendly free blogging platforms available.

Thanks to an easy-to-navigate user interface, you can kickstart a blog within minutes of downloading and installing this open-source software.

Second, WordPress.org is highly customizable. Not only are there thousands of free and paid themes available, but there are thousands of plugins too.

You can extend your WordPress blog with tools that help optimize your site for search engines, including tools that monitor site loading speed, produce opt-in pop-ups, and more.

Third, WordPress.org is the best free blogging platform because it integrates with other SEO software like Google Analytics (to monitor blog performance and traffic) and Google Adsense.

In addition to using the platform to publish articles, you can use other software with it to rank your articles on Google’s Search Engine Results Pages (SERPs).

Fourth, many hosting providers offer automatic WordPress installation with their subscription offers, going as far as to throw in a free domain name to sweeten the deal.

WordPress.org is just that ubiquitous.

Unfortunately, WordPress.org gets more complicated once you get past the initial functionality, so be forewarned: there’s a learning curve.

Also, it doesn’t offer a built-in feature for backing up your files, which is unfortunate, given how much content you can create with this platform.

Pros:

• Incredibly user-friendly for beginners and advanced users
• Tons of free software plugins
• Huge selection of free themes
• Amazing for SEO
• Lets you easily monitor blog traffic through integration with Google’s Analytics tool
• The best self-hosted solution

Cons:

• High learning curve once you move past its basic functionality
• No option for automatic backup or security

2. Joomla – Runner-Up

Joomla earns the runner-up position on our list for being the best alternative to WordPress.org.

This open-source Content Management System (CMS) is excellent for building blogs that foster community and is packed with features that make the process smooth.

The Joomla blogging platform has many useful functions that’ll make writing content much easier.

For example, you can create custom blog post types and publish your content in multiple languages.

Additionally, Joomla lets you manage potentially hundreds of users.

Moreover, this CMS has a huge collection of extensions to make blogging easier.

One of the most popular ones is the EasyBlog by StackIdeas, which introduces a drag-and-drop editor that’s cleaner than the one Joomla provides out-of-the-box.

Additionally, the EasyBlog extension lets you make automatic posts to your social media platforms.

And if you know how to code, you’ll feel right at home using Joomla.

Because this blogging platform is great for building complex websites, you can customize it using your coding know-how.

So if you believe your blog has the potential to become much bigger in the future, then Joomla is an excellent way to customize it as you scale.

Unfortunately, Joomla’s functionality means its learning curve is much steeper than WordPress.org.

As such, it may take more time to get up and running.

Moreover, even though Joomla has many extensions, the number still pales in comparison to what you can download when using its competitor WordPress.

Pros:

• Supports helpful blogging extensions like EasyBlog
• Excellent for building community-centric blogs
• Manage hundreds of users
• Lets you publish content in different languages
• Can create custom blog posts

Cons:

• Higher learning curve than competitor CMSs
• Not as many extensions as WordPress

3. Drupal – Best for Large Companies

If you run a large company that needs advanced features from your self-hosted blogging CMS, then Drupal might interest you.

This blogging platform goes above and beyond the basic blogging tools commonly included in other blogging platforms, making it a must-have for enterprise organizations in the blogging space.

Drupal provides hundreds of features out-the-box, and once you get past the initial stage of familiarizing yourself with the platform’s quirks, you’ll unlock its true blogging power.

Specifically, you’re not limited to creating blog posts on Drupal, as the CMS can create a variety of content types.

For example, you can create page templates, views, blocks, and so on.

Another of Drupal’s amazing features is its user permissions, which are more advanced than other CMS options.

You can give specific access to your blog admins, editors, and other personnel, so they can focus on their tasks without getting in the way of their teammates.

And with many other modules and features, Drupal can help you manage a blog that grows in complexity.

Additionally, it’s quite versatile in the ways you can use it.

It offers security tools for protecting your blog, accessibility tools for reaching disabled audiences, automation tools for marketing, and more.

Of course, Drupal’s complexity is its main drawback.

This blogging platform isn’t for beginner bloggers and will require that you put in the time and effort to become comfortable with its capabilities.

Moreover, small businesses and hobbyist bloggers won’t see the need for all its features.

Pros:

• Has features that accommodate the needs of enterprise-level organizations
• One of the most comprehensive blogging platforms
• Capable of creating many different content types
• Provides advanced user permissions for blog team members
• Manages complex blogs with ease

Cons:

• Too complicated for beginner bloggers
• Small businesses might not need all the features it provides

4. HubSpot CMS Hub – Most Versatile

Whether you run a small, medium, or enterprise website, the HubSpot CMS Hub can accommodate your needs.

It makes it to our list for being the most versatile blogging platform in 2022, thanks to being an all-in-one blogging tool.

HubSpot provides Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and marketing tools, with their CMS being the final component in that suite.

Online businesses that want to engage in content marketing through a blog can use the HubSpot CMS with the CRM and marketing tools.

In other words, you get all the tools you need in one place, including a free SSL certificate.

Usually, blogging platforms rely on integrations, plugins, and third-party software when managing the marketing aspect of the blog.

For example, you’d need to subscribe to third-party tools like SendInBlue to cultivate an email list.

However, with HubSpot, you have everything you need to build and maintain your list, distribute your blog’s newsletter, etc.

In fact, you can curate content based on your visitor’s past browsing behavior.

And the CMS Hub’s website builder lets you customize your site, making it easy to create a branding experience that resonates with your audience.

It’s too bad HubSpot doesn’t offer a free version of its CMS.

And unfortunately, HubSpot users who want to migrate their site to another CMS will find the process difficult at best.

Pros:

• CMS and marketing tools in one place
• Useful to small, medium, and enterprise websites
• The content curation feature makes it easy to personalize visitor experiences
• Includes a website builder for customizable blog
• Includes SSL certificate for blog protection

Cons:

• No free version of Hubspot’s content management system
• Complicated migration system from Hubspot to another CMS.

5. Medium.com – Best Hybrid Platform

Want to get your writing in front of a huge audience without setting up a website or buying a domain name?

If so, you might want to look into Medium.com.

Subscribing for a Medium account gives you the best of both worlds, i.e., a combined blogging and social media platform.

With Medium, you can get your content out into the world without worrying about web hosts, site building, pre-designed templates, or other incidentals associated with a traditional blog.

Instead, you get a completely free Medium.com subdomain associated with your account, letting you focus on what matters: writing great content.

Additionally, you might appreciate the social network aspect of this platform if you’re job hunting.

Medium.com has a huge readership, some of whom recruit for companies, making it an excellent place to create blogs demonstrating your skills and expertise.

For example, aspiring web developers use Medium.com to showcase their coding knowledge.

Unlike other free blogging platforms, Medium provides two ways to earn from your blog: through Member reading time and referred memberships.

With Member reading time, you earn money the more time Medium members spend reading the content you produce.

Meanwhile, referred memberships earn you money when you refer new members to Medium.

While Medium.com does away with the need to find ways to drive traffic to a self-hosted blog, there are downsides to the arrangement.

Mainly, it isn’t very customizable.

Also, it’s one to avoid if you plan to make money through blogging, as you can’t put your own ads on it, etc.

And you can get suspended for unwitting violations of Medium’s terms of service.

Pros:

• You can blog without worrying about setting up a website
• Excellent platform for job seekers looking to showcase their knowledge
• Built-in traffic source, thanks to a high readership
• Keeps your focus on the content creation aspect of blogging
• Completely free to join

Cons:

• Few options to make money (if at all)
• Website layout isn’t very customizable
• Your blog can be suspended because of Medium.com’s whims

Bottom Line

Medium.com is a fantastic hybrid blogging platform for showcasing your know-how to prospective employers.

Consider using it to get your thoughts out there if you’re looking for a job.

6. WordPress.com – Best for Beginners

Often confused with the self-hosted version (which ends with .org), WordPress.com makes our list for being the best blogging platform for beginner bloggers.

If you’re considering testing the blogging waters, this platform is the place to get your feet wet (possibly before moving on to the self-hosted WordPress).

But before we continue, let’s settle the difference between WordPress.com and WordPress.org once and for all: in summary, the former platform is a blog-hosting service, whereas the latter is a self-hosting one.

In other words, you won’t need to get a hosting provider when you sign up for a free WordPress.com account.

Additionally, WordPress.com is easier to use than WordPress.org.

You don’t have to worry about a complicated backend, plugins, themes, and other website building tools and add-ons.

Once you’ve set up your account, you can start creating the content that’ll go on your WordPress.com subdomain.

With WordPress hosting your blog, you’d think perks like having your own domain name would be out of reach (as it is with other platforms like Medium.com).

However, you can upgrade your subscription for a small fee to get premium features like a custom domain name and extra file storage space.

But it isn’t all rainbows and unicorns with WordPress.com.

This platform suffers from the same issue all free platforms face, which is a tradeoff between a free account and web address autonomy.

In other words, you’ll find WordPress.com limiting in the ways you can grow your blog and find yourself looking to its older sister, the more robust WordPress.org.

Pros:

• The best blogging platform for beginners
• Easier to use than WordPress.org
• Blog-hosting service eliminates the need for a web host
• Custom domain name available with the paid subscription plan
• No setup or plugins required

Cons:

• Limited features compared to WordPress.org
• You don’t own your blog

7. Wix – Best for e-Commerce

Wix.com earns the distinction of 2022’s best blogging platform for e-commerce, thanks to its website builder and drag-and-drop functionality.

With a free Wix account, you can launch your blog in no time, making it ideal for beginners and small business owners who prioritize ease of use over functionality.

The Wix.com platform gives blog owners many options for building an e-commerce site.

For example, the Wix Editor comes with more than 700 pre-designed free blog templates, so you can select and modify a theme.

Alternatively, you can try Wix’s Artificial Design Intelligence feature, which builds a site for you with the information filled in a questionnaire.

Additionally, you can build your blog from scratch if you’ve got technical skills (i.e., HTML and CSS knowledge).

And when you’re happy with your design, you can set up subdomains that distinguish your online store from the store’s blog.

Wix.com excels at multimedia posts.

You can embed photos and videos into each blog post, showcasing your store’s products to potential customers.

Moreover, posts can be grouped into topics, making your content marketing efforts more organized.

And it’s easy to use the email tool to push content to blog subscribers.

The only drawback to using Wixcom is it isn’t as comprehensive as other blogging platforms.

For example, it lacks features you’d find in a CMS like WordPress.

Pros:

• Easily build a complex site/professional blog using the Wix website builder
• Wix’s Artificial Design Intelligence lets you build a blog using the power of AI
• Wix Editor offers a fantastic selection of themes and templates
• Nice theme customization options
• Wix Email tool lets you push notifications to existing customers

Cons:

• The free plan is extremely limited compared to the paid plans
• You’re stuck with the template you chose when you first created your blog
• Lacks functionality commonly found with most content management systems

8. Blogger – Best for Hobbyist Bloggers

Rounding out our list of best blogging platforms in 2022 is Blogger, Google’s free blogging service.

No best blogging platforms list would be complete without a nod to Blogger, as it’s one of the oldest blogging platforms, pre-dating WordPress.org by a couple of years.

However, it makes our list for being the best for hobbyist bloggers.

Before Blogger became Google-owned, it was launched by a company called Pyra Labs at the tail end of the ’90s.

Since Google’s acquisition, a Google account is all you need to start a blog with Blogger.

That’s right—if you have a Google account already, you’re all set to start blogging using Blogger!

Blogger is one of the most low-stakes blogging platforms available.

Not only is it free to use, but you can also start a blog around your hobby within minutes of signing up.

Moreover, it handles multimedia files well, meaning you can embed images and videos into your Blogger web pages.

Unfortunately, Blogger isn’t a platform you’d turn to if you were creating a serious business site as a free-to-use tool.

So you won’t get a lot of customizability or extensions, and neither can you make money with it the way other platforms make it so easy.

Pros:

• Excellent for hobbyist bloggers
• Free to use
• You can sign up to Blogger using your Google account
• Setup a blog within minutes
• Old blogging platform owned by Google

Cons:

• Not suitable for creating a business-oriented website

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Blogging Platform

When choosing a blogging platform, it’s important to consider the following factors to get your blog off to a good start:

1. Abundance of Themes

Your blog’s theme is what your visitors will see when they land on your site, i.e., how all the information on your blog will be laid out.

If you’re particular about making a good first impression or creating a specific feeling among your readership, you’ll need to consider a blogging platform that provides abundant themes.

Look at it this way: themes aren’t one size fits all, meaning a theme designed for blogs about boxing may not be the best fit for blogs centered around gardening.

Therefore, prioritize blogging platforms that offer a generous selection of free and premium themes.

2. Plugins and Integrations

Even though most blogging platforms are packed to the teeth with features to help you start blogging quickly, there may still be a specific blog feature you need that isn’t included.

Luckily, a lot of web developers offer software plugins as digital products whose purpose is to extend the platform.

Additionally, if you plan on making money with your blog, you’ll need to choose a platform that integrates with software like Google Analytics to help you understand who your blog’s visitors are and where they’re coming from.

3. Editor

You’ll be interacting with your chosen blogging platform’s content editor a lot, so it’s important that it agree with you from the onset.

A good blogging platform should have an easily navigable content editor that allows you to structure your content in a hierarchy that search engines can follow.

Also, you should be able to preview your content before publishing and remove page components like widgets that your pages have no use for.

4. Search Engine Optimization Tools

SEO features are essential for any business-minded blogger.

If you want to use your blog for online entrepreneurship, you should consider blogging platforms that either has them built-in or can integrate with them.

SEO tools like lead capture pop-ups, site loading speed calculators, and more will make your blog SEO-friendly, resulting in more traffic and visibility.

Note that you won’t have to consider this factor if you’re not self-hosting your own site.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

With free and self-hosted options to choose from, you can begin your blogging journey with any of the blogging platforms mentioned in our list.

WordPress.org is our number one recommendation because it ticks all the boxes a good blogging platform should, including SEO functionality, ease of use, and more.

It’s the world’s most popular blogging platform for a reason and provides a more streamlined path to blog profitability if you plan on making money with your blog.

Those days are gone, thanks to video conferencing platforms.

This accessible software gives each user the ability to be on video and audio on the same call.

Many people work remotely, so video gives them a chance to interact with coworkers.

Read on to learn about the 15+ best video conferencing platforms and how they can elevate your business.

An Overview of Video Conferencing Platforms

There are many different video conferencing platforms.

They all offer an opportunity to video chat with coworkers or clients in other locations.

Many also allow you to host webinars and professional development events and collaborate with teammates using interactive features.

Many of the programs on this list are also ideal platforms for virtual conferences.

What Is a Video Conferencing Platform?

A video conferencing platform is software that allows you to host meetings regardless of where your team members live.

You can schedule conference calls, lead webinars, sponsor virtual events, and collaborate with coworkers.

These programs give you the chance to work closely with people that might be in another country.

Why Are Video Conferencing Platforms Important?

With more and more people working remotely, video conferencing platforms are an important way to keep everyone together.

You can host video meetings and see your coworkers and clients face-to-face, establishing a bond.

You get to hear people speak instead of trying to decipher their tone from a written email.

Do I Need a Video Conferencing Platform?

If you’re working remotely, you need a video conferencing platform.

You can use the software to host meetings or chat with your coworkers.

You can even use the program to talk to friends and family that live far away.

Hosting game nights, dance parties, and trivia events are nice benefits of using video conferencing.

The Best Video Conferencing Platforms at a Glance

Since so many people work remotely, there are many video conferencing platforms available.

You want to find something that connects your team without interruptions or glitches and preferably doesn’t ask them to download cumbersome software.

This overview helps you understand which one is best, both in terms of paid and free options.

What Is the Best Video Conferencing Platform?

Zoom is the best video conferencing platform.

It’s well-known to the extent that many people call video chatting “Zooming.”

There are free options with limits, as well as affordable paid plans.

The platform is easy to use, whether you’re hosting a professional webinar or getting friends together for a virtual game night.

What Is the Best Free Video Conferencing Platform?

The best free video conferencing platform is Google Meet.

Google is the top pick for both personal and work email and document creation, so it’s nice to host meetings through the platform, too.

You already know how to use Google, so it’s one of the best alternatives to Zoom.

Features To Look For in Video Conferencing Platforms

Knowing what to look for in a video conferencing platform can help you make the right decision.

Check out what each feature offers and how it can streamline your business.

When you read the platform reviews, you’ll know if it meets your needs before committing to a service.

1. Collaboration Features

Hosting a video meeting is a great way to interact with coworkers, but some businesses need more.

They want to share their screen so everyone can see the same document.

Making notes and having a virtual whiteboard are additional collaboration features that can make your meetings even more productive.

2. Number of Participants

Using a free video-conferencing platform suits your budget, but if you can only have two people in each call, it isn’t much use.

Check the number of participants for each plan to ensure you can host your team.

You might need to have 25 coworkers on at the same time, so choose the right plan.

3. Meeting Limit

Free video conferencing platforms have time limits for the meetings.

A free Zoom account gives you a 40-minute meeting.

You can schedule them consecutively, creating a block of several hours, but your participants have to rejoin each one.

A platform with no time limit might best suit your business needs.

4. Integrations

A platform with integrations gives you the chance to do more with the software.

You can host webinars and conferences by connecting to presentation sites.

You can direct participants to specific sites or ensure they’re interacting with your displayed content.

Integrations streamline what you can accomplish with a video conference.

5. Cost

Cost is the biggest concern regarding video conferencing platforms.

With many available for free, you might wonder why you should pay for the service.

Consider your budget first, but also make sure you’re checking out what you get for each plan tier and how those features will impact your meetings.

Best Video Conferencing Platforms: Our Top 3 Options [Ranked & Reviewed]

Of all the video conferencing platforms available, there are three that stand out to us the most.

Read on to find out why we recommend these services.

Zoom: Our Pick

Zoom soared to popularity during the pandemic when people were working and socializing from home.

Our Pick

Zoom soared to popularity during the pandemic when people were working and socializing from home.

You can use this software to host meetings, get-togethers with friends, and host webinars.

Visit ZoomRead Zoom reviews

You can use this software to host meetings, get-togethers with friends, and host webinars.

Participants can activate their video stream, use audio only, and communicate via chat.

Zoom works on computers, laptops, tablets, and smartphones.

Key Features of Zoom

These five features make Zoom stand out as the best video conferencing platform.

• Device Compatibility: Work from your computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone.
  It’s accessible from anywhere with a WiFi connection, so your team has no trouble joining.
• Screen Sharing: The host can share their screen to give a presentation.
  They can also allow other users to share their screens to make the meeting interactive.
• Recording: Zoom has the option to record your meetings so you can save presentations.
  This feature makes it ideal for training you might want to review later.
• Scheduler: You can book meetings through the Zoom website or app and integrate them into your calendar.
  Participants will get periodic reminder emails.
• Breakout Rooms: If you’re hosting a large event, you can utilize breakout rooms to allow participants to talk in small groups.
  You can assign rooms or do it randomly.

Why Is Zoom a Great Solution?

Zoom is a great solution because anyone can use it.

Host a meeting from your smartphone and allow participants to join even if they don’t have a Zoom account.

You can use the app or a browser, so there are no requirements that make it tough to join a meeting.

Pros of Zoom

• Waiting Room: Participants gather in a waiting room before you admit them, so you can ensure each user should attend the meeting.
• Locked Option: Once you start the meeting, you can lock the room to prevent hackers and Zoom bombers from throwing your presentation off course.
• Passwords: Another security option is setting a password for every meeting.
  Only users who get a formal invitation get the meeting room password for admission.

Cons of Zoom

• Meeting Limit: Zoom’s 40-minute limit on free meetings is a little short.
  Users often get kicked out before they’ve completed their session and have to rejoin a new one.
• Recording Alert: When you start to record the meeting, an alert pops up to notify participants.
  It’s fine for privacy, but you’ll hear that voice message in your recording.
• No Comment Flow: Comments on Zoom meetings seem random because you can’t reply to a specific one.
  There’s no control over the language used, either.

Zoom vs. Other Top Recommendations: How They Compare

Zoom is popular because it’s so easy to use.

Even with a free plan, you get a lot of benefits from the platform.

Participants don’t need an account to join your meeting and can log on from various devices with no issue.

The paid plans offer a lot for companies that need to host video meetings, making it worth the investment.

Zoom Pricing

• Pro plan: $149.90 a year
• Business plan: $199.90 per year
• Business Plus plan: $250 a year
• Enterprise plan: Available by contacting Zoom directly

Can You Try Zoom for Free?

Yes, the Basic plan is free.

You can host meetings for up to 100 people with a 40-minute time limit.

You get the basic perks of a Zoom meeting, including group chat and file sharing.

You can use three whiteboards and share your screen.

For longer meetings, schedule multiple free sessions.

Conclusion: Should You Choose Zoom?

Yes, you should choose Zoom for your video conferencing needs.

The free plan can serve as a free trial while you see all the software has to offer.

If you only need short meetings, the free plan can last indefinitely.

But heavy users will find the paid options affordable, especially considering all the features they include.

Microsoft Teams: Runner-Up

A close competitor of Zoom is Microsoft Teams.

Runner Up

This software helps businesses host meetings and webinars so everyone can work together.

Since it’s compatible with Microsoft Office, you know it’s going to integrate nicely with other software you already use for work.

Visit Microsoft TeamsRead Microsoft Teams reviews

This software helps businesses host meetings and webinars so everyone can work together.

Since it’s compatible with Microsoft Office, you know it’s going to integrate nicely with other software you already use for work.

Personal plans include access to Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and other apps.

Key Features of Microsoft Teams

Microsoft users will love all the features Teams has to offer.

These options elevate your business’s efficiency.

• Asynchronous Options: For coworkers that don’t need to meet in real-time, Teams allows you to post messages and collaborate on documents on your own time.
• Integration: Companies using Microsoft will like having a video that works with other programs like Outlook, SharePoint, and more.
  It also resembles other Microsoft apps.
• Telephony: Teams works like a phone, with options to leave voicemail, forward calls, and host a conference call.
  This also lets participants call into meetings to participate.
• Chat: Users can share comments in the chat during a meeting. It supports text, pictures, and gifs. Participants can react to others’ comments to foster a sense of community.
• Channels: Organize communication and meetings according to project or theme with channels. Everyone can find relevant information in one place for collaboration.

Why is Microsoft Teams a Great Solution?

Small businesses love Microsoft Teams because they often already use Microsoft Office.

It’s natural to want a familiar video conferencing platform.

Teams delivers that and much more, with the ability to collaborate through notes and other documents.

You can do everything through one dashboard, simplifying the login process for your employees and clients.

Pros of Microsoft Teams

• Collaboration: You’re not limited to video calls with Teams.
  You can work on projects with coworkers in real-time or asynchronously through text, notes, and audio.
• Organization: Zoom is only a video platform, but Microsoft helps with collaboration and organization by storing files, notes, and recordings in specific channels for easy access.
• Easy to Use: If you’re familiar with Microsoft Office, you’ll intuitively know how to use Teams.
  The dashboard is straightforward, so there’s no learning curve.

Cons of Microsoft Teams

• Connectivity: Teams experiences lag and connectivity issues more than Zoom.
  This frustrates many users and can waste their time.
• Multiple Accounts: Users with multiple Microsoft accounts can’t see what profile they’re using to join a Teams meeting.
• Storage: With all Teams offers, it uses a lot of storage on your device and in the cloud.

Microsoft Teams vs. Other Top Recommendations: How They Compare

Microsoft users will automatically prefer Teams over other platforms because it integrates into their work software so easily.

But when you look at the free plan, it offers a lot more than the free Zoom option.

Zoom focuses more on video, too, while Teams allows collaboration in many different ways.

Microsoft Teams Pricing

Microsoft Teams has separate pricing for business and personal use. Business plans include:

• Microsoft Teams Essentials: $4 a month per user
• Microsoft 365 Business Basic: $6 a month per user
• Microsoft 365 Business Standard: $12.50 a month per user

Personal plans include:

• Microsoft 365 Personal: $6.99 a month
• Microsoft 365 Family: $9.99 a month

Can You Try Microsoft Teams for Free?

Yes, you can use Microsoft Teams for free.

A one-on-one meeting can last up to 30 hours.

Group meetings last for an hour and have a capacity of 100 participants.

You even get cloud storage, closed captions, and interactive meeting features like polling.

Conclusion: Should You Choose Microsoft Teams?

Microsoft Teams is a great platform that offers video conferencing and more.

You’ll be able to collaborate with your team when you work remotely, even if you’re not in a meeting.

It’s easy to use for those familiar with Microsoft.

Users who can’t get online can join meetings with a phone, so no one gets left out.

Zoho Meeting: Budget Pick

Zoho Meeting is the budget pick for video conferencing because the paid plans are more affordable than Zoom or Microsoft Teams.

Also Great

Zoho Meeting is the budget pick for video conferencing because the paid plans are more affordable than Zoom or Microsoft Teams.

It also has a free option that provides many people with exactly what they need.

Visit Zoho MeetingRead Zoho Meeting Reviews

It also has a free option that provides many people with exactly what they need.

It goes above, and beyond the free Zoom limitations, so it might provide the features you want at no cost at all.

Key Features of Zoho Meeting

Zoho Meeting offers a lot of features for a low price.

See what the platform can do to streamline your video meetings.

• Presentations: Share your screen or connect a monitor to present information to your coworkers or audience.
  This feature makes Zoho Meeting great for webinars.
• Mobile Apps: Users can join from anywhere with the mobile app.
  You still have the option to screen share and chat from the app for seamless engagement.
• No Downloads: Participants don’t need a Zoho account or special software to join a meeting.
  They can visit the link in their browser to join immediately.
• Syncing: Sync your scheduled Zoho Meetings with calendars on your computer or phone.
  Participants can do it, too, through the link in their invitations.
• Reminders: Once users accept an invitation, they can RSVP so you know who’s attending.
  They’ll also get automated reminders about the upcoming session.

Why is Zoho Meeting a Great Solution?

Zoho Meeting is a great solution because the free plan offers more than Zoom’s free option.

You can use that plan with very few limitations.

However, if you need more features, the paid plans are among the most affordable in the industry.

Your business can integrate the simplicity of Zoho Meeting without breaking the budget.

Pros of Zoho Meeting

• Affordable: Zoho Meeting offers the most affordable paid plans of our top three options.
  Businesses on a budget will appreciate the features they get for the price.
• Notes: The platform uses Session Notes, so you can update a document during the meeting and save it for later reference.
• Performance Rating: You can see how your device performs during the meeting, so you know if you’re glitching for other users.

Cons of Zoho Meeting

• No Captions: Zoho Meeting doesn’t have the capacity to generate closed captions like Zoom and Microsoft Teams.
  Your meetings won’t be as accessible for all users.
• No Recording: You can’t record the video meetings, so there’s no way to save what you’ve discussed for other viewers to see later.
• Limited Notes: While you can use Session Notes to document the meeting, you do it yourself.
  Other platforms use AI to generate meeting notes.

Zoho Meeting vs. Other Top Recommendations: How They Compare

When considering Zoho Meeting, the price is the biggest concern.

It’s more affordable than other options without being a bare-bones platform.

However, if you want perks like AI-generated captions, meeting recordings, and collaborative features, you won’t find them here.

You’re better off choosing another host, even though you’ll pay more for the privileges.

Zoho Meeting Pricing

• Meeting plan: $3 a month per host
• Webinar plan: $16 a month per organizer

You can pay an additional annual fee of $192 to record your meetings.

Can You Try Zoho Meeting for Free?

Yes, you can use the Zoho Meeting free plan with very few restrictions.

Meetings can last an hour with up to 100 participants.

If you’re considering a paid plan, you can take advantage of the 14-day free trial.

You don’t have to input credit card information until you know it’s right.

Instead, try all the features for two weeks and see if it’s what you need.

Conclusion: Should You Choose Zoho Meeting?

Yes, you should choose Zoho Meeting if you’re looking for an affordable solution.

The free plan offers a lot for many businesses, and paid plans have a low price.

Businesses needing to stick to a budget and only host basic meetings on a video conferencing platform will appreciate Zoho Meeting.

The Best Free Video Conferencing Platforms Options

Our top three options have free plans, but there are limits to those accounts.

These two platforms are the best free video conferencing options available.

Google Meet

Most people use Google in some way, either as a search engine, for email, or for workplace document tools.

Google Meet is the company’s free option for video conferencing.

It integrates seamlessly with other Google apps, including Gmail, Calendar, and Docs.

You can send users invitations in Gmail with Calendar reminders until they join the session from the link.

Visit Google MeetRead Google Meet reviews

Google Meet is the company’s free option for video conferencing.

It integrates seamlessly with other Google apps, including Gmail, Calendar, and Docs.

You can send users invitations in Gmail with Calendar reminders until they join the session from the link.

Why Is Google Meet a Great Option?

Google Meet is a great option because so many people already use Google.

You log into Gmail, see a Google Meet invitation, and can join with no additional steps necessary.

See the meeting in your browser without needing to download specific software.

You get the same features as other platforms, with breakout rooms, polls, and attendance tracking.

Drawbacks to Google Meet

The free plan has some limits, such as hour-long meetings and no option to record sessions.

A Google One Premium Plan increases that limit to 24 hours, eliminates background noise, and includes 2 TB of storage.

The perks sound good, but you have to pay $9.99 a month, which doesn’t fit into some people’s budgets.

RingCentral

If you’re looking for something more than a video conferencing platform, RingCentral has you covered.

Their services include phone and text options, too.

The free plan offers what many of the top platforms charge for, such as 24-hour meeting limits with 100 attendees.

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Their services include phone and text options, too.

The free plan offers what many of the top platforms charge for, such as 24-hour meeting limits with 100 attendees.

You also have the ability to share notes and work collaboratively on a whiteboard.

Why Is RingCentral a Great Option?

RingCentral lets participants join the meeting without needing to download software.

They can use their browser or join from an app on their device.

The free plan doesn’t have many limits in terms of length and capacity, but you don’t get all the features you would with a paid plan.

If you’re looking for accessible meetings with plenty of joining options, RingCentral does it.

Drawbacks to RingCentral

Though the platform offers a lot for free, there are some negatives.

You can use a Q&A option for a webinar because there’s no moderation.

If you want premium features, you have to get a paid plan.

They range from $29 to $59 a month, which is more expensive than many other options on this list.

Notable Mentions: Other Video Conferencing Platforms To Check Out

If our top three choices and the free options didn’t seem to suit your needs, never fear.

There are other video conferencing platforms that can provide everything you want for online collaboration.

These notable mention options have a range of features for anyone from freelancers to large corporations.

ClickMeeting

People wanting to host large meetings and events will appreciate ClickMeeting.

People wanting to host large meetings and events will appreciate ClickMeeting.

You can host up to 20,000 people simultaneously.

Since you can customize the platform to represent your brand identity, you’ll love how users get a sense of your company based on aesthetics alone.

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You can host up to 20,000 people simultaneously.

Since you can customize the platform to represent your brand identity, you’ll love how users get a sense of your company based on aesthetics alone.

It’s ideal for large team meetings and webinars.

Why is ClickMeeting a Great Option?

ClickMeeting stands out because you can send participants custom invitations that complement your brand.

It makes you look more professional and helps you stand out in the sea of bland calendar invites.

You won’t leave users hanging in the waiting room, either—they have a chance to review your meeting agenda, so they’re prepared for the session.

Drawbacks to ClickMeeting

ClickMeeting performance is hit or miss among users.

Some find that their connectivity is shaky.

People get kicked off the webinar and can’t rejoin or have trouble hearing the presenter.

This issue is common with online work, but it doesn’t seem like ClickMeeting has tried to solve the problem.

Their customer service is hard to reach.

ClickMeeting Pricing

• Live plan: $25 a month
• Automated plan: $40 a month

You can specify how many attendees you’ll have in your meetings, which can increase your plan price.

The prices above refer to up to 25 attendees, while 50 participants make the Live plan $35 and the Automated plan $45.

This flexibility ensures that small and large businesses both can use ClickMeeting.

Can You Try ClickMeeting for Free?

Yes, you can try ClickMeeting for free.

The 30-day trial doesn’t require credit card information to activate.

You get to see everything the platform offers, including automation for captions and notes.

Skype

Skype started in 2003 and became a popular video call option for friends, family, and job interviews.

Skype started in 2003 and became a popular video call option for friends, family, and job interviews.

The company helped keep people in touch with others around the world.

Visit SkypeRead Skype Reviews

The company helped keep people in touch with others around the world.

It wasn’t until recently that the platform boosted its video conferencing options with features like file uploads, screen sharing, and recording calls.

Why is Skype a Great Option?

Skype is a great option because it has almost two decades of experience online.

The platform offers video conferencing, video chats, phone calls, and instant messaging.

You can use Skype as your phone line and contact other mobile phones or landlines.

The plans reflect the diverse services, so you can pay for exactly what you need.

Drawbacks to Skype

One of the biggest Skype drawbacks is its sound quality.

It picks up on background noises very easily, without silencing them or boosting the voice volume accordingly.

This issue can create major distractions during your meeting or presentation.

You can solve the issue with your own audio equipment, but an equalizer in the software would be ideal.

Skype Pricing

• United States plan: $2.99 a month
• North America plan: $6.99 a month
• India plan: $7.99 a month

Can You Try Skype for Free?

Yes, Skype has a great free plan that lets you use most features.

Any Skype-to-Skype calls are free, but if you want to call a phone number, you have to pay.

Video meetings are free with up to 100 participants.

GoToMeeting

GoToMeeting makes it easy for users to start or join a meeting regardless of platform.

GoToMeeting makes it easy for users to start or join a meeting regardless of platform.

It works on Android, iOS, Linux, and Windows.

You can create a general meeting or schedule one in advance using your business’s branding and logo, along with a custom URL.

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It works on Android, iOS, Linux, and Windows.

You can create a general meeting or schedule one in advance using your business’s branding and logo, along with a custom URL.

Why is GoToMeeting a Great Option?

GoToMeeting is great because it offers unlimited cloud recording, something not many other video conferencing platforms do.

It also includes drawing tools and automated note-taking.

Its transcription is better than most options.

Since it’s better, you end up paying more for the quality of these features.

Drawbacks to GoToMeeting

For all the features GoToMeeting offers, it’s a drawback that it doesn’t provide a whiteboard.

When you’re in a video meeting, using a whiteboard is a great opportunity for brainstorming.

Since the software has so many other collaborative tools, it’s strange this isn’t included.

With such a high price, you’d expect more basic features.

GoToMeeting Pricing

• Basic plan: $24 a month
• Standard plan: $29 a month
• Premium plan: $43 a month

Can You Try GoToMeeting for Free?

Yes, you can get a 14-day free trial of GoToMeeting.

Choose the plan you think best fits your needs and try it for two weeks before committing.

BlueJeans Meetings

BlueJeans Meetings is a video conferencing platform from Verizon, making it one of the best options in terms of sound.

Businesses hosting client meetings and presentations will appreciate how professional this software helps you appear.

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BlueJeans Meetings is a video conferencing platform from Verizon, making it one of the best options in terms of sound.

Businesses hosting client meetings and presentations will appreciate how professional this software helps you appear.

Why is BlueJeans Meetings a Great Option?

BlueJeans Meetings is a great option because it works on any platform without compromising features like generated transcripts and breakout rooms.

The dashboard is intuitive, so you’ll have no problem scheduling a meeting, inviting users, accessing recordings, or creating breakout groups.

Drawbacks to BlueJeans Meetings

There are some drawbacks to BlueJeans Meetings if you’re using the browser version compared to the app.

Collaborating with people across different platforms can restrict what you’re capable of accomplishing.

BlueJeans Meetings Pricing

• BlueJeans Standard: $9.99 a month
• BlueJeans Pro: $13.99 a month
• BlueJeans Enterprise: $16.66 a month
• BlueJeans Enterprise Plus: custom price

Can You Try BlueJeans Meetings for Free?

Yes, you can try BlueJeans Meetings with a 14-day trial.

There’s no need to input payment information, so you can try with no strings attached.

If you don’t upgrade your plan before the end of the free trial, there’s no charge.

But if you find something you like, you can upgrade and continue using the service without interruption.

Crewdle

Crewdle is a green video conferencing platform that helps you understand the positive impact you’re making with online meetings.

You can configure the meeting length and participants to see how much gas and energy you’re saving.

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Crewdle is a green video conferencing platform that helps you understand the positive impact you’re making with online meetings.

You can configure the meeting length and participants to see how much gas and energy you’re saving.

While servers also produce emissions, Crewdle lowers that impact with their streaming method.

Why is Crewdle a Great Option?

Crewdle is a great option for companies who want to lessen their carbon footprint.

Whether you use the free or paid plan, you’ll get quality video conferencing without the strict limits of other platforms.

Though it uses an innovative method of streaming, it’s still secure, so you don’t have to worry about hackers.

Drawbacks to Crewdle

There are some performance issues with Crewdle when you’re working with people around the world.

It’s better to use this software for a company where computers link through the same network for a solid connection.

Crewdle Pricing

• Standard plan: $0 a month
• Pro plan: $4 a month

Can You Try Crewdle for Free?

Yes, Crewdle offers a Standard plan that’s free forever.

You can use it to host 45-minute long meetings for up to 30 people.

If you’re interested in the unlimited features of a paid plan, you can explore it with a free trial.

RemotePC Meeting

For businesses that are mostly or fully remote, the services included with RemotePC Meeting plans provide everything you need.

Integrate the software with Chrome, Outlook, or Yahoo to streamline the invitation process.

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For businesses that are mostly or fully remote, the services included with RemotePC Meeting plans provide everything you need.

Integrate the software with Chrome, Outlook, or Yahoo to streamline the invitation process.

Why is RemotePC Meeting a Great Option?

RemotePC Meeting does more than just video conferencing.

You get remote access, remote printing, and remote reboot—all through web access.

It includes quality features like whiteboards, file transfers, chats, and more.

Drawbacks to RemotePC Meeting

Plans are fairly expensive if you’re only going to host remote meetings and events occasionally.

Since it offers so many remote features, casual users probably won’t use it as much as they would Zoom or Google Meet.

If you’re paying this much for a service, you need to take advantage of everything it offers.

RemotePC Meeting Pricing

• Consumer plan: $19.50 or $39.50 a year
• SOHO plan: $79.50 a year
• Team plan: $299.50 a year
• Enterprise plan: $599.50 a year

Can You Try RemotePC Meeting for Free?

Yes, you can try RemotePC Meeting free with a seven-day trial.

Since it’s a fairly expensive option, you want to be sure you’ll get what you need from a paid plan.

Once you make a choice, you can commit to a year or more for major savings.

Even More Options To Check Out

The previously-reviewed video conferencing platforms offer a lot of special features for remote workers.

In case you didn’t find something ideal, read on to find out about more options.

Cisco Webex

Cisco Webex offers a solid platform for conference calls.

Cisco Webex offers a solid platform for conference calls.

The features include video chatting, messaging, and document sharing.

With Cisco as the largest global cybersecurity company, you can confidently share private documents without worrying about hackers.

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The features include video chatting, messaging, and document sharing.

With Cisco as the largest global cybersecurity company, you can confidently share private documents without worrying about hackers.

Participants can join through any device, whether it’s a computer, mobile, or even dialing in from a phone.

Customization has limits, so this isn’t the platform for you if you want to make unique invitations and use your brand colors for the meeting look.

FreeConference

FreeConference has some of the best audio and video quality, especially since you get this perk with the free account.

Paid plans offer additional features, such as security, so keep that in mind when sharing private documents.

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FreeConference has some of the best audio and video quality, especially since you get this perk with the free account.

Paid plans offer additional features, such as security, so keep that in mind when sharing private documents.

The platform lets participants call in for audio-only, increasing its reach.

Each plan allows 1,000 call participants, but the web participants have limits.

Even the Pro plan only handles 100 web participants, so this might not be the best choice for large corporations.

Lifesize

Lifesize has a great reputation for high quality, from the video to the audio.

You can transfer files and collaborate with teammates across time zones.

The 4k video means you can broadcast the meeting on large-screen monitors and TVs without a decrease in quality.

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Lifesize has a great reputation for high quality, from the video to the audio.

You can transfer files and collaborate with teammates across time zones.

The 4k video means you can broadcast the meeting on large-screen monitors and TVs without a decrease in quality.

One major perk with Lifesize is the ability to search participants so you know who’s attending.

However, there aren’t many additional features like breakout rooms or audio-only options.

BigMarker

BigMarker is a great video conferencing platform, especially for hosting webinars.

It has more features than other options, including recording, chat, Q&A, polls, and handouts.

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BigMarker is a great video conferencing platform, especially for hosting webinars.

It has more features than other options, including recording, chat, Q&A, polls, and handouts.

For businesses that need to engage with their audience, BigMarker is the best choice.

The software is cloud-based, so you don’t need to install a program or make an account to attend.

It also integrates with email and marketing tools, which can improve your attendance rate.

U Meeting

U Meeting is an affordable video conferencing platform with solid features.

It’s better for occasional users on a budget because it doesn’t offer as much as other options.

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U Meeting is an affordable video conferencing platform with solid features.

It’s better for occasional users on a budget because it doesn’t offer as much as other options.

The free version is on par with Zoom, so you can try it out before buying a plan.

It’s easy to set up meetings from the app, but you can also log in on a browser to access the dashboard.

Once you start the meeting, you’ll love the filters available to help you look your best.

Whereby

Whereby is a service that’s easy for hosts and participants alike.

Whereby is a service that’s easy for hosts and participants alike.

As a host, you can easily customize the invitation and meeting to represent your brand.

Plans are affordable and include the ability to create your own URL and record meetings.

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As a host, you can easily customize the invitation and meeting to represent your brand.

Plans are affordable and include the ability to create your own URL and record meetings.

Participants don’t need to do anything to join a meeting besides clicking a link.

It’s a streamlined process so you can focus on the meeting or webinar content.

It also integrates with Google, YouTube, Slack, Outlook, and more.

Other Products Relevant to Video Conferencing Platforms

Sometimes you might need more than a video conferencing platform for remote work.

Check out these other products that can keep your team connected around the world.

Whether you need a host, a search engine, or the ability to keep recordings of your meetings, we’ve got you covered.

• Best Video Platforms: The best video platforms give you a chance to host your recordings, webinars, and training so others can view them.
• Best Video Search Engines: Without the right keywords, it can be hard for anyone to find your video. The best video search engines make it easy to find recorded content.
• Best Webinar Recording Software: Not every platform reviewed above includes the option to record. If you use the best webinar recording software, you can pair it with your preferred video conferencing platform.

Frequently Asked Questions

We reviewed more than 15 video conferencing platforms.

If you need more information, check out the answers to these frequently asked questions.

Wrapping Up

After reviewing 15+ video conferencing platforms, you might not know what’s your best choice.

Zoom is the most popular option because of its reputation and popularity.

The free account might have a time limit, but since you can schedule meetings back-to-back, you can work around that and not pay for the service.

Google Meet is another quality video conferencing platform.

It’s free through the Google Suite, so users pick up on the intuitive dashboard.

Whether you use a free option or a paid service, the best video conferencing platforms put you in touch with your clients and coworkers for collaboration.

Incidentally, online learning is cheaper, more effective, and less time-consuming than traditional education.

Therefore, deciding to study via online platforms is a decision that’s becoming easier every day that passes.

Among all the learning platforms, Skillshare is the best because of its instructors, high-quality courses, and versatility; however, there are many other great programs for you to choose from.

An Overview of Online Learning Platforms

Online platforms continue to be more popular thanks to their accessibility, cheaper cost, and high quality.

Higher education is a few clicks away.

We will inform you of the best learning programs out there so that you can choose the best online learning platform for you.

What Is an Online Learning Platform?

An online learning platform is a digital space where students can select from thousands of courses across numerous topics that interest them.

Similar to traditional education, these programs provide a safe environment to access course materials, learn, and interact with students and teachers in many ways.

The features such programs offer are plentiful, including assignments, lectures, learning interactions, quizzes, social forums/chats, and certificates upon program completion.

Why Are Online Learning Platforms Important?

It’s not inaccurate to think of an online learning platform as more of a marketplace.

It emphasizes the perspective of learners.

These platforms present new and innovative ways to educate anyone, anywhere, and anytime while earning degrees and certifications.

It is the evolution of the education system.

Features To Look For in Online Learning Platforms

Not all online learning platforms are equal.

Consequently, there are a few things that you should be on the lookout for to maximize the chances of finding the ideal online learning platform for yourself.

Below are crucial qualities that all come together to make for an excellent platform, just as long as most of them are present.

1. Price

Price is another variable to factor into your decision when choosing course materials that suits you.

Although there are free courses, the paid ones are often higher quality and more engaging.

You’ll find that some courses have free trials, and some even offer refunds.

Surprisingly, some courses give lifetime unlimited access to learners; other courses only work for a limited time via a subscription model.

2. Type of Course

eLearning communities each have a particular focus when it comes to learning.

Take, for instance, a platform such as edX that emphasizes formal education and provides more than 3,000+ accredited courses taught and created by prestigious institutions such as Harvard.

On the other hand, a platform like Udemy offers a wide range of subjects, from accounting and finance to cake decorating, with over 150,000 courses.

Your interests will dictate which platform you choose.

3. Read Ratings and Reviews

Most online platforms have ratings and reviews from learners who’ve taken the courses previously; they report their unique experiences when taking a specific course.

This is a great way to familiarize yourself with a course before fully committing to it and finding that you don’t like it.

Coursera and Skillshare are two platforms that have a comprehensive and visual review system.

4. Course Information

The course information is perhaps the most important information we should be informed about, from course duration, the syllabus, reading material, quizzes, and more.

Even though every platform provides this information, some platforms are more comprehensive than others.

For example, a platform like Udacity has an option whereby you can download the entire syllabus in a PDF format, giving you ample time to read it and decide whether you want the course or not.

5. Free Trials

Finding eLearning platforms that offer free trials when you first sign up is a great way to learn the platform and the kind of courses that they have available.

You should take advantage of the ability to try out courses for a particular number of days with no financial risk.

Skillshare is a very generous platform that offers learners a one-month free trial.

6. Instructors

Looking up information about your prospective instructor can be crucial when choosing a course.

Your course instructor must have the knowledge and credentials to teach the class effectively.

For instance, Skillshare and Udemy are owned, managed, and created by instructors, and each will have a different approach to the material.

Best Online Learning Platforms: Our Top 3 Options [Ranked & Reviewed]

We’ve done the legwork for you and compiled a list of the best online learning platforms according to the abovementioned criteria.

Hopefully, by the time you reach the end of the list, you will find a learning platform tailored to you and your interests.

1. Skillshare: Our Pick

Our Pick

Skillshare offers over 35,000 courses; they specialize in classes for artistic and creative professionals such as animators, videographers, designers, and more.

Skillshare focuses on social learning and collaboration.

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Skillshare offers over 35,000 courses; they specialize in classes for artistic and creative professionals such as animators, videographers, designers, and more.

Skillshare focuses on social learning and collaboration.

Learners can post their assignments on the platform, and fellow students can engage the material by liking, asking questions, and providing feedback concerning each other’s work.

An atmosphere like this fosters creativity and raises the quality of work to another level.

Key Features of Skillshare

• Affordable: Skillshare’s pricing is reasonable, particularly when you agree to a yearly deal—getting a 50% discount or more is possible.

• Wide range of course topics: Tons of classes offer valuable resources to help learners with feedback and hands-on learning.

• Multiple languages: Courses with English-speaking instructors will have subtitles available in the user’s chosen language.

• Covers nearly every creative field: Skillshare’s courses cover design, photography, freelancing, illustration, video, and more.

• Team plans: Teams plans are offered for groups of 20 people or more.

Why Is Skillshare a Great Solution?

They offer marketing and business classes on the platform; however, most available fields are creative courses taught by experts who practice in a given area.

Apart from being one of the rare online learning platforms that allow learners to share their work online and engage with teachers and fellow students, it’s an excellent place to get inspiration through connection.

Skillshare is accessible from any mobile device; for example, you can stream or download necessary content straight from your tablet and learn from nearly anywhere in the world.

Pros of Skillshare

• Free classes: There are a variety of tutorials ranging from an hour to short ones that last for 20-minute.

• Engagement and analytics reports: If you’re an instructor, you can get up-to-date information about how the course performs, which helps you become a more effective teacher.

• Assistance: With Skillshare, financial aid and scholarships get offered to eligible learners. You can receive a refund within seven days if you have an annual membership.

Cons of Skillshare

• Doesn’t offer certificates: You don’t receive certificates of completion from Skillshare.

• Low-quality control: Regulating the quality pool of the instructors can be challenging since virtually anyone can be an instructor.

• No accreditation: Zero courses get accredited by any institutions

Skillshare vs. Other Top Recommendations: How They Compare

Most online platforms offer college-style classes.

Skillshare is way less formal and geared toward bettering your creative skills.

You have to be an expert in the creative industry if you wish to teach on the platform; this includes business-related topics such as leadership, management, business analytics, and leadership.

Not every platform has such selective criteria for instructors to abide by the rules.

Skillshare Pricing

The Starter, Enterprise, and Revive have unlimited access to Skillshare Originals, 35,000+ courses, teacher and peer feedback, tech support, and watching offline.

Of course, the Enterprise plan offers users more advanced features such as analytic and engagement reports, curated learning paths, integrations and API.

Skillshare has a 3-tiered pricing plan:

• Starter (2-19 users): $159 per user/year

• Enterprise (20+ users): Contact sales for a custom quote.

• Revive (51+ users): Contact sales for a custom quote.

Can You Try Skillshare for Free?

Users can try Skillshare’s Premium subscription for free for the first week of the monthly membership.

Conclusion: Should You Choose Skillshare?

If you are a business that works with visually creative professionals or designers, then this platform is a fantastic way to improve your skills.

You’ll have a wide variety of relevant courses at your disposal.

Students that want to find themselves a hobby, increase their passion for creativity or develop new skills get taught by instructors who are industry leaders in a given field.

Skillshare offers an excellent selection of business, leadership, entrepreneurship, and marketing classes that will help you become well-rounded with your professional skill set and help you to prepare for a job market that is rapidly changing.

2. MasterClass: Runner-Up

Runner Up

MasterClass is our runner-up for various reasons.

For starters, the instructors are among the most accomplished in their fields.

The instructors design every class with the utmost attention to detail.

And MasterClass gives a mixture of practical skills and inspiration for its users to learn and improve themselves.

Visit MasterClassRead MasterClass reviews

MasterClass is our runner-up for various reasons.

For starters, the instructors are among the most accomplished in their fields.

The instructors design every class with the utmost attention to detail.

And MasterClass gives a mixture of practical skills and inspiration for its users to learn and improve themselves.

This platform is ideal for people who want more profound insight into their preferred field.

Key Features of MasterClass

• High levels of engagement: You can get feedback, ask questions, join discussions and connect with other students.

• No deadlines: You can learn at your own pace because there are no deadlines.

• Offline access: You can download all videos for offline viewing using their mobile app.

• Satisfaction guarantee: MasterClass offers a satisfaction guarantee for up to 30 days. They’ll refund your money if you’re unsatisfied with the services.

• Manageable lessons: Every course is nicely recorded and broken down into manageable 15 to 20-minute periods.

Why is MasterClass a Great Solution?

They provide in-depth courses on various topics, some of which even touches on celebrity’s experience and expertise, such as Anna Wintour’s leadership skills and Gordon Ramsey’s exceptional cooking talents.

Individuals seeking inspiration and personal development from some of the most distinguished professionals in their respective fields will feel at home with the MasterClass platform.

Pros of MasterClass

• Top-notch instructors: You can access A-list celebrity instructors who are highly decorated in their respective crafts.

• Informative videos: The production values in their educational videos are excellent.

• Well-thought-out course structure: Courses are not just thrown together but have a clear direction.

Cons of MasterClass

• No free trial: There is no safety net here, so you have to be sure before joining

• No certifications: Certificates can be helpful depending on your plans for the feature—there are no certificates upon completion of courses.

• Fewer courses than competitors: The courses are not as comprehensive as some other platforms and can feel monotonous.

MasterClass vs. Other Top Recommendations: How They Compare

The thing that distinguishes MasterClass the most has to do with the fact that world-famous celebrities and experts teach the courses.

All courses are in the form of a video that provides advice and demonstrations, which, combined with workbooks, class discussions, and straightforward lectures, makes for a complete class.

There’s the potential to gain knowledge from personalities such as Gordon Ramsay, TV advice from Shonda Rhimes, and a complete class in film from Martin Scorsese himself.

MasterClass Pricing

MasterClass costs between $15/month and $23/month for annual memberships.

Here are the annual payment plans:

• Individual plan: $15/month for one device. (Billed at $180 for the year)

• Duo plan: $20/month for two devices. (Billed at $240 for the year)

• Family plan: $23/month for six devices. (Billed at $276 for the year)

Can You Try MasterClass for Free?

There are no free classes or trials with MasterClass.

Conclusion: Should You Choose MasterClass?

Even though MasterClass has courses other than the creative ones, the appeal to joining this platform is the A-list artists, writers, musicians, and actors teaching high-level classes.

Also, these classes are not one-off; most of the courses at MasterClass consist of about 20 lessons.

Make sure that you choose a traditional class so that you can get the most out of your passion of choice.

If you wish to get insight into these professions at the highest level, there’s no better place where you can get such priceless lessons online.

3. Udemy: Budget Pick

Also Great

Udemy provides over 14,000 courses for nearly 10,000 companies on various subjects; this is an online learning platform specializing in business.

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Udemy provides over 14,000 courses for nearly 10,000 companies on various subjects; this is an online learning platform specializing in business.

As such, they offer skills-based training courses.

Instructors have the latitude to upload video-based courses easily, glean actionable insights, and track trainee progress.

Key Features of Udemy

• A vast array of content: This learning features 183,000 courses for hobbies and professional skills.

• Diverse course materials: Learners will get access to readings, quizzes, and multimedia lectures.

• Purchase with confidence: Users receive a 30-day refund guarantee.

• Multiple languages available: All of the courses are available in 65 languages.

• No deadlines: Users can learn at a speed that suits them since there are no deadlines for the course material.

Why is Udemy a Great Solution?

Through Udemy, you can improve your skills and knowledge in virtually any field, from marketing to business to hand weaving and more.

Udemy’s ultimate goal is to democratize and disrupt the current educational system.

Udemy is for people who have a business subscription and want to see what the site has to offer, people who want to take a specific course on the site, and for instructors who wish to sell and host their courses on Udemy.

Pros of Udemy

• Easy to use: The interface is easy to you enabling you to hit the ground running

• Learn invaluable skills: Courses are versatile and can accommodate soft and hard professional skills.

• Clear resources for instructors: Instructors can access valuable resources that simplify teaching and improve the courses.

Cons of Udemy

• No functions for course creation: There are no built-in course creation functions, so instructors must make content outside the platform.

• Passive learning: There’s not as much interactivity as you’ll find on more costly online learning platforms.

• No certificate of recognition: Although you will get a certificate when the course gets completed, it holds no weight with employers.

Udemy vs. Other Top Recommendations: How They Compare

Udemy is much different from LinkedIn Learning, MasterClass, and Skillshare because they don’t offer unlimited subscription plans; you have to buy every course separately, which is a big drawback.

On the other hand, they’re cheap as far as courses go and you can receive a refund within 30 days if you’re dissatisfied with the product.

Courses with Udemy come with video tutorials that can average about five hours long but can be as little as 30 minutes.

They will likely include resources like practice tests, coding exercises, quizzes, and assignments.

Udemy Pricing

Udemy does not offer payment plans like the other online learning platforms.

Instead, you will pay for each course individually, ranging from $9-$200.

They have policies that allow for a refund if you’re dissatisfied with the class.

Can You Try Udemy for Free?

Udemy does not currently offer any free trials or courses.

Users must pay for each course individually.

Conclusion: Should You Choose Udemy?

Udemy Business is the first choice for business owners and L&D professionals who don’t have the budget or time to make their own courses.

Considering Udemy’s wide range of skills-based courses and its affordability, there’s something there for just about anyone to take advantage of.

On the other hand, if your training team is trying to learn highly specific skills, there’s a chance that it won’t be a fit.

But, business teams looking for general skills will find that Udemy is a top-notch online learning platform for business.

The Best Free Online Learning Platforms

Even though these aren’t our top picks for the best online learning platforms, these options offer attractive features that suit a variety of learners as course creators.

LinkedIn Learning

LinkedIn Learning is an excellent educational platform for professionals who want to enhance their creative, technology-related, and business skills.

The high-quality courses offered by LinkedIn are in the form of video lessons.

Visit LinkedIn LearningRead LinkedIn Learning reviews

LinkedIn Learning is an excellent educational platform for professionals who want to enhance their creative, technology-related, and business skills.

The high-quality courses offered by LinkedIn are in the form of video lessons.

There are more than 16,000 classes available in seven different languages.

It’s one of the best ways to invest in your professional development, harnessing hard and soft skills.

Why Is This a Great Option?

LinkedIn Learning is an excellent option because the company is world-renowned for being a networking site for employees in various niches to connect.

You get to try LinkedIn Learning free for thirty days, and the platform will arrange personalized suggestions on the best courses based on the goals you indicate.

All users receive a certification of completion, and there are quizzes available to help you keep track of your progress.

Drawbacks to LinkedIn

One of the areas that we wish was a bit clear is the course description to help learners understand what they’ll learn by the end of the lesson.

Additionally, it seems challenging to join as an instructor.

These issues fall short of our criteria for clear and concise course information and quality instructors.

Coursera

Coursera has over 20 million users and offers some of the best courses for online training.

Coursera partners with world-class businesses and universities, allowing participants to get recognized certifications from well-known institutions.

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Coursera has over 20 million users and offers some of the best courses for online training.

Coursera partners with world-class businesses and universities, allowing participants to get recognized certifications from well-known institutions.

This platform helps accelerate your career advancement and get you the necessary skills to stand out.

Why Is This a Great Option?

With Coursera, you get over three thousand specialized and individual courses and numerous degree programs.

Each learning avenue comes with homework exercises, video lectures, peer-reviewed assignments, discussion forums for the Coursera community, and more.

Additionally, instructors can access many educational tools to assess student progress and facilitate seamless interactions.

Drawbacks to Coursera

The reason that Coursera couldn’t be in the top three picks has to do with the lack of flexibility in the course creation tools that are available on other educational platforms.

Also, the instructors only come from partner institutions, which doesn’t allow the best teachers in the field to work with Coursera.

These drawbacks make it less beneficial for instructors to offer optimal educational services to students.

Notable Mentions: Other Online Learning Platforms To Check Out

Here are other notable mentions for programs that may not be as beneficial as the platforms formerly listed, but they still have a lot of fantastic features for learners and instructors.

4. edX

edX is a fairly well-known online platform created by MIT and Harvard.

With such high-profile educational institutions backing its quality, it’s no surprise that it’s such a popular option.

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edX is a fairly well-known online platform created by MIT and Harvard.

With such high-profile educational institutions backing its quality, it’s no surprise that it’s such a popular option.

There are valuable courses in multiple high-demand categories like science, math, technology, medicine, and more.

This program also offers degrees and programs that can help participants to get ahead in their chosen careers.

Why is edX a Great Option?

edX is an excellent option because these are real college-level courses getting taught by actual college professors across several fields.

There is more of a focus on STEM subjects; however, you can also receive useful training in arts, humanities, languages, and other topics.

With edX, you can audit the classes for free, though you won’t receive a certificate with this option.

They also have bachelor’s and master’s degree programs at your disposal and financial aid programs to reduce costs by as much as 90 percent.

Drawbacks to edX

edX doesn’t have as many course options as the other online learning platforms that ranked higher, especially in creative fields.

Additionally, their courses are not eligible for financial assistance, making this an expensive program depending on your selected courses.

edX Pricing

For a verified certificate with the free courses they offer, you’ll have to pay $50-$300 for each one.

The cost of the certificate varies based on the class.

Therefore, you have to research each class separately for more accurate figures.

Can You Try edX for Free?

The free courses available will suit most users just fine if they take the classes for learning purposes.

However, you must pay if you need the certificate for employment purposes.

There is no free trial offered with edX.

5. Khan Academy

Khan Academy is a non-profit organization with free courses for anyone interested in learning.

The primary focus of the curriculum has its roots in the United States education system.

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Khan Academy is a non-profit organization with free courses for anyone interested in learning.

The primary focus of the curriculum has its roots in the United States education system.

However, it is still a valuable program for those who want knowledge in various core subjects.

The age level is from kindergarten to early college years, and you’ll focus on computing, history, economics, science, math, personal finance, and more.

Why is Khan Academy a Great Option?

By working through each lesson at your own pace, Khan Academy is the perfect solution for those who want their child or themselves to gain knowledge about academic subjects using a strategic approach.

The platform is beneficial regardless of whether you need to understand something like middle school math or advanced macroeconomics; there’s a course level perfect for you.

Khan also offers readings, videos, and interactive activities to ensure that your learning process is comprehensive and effectively delivered.

Drawbacks to Khan Academy

While the platform has many courses, they still miss certain subjects like music and foreign languages.

These classes are helpful for students as they progress through the school system.

Also, Khan Academy would not be a good option for learners who want a broader scope beyond the United States education system.

Khan Academy Pricing

There is no cost to the participant for any courses offered through Khan Academy.

The only certificates you can obtain through the platform ate teacher training certificates.

Can You Try Khan Academy for Free?

There is no free trial offered through Khan Academy because all the course material is free.

6. Udacity

Regarding the most marketable skills in today’s professional climate, tech skills are at the top of the list.

Their platform functions differently than many others on the list because they promote nano degrees instead of individual courses.

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Regarding the most marketable skills in today’s professional climate, tech skills are at the top of the list.

Their platform functions differently than many others on the list because they promote nano degrees instead of individual courses.

That means they provide several lessons and personalized reviews, projects, mentoring, and class discussions.

Why is Udacity a Great Option?

It takes one to five months to complete the courses that can lead to a nano degree.

However, you receive access to expert advisors that can help you with work samples and Building a solid resume in your chosen field.

The intensive lessons and personalized feedback you receive on projects are helping to refine your skills and improve your resume.

Multiple scholarships are available to assist you, and you get a seven-day money-back guarantee if you’re unsatisfied.

Drawbacks to Udacity

Udacity is the most expensive option on the list, which might make it impractical for someone who is a struggling college student or has not yet gained financial stability.

There are also enrollment deadlines, which means you can’t just pick up and join whenever you want.

So, if you learn about Udacity too late, you’ll have to wait for the enrollment window to open again.

Many people who take these courses appreciate that they can work at a slower pace or when they find the time.

With Udacity, you’re looking at at least a one-month commitment to complete a single course.

Udacity Pricing

The pricing plans for Udacity start at $399/month and can get as high as $1,995 for a four-month pass to various courses.

The pricing depends on which classes you select.

Learners also have the choice to pay for the entire course upfront, which comes with a discount of up to 15 percent.

Can You Try Udacity for Free?

Udacity offers some courses for various duration, such as one to two months.

These classes are an excellent way to test out areas you might be interested in or improve a skill you already have.

They also offer a program for one month of free access to three nanodegree courses.

You also get to submit one project per course at this time.

7. Codecademy

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For coders that want to focus on advancing to the next level or a beginner who is newly interested in the craft, Codecademy is your one-stop-shop.

It’s amongst the best online learning platforms to give students free courses to over one hundred classes for every programming language.

Why is Codecademy a Great Option?

Also, as you’re practicing what you’ve learned, you’ll get immediate feedback from the instructors should you decide to submit your code so that they can test it instantly.

This option lets you see if you’re progressing on the right track.

Codecademy is easy to use and beginner-friendly.

You can learn backend and frontend languages such as HTML, CSS, Python, Java, Ruby, and many other programs through Codecademy.

Learning these languages can be tricky, but all course material is thorough and as comprehensive as possible.

Drawbacks to Codecademy

One of the few drawbacks that keep a fantastic program like Codecademy from placing higher is the lack of holistic training.

The platform doesn’t educate coders on how to think like a programmer in terms of mastering problem-solving and logical thinking skills.

There is also low to no video content for the lessons, making it more challenging for some students to learn without visual aid.

The learning experience can get significantly hampered without visual stimulation.

Codecademy Pricing

If you’re trying to learn a specific language to eventually master, you can pay for a monthly subscription from Codecademy.

Otherwise, you’ll do well to take advantage of the free courses.

Their payment tiers are as follows:

• Basic membership: free (comes with basic courses and interactive practice lessons every day)

• Pro membership: $35.99/month or $17.99/month if you pay for the year upfront (you get everything in the basic plan plus unlimited mobile content, instant feedback, peer support, certificates of completion, and more).

• Team membership: Depends on the number of members; price quote available on request (perfect for businesses small to large that want to offer a training course for language mastery).

Can You Try Codecademy for Free?

Codecademy offers a seven-day free trial for members to try the platform before they commit to a monthly or yearly subscription plan.

8. Alison

Alison is a fantastic online learning platform based in Ireland, offering courses in nine languages.

Alison is a great option for those who desire to learn practical skills that can transfer to their performance in the workplace.

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Alison is a fantastic online learning platform based in Ireland, offering courses in nine languages.

Alison is a great option for those who desire to learn practical skills that can transfer to their performance in the workplace.

Whether you’re busy with only a few hours each week to learn something new or a dedicated student taking courses full-time, Alison can help you achieve your goals.

Why is Alison a Great Option?

One aspect that sets Alison apart from the rest is that you can take free courses online and obtain the certifications at no additional cost.

Learning through this platform opens avenues for people with various financial situations and constraints.

Some courses require no more than two hours of studying to complete, while others may take as many as fifteen.

Either way, the choice is yours, and you can complete every lesson on your schedule.

Drawbacks to Alison

There are a ton of ads that you’ll have to watch if you sign up for the free version of Alison.

Every lesson consists of at least ten seconds of ads, which can be annoying if you like to start right away.

Also, there aren’t any course descriptions available before you sign up.

As one of the main criteria for a good online learning platform, this is a significant strike against Alison.

When deciding between several courses at once, it’s hard to choose the best fit.

Lastly, the Alison app is not fully compatible with Android and iPhone.

This issue can be highly inconvenient for those who want to learn on the go.

Alison Pricing

If you want free access to more than 1,00p courses and don’t mind the ads, you should sign up for the free membership plan.

After that, you can get a paid subscription that eliminates the ads and monthly discounts on the diplomas or certificates you usually have to pay for after a course.

These cost between $21-$215.

Premium access: This plan costs $7.99/month, or users can pay $499.00 for the lifetime package.

Can You Try Alison for Free?

Courses through Alison are entirely free, with no restrictions.

You can get a monthly plan if you want more features like notes, study reminders, learning hubs, and discounted certificates and diplomas.

9. Connections Academy

Connections Academy is a corporate, for-profit provider of e-learning services for students in grades K-12.

This alternative option to traditional schooling offers several benefits for students who could take advantage of a more interactive learning setting in a virtual classroom.

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Connections Academy is a corporate, for-profit provider of e-learning services for students in grades K-12.

This alternative option to traditional schooling offers several benefits for students who could take advantage of a more interactive learning setting in a virtual classroom.

Why is Connections Academy a Great Option?

Once you have enrolled your child into Connections Academy, you receive unique login credentials.

Every lesson gets planned, and you and the student can access them online.

The company also sends the course materials to your home before the school year starts.

The teachers will offer the parent feedback every month on how the student is doing, make recommendations, answer questions, and more.

It allows the parent and the student to feel more involved in the learning process, with hands-on assistance always available.

Drawbacks to Connections Academy

There’s an adjustment period for students transitioning from the traditional schooling structure, which may be challenging initially.

Also, students and parents must be self-disciplined to arrange productive days for the learners, who will now have much more free time and flexibility.

Connections Academy Pricing

There is no cost to attend Connections Academy.

The tuition is free, and there is no enrollment fee.

Most of the materials you’ll need are also sent for free, except for basic items like pencils, loose-leaf paper, pens, and so on.

Can You Try Connections Academy for Free?

There is no tuition fee to attend, and they offer it in 29 states as of 2022.

Even More Options To Check Out

Though these online learning platforms didn’t make our list, feel free to check them out in case you still haven’t come across the perfect program or know someone looking to join a community like the ones described below.

10. Stanford Online 

Stanford Online offers a portal to the university through various courses that cover a variety of topics.

Anyone, anywhere in the world, can access these classes, gain the opportunities of a lifetime, and enhance their professional development.

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Stanford Online offers a portal to the university through various courses that cover a variety of topics.

Anyone, anywhere in the world, can access these classes, gain the opportunities of a lifetime, and enhance their professional development.

Despite being such a popular and highly credible institution, it comes to nearly $20,000 just to be a part-time student.

That makes this program extremely expensive, which might not be practical for some.

11. Harvard Extension

A branch of Harvard University, Harvard Extension, brings learners worldwide into an innovative teaching style with rigorous lessons available.

Harvard Extension is excellent for college students, high school students needing credits, someone who wants to pick up a new skill or learn something during retirement, and working professionals.

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A branch of Harvard University, Harvard Extension, brings learners worldwide into an innovative teaching style with rigorous lessons available.

Harvard Extension is excellent for college students, high school students needing credits, someone who wants to pick up a new skill or learn something during retirement, and working professionals.

However, Harvard Extension only offers around one thousand courses, which isn’t necessarily low, but others offer nearly 40,000 for much less.

One class can cost almost $2,000 alone.

12. Open Yale Courses

Searching for detailed introductory courses that you’ll enjoy in your spare time?

Open Yale offers free and openly accessible classes taught by expert scholars and professors from Yale.

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Searching for detailed introductory courses that you’ll enjoy in your spare time?

Open Yale offers free and openly accessible classes taught by expert scholars and professors from Yale.

The primary focus is expanding its educational resources to anyone that would like a chance to learn from an accredited university.

Though no registration is required and most classes are free, certificates, credits, or degrees do not get offered via this platform site.

Additionally, instructors have to work for the university, and there aren’t many course options.

13. MIT OpenCourseWare

MIT OpenCourseWare is a vast digital collection of learning and teaching materials available to the public at no cost.

All courses are web-based, so it’s easy for students to access the format and the links.

Essentially, it is all of the course material from MIT in one central location.

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MIT OpenCourseWare is a vast digital collection of learning and teaching materials available to the public at no cost.

All courses are web-based, so it’s easy for students to access the format and the links.

Essentially, it is all of the course material from MIT in one central location.

Unfortunately, OpenCourseWare also doesn’t provide a certificate, degree, or credits for the courses you take.

Aside from this, the course selection doesn’t have a lot of variety.

14. FutureLearn

FutureLearn is a widely successful British online learning platform that offers students top-tier courses from the most popular brands and leading universities worldwide.

You can take short courses, earn micro-credentials, and benefit from a highly interactive social learning experience.

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FutureLearn is a widely successful British online learning platform that offers students top-tier courses from the most popular brands and leading universities worldwide.

You can take short courses, earn micro-credentials, and benefit from a highly interactive social learning experience.

With FutureLearn, there aren’t many classes offered, you only get limited access to specific courses unless you pay, and instructors must be employees or partner universities.

15. Open Culture

Open Culture is a platform that offers education and cultural resources, and media tools.

Users can access movies, online courses, language resources, ebooks, literature, certificates, audiobooks, math resources, and more.

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Open Culture is a platform that offers education and cultural resources, and media tools.

Users can access movies, online courses, language resources, ebooks, literature, certificates, audiobooks, math resources, and more.

Instructors must work for a partner university, there’s a limited course selection, and Open Culture isn’t as well known as other options that rank higher.

Other Products Relevant to Online Learning Platforms

Here are other courses that are relevant to online learning platforms that could be beneficial in your quest to learn and develop skills along the way:

• Best Blogging Courses: For helpful blogging courses that can get you on the path to improving your skills and building your brand, check out this list of the most valuable lessons to help you learn blogging.
• Best Online Course Platforms: While online learning platforms are from the student’s perspective, online course platforms are from the instructors’ perspective. Review this list of the top online course platforms that help you sell a course.
• Best Courses & Education: Regarding the best courses and education resources, view them all on our directory here starting today with learning something new or refining skills you already possess. One of the top resources shows you how to create a course using Kajabi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below you’ll find the answers to the most commonly asked questions regarding online learning platforms:

Wrapping Up

Online learning platforms are opening doorways and providing users with professional development, skill building, and networking opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise experience.

Online learning platforms are an excellent alternative to social and virtual learning with all of the resources of a traditional school.

Skillshare is our top pick thanks to the numerous courses they offer, expert-level instruction, a free trial, descriptive course content, and more.

MasterClass was the runner-up because they don’t offer as many courses as other options, there aren’t any certificates, and they also don’t allow you to test the product beforehand.

Nonetheless, the courses available are high quality and well put together.

Visit these websites today to learn more and get started on your journey of enlightenment.

Before we go any further, it’s important to point out that WordPress.com is different than the WordPress script you can install through your own hosting. These are not the same thing and we will be comparing Blogger to WordPress.com, not the script.

WordPress vs. Blogger-What do You Get with WordPress.com?

WordPress.com provides you with many things free of charge, if you want to start a blog. This is a commercial venture and plenty of time and money have gone into creating the open source blogging platform we know today. With WordPress.com you get:

• 3GB of free storage for posts, pages, images, and other files
• A blog with both dynamic and static capabilities
• Free visitor tracing
• Publicize, helps to connect your blog to your social networks
• The ability to use hundreds of free themes
• Access to WordPress.com apps for iPhone, Android and Blackberry

These features all come free of charge. You can also add upgrades to your WordPress.com blog including:

• Custom Domains – $13 per blog, per year
• Custom design – Custom CSS and fonts for $30 per blog , per year
• Ad-Free Blog – This takes away the advertisements shown on your free blog for $30 per blog, per year
• Premium Themes -Price varies
• Guided Transfer – The moving of your blog to your own hosting for a $129 one-time fee
• Additional storage space – Varies in price
• VideoPress – Allows you to upload and host videos on your blog for $60 per blog, per year
• A Redirect of traffic from your WordPress.com blog to another domain for $13 per blog, per year

After it’s all said and done, you can end up paying quite a bit, if you use the upgrades listed above.

What do You Get with Blogger?

On the other hand, Blogger isn’t a commercial service and is owned by Google. This blogging platform is very old and still mentions using some of Google’s other programs, which don’t exist any longer. They don’t provide any upgrades and you won’t pay a single fee, even with a custom domain name and you get all the custom options Blogger offers.

With Blogger you get:

• A custom template designer
• Free Hosting from Blogger or BlogSpot with a sub-domain name
• The option to use a custom domain name registered through Blogger or one you already own
• Ability to add media without a maximum storage limit
• Access to Google AdSense
• Ability to create static pages
• Mobile access for smart phones

Blogger does offer quite a bit for free, but they don’t give you the option to upgrade with any of the options you may decide you need in the future.

Which is the Better Choice Between Blogger and WordPress.com?

There are quite a few other features we could get into, but when it comes to themes, customization, advertising opportunities and user-friendliness, the battle between WordPress.com vs. Blogger really comes down to personal preference.

Both of these free blogging platforms provide quite a bit. If you just want a personal blog without much customization or upgrades, Blogger may be the better choice. However, if you think you may want to do more with your blog that post to it occasionally, WordPress.com is the better choice.

Should You Even Use Free Blogging Services?

Both WordPress.com and Blogger have their merits. However, if you plan to make money from your blog, you may want to think twice about using a free blogging service.

With a free blogging platform, you give up some of the control and custom options. Instead of using WordPress vs. Blogger, you can choose to open a hosting account and use the WordPress script. This is much more powerful and it comes free with just about every hosting account out there.

You have options when it comes to your blog. Make sure you do your research and choose the right option for your needs. The 2 real choices are WordPress vs. Blogger and who you will use.

This shouldn’t come as a surprise, considering how easy it is to get into blogging nowadays.

Not to mention the many benefits that blogging has to offer.

If you’re planning to start your blogging journey, you’re probably having a hard time picking between WordPress and Blogger as your blogging platform.

One is a full-fledged content management system with a ton of features, while the other is a simple blog-publishing service that anyone can navigate.

Quite the pickle, huh?

To help you pinpoint the perfect blogging platform for your needs, this WordPress vs. Blogger comparison article will highlight everything you need to know about the two platforms.

From pricing and ease of use to plugins, customization, administration, and more, we’ll cover it all.

Let’s get right into it!

Overview of WordPress

WordPress is an open-source content management system that started in 2003.

It allows users to create any type of website they want, be it a blog, business website, online store, online community, directory, or other.

As of 2022, WordPress is the engine behind 455 million websites.

That’s a whopping 39.5% of all the websites on the internet!

This behemoth website builder and CMS is so popular because it’s free, easy to use, highly customizable, and compatible with a wide range of plugins.

Remember that for you to create a blog using WordPress, you’ll need to pay for a domain name and web hosting.

After doing so, you’ll be able to install WordPress, set up your personal blog with ease, and access your WordPress administrative dashboard.

You can create pages and posts in your WordPress admin dashboard, add users to your blog, edit the blog’s settings, and more.

You can also choose from a host of basic and premium themes that will meet your aesthetic preferences.

On top of that, WordPress enables you to download and install free and premium plugins for enhanced functionality.

From SEO optimization and spam protection to contact form building and e-commerce integration, there are many WordPress plugins that you can use for your blog.

Pros:

• Easy to Use: While it’s not as straightforward as Blogger, the WordPress platform is still straightforward to use compared to other website-building platforms. Creating a blog on WordPress is quick and effortless.
• Highly Customizable: When it comes to customization, WordPress is vastly superior to Blogger. With WordPress, you can access thousands of free plugins and themes, and you can use custom code if you want.
• User-Friendly: For the purpose of blogging, you’ll find it easy to learn the ins and outs of WordPress. The learning curve is far from steep, even for those who are just getting started with blogging.
• Advanced Functionality: The overall functionality of WordPress is miles ahead of Blogger’s functionality, which makes it more suitable for advanced users who are looking to implement custom code and use complex plugins and features.

Cons:

• You’re Fully Responsible: With WordPress, the security and performance of your blog are your responsibility. Therefore, you’ll need to optimize your site regularly to ensure safety and optimal performance.
• Hosting and Domain Fees: While using WordPress is free, you’ll still need to pay for web hosting and a domain name. Yes, there are plenty of free hosting services out there, but they’re not as reliable as paid hosting services.

Overview of Blogger

Blogger is a blog-hosting service that started in 1999 and was later acquired by Google in 2003.

Compared to WordPress, Blogger is more straightforward in its functionality.

We wouldn’t really call it a content management system.

With Blogger, you won’t need to pay a single dollar to get your blog up and running, as it’s completely free.

Web hosting is taken care of, and you’ll be using a free Blogspot subdomain—www.blogname.blogspot.com.

If you’re not fond of the whole subdomain thing, you can use a third-party domain registrar to register a custom domain name and connect it to your blog. This, of course, will come at a cost.

To start your own blog on Blogger, all that’s needed is a Google account.

Using your Google account, you’ll be able to create a profile on Blogger and then choose a title, address, and a basic or premium theme for your blog.

Having created your blog, you’ll be able to access your Blogger dashboard, which is simplistic compared to the WordPress dashboard.

On the dashboard, you’ll be able to create blog pages and posts, respond to comments, and carry out a range of blogging tasks.

As far as customization options, Blogger is a bit restrictive compared to WordPress.

You can’t change much about the appearance and features of your blog site.

Also, you can’t add custom code if you want.

This is to be expected from a free blogging platform, though.

Pros:

• Quick and Easy: With Blogger, you can create your own blog in mere minutes. This makes it an excellent platform for complete beginners who are looking to get up and running right away.
• Completely Free: You don’t need to buy a domain name or opt for a hosting plan with Blogger. You can get a custom domain using a third-party registrar if you won’t, but it’s not necessary.
• Highly Secure: Seeing as Blogger utilizes Google’s robust security measures, you don’t have to worry about securing your blog or managing your server’s resources. Creating backups isn’t necessary as well.
• Lots of Free Templates: When creating your blog using Blogger, you can choose from various templates. You’re guaranteed to find a template that suits your preferences. 

Cons:

• Limited Functionality: Compared to WordPress, Blogger’s functionality is notably basic. Apart from creating and publishing content, you really can’t do much with Blogger.
• Few Customization Options: Unlike WordPress, Blogger doesn’t allow you to use custom code or advanced features. Also, your options for customizing your blog’s layout are limited.

WordPress vs. Blogger: Breakdown

Now that you know a little bit about WordPress and Blogger, let’s compare the two platforms in more detail so that it’s easier for you to pinpoint the one that’s ideal for your needs. 

Control and Ownership

When it comes to content ownership and control, WordPress and Blogger are vastly different.

One grants you complete ownership and responsibility over your blog, whereas Google runs the other.

WordPress

As an open-source medium, WordPress grants its users complete ownership over their content.

Your WordPress website is yours and yours alone; you can move, change, expand, or delete it if you want.

With WordPress, you’re not tied to a specific hosting provider.

You can change your host whenever you want.

On top of that, you can share your site’s information with a third party without any problems.

That being said, you must keep in mind that your WordPress website’s security and overall performance are your responsibility.

So, you must be mindful of who you share your information with.

Blogger

With Blogger, you don’t have complete ownership over your content.

After all, Blogger is simply a free service provided by Google.

Put differently, if Google decides to shut down this service, your website will be gone forever, and you won’t be able to do anything about it.

Is that likely to happen, though?

Well, if you look at Google’s history, you’d come to the conclusion that it definitely could happen.

Google has a notable history of sending a lot of projects to the graveyard.

Ease of Use

Both WordPress and Blogger are perfect for bloggers that require simplicity and ease of use, but which one is easier to use? Let’s find out.

WordPress

You don’t need to have a coding background to start a WordPress blog.

The process is so quick and easy that you can create a blog in just a few minutes.

After setting up your WordPress site, you’ll be required to choose a template.

Then, all you have to do is click the template that suits your aesthetic preferences.

Next, you’ll need to install a few plugins to enhance the user experience.

Now that you’re done with the blog’s theme and plugins, it’s time to start creating pages and publishing posts.

Using the platform’s block editor, you’ll be able to add any type of content you want, from text to videos and images.

What’s more, WordPress has a drag-and-drop page builder that enables you to customize every aspect of your web pages without any coding skills or the help of a web designer.

Blogger

When it comes to simplicity and ease of use, there’s no beating Blogger.

You can get your Blogger site up and running in less than 5 minutes, and all you’ll need is a Google account.

After signing up to Blogger using your Google account, simply choose the ‘Create New Blog’ option and select a display name, blog address, and theme.

From there, you just need to configure the settings to your liking and start adding posts to your Blogger blog.

Does that mean Blogger is better than WordPress in terms of ease of use? The answer is no.

You see, in order to customize your Blogger site’s theme, you’re going to need some HTML skills.

With WordPress, all you need to do is drag and drop a few objects, and you’re good to go.

Winner: WordPress

Customization Options

While it does offer some customization options, Blogger seems to fall short in this category compared to WordPress, as you’ll learn below.

WordPress

As an open-source platform, WordPress allows its users to modify its source code and use shortcodes without any limitations.

On top of that, the platform is compatible with thousands of WordPress plugins and enables you to choose from thousands of themes and templates.

Compared to other content management systems and blogging platforms, the level of flexibility, customization, and functionality that WordPress offers is second to none.

Blogger

With Blogger, you can adjust your blog’s appearance, page layout, colors, and a few other elements, but that’s about it.

Blogger’s functionality and customization options are notably limited compared to WordPress, and you cannot use custom code if you want to.

Support and Community

If you’re new to the blogging world or the world of website building, having reliable support is of great value.

So, what should you expect from WordPress and Blogger as far as support?

WordPress

Seeing as 39.5% of all websites are powered by WordPress, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the platform has a superb support system.

There’s also a very active WordPress community that you can always refer to.

No matter what type of help you need, you’re guaranteed to find a wide range of WordPress tutorials and message boards that will offer you the help you need.

Blogger

Blogger pales in comparison to WordPress when it comes to support and community.

It does offer some basic support in the form of documentation and a users’ forum, but you won’t find many tutorials or dedicated communities for the platform.

Host Portability

After launching a new blog, you might find yourself needing to host your blog on a different server or a different platform entirely.

So, what can you expect from WordPress and Blogger when it comes to changing hosts?

WordPress

Changing hosts with WordPress is pretty easy, though it does require some knowledge as far as servers and such.

It’s also worth noting that WordPress enables you to export and import your content without any risk of data loss.

Blogger

Though it’s possible, exporting your blog from Blogger and importing it into another platform is extremely complicated.

Not only that, but it can negatively impact your blog’s SEO (Search Engine Optimization).  

And while Blogger allows users to export their content, even after the exportation process is completed, your content will still be stored in Google’s database for a while.

Pricing

Before deciding on a platform for your blog, you need to consider how much money each platform is going to cost you initially as well as in the long run.

WordPress

Even though the WordPress software is completely free, you’ll have to spend some money on a domain name.

You’ll need to spend money on a hosting plan unless you’re looking to create a self-hosted WordPress blog.

Fortunately, you can choose from plenty of web hosting services. Some are free, whereas others come at a small cost.

In addition, some hosting service providers like Bluehost offer you a free domain along with your subscription!

Once you’ve launched your WordPress blog, any ongoing costs will depend on the services, themes, and plugins you’d like to use.

Not all themes and plugins are free, after all.

Blogger

From web hosting to domain names, Blogger is entirely free!

You won’t have to spend a single dollar to get started on Blogger.

What’s more, all of the platform’s themes and gadgets are free, though there are some third-party options that you can opt for at a cost.

With regard to the domain name, you’ll be using the Blogspot subdomain.

If you’d like a custom domain name, you buy one from a registrar of your choice for about $15 a year.

Sadly, there isn’t a reliable free domain service provider that we know of.

WordPress or Blogger? The Winner

To summarize, WordPress and Blogger have a lot to offer anyone looking to start a new blog.

They’re both free and easy to use.

However, there are some key distinctions between the two platforms.

WordPress is a full-fledged CMS that you can use to create any type of website you want, not just blogs.

Blogger, on the other hand, is strictly a blogging service powered by Google.

WordPress grants users full control and ownership over their blogs, whereas Google controls Blogger.

In other words, if Google decides to pull the plug on Blogger, all of the platform’s blogs will vanish.

With WordPress, you’ll have to pay for hosting (unless you’re going for a self-hosted blog) and a domain name.

Blogger, on the other hand, is totally free, offering users a free blog hosting service and a free subdomain.

In terms of customization and overall functionality, WordPress is miles ahead of Blogger, offering thousands of themes, plugins, and features, as well as the ability to add custom code.

When it comes to free blog sites though, there are a lot of them on the internet.

Over 22 of them exist.

But which one should you choose for your business or personal blog?

More importantly, what are the pros and cons of each site?

In this article, we will discuss all that and more.

You will learn the ins and outs of each platform, whether the platform offers a simple interface or not, a list of notable features for each option, and which platform is best for what type of user.

By the end, you will understand how simple or difficult each free blog platform is to use.

Finally, we’ll wrap up by telling you why we consider WordPress.org as your best overall option.

Our Top Picks: Free Blog Sites

An overview of favorite Free Blog Sites from our comprehensive list below.

Our Pick

WordPress

• WordPress is one of the most popular CMS on the internet. Many of the world's largest sites are powered by this CMS
• Easy to set up at a very minimal cost
• Huge amount of themes, plugins and developer support
• Incredibly scalable, unlike many other free blog sites

Visit WordPressRead WordPress Reviews

Runner Up

Wix

• Wix offers user-friendly and hassle-free interface and design: More than 200 templates for quickly setting up a website
• Free hosting with every plan. This includes a CDN and automatic updates
• Native eCommerce integration makes selling products easy

View WixRead Wix Reviews

Also Great

Ghost

• A great alternative to WordPress - free and open-source blogging platform
• Offers a simple and fast way to create blog posts
• Free version is okay, but the premium version gives additional access to more features such as custom domains, advanced SEO tools, and priority support

Visit GhostRead Ghost Reviews

An Overview of Blogging Sites

Before you can choose the best blogging site for your needs, you need to gain an understanding of what these websites are about.

Further, we’ll help you realize the importance they play within the blogging industry.

What Are Blogging Sites?

A blogging site is a platform that allows you to create and manage your blog.

With a blogging site, you can share your thoughts, stories, photos, videos, and more with the world.

For example, most blogging sites will give you a free domain name, free hosting, and easy-to-use tools to help you create your blog.

These platforms make it easy for you to promote your blog and grow your audience.

Why Blogging Sites Are Important

A blog gives you a voice.

Blogs allow anyone to share their stories and ideas with others.

Blogging sites help you build an audience of loyal readers and followers.

As your audience grows, so does your influence.

If you’re a business owner, blog websites help to generate leads.

Many businesses use their blog as a sales funnel to create new customers.

Instead of hiring an expensive lead generation company, a business can use a blog to drive leads internally for cheap.

Finally, creating an effective blog provides a way to build relationships with other businesses and influencers in your industry.

These relationships can lead to joint ventures, partnerships, and more.

Types of Blogging Sites

Several types of blog websites exist.

Let’s review five of the main kinds of blogs you might decide to build.

1. Business Blogs

As the name implies, businesses work to create business blogs.

Typically, the purpose is to promote products or services.

Businesses use their blog to drive traffic to their website and encourage visitors to download lead magnets.

In many cases, businesses will use their blog as a marketing funnel.

2. Personal Blogs

Individuals who want to share their ideas with others write personal blogs.

These blogs are usually about a specific topic or niche.

For example, you might find a personal blog about parenting, cooking, travel, or fashion.

3. News Blogs

News blogs provide timely information about current events.

A news blog typically covers a wide range of topics.

For example, a news blog might write about politics, entertainment, sports, and more.

4. Affiliate Blogs

An affiliate blog is a blog that promotes products or services for other companies.

Affiliate bloggers usually review third-party products and include links to the product website.

If a reader clicks on the link and makes a purchase, the affiliate blogger earns a commission.

5. Niche Blogs

A niche blog focuses on a specific topic.

For instance, you might find a niche blog about gardening, health, fitness, or video games.

Niche blogs typically have a small but loyal following of readers.

Owners of niche blogs will usually sign up as affiliate marketers or place ads on the blog’s pages.

They use their niche website to create ads or affiliate revenue.

Difference Between Free and Paid Blogging Sites

As the name implies, free blogging sites allow you to create a blog without paying any money.

These platforms provide free hosting, free domain names, and the tools required to build a blog day by day.

Some of these options give you a forever-free plan that never requires a paid upgrade to continue writing on your website.

Others will encourage you to upgrade to a paid plan to access more features.

The main advantage of using a free blog site is that you don’t need as much technical knowledge.

These blogging platforms keep the blog-building process as minimalist as possible.

You shouldn’t run into many problems starting your blogging journey with one of these options.

While free blogging sites are a great way to get started, they do have some limitations.

Most free platforms will place ads on your blog.

These ads can distract your readers and make it difficult for you to monetize your blog.

In addition, free blogging sites usually don’t offer the same level of customer support as paid platforms.

Paid blogging sites are subscription-based platforms that allow you to create and customize your blog without limitations.

These platforms usually provide a free trial so you can try it before you buy.

Paid blogging sites offer several advantages over free platforms.

For example, they don’t place ads on your blog, which gives you more control over the look and feel of your site.

In addition, paid platforms usually offer customer support in case you need help with anything.

Finally, paid blogging sites offer more features and tools to help you grow your blog and revenue.

Best Free Blogging Sites: Traditional CMS

The first type of free blog sites we’ll focus on include traditional content management systems (CMS).

A content management system is a platform that provides functionality for managing digital content.

WordPress, Blogger, and Contentful are all examples of free blog sites that fall into this category.

1. WordPress.com

Our Pick

WordPress.com, which is owned by Automattic, is the most popular free blogging site on the web.

Millions of people around the world use it to build some of the largest websites on the internet.

As you’ll see, the website offers paid upgrades to access helpful features, which makes it a great option for beginners and experts alike.

Visit WordPress

• Our Rating: 5.0
• Best For: WordPress.com is best for its overall ease of use.

Notable Features

• Themes and plugins: With WordPress.com, you have access to a library of free themes and plugins.
• Custom domain: You have the option to buy a custom domain (e.g., mysite.com) through WordPress.com for an annual fee. Doing so frees your blog from operating as a WordPress.com subdomain.
• Integrated blogging tools: You can schedule posts, which means you can post any time and anywhere. You can also create categories and tags and moderate comments.

Pros

• WordPress.com takes care of hosting and security for you. Otherwise, you would need to learn how to update your blog and protect it from hackers.
• WordPress.com gives you an easy platform to learn and operate even if you’re not familiar with WordPress.org.
• Data backups: WordPress.com automatically backs up your site data. In the event of a security breach, you can retrieve your older work.
• Community: The WordPress.com community is large and provides free support
• All-in-one solution: WordPress.com provides a domain name, hosting, and email all in one place.

Cons

• You have less control over your website than you would with a self-hosted WordPress.org site.
• Limited customization options: You can’t install many custom themes or plugins on a free WordPress.com blog.
• You don’t own your content: If you ever want to move your WordPress.com site, you may have to start from scratch because you don’t technically own your content.

Is WordPress.com Hard To Use?

No, WordPress.com is not hard to use.

It works as a solution for people not familiar with the self-hosted WordPress option.

Therefore, it’s fairly user-friendly.

The free plan offers a dashboard that doesn’t require prior technical knowledge.

If you can drag and drop elements on a page, you can use the WordPress.com interface.

About the Free Version of WordPress.com

The free version of WordPress.com is a good option for people who want to create a simple blog or website.

To summarize, you get a free domain, access to a library of free themes and plugins, the ability to buy a custom domain, and integrated blogging tools.

Other benefits include that WordPress.com takes care of hosting and security for you and backs up your site data.

You also get access to the WordPress.com community.

Upgrade: Pricing & Plans

You can upgrade to one of two paid pricing options with WordPress.com.

• WordPress Starter plan: $5/month
• WordPress Pro plan: $15/month

The starter plan provides a custom domain, an ability to collect payments, 6 GB of storage space, and Google Analytics.

The pro plan gives you the domain, 50 GB of space, Google Analytics, the ability to collect payments, unlimited plugins, and premium themes.

It also gives you premium support and provides access to WooCommerce if you’re building an eCommerce store

Our Take

WordPress.com is best for its overall ease of use.

It provides an easy platform to learn and operate.

The free version of WordPress.com is a good option for people who want to create a simple blog or website.

You can upgrade to one of two paid pricing options for further functionality.

2. WordPress.org

Runner Up

WordPress.org is a free and open-source content management system (CMS).

It is probably the most popular free blogging platform used by millions of bloggers around the world.

WordPress.org is self-hosted, which means you need to sign up for a web hosting account and install WordPress on your web server.

Visit WordPress.orgRead WordPress.org reviews

WordPress.org is a free and open-source content management system (CMS).

It is probably the most popular free blogging platform used by millions of bloggers around the world.

WordPress.org is self-hosted, which means you need to sign up for a web hosting account and install WordPress on your web server.

• Our Rating: 5
• Best For: Anyone looking for the best free blogging option will enjoy WordPress.org and its wide range of features.

Notable Features

• Themes and plugins: You have access to a library of free themes and plugins as well as the ability to install custom themes and plugins.
• Customization options: You can edit the code of your theme to customize it further, or hire a developer to do it for you
• Flexibility: You can use WordPress.org for any type of blog, from a personal blog to a corporate website

Pros

• Cross-platform: You can access your WordPress.org site from any device with an internet connection. This makes it one of the most versatile free blogging platforms.
• Full control: You have full control over your website with WordPress.org. This includes the ability to edit your site’s code, which is great for advanced users.
• Full ownership: You own your blog, its data, and its content. Since you pay for third-party hosting, you aren’t subject to the decisions of a parent company (such as the previously-mentioned Automattic, which owns WordPress.com).
• No ads: One of the great things about WordPress.org is that you can run your site without any third-party advertisements. If you decide to place advertising on your WordPress.org blog, it will generate revenue for your business.
• Stores and memberships: You can use WordPress.org to create an online store or membership site. You can also sell courses, coaching, or any other product.

Cons

• Requires hosting: You’ll need to find and pay for your web hosting, which makes it more expensive than other free blogging platforms.
• Not as easy to use: WordPress.org can seem tricky for beginners. The process requires that you set up and manage your hosting, domain name, and website.
• Constant updating: You need to keep your WordPress.org site updated, which some people find time-consuming.

Is WordPress.org Hard To Use?

WordPress.org isn’t as easy to use as other free blogging platforms, like WordPress.com or Blogger.

However, it’s not difficult to learn if you’re willing to put in the time.

Once you get the hang of things, you can create a beautiful blog with ease.

For the most part, the WordPress.org interface doesn’t require any coding knowledge.

About the Free Version of WordPress.org

The free version of WordPress.org is great for advanced users who want full control over their website.

It’s also perfect for businesses, stores, or membership sites.

If you’re willing to put in the time to learn how to use it, you can create a powerful website with WordPress.org.

Upgrade: Pricing & Plans

WordPress.org doesn’t offer official pricing plans. It’s a free CMS.

However, you will experience some costs associated with it.

You’ll need to find and pay for your web hosting, which can range from $50-$100 per year.

You’ll also need to purchase a domain name, which usually costs around $15 per year.

If you want access to premium themes and plugins, you’ll need to pay for them.

Prices for premium themes and plugins can range from $50-$200.

Our Take

Overall, we think WordPress.org is the best free blogging platform for advanced users and businesses.

If you’re willing to put in the time to learn how to use it, you can create a powerful website with ease.

Keep in mind that there are some costs associated with it.

Budget for them and enjoy a powerful CMS website-building solution.

[box_with_button title=”Learn More About WordPress Differences” link_url=”https://bloggingtips.com/wordpress-com-vs-wordpress-org/” link_text=”WordPress.com Vs WordPress.org”]

When using WordPress as a CMS, which we highly recommend you choose, it is important to pick the right one. Read about both in our comprehensive breakdown that helps you choose.

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3. Ghost

Also Great

Ghost is a free and open-source blogging platform.

It offers a simple and fast way to create beautiful blog posts.

It is one of the best platforms for bloggers who want a lightweight blogging experience.

Ghost also offers a premium version that gives you access to more features, including custom domains, advanced SEO tools, and priority support.

Visit GhostRead Ghost reviews

Ghost is a free and open-source blogging platform.

It offers a simple and fast way to create beautiful blog posts.

It is one of the best platforms for bloggers who want a lightweight blogging experience.

Ghost also offers a premium version that gives you access to more features, including custom domains, advanced SEO tools, and priority support.

• Our Rating: 4.8
• Best For: People who want a fast and lightweight blogging platform with a focus on writing.

Notable Features

• Themes: Ghost offers a library of free and premium themes to choose from. Once you choose a theme, Ghost helps you install it on the blog.
• Code injection: You can add code snippets to your Ghost blog to customize its look and feel.
• Publication: You can create a publication on Ghost, which is a collection of articles from multiple authors.

Pros

• Minimalism: Ghost brings a minimalistic approach to blogging, which can be appealing to some users.
• Speed: Ghost is one of the fastest free blogging platforms available. Your blog will load quickly for website visitors.
• Markdown support: Ghost supports markdown, making it easy to format your posts
• Membership management: With the premium version of Ghost, you can manage memberships and give people access to your publication.
• SEO optimization: Ghost provides built-in SEO tools to help you optimize your blog posts. Using these tools will help improve your blog’s Google rankings.

Cons

• Limited customization options: Ghost doesn’t offer as many customization options as some other free blogging platforms.
• No support for free users: As an open-source platform that you download free to use, the company can’t provide support for free accounts.
• Overall lack of features: Some users may look at the lack of features on Ghost as a big downside.

Is Ghost Hard To Use?

No, Ghost is not hard to use. It provides a minimalistic approach to blogging.

The platform is also fast and easy to navigate.

Its creators built it specifically to help beginners create blogs without requiring technical knowledge.

About the Free Version of Ghost

The free version of Ghost works well for personal use. It includes all the basic features you need to get started.

Using the free option, anyone can create a blog without any technical online skills.

If you need support, however, you’ll need to ask for help in its community forum.

Using the forums means waiting for an answer.

It also means you might not get an answer.

Consider upgrading to a paid plan if you need more support and features.  

Upgrade: Pricing & Plans

With its four different pricing plans, Ghost offers a paid version for a variety of needs.

• Starter: $9/month for free themes and standard integrations.
• Creator: $25/month for Starter features plus unlimited custom themes and more integrations.
• Team: $50/month for Creator features plus priority support and higher usage limits
• Business: $199/month for Team features plus unlimited staff users and advanced domain configurations.

Our Take

We recommend Ghost for people who want a fast, lightweight, and minimalist blogging experience.

The free version is great for personal use.

If you need more features or support, however, you’ll need to upgrade to a paid plan.

Paid plans give you the ability to add custom code, access premium themes, and use advanced integrations.

4. Contentful

The free Contentful blogging platform provides a way to get started with a content management style of blogging.

It offers a free plan that includes basic features, such as the ability to create and publish blog posts, manage authors, and track analytics.

If you need more features, such as eCommerce integration or custom code features, you’ll need to upgrade to a paid plan.

Visit ContentfulRead Contentful reviews

The free Contentful blogging platform provides a way to get started with a content management style of blogging.

It offers a free plan that includes basic features, such as the ability to create and publish blog posts, manage authors, and track analytics.

If you need more features, such as eCommerce integration or custom code features, you’ll need to upgrade to a paid plan.

• Our Rating: 4.5
• Best For: Developer teams who want a CMS-based blogging solution.

Notable Features

• Create and publish blog posts: Using Contentful, you can write a blog post and push it live on the Internet.
• eCommerce integration: Integrate eCommerce into your blog to turn it into a powerful revenue asset for your business.
• Manage authors: With Contentful, you can manage authors and contributors with ease.

Pros

• Track analytics: Keep track of your blog’s performance with detailed analytics reports
• Its cloud-based approach means you can scale more easily than you can with WordPress.org, for example.
• Image editing feature: Contentful provides an image editing feature that lets you crop, resize, and compress images within the platform. If you load large images to your blog by mistake, this feature helps prevent loading-time slowdowns.
• Video support: You can add videos to your blog posts without first uploading the content to a third-party website like YouTube.
• Text editing: Contentful’s text editing interface is similar to a word processor, making it easy to format your posts.

Cons

• You need to become comfortable with code to use Contentful: While it’s not as difficult to use as other code-dependent platforms, you will need at least some developer skills to take full advantage.
• No drag and drop feature: Contentful doesn’t offer a drag and drop interface. Again, this fact makes the platform harder for a beginner to navigate.
• Paid plans are expensive: Once you need to upgrade to a paid plan, you’ll pay at least $500 per month.

Is Contentful Hard To Use?

Yes, it’s more difficult to use when compared to other options like Ghost, WordPress.com, Blogger, or WordPress.org.

If you don’t have a development team to help you, you’ll need to become comfortable with final rendering and API rules to use Contentful.

You should choose a different option if you’re looking for an easy drag and drop editor solution.

About the Free Version of Contentful

With the free Contentful plan, you can create and publish blog posts, manage up to five users, and track analytics.

Even with the free option, you must understand API keys and basic coding skills to work up a personal blog.

It’s an open platform with a design system, including an app platform and SDKs (software development kit).

Under the paid plan, however, you can work more effectively with teams.

Upgrade: Pricing & Plans

You can choose from the free plan or two paid plans when using Contentful.

• Community (free plan): Offers a fully-featured content management system with GraphQL.
• Team: Starts at $489/month. The “Team” plan works well for small teams building out digital projects. The plan can go as high as $1,995 per month.
• Enterprise: You need to contact Contentful for this plan’s pricing details.

Our Take

Contentful is a high-end blogging option better suited for teams of developers than solopreneurs or small business owners.

It requires some coding skills to use but offers a free plan with enough features to get a blog up and running.

Pricing for paid plans is far more than other options that keep your budget at less than $100 per month to get started.

If you have the budget, we recommend Contentful as an option for businesses that want a professional blogging site.

5. SilverStripe

SilverStripe is another free and open-source blogging platform.

Cofounded by Sigurd Magnusson, it’s a blogging platform that’s gaining in popularity with each passing year.

The user interface is very clean and simple, which makes it great for new bloggers.

SilverStripe is fully internationalized, meaning you can create a blog in any language.

Visit SilverStripeRead SilverStripe reviews

SilverStripe is another free and open-source blogging platform.

Cofounded by Sigurd Magnusson, it’s a blogging platform that’s gaining in popularity with each passing year.

The user interface is very clean and simple, which makes it great for new bloggers.

SilverStripe is fully internationalized, meaning you can create a blog in any language.

• Our Rating: 4.5
• Best For: Bloggers and businesses with some developer knowledge and looking for a quality alternative to WordPress.org.

Notable Features

• WYSIWYG editor: You can see what your post will look like as you type it out.
• Media library: Upload and store photos and videos on SilverStripe’s cloud-based media library (up to 500MB free).
• Custom fields: Add custom fields to your blog posts to make them more robust.

Pros

• SEO: SilverStripe automatically generates SEO-friendly URLs for all of your blog posts.
• Comments: Readers can leave comments on your blog posts.
• Tagging: You can tag your blog posts to make them easier to find.
• RSS Feed: SilverStripe automatically generates an RSS feed for your blog.
• Available in multiple languages: You can build a blog in languages such as Spanish, English, Dutch, Danish, Italian, French, German, Swedish, and more.

Cons

• Not as user-friendly as some of the other free blogging platforms: It’s not as user-friendly as platforms like Medium or Blogger.
• No third-party plugins: You’ll need to create your plugins and other add-ons when using SilverStripe.
• Lack of third-party documentation: You won’t find the vast third-party help resources like you do when using WordPress.org.

Is SilverStripe Hard To Use?

Yes, this isn’t an easy drag and drop option for blogging.

Businesses with developer teams will find this more useful than a person operating a small business.

Its interface is easy to use, however, for anyone with some developer knowledge.

The dashboard makes it easy to customize modules and web pages.

About the Free Version of SilverStripe

As an open-source website development solution, you get all the features for free.

You don’t need to upgrade to any paid versions with SilverStripe.

The platform prides itself on the level of security provided to web developers.

You can use it free and benefit from more security than you get from an out-of-the-box WordPress.org website.

Its best features include a WYSIWYG editor, media library, and custom fields for blog posts.

Upgrade: Pricing & Plans

SilverStripe doesn’t offer a paid plan.

It’s a free open-source web content management system for non-profit organizations, businesses, and governments.

Over 50,000 websites use SilverStripe’s free plan to power themselves.

You can watch the SilverStripe demo here. 

Our Take

SilverStripe is a free and open-source CMS that gives developers the freedom to create websites exactly how they want.

It’s not quite simple enough for beginners but you can master it after taking a little time to learn it.

Anyone looking for similar results provided by WordPress.org can look to SilverStripe as a quality alternative.

6. Joomla

Joomla is a free and open-source content management system (CMS) for publishing web content.

The platform uses a model–view–controller web application framework you can use independently of the CMS.

More advanced developers like Joomla because of the free templates, extensions, and add-ons. Joomla works well for websites with a lot of content to manage.

Visit JoomlaRead Joomla reviews

Joomla is a free and open-source content management system (CMS) for publishing web content.

The platform uses a model–view–controller web application framework you can use independently of the CMS.

More advanced developers like Joomla because of the free templates, extensions, and add-ons. Joomla works well for websites with a lot of content to manage.

• Our Rating: 4.2
• Best For: Joomla is perfect for developers who want to build their websites without paying for a hosting platform.

Notable Features

• Free templates: Joomla offers free templates and extensions.
• Built-in access control: Protect your website from unauthorized access.
• Database Abstraction: The database abstraction layer allows you to use a variety of databases.

Pros

• Easy to use for developers: Joomla is easy to use if you already possess coding skills.
• The platform offers a wide range of tutorials for its developers.
• Extensions: The extensions let you customize your website.
• Blogs: You can use Joomla to create a blog.
• RSS feeds: Joomla can help you syndicate your content.

Cons

• Joomla is not as user-friendly as WordPress and might require some coding skills to use it effectively.
• The platform can turn slow at times.
• It doesn’t offer as many free templates as other platforms.

Is Joomla Hard To Use?

Maybe people view Joomla as one of the more difficult free blogging platforms to use.

It requires a working knowledge of HTML and CSS.

If you’re not a developer, you might want to consider another blogging option that offers a drag and drop way to build websites.

About the Free Version of Joomla

The free version of Joomla is the only option available on the platform.

Its developers created Joomla so that developers could access a way to build online applications and websites.

Download it and start using exciting features like RSS feeds and blogs without having to upgrade to a paid plan.

The platform provides plenty of free video training classes, which you can download on the home page.

Upgrade: Pricing & Plans

You never need to worry about paying for a Joomla upgrade. Start using it for free.

Our Take

If you are new to website development or design, you’ll probably find it overwhelming to use Joomla.

The learning curve is steeper than some of the other free blog software platforms.

It’s best for advanced users familiar with coding languages and website development.

If you are an experienced developer, definitely give Joomla a try.

7. Blogger

Blogger is one of the oldest free blogging platforms around.

It’s owned by Google.

You can use a custom domain name with Blogger or use the free blogspot.com domain provided by Google.

There are three ways to create a Blogger site: through your Gmail account, using a Google account, or after setting up an official Blogger account.

Visit BloggerRead Blogger reviews

Blogger is one of the oldest free blogging platforms around.

It’s owned by Google.

You can use a custom domain name with Blogger or use the free blogspot.com domain provided by Google.

There are three ways to create a Blogger site: through your Gmail account, using a Google account, or after setting up an official Blogger account.

• Our Rating: 4.0
• Best For: Blogger is perfect for individuals that want an easy way to create a blog without having to worry about hosting fees.

Notable Features

• Template Designer: You can use the Template Designer to customize your blog’s look and feel without having to know HTML.
• Integrates with Google products: It integrates well with other Google platforms like Analytics and Adsense. For example, you can link directly to AdSense by clicking the “Earnings” tab.
• Build your site on your phone: You can create and edit your site directly from the Blogger app. Even a non-smartphone can send text and images to your blog via text messaging.

Pros

• User-friendly interface: Blogger has an easy-to-use interface that makes creating a blog simple.
• Dynamic views give your readers different ways to view your blog posts.
• Free templates: Blogger offers plenty of free and customizable templates.
• Easy to add video: Blogger provides a “Video” button at the top of the page when creating new blog posts. Use it to search YouTube for videos and automatically embed them in posts. Or, upload a video file from your desktop.
• Customizable design: You can use the Template Designer to change your blog’s background, font, and colors without having to know HTML.

Cons

• Lack of support: Since Blogger is free, there’s no customer service to help you if you have questions or run into problems.
• Many users complain that Blogger runs slow, especially when they first start using it.
• Blogger doesn’t offer as many features as some of the other free blogging platforms. For example, there’s no way to password protect individual posts.

Is Blogger Hard To Use?

Blogger is one of the easiest free blog sites to use.

You can create a blog in less than five minutes without having to know any code.

You’ll use Blogger’s widgets to add all types of functionalities to the blog.

For example, at the push of a button, you can add popular posts, create slideshows, and translate the blog using widgets.

About the Free Version of Blogger

Blogger.com is always free to use.

You’ll never pay money to use Blogger as your blogging platform.

Sign-up fees, subscription costs, or other types of monetary requirements don’t exist with Blogger.

Features include creating and publishing posts, adding photos, videos, and maps to posts, customizing the look of your blog with free themes, and monetizing your blog with AdSense.

Upgrade: Pricing & Plans

Similar to Joomla, there aren’t any upgraded pricing plans to try out.

Google offers all of Blogger’s features for free.

Our Take

Blogger is a simple blogging platform perfect for people who want to create a blog without worrying about hosting fees.

Blogger gives you an easy-to-use interface with plenty of free templates and features available.

While it doesn’t offer as many features as some of the other free blogging platforms, Blogger makes up for it with its ease of use.

If you’re looking to create a free personal blog, strongly consider Blogger.

If you need more features as a business, consider one of the other free blogging platforms on our list.

Best Free Blogging Sites: Community Platforms

Community blogging platforms are the next area of free blog sites to consider using.

1. LinkedIn

Our Pick

LinkedIn offers its users a free blogging platform that anyone can use to share their professional stories and insights.

It’s called LinkedIn Pulse.

To use LinkedIn’s blogging option, sign up for a LinkedIn account first.

Then, click “Pulse” from the main menu.

Visit LinkedInRead LinkedIn reviews

LinkedIn offers its users a free blogging platform that anyone can use to share their professional stories and insights.

It’s called LinkedIn Pulse.

To use LinkedIn’s blogging option, sign up for a LinkedIn account first.

Then, click “Pulse” from the main menu.

• Our Rating: 5.0
• Best For: LinkedIn Pulse is best for business professionals and companies who want to share their insights with other like-minded professionals on the platform.

Notable Features

• LinkedIn Groups: LinkedIn’s blogging platform is also connected to the company’s group feature. You can share your blog post with specific groups, which helps you target a more relevant audience for each article.
• Embedding: LinkedIn makes it easy to embed videos from YouTube and Vimeo in your posts using their built-in embedding feature.
• Easy access to your audience: LinkedIn’s Pulse blogging platform gives you access to your entire network. Your connections will see your blog posts and comment and/or share your content.

Pros

• LinkedIn has a large built-in audience of business professionals. You’ll typically get quality comments from other well-connected people in your industry.
• You can easily add multimedia content to your posts, such as images and videos.
• People are likely to find your articles by people searching for content on LinkedIn’s search engine feature. Many LinkedIn articles also get ranked on Google’s search result pages.
• LinkedIn sends notifications to users to let them know when new content goes live on the platform. It can help further the reach of your blog posts.
• Short posts are effective: Unlike posting on your business blog, you don’t need to write 2,000-word posts on LinkedIn to get visibility. The community aspect helps share your content even when writing shorter posts.

Cons

• Not as many features: LinkedIn doesn’t offer as many features as some of the other free blogging platforms on this list.
• You can’t customize the look and feel of your blog: LinkedIn only allows you to choose from a handful of templates to use for your blog.
• Potential for duplicate content: Some people recommend posting posts on LinkedIn. Pulse after posting on your blog. If Google can’t figure out which post came first, it can penalize both and your rankings will suffer.

Is LinkedIn Pulse Hard To Use?

No, LinkedIn Pulse is not hard to use. Neither is creating a LinkedIn page.

The platform works well for business professionals who want to share their insights and stories with other business professionals.

You won’t find a ton of features, but you will find it easy to use.

About the Free Version of LinkedIn Pulse

If you want to blog without spending any money, LinkedIn Pulse is a good option.

You can get started writing articles immediately.

The platform offers a sleek interface and easy-to-use features.

Since LinkedIn is a professional networking site, people who can become clients will see your articles.

Upgrade: Pricing & Plans

LinkedIn’s blogging platform is always free to use.

However, if you want to boost your articles and get more people to see them, you can pay to promote your posts.

Our Take

If you’re a professional or business owner looking to blog as a way to build your brand and thought leadership, LinkedIn is a quality option.

You can post long-form articles, infographics, and videos on your blog, which gives you plenty of content variety.

Plus, since LinkedIn is a social network for professionals, your target audience is likely already using the platform daily.

2. Medium

Runner Up

Medium is a free blogging platform that’s growing in popularity.

The site works for anyone looking to write articles and share their stories.

You can write about any topic you want.

There’s a good chance you’ll find an audience for your article.

Visit MediumRead Medium reviews

Medium is a free blogging platform that’s growing in popularity.

The site works for anyone looking to write articles and share their stories.

You can write about any topic you want.

There’s a good chance you’ll find an audience for your article.

• Our Rating: 4.8
• Best For: Medium is best for writers who want to build an audience but don’t have a large following yet.

Notable Features

• Medium offers a clean and simple interface that’s easy to use.
• You can see how many people have read your articles and how long they spent reading them.
• The platform makes it easy to add images, videos, and links to your articles.

Pros

• The site has a built-in clapping system so people can show appreciation for your articles.
• Your stories are more likely to reach new readers because Medium promotes content on its homepage and through its social media channels.
• You can see how much engagement your stories are getting, which can help you understand what type of content is resonating with people.
• You can get your stories to show up alongside well-known writers, adding credibility while you work to establish your brand.
• Medium offers a Partner Program so you can earn money based on how many views your articles garner on the site.

Cons

• The free version of Medium restricts the number of stories you can each month.
• You can’t customize the look of your profile or articles. Medium offers a specific look and feel, which some people love and others find limiting.
• It’s difficult to become well-known: You won’t make much money if that’s your main goal. It takes a long time to get enough views to earn a substantial Medium income.

Is Medium Hard To Use?

No, Medium is not hard to use.

The platform gives you a simple dashboard where you can write and format your articles.

You can also add images, videos, and links to your stories with a few clicks.

About the Free Version of Medium

Medium’s free version lets you read a limited number of articles. It also lets you blog for free.

The challenge with the free Medium version is that you won’t make as much money with the Partner Program.

You should upgrade if you want to maximize your exposure and ability to earn cash for your writing efforts.

Upgrade: Pricing & Plans

Medium offers one plan for five dollars a month.

The monthly membership is what gets writers paid.

Medium Plus works by paying subscribers who are frequented by other subscribers.

Members can read more content each month than they can on the free plan.

As a blogger, you’ll contribute more content than you would under the free version.

Our Take

For bloggers, Medium offers a clean, well-designed interface that’s free of clutter.

If you’re looking to build an audience for your blog, Medium provides the potential to give your words a wider reach than almost any other site.

That said, it’s not without its drawbacks.

If you’re used to having complete control over the design and layout of your blog, you won’t like the level of customization that comes with using Medium.

You can change your profile picture and add a bio.

However, that’s about it in terms of customization.

3. Quora

Also Great

With Quora, anyone can ask a question and get answers from experts in the field.

The platform has a Q&A format, making it different from other free blogging sites.

You can use Quora to find out about new trends in your industry, learn more about specific topics, or connect with people who share your interests.

Visit QuoraRead Quora reviews

With Quora, anyone can ask a question and get answers from experts in the field.

The platform has a Q&A format, making it different from other free blogging sites.

You can use Quora to find out about new trends in your industry, learn more about specific topics, or connect with people who share your interests.

You can also use the Quora blogging option to create blog posts.

• Our Rating: 4.5
• Best For: A Quora blog works best for people trying to establish more credibility and authority in their industry.

Notable Features of Quora’s Blogging Platform

• Research features: Quora will show you popular topics to write about based on your interests.
• Analytics: You can see how many views, reads, and shares your blog posts attract.
• Comments: Other users can leave comments on your blog posts. Use this feature to interact with others in your niche.

Pros

• You can link Quora posts to your website. If your Quora blog posts get noticed by the platform’s huge audience, it can provide a boost in traffic to your main website.
• Quora’s blogging platform is free to use.
• The research features help come up with ideas for new blog posts.
• Quora posts show up in Google: Use this benefit to get more targeted traffic from people searching for your specific type of content.
• Partnership opportunities: Look for industry leaders who comment on your posts. Then, make contact to see where you might partner on webinars, podcasts, or other types of partnerships.

Cons

• It’s difficult to stand out on Quora since there are already so many users and blogs.
• Unlike other options like LinkedIn, Quora doesn’t promote your blog posts to other Quora users.
• You might get a negative “strike” if Quora thinks you’re linking too aggressively to your other websites.

Is Quora Hard To Use?

No. Simply click on “Blogs” and then click “Create a blog”.

Quora provides three areas to fill out: Blog name, URL, and Description.

The Blog name becomes your blog post’s headline and meta title.

The Description becomes the blog post’s content.

Click “Create Blog” and your post goes live to Quora’s readers.

About the Free Version of Quora

The free version of Quora provides everything you need to get started with blogging on their platform.

There are no customization options for your blog.

You also can’t use your domain name with the free version.

Instead, you’ll have a Quora-branded URL.

A custom URL would be YourDomainName.com, but a branded one might look like YourDomainName.quora.com.

 Don’t forget about the beneficial features, however.

They include access to research, analytics, comments, and partnership opportunities.

Upgrade: Pricing & Plans

You don’t need to upgrade to a paid plan to use all of Quora’s blogging features.

Quora does offer two paid options for Quora Plus:

• $6.99/ month
• $47.88/year

As a writer, you can put your best blog content behind a paywall to receive a portion of the monthly fees charged by Quora to its premium readers.

You also will be able to browse ad-free.

Quora Plus is still in its infancy, so not everyone can benefit from writing with it just yet.

Our Take

As a blogging platform, Quora is easy to use and provides valuable research features to help you come up with ideas for new content.

Quora limits how much you can customize your blog.

If you’re looking for a free platform with more customization options, we recommend WordPress.com or Blogger.

On the other hand, you can use Quora to get in front of millions of people and then link them to your Blogger or WordPress.com website.

[box_with_button title=”Don’t Overlook Quora’s Limitations” link_url=”https://bloggingtips.com/quora-marketing/” link_text=”Quora Marketing Basics”]

When choosing a platform like Quora or Medium, just remember that you don’t actually own the content. The platform does.

We broke down the pros and cons of these types of platforms, as well as how to make the most of them. Read that guide before choosing a free blog site.

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4. Substack

Many people think Substack is simply a way to create and send newsletters.

You can also use Substack to write blog posts.

The platform combines the worlds of email newsletters and blogging.

Substack also helps writers obtain the functionality for getting paid by their readers.

Visit SubstackRead Substack reviews

Many people think Substack is simply a way to create and send newsletters.

You can also use Substack to write blog posts.

The platform combines the worlds of email newsletters and blogging.

Substack also helps writers obtain the functionality for getting paid by their readers.

Substack calls itself a new model for writing and tries to free writers from social media rules.

• Our Rating: 4.0
• Best For: Substack is best for people who want to focus less on tech issues and more on their writing process.

Notable Features

• Sections: Using sections, you can keep your blog topics organized. Think of sections like you would the navbar on a typical WordPress blog.
• Post types: Substacks gives you three post types: “Everyone”, “Only Paid Subscribers”, and “Only Free Signups”. For blogging purposes, use the “Everyone” post type to make each blog post visible to Google.
• Recommended links: For your newsletter, this feature allows you to add the newsletter to your blog’s home page. When writing blog posts on Substack, use recommended links as your blogroll.

Pros

• Substack is free to use for writers.
• You can get paid by your readers with Substack.
• Imports: Substacks helps you import content from Ghost, Medium, WordPress, Tumblr, and other blogging platforms within minutes.
• Works well for any niche, including local news, food blogs, comic creators, finance writers, and more.
• You can use Substack to monetize a podcast via its subscription podcast feature.

Cons

• Limited customization options for your blog.
• No partners or official app is available yet to help promote your Substack blog.
• You can’t use your domain name with Substack.

Is Substack Hard To Use?

No. Simply click on “Write a post” from your profile.

Substack provides areas to fill out: Headline, Subheadline, and Post Body.

The Headline becomes your blog post’s meta title.

The Subheadline appears below the blog post title on search engine results pages.

The Post Body is where you write your blog content.

After you’re done writing, click “Publish” and your Substack blog post goes live.

About the Free Version of Substack

Substack is free to blog publishers.

You can write and publish as many blog posts as you want.

There are no limits.

You get access to all of Substack’s features with the free version, including sections, post types, recommended links, and importing content from other blogging platforms.

If you decide to publish a paid newsletter, Substack will charge you a 10% fee.

For instance, if you charge $10 per month to subscribers, then Substack takes $1.00 each time you receive payment.

Substack uses Stripe to process payments.

Stripe will take 2.9% of your payments.

Typically, you’ll receive your payment from Stripe within 24-48 hours.

Writing for free on Substack helps monetize your ideas more effectively than using an ad revenue model on a typical WordPress blog.

For instance, it takes almost 50,000 daily page views to reach $1,000 per month in ad revenue.

If you build a Substack blog with 1,000 paying subscribers at $5 per month, you can earn $60,000 per year.

Upgrade: Pricing & Plans

There is only a free version of Substack. There are no paid plans or pricing options.

Our Take

We recommend Substack if you’re looking for a free and easy-to-use blogging platform that also allows you to get paid by your readers.

The platform has some limitations, such as a lack of customization options.

However, it’s a nice option if you’re focused on writing quality content without the hassle of techie look and feel issues.

5. Tumblr

Using Tumblr, you can easily create a free blog.

The platform is simple to use and offers a variety of customization options, such as themes, apps, and more.

You can also use Tumblr to microblog.

Visit TumblrRead Tumblr reviews

Using Tumblr, you can easily create a free blog.

The platform is simple to use and offers a variety of customization options, such as themes, apps, and more.

You can also use Tumblr to microblog.

Microblogging is similar to traditional blogging, but with shorter posts.

• Our Rating: 3.8
• Best For: Tumblr is best for people who want to create a free blog quickly. The platform is also good for people who want to use Tumblr as a supplement to their main blog.

Notable Features

• Themes: Tumblr offers free and paid themes. You can also create a custom theme using HTML and CSS.
• Apps: Tumblr has a variety of apps that you can use to add features to your blogs, such as a music player, forms, and more.
• Twitter integration: You can link your Tumblr blog to your Twitter account. This option allows you to automatically post your Tumblr content to Twitter.

Pros

• Easily add videos, animated GIFs, and images to your Tumblr blog.
• Tumblr blogs quickly get indexed and become searchable on Google.
• Schedule posts in advance: Use this feature to write several posts when you’re feeling creative. Then, release your content during periods when you’re too busy to write or when you’re not in “creation mode”.
• Besides Twitter, you can integrate Tumblr with your Facebook pages.
• Analytics: Tumblr provides you with its analytics and reporting dashboard so you can understand your traffic statistics.

Cons

• The Tumblr culture focuses less on written content and more on visual content.
• The platform isn’t as engaged as it was several years ago.
• Tumblr places ads on blog pages that pay the platform instead of the blog creators.

Is Tumblr Hard To Use?

No. Simply click on the “Create a Blog” button from the home page.

Then, you enter the name of your blog, choose a title, and select a URL.

After that, you select a theme and start customizing your Tumblr blog.

The platform is user-friendly and easy to use.

About the Free Version of Tumblr

You get all the features of Tumblr’s blog platform for free.

The best Tumblr features include free hosting, a free domain, simple design and layout customization, social media integration, multimedia support, and more.

As a free blogging platform, Tumblr is a nice blogging platform for artists, musicians, photographers, and other creative professionals.

If you’re looking for an easy free blog site to start your blog on, consider giving Tumblr a try.

Remember that the platform is more visual.

It’s not as driven by the written word as Medium or LinkedIn.

If you want to weave a few words around plenty of images and videos, you’ll enjoy using Tumblr’s free blogging tools.

You should consider a different platform if you want to engage people interested in reading more than watching visual content.

Upgrade: Pricing & Plans

Tumblr is free.

If you’re interested in getting some sort of payment, Tumblr has two options:

• Tumblr Post Plus
• Enable Tipping

Post Plus is in beta and is thus only offered to a select few bloggers.

The idea behind it is that Tumblr will take 5% of whatever you make.

Enabling Tipping is a free option.

If your readers like a post, they can click the tip jar in the top corner of your post and select their desired amount.

Our Take

Looking at Tumblr from an ease of use perspective, it works well for creative individuals who want to share their passion with the world.

It’s a good platform for businesses that want to build a following and connect with potential customers.

Its microblogging feature makes it simple to get new content up and out to your readers.

The drawback is that Tumblr isn’t as popular as it was years ago.

Competitors like Medium, Substack, and Quora will give you far more reach than Tumblr can.

Unless you’re looking for a place to simply archive your thoughts, you will generate more traffic and exposure using other free blog sites.

6. HubPages

The HubPages blogging platform is free to use.

You can create a free blog on HubPages in minutes.

The platform offers a variety of features that make it simple to write about anything you’re passionate about.

Topics on HubPages blogs include pets, tattoos, makeup, beauty, food, recipes, cars, gardening, tech, and travel.

Visit HubPagesRead HubPages reviews

The HubPages blogging platform is free to use.

You can create a free blog on HubPages in minutes.

The platform offers a variety of features that make it simple to write about anything you’re passionate about.

Topics on HubPages blogs include pets, tattoos, makeup, beauty, food, recipes, cars, gardening, tech, and travel.

• Our Rating: 3.5
• Best For: HubPages is best for bloggers who want to write about a variety of topics and make money from their blogs.

Notable Features

• HubPages has a built-in audience. Your blog will become visible to plenty of people already interested in the topics you write about.
• The platform is free to use and you can start writing immediately after signing up.
• You can monetize your blog with HubPages ads, Google Adsense, or Amazon affiliate links.

Pros

• HubPages also has a strong social media presence. You can share your content on the platform’s Facebook page which has over 700,000 followers.
• Learn SEO: You need to do some keyword research to get traffic on HubPages. Use the experience to understand SEO before moving on to building an independent blog.
• Reliability: The platform started in 2006. You’re using one of the dependable free blog sites when using HubPages.
• Community: Use the forums to learn more about writing. The HubPages community offers a chance to connect and partner with others.
• Quality control: HubPages uses its quality control team to keep spam to a minimum.

Cons

• The blogging platform isn’t as popular as it once was.
• It’s more difficult to get organic traffic from Google since the platform isn’t as popular.
• The platform requires you to use a subdomain. It could hurt your company’s branding because you’re not building content on a custom domain.

Is HubPages Hard To Use?

No, HubPages is not hard to use.

The platform walks you through the process of setting up your blog step-by-step.

You can start writing and publishing content right away.

Its dashboard is user-friendly and easy to navigate.

Overall, it’s a great free blog site for beginners.

About the Free Version of HubPages

HubPages allows its writers to access all the publishing tools for free.

You can use features such as social media integration, photos, videos, and maps in your posts.

You also have the opportunity to make money from your blog with affiliate links and ads.

The free version is a forever-free model.

Without worrying about how to set up difficult backend systems, you can log in and focus only on writing your best content.

Upgrade: Pricing & Plans

HubPages offers only one plan: Free.

You’ll never need to upgrade to a paid version to keep using the blogging tools.

Our Take

You can’t go wrong using HubPages.

It’s free and user-friendly.

You don’t need any blogging experience to get started.

HubPages is ideal for bloggers who want a simple platform to share their stories without any bells and whistles.

If you’re looking for something more robust, though, you might want to consider one of the other free blog sites on our list.

For instance, you may want to turn to WordPress.org when you’re ready to tackle more technical issues, such as using paid themes, adding plugins for better functionality, and building an email marketing list.

7. Typepad

Typepad is a free blog site that gives you a lot of control over the design and functionality of your blog.

Unlike the others in this community category, you can’t blog on Typepad free forever.

The platform offers a 14-day free trial before you need to begin paying a monthly fee.

Visit TypepadRead Typepad reviews

Typepad is a free blog site that gives you a lot of control over the design and functionality of your blog.

Unlike the others in this community category, you can’t blog on Typepad free forever.

The platform offers a 14-day free trial before you need to begin paying a monthly fee.

• Our Rating: 1 – due to the platform not currently letting in new customers. When it opens its doors again, it’s a top-notch blogging choice)
• Best For: Typepad is best for bloggers who want to have complete control over the look and feel of their blog.

Notable Features

• Post scheduling: Automatically post your content at the best time for engagement.
• Domain mapping: Map a custom domain to your Typepad blog, which is useful if you’re coming from another platform.
• Integrations: You can integrate your Typepad blog with Google Analytics, PayPal, Disqus, Bit.ly, and Zemanta. Use these integrations to grow your blog traffic, take payments, and allow comments.

Pros

• Typepad has a wide selection of themes and templates to choose from.
• No ads: You won’t need to worry about ads appearing on your blog and taking away from your content.
• Typepad is user-friendly. You don’t need any coding skills to create a beautiful blog.
• Widgets: You can add social media buttons, photos, and videos to your blog posts with Typepad’s widgets.
• Typepad Connect: This is a feature that allows you to share your content on other social media platforms with just one click.

Cons

• The free trial lasts only 14 days: You’ll need to decide if you want to commit to Typepad before you’ve had a chance to try it out for an extended period.
• While the backend user dashboard is simple, it’s not as intuitive as WordPress.
• You won’t find as many plugins as you will with WordPress. The limited supply of plugins affects the functionality of your blog.

Is Typepad Hard To Use?

The Typepad blogging platform is not hard to use.

Its drag-and-drop editor makes it easy to customize the look and feel of your blog.

You can also preview your changes before you publish them.

If you don’t like a published page, you can easily modify the content and repost it.

About the Free Version of Typepad

Technically, Typepad doesn’t offer a free version.

Typepad is a more traditional blogging solution.

Meaning that it’s more similar to WordPress than it is to LinkedIn Pulse, Medium, or Quora.

You’ll need to pay for one of its hosting plans.

Once you do, you can access the dashboard, add blog content, use meta titles and descriptions for SEO, display ads and affiliate links for revenue, perform live audio and video broadcasts, and gain insights via the analytics dashboard.

From a design control perspective, Typepad gives you everything you need to create a custom blog with all the modern bells and whistles.

Upgrade: Pricing & Plans

After the 14-day free trial period, Typepad offers the following paid plans.

• Plus: $8.95/month
• Unlimited: $14.95/month
• Premium: $29.95/month
• Enterprise: $49.95/month

Our Take

Unfortunately, Typepad isn’t accepting any new signups.

While this may change in the future, you’ll currently need to look at alternative blogging options.

Typepad partners with Bluehost to make the hosting process as seamless as possible.

You can use the Bluehost link from the Typepad pricing page to set up your blog there.

When Typepad opens its doors to new bloggers again, it’s a worthy option to consider.

It provides many of the same features you can get with top industry leaders like WordPress, SilverStripe, Substack, and Wix without a big price tag attached.

Best Free Blogging Sites: Website Builders

It’s now time to move past free blog sites that remain free forever as we look at website builders.

These options offer more overall blogging functionality than the community platforms.

1. Wix

Our Pick

Wix.com is a free website builder that allows you to create a website without having to pay for third-party hosting.

You can use Wix to create a free blog, an eCommerce site, or even a professional portfolio.

Visit WixRead Wix reviews

Wix.com is a free website builder that allows you to create a website without having to pay for third-party hosting.

You can use Wix to create a free blog, an eCommerce site, or even a professional portfolio.

To build a blog, Wix offers plenty of competitive features.

• Our Rating: 5.0
• Best For: Wix is an excellent choice for anyone looking to build a more unique website or blog.

Notable Features

• Blog templates: With more than 200 customizable blogging templates to choose from, Wix gives you plenty of design options for your blog.
• Free hosting: Wix provides free website hosting with every plan. Your blog will sit on the Wix CDN and receive automatic updates from the company.
• Advanced SEO tools: Wix provides users with access to free SEO tools that can help your blog rank higher in search engines.

Pros

• Host paid events: Wix allows you to host paid events on your blog and take payments through the platform. You can use this to organize webinars, for example.
• Integrated eCommerce: Wix provides users with an integrated eCommerce platform, so you can sell products directly from your blog.
• Domain name: You can buy a custom domain name directly from Wix (on one of the paid plans).
• App market: Wix has an app market with more than 250 free and paid apps to choose from. This allows you to add features like live chat, email marketing, and social media feeds to your blog.
• Faster loading: Wix’s free hosting plan includes a content delivery network (CDN), which can help your blog load faster.

Cons

• Ads: Wix will display ads on your free blog unless you upgrade to a paid plan.
• Limited storage: Wix’s free plan only gives you 500MB of storage, which isn’t enough if you want to host a lot of multimedia on your blog.
• Wix branding: Free plans also include Wix branding in the footer of your blog.

Is Wix Hard To Use?

If you’re familiar with drag-and-drop website builders, then you’ll find Wix easy to use.

Even if you’ve never used a website builder before, Wix’s intuitive interface will guide you through the process of creating a blog step-by-step.

Additionally, Wix offers an interesting artificial intelligence (AI) feature called Wix ADI (artificial design intelligence).

Using this feature, Wix will ask you a few questions about your blogging goals.

After you answer these questions, Wix will instantly create your new blog through AI technology.

With Wix ADI, the company couldn’t make it any easier for a new blogger to set up a blog.

If you’re technically challenged in any way, consider using this feature.

About the Free Version of Wix

The free version of Wix offers limited features.

You’ll only get 500MB of storage.

Your domain isn’t custom on the free version.

Wix hosts your site as a subdomain.

Wix will display ads on your blog.

You can’t take online payments or integrate Google Analytics into your blog.

However, you do get a domain and customer support.

If you want to remove these limitations, you’ll need to upgrade to a paid plan.

Upgrade: Pricing & Plans

When you’re ready to upgrade your Wix account to a paid plan, the company gives you four pricing plans.

With these upgraded plans, you get a custom domain, the removal of Wix ads, a free SSL certificate, and up to 100 GB of storage.

Each plan also comes with video storage.

• Combo: $16/month
• Unlimited: $22/month
• Pro: $27/month
• VIP: $45/month

The bigger plan you buy, the more you get in terms of ad vouchers, analytics reports, logo work, social media logo files, and traffic booster features.

Our Take

Wix is a free blogging platform for those who want a more unique look and feel.

The platform offers plenty of features, including templates, hosting, advanced SEO tools, and an app market.

However, the free version offers limited storage and doesn’t include a custom domain.

If you’re looking for a free platform with fewer limitations, we recommend WordPress.com.

However, if you don’t mind upgrading to a paid plan, Wix is an excellent option.

2. Weebly

Runner Up

Weebly is a free blogging platform that’s owned by Square.

The platform is easy to use and offers plenty of features, including templates, hosting, and an integrated eCommerce platform.

The best part about Weebly is how easy it makes setting up a free blog.

Visit WeeblyRead Weebly reviews

Weebly is a free blogging platform that’s owned by Square.

The platform is easy to use and offers plenty of features, including templates, hosting, and an integrated eCommerce platform.

The best part about Weebly is how easy it makes setting up a free blog.

• Our Rating: asdf
• Best For: Anyone looking for an easy-to-use free blogging platform with eCommerce integration.

Notable Features

• Templates: Weebly offers over 40 free blogging templates for you to choose from.
• SEO help: Weebly makes it simple to include title tags, descriptions, and custom URLs to help your blog posts rank well in the search engines.
• Advanced scheduling: Schedule your blog posts in advance and Weebly will automatically publish them for you.

Pros

• Free eCommerce: One of the best things about Weebly is that it offers free eCommerce integration. It means you can sell products directly from your blog.
• Free hosting: Weebly provides free hosting for all of its users. You don’t need to worry about buying a separate hosting plan or paying for hosting fees.
• Drag-and-drop: The platform offers a drag-and-drop interface that makes it easy to add content, photos, and videos to your blog posts.
• RSS and social sharing: Weebly automatically generates RSS feeds for your blog, so people can subscribe to your content. The platform also makes it easy to share your posts on social media.
• Customized blog management: Weebly gives you the ability to moderate comments, track stats, and manage multiple blogs from one account.

Cons

• Weebly branding: Free plans include Weebly branding in the footer of your blog. You can remove it by upgrading to a paid plan.
• Ads: Weebly will display Square ads on your free blog.
• Limited storage: Weebly’s free plan doesn’t come with unlimited storage.

Is Weebly Hard To Use?

Weebly is one of the simplest free blogging sites to use.

The user interface is straightforward.

Even complete beginners should get the hang of it quickly.

However, some users find the lack of customization options frustrating.

If you’re looking for a platform that will let you completely change the look and feel of your site, Weebly may not be the best option for you.

About the Free Version of Weebly

The free version of Weebly is more generous than some other options on this list.

You can use an unlimited number of pages and sell an unlimited number of items on your blog.

The free plan comes with free SSL security, the ability to add third-party embed code, a shopping cart, an automatic tax calculator, inventory management, in-store pickup options, lead capture features, SEO help, and a community forum.

The free version doesn’t give you a custom domain.

You’ll need to upgrade to a paid plan to access unlimited storage space, remove Square ads, use advanced site stats, get password protection, add shipping labels, use abandoned cart emails, and benefit from priority support.

Upgrade: Pricing & Plans

When you decide to upgrade your blogging options with Weebly, you can choose from one of three paid plans.

• Personal: $6/month
• Professional: $12/month
• Performance: $26/month

Considering its fair price, the Performance plan gives you every added advantage without breaking the bank.

Our Take

Weebly is an excellent free blogging site for those who want an easy-to-use platform with a good selection of features.

You may want to look elsewhere if you need more customization options, third-party plugins, and additional templates.

However, for the low monthly pricing options, anyone on a budget can build a professional-looking blog on the Weebly platform.

3. Squarespace

Also Great

Squarespace is a popular blogging site for those who want a sleek, modern look for their blog.

The platform is easy to use, even for beginners.

However, the free version of Squarespace is technically only a free trial.

You’ll need to upgrade to a paid plan if you want to use the platform on a long-term basis.

Visit SquarespaceRead Squarespace reviews

Squarespace is a popular blogging site for those who want a sleek, modern look for their blog.

The platform is easy to use, even for beginners.

However, the free version of Squarespace is technically only a free trial.

You’ll need to upgrade to a paid plan if you want to use the platform on a long-term basis.

• Our Rating: asdf
• Best For: artists, photographers, or anyone else looking for outstanding visual design.

Notable Features

• Layouts: Squarespace offers a wide range of layouts for its users, all of which are customizable.  Layouts include a basic grid, side by side, alternating sides, and single-column blogs.
• Design Tools: With Squarespace, you can use drag-and-drop design tools to create a unique look for your blog.
• eCommerce Functionality: If you want to sell products on your blog, Squarespace makes it easy to set up an online store.

Pros

• Manage daily workflows: If you’re managing a team or working with clients, Squarespace can help you stay organized and on top of your work.
• Track analytics: With Squarespace, you can track your site’s analytics and see how your audience is engaging with your content.
• Featured posts: You can highlight and feature certain posts on your Squarespace blog to help promote them.
• Drive engagement: With Squarespace’s integrations, you can add social media buttons to your blog posts and encourage your readers to share your content.
• SEO tools: Squarespace provides users with a wide range of SEO tools to help them optimize their content and improve their search engine ranking.

Cons

• Limited customization: While Squarespace offers a wide range of templates, they may not be suitable for everyone. If you need a lot of customization options, you may want to look elsewhere.
• No free plan: While Squarespace does offer a free trial, you’ll need to enter your credit card information when you sign up. If you don’t upgrade to a paid plan, you can’t continue using the platform.
• No support for plugins or apps: Squarespace doesn’t provide support for any of the third-party plugins or apps you might install.

Is Squarespace Hard To Use?

No, Squarespace is not hard to use.

The platform caters to people of all skill levels.

Even if you’re new to blogging, you can create a professional-looking blog using Squarespace’s intuitive dashboard.

About the Free Version of Squarespace

The only free option with Squarespace is the 14-day free trial.

It doesn’t provide features that you can use indefinitely.

You’ll need to try the trial and then decide if you want to upgrade to a paid plan.

Once you upgrade, you’ll discover that each paid plan gives you everything you used during your trial.

The benefits include a free custom domain, video storage capabilities, unlimited blog bandwidth, SEO help, 24/7 support, mobile-optimized templates, and SSL security.

Upgrade: Pricing & Plans

Squarespace offers four different pricing plans to choose from.

• Personal: $14/month
• Business: $23/month
• Basic Commerce: $27/month (eCommerce functionality)
• Advanced Commerce: $49/month (eCommerce functionality + advanced features)

Once your 14-day trial ends, decide which plan to continue with.

If you choose the Personal or Business plans, you can always upgrade to one of the eCommerce plans at a later date.

Our Take

Squarespace is a blogging site that helps artistic types create visually stunning layouts.

It’s an ideal platform for beginner bloggers who want an uncomplicated way to start writing and sharing their stories.

While it doesn’t offer as many features as some of the other free sites on this list, Squarespace offers a simple and elegant interface.

4. Jimdo

Jimdo is a free blogging platform designed to help you host and design your blog.

You don’t need to purchase third-party hosting to use Jimdo.

You won’t need to download any software. Jimdo runs as a browser platform.

Simply log in and start building your new blog.

Visit JimdoRead Jimdo reviews

Jimdo is a free blogging platform designed to help you host and design your blog.

You don’t need to purchase third-party hosting to use Jimdo.

You won’t need to download any software. Jimdo runs as a browser platform.

Simply log in and start building your new blog.

• Our Rating: asdf
• Best For: Jimdo is a solid choice for beginners who need a free option to start blogging.

Notable Features

• Responsive design: Jimdo’s responsive design ensures that your blog looks great on all devices.
• Design help: Jimdo provides users with a wide range of design templates to choose from. If you’re not sure where to start, Jimdo’s templates can give you some inspiration.
• Free hosting: As mentioned, Jimdo doesn’t require you to purchase third-party hosting. All you need is a Jimdo account and you can start building your blog.

Pros

• Domain name: You can use a free Jimdo subdomain or purchase a custom domain.
• Photo galleries: Jimdo makes it easy to add photo galleries to your blog posts.
• Contact forms: Jimdo provides users with a contact form builder so you can easily add forms to your blog.
• GDPR-compliant: The platform provides GDPR-compliant pages so you know you’re following EU rules.
• Support: Jimdo focused on providing excellent customer support to all of its users.

Cons

• Advertisements: Free accounts include Jimdo-branded ads. You can remove the ads by upgrading to a paid plan.
• A free account doesn’t come with a custom domain. You’ll need to host your blog as a Jimdo.com subdomain.
• The Play (free) and Start plans don’t offer help with search engine optimization. You’ll need to upgrade to the Grow plan to obtain SEO tools.

Is Jimdo Hard To Use?

Ease of use is one of Jimdo’s main marketing points.

It’s designed to be as user-friendly as possible.

You don’t need any prior coding or design experience to create a beautiful blog using Jimdo.

About the Free Version of Jimdo

With a free plan, called the Play plan, Jimdo gives you all of its basic features for building a blog.

These features include 500 MB of storage, 2 GB of bandwidth, a free Jimdo.com subdomain, GDPR-compliant pages, and the ability to add photo galleries, videos, and contact forms.

You also get basic access to Jimdo’s customer support team.

The free plan doesn’t include some of Jimdo’s more advanced features, such as eCommerce functionality and SEO help.

If you want to use these features, you’ll need to upgrade to one of Jimdo’s paid plans.

The Grow plan also provides more customized customer support and visitor statistics data.

Upgrade: Pricing & Plans

You can upgrade from the free plan to two paid options.

All three plans give you contact forms, image libraries, and mobile-ready templates.

• Play: Free
• Start: $9/month
• Grow: $14/month

The Start plan adds in 5 GB of storage, 10 GB of bandwidth, a free custom domain for one year, and email functionality.

With the Grow plan, you get upgraded to 15 GB of storage, 20 GB of bandwidth, and premium support.

Our Take

Jimdo is one of the easiest free blog sites to use.

If you’re looking for a platform that you can quickly and easily set up, without any design or coding experience, Jimdo is a good option.

However, if you want more advanced features, such as eCommerce functionality or extensive SEO help, you’ll need to upgrade to a paid plan.

Further, you won’t get as many third-party plugin add-ons as you would with WordPress, for instance.

5. Site123

Site123 is another free blogging platform that’s designed for simplicity.

The platform focuses on helping users build a professional blog, without any design experience required.

You will benefit from most of the blogging features you might expect from a free blog site.

Visit Site123Read Site123 reviews

Site123 is another free blogging platform that’s designed for simplicity.

The platform focuses on helping users build a professional blog, without any design experience required.

You will benefit from most of the blogging features you might expect from a free blog site.

• Our Rating: 4.0
• Best For: Site123 is best for people without prior blog-building experience.

Notable Features

• Commenting system: Site123 includes a commenting system so you can easily enable comments on your blog posts.
• Social media integration: You can add social media buttons to your blog posts so readers can share your content.
• Blog templates: Site123 offers a variety of free templates that you can use for your blog.

Pros

• Domain name: You can get a free Site123 subdomain or purchase a custom domain.
• SSL certificate: All Site123 sites come with an SSL certificate to ensure your site’s security.
• Customer support: You can reach out to Site123’s customer support team via email or live chat.
• Simple newsletter tool: Site123 includes a simple newsletter tool so you can easily send updates to your subscribers.
• Contact form creator: The platform includes a contact form creator so you can easily add forms to your blog.

Cons

• Advertisements: Free accounts display Site123-branded ads. You can remove the ads by upgrading to a paid plan.
• No mobile app: Site123 doesn’t provide a mobile app. However, you can make basic edits on a mobile device.
• Storage limitations: With a free account, you only get 250 MB of storage. You’ll need to upgrade to a paid plan to increase your storage.

Is Site123 Hard To Use?

Site123 is one of the easiest free blog sites to use.

People without prior blog-building experience should find it well worth it.

You will log in and find the interface one of the most intuitive builders on the market.

You don’t need any coding experience. Drag and drop your way to building your blog.

About the Free Version of Site123

You’ll gain access to most of the main blogging features with the Site123 free plan.

For example, you can use the platform’s commenting system, perform social media integration, see visitor statistics or add Google Analytics, set up password-protected areas, use custom widgets, set up navigation areas, and use blog templates.

The  250 MB of storage is the main drawback of the free version.

You’ll need to upgrade to a paid plan to increase your storage.

You will also need to upgrade if you want to distance yourself from the Site123 subdomain.

The paid plan gives you a custom domain name.

Upgrade: Pricing & Plans

You can start on the free plan and then upgrade to the one Site123 paid option.

Premium is $12.80 per month

The Premium plan removes Site123’s floating branding tag, gives you eCommerce tools, provides for 10 GB of storage, and upgrades your bandwidth from 250 MB to 5 GB.

Our Take

Site123 is one of the easiest free blogging sites to use.

You can get your blog up and running within minutes.

If you want to move to a paid plan later, it will only cost you a few dollars per month.

The paid option is one of the most affordable options on the blogging platform market.

We recommend Site123 for those people getting started with blogging.

6. Strikingly

Strikingly is a free blogging platform known for its simplicity and ease of use.

You can create a basic blog or website in minutes.

Using its simple website builder, you can do so without any design experience required.

You can also use it to create nice-looking landing pages for your blog.

Visit StrikinglyRead Strikingly reviews

Strikingly is a free blogging platform known for its simplicity and ease of use.

You can create a basic blog or website in minutes.

Using its simple website builder, you can do so without any design experience required.

You can also use it to create nice-looking landing pages for your blog.

• Our Rating: asdf
• Best For: asdf

Notable Features

• Drag and drop editor: The Strikingly editor operates as a drag and drop system. You can add content blocks to your pages and rearrange them with ease.
• Mobile-friendly designs: All Strikingly templates show up well on any device.
• Built-in contact form: With Strikingly, you can easily add a contact form to your blog.

Pros

• 24/7 support: All the plans provide customer support at any time of day.
• Built-in eCommerce options: You can add eCommerce functionality to any plan. Add the Strikingly Simple Store option, connect the store to Stripe or PayPal, and start selling to your blog visitors.
• Social feeds: With Strikingly, you can add social media feeds to your blog.
• Analytics: You can see detailed insights into your blog’s traffic with the Strikingly analytics tool.
• Subscriber sign-up forms: You can add a sign-up form to your blog so visitors can subscribe to your content.

Cons

• Limited eCommerce functionality: You can only sell one product on your blog using the free plan.
• Limited storage: With free accounts, you only get 500 MB of storage. You’ll need to upgrade to a paid plan to increase storage limits to 1 GB and more.
• Subdomain: You can’t use a custom domain name unless you pay from one of the upgraded plans.

Is Strikingly Hard To Use?

A big selling point for Strikingly is its ease of use.

After logging in the first time, the system directs you to create a new website.

You can start from scratch or use one of the pre-made templates.

Once you’ve chosen your template, you can begin customizing it to fit your needs.

About the Free Version of Strikingly

You get everything you need to start building a blog with the free plan.

The editor works as a drag and drop system.

You can add content blocks to your pages and rearrange them with ease.

If you need to add more pages, you can do so from the editor.

You can also change the theme of your website at any time.

There are a limited number of free themes available.

If you want access to more, you’ll need to upgrade to a paid plan.

You’ll also want to upgrade to a paid plan if you want the ability to sell more than one product on your website.

Upgrade: Pricing & Plans

Strikingly provides three paid plans in addition to the free plan.

• Forever Free plan: Free
• Limited: $12/month
• Pro: $20/month
• VIP: $59/month

The big reasons to use the VIP plan include the 100 GB of storage, priority customer service, live chat widgets, a dedicated account manager, and the ability to send newsletters to 2000 subscribers.

Our Take

Strikingly is a great platform if you’re looking to create a simple, one to five-page site.

The free plan is generous and gives you everything you need to create a beautiful website.

If you’re looking for more features, such as the ability to add an eCommerce store or more than five pages, you’ll need to upgrade to a paid plan.

Overall, we think Strikingly is a great choice for small businesses, personal websites, and portfolios.

Best Free Blogging Sites: eCommerce

Although many of the above options provide some eCommerce functionality, nothing beats Shopify in this area.

Let’s look at the industry leader in the eCommerce market.

1. Shopify

Our Pick

Shopify is the market leader for a reason.

It’s easy to use and packed with features.

It integrates seamlessly with all the other tools you need to run your business, such as accounting software, email marketing, and social media.

Visit ShopifyRead Shopify reviews

Shopify is the market leader for a reason.

It’s easy to use and packed with features.

It integrates seamlessly with all the other tools you need to run your business, such as accounting software, email marketing, and social media.

• Our Rating: 5.0
• Best For: Shopify works well for eCommerce companies that understand the value of blogging.

Notable Features

• Free Themes: Shopify also has a huge selection of free and premium themes so you can find the perfect design for your blog.
• “Add a blog” feature: Shopify’s team understands that eCommerce companies must use blogging to attract traffic for their products. The platform makes it easy to add blog posts to your online store.
• Marketing tools: Shopify provides free and paid marketing tools to help you promote your products and grow your business.

Pros

• Customer support: Shopify provides all plan owners with excellent customer service.
• Generous free trial: You can try Shopify for free for 14 days, no credit card required.
• Single dashboard view: All the tools you need to run your business are in one place.
• Shopping cart: The platform provides a customizable shopping cart so you can sell your products online.

Cons

• Pricing: Shopify’s pricing is on the higher end, but the Shopify fees are worth it for the features and support you get.
• No true free plan: It’s a benefit to open a Shopify account without a credit card. However, the company doesn’t offer a “free forever” plan.
• Paid add-ons: The monthly plan pricing isn’t your only cost with a Shopify account. You need to budget for add-ons, such as the plugin to help your visitors obtain discounts.

Is Shopify Hard To Use?

Beginners may struggle with some of the features and terminology in Shopify.

The dashboard isn’t as intuitive as other options on the market.

However, there are plenty of resources to help you get started, including tutorials and a customer support team that responds quickly.

About the Free Version of Shopify

As mentioned previously, Shopify doesn’t offer an official plan.

You’ll need to pay for a plan if you want to use Shopify for longer than 14 days.

However, you can use the free trial period to try out all the best features.

Take the time to use features like setting up your online store, adding a blog, testing the 24/7 support staff, using discount codes, offering gift cards, setting up automation tasks, and looking at your analytics and reporting dashboard.

Upgrade: Pricing & Plans

When you’re done with your 14-day trial, you can decide to upgrade to one of Shopify’s three paid plans.

• Basic: $29/month
• Shopify: $79/month
• Advanced: $299/month
• Plus: $2,000/month

The Shopify plan should work well for most businesses.

It gives you more staff accounts than the Basic plan.

You’ll also pay less on payment processing fees than you will with the Basic plan.

For enterprise customers looking to unlock everything the platform has to offer, they can check out Shopify Plus.

Our Take

Although not a traditional blogging platform, Shopify’s blogging features work well for an eCommerce company.

You get the best of both worlds by using Shopify.

The platform helps you list and sell products.

It also helps you add in blogging duties to improve your search engine optimization results.

Use a Shopify blog to write about the needs of your target audience.

On your blog pages, include links over to your category and product pages to encourage new sales.

Best Free Blogging Sites: Alternative

Let’s look at an interesting blogging alternative called Postach.io.

1. Postach.io

Our Pick

Postach.io is a free blogging platform that turns your Evernote notes into blog posts.

The app is simple to use.

You connect it to your Evernote account and then tag the notes you want to turn into blog posts.

Visit Postach.ioRead Postach.io reviews

Postach.io is a free blogging platform that turns your Evernote notes into blog posts.

The app is simple to use.

You connect it to your Evernote account and then tag the notes you want to turn into blog posts.

• Our Rating: 4
• Best For: People who already use Evernote to store their ideas and want a free blogging solution.

Notable Features

• Customization: You can change the theme and look of your blog with ease.
• Disqus Integration: You can add Disqus comments to your blog posts.
• Evernote Integration: As mentioned, this is how the platform works. It integrates with your Evernote account.

Pros

• Customizable themes: You can find a theme that fits your brand. Use the themes to personalize the reading experience for your site visitors.
• Ease of use: Evernote tries to compete with options like WordPress by providing a sleek, easy-to-use blogging option.
• No hosting costs: Unlike many blogging platforms, you don’t need to pay for third-party hosting. Postach.io takes care of all hosting responsibilities for you.
• SEO friendly: You can easily optimize your blog posts for Google and other search engines while creating your ideas.
• Affordable: Even the paid plan allows anyone to afford to blog.

Cons

• Not as many features as other blogging platforms: You’re limited in what you can do with Postach.io, especially when compared to other free blogging platforms.
• You must build your blog on the Postach.io domain if your use the free plan.
• Beholden to Evernote: You need to use Evernote to take advantage of this blogging option.

Is Postach.io Hard To Use?

Postach.io is one of the easiest blogging platforms to use.

If you’re familiar with Evernote, then you can start using Postach.io with ease.

The free plan might have some limitations, but it’s a great way to try out the platform before deciding whether to upgrade.

About the Free Version of Postach.io

The free plan gives you everything you need to blog successfully.

You can use features such as Disqus commenting, vibrant theme options, Google Analytics integration, social media links, and its responsive design.

You’ll find plenty of integrations with the free version of Postach.io.

It integrates with Dropbox, Pinterest, OneNote, Instagram, Microsoft Word, Twitter, and various email clients.

There are a couple of valid reasons to upgrade to the paid plan.

For one, you can upgrade to a custom domain name.

Secondly, Postach.io gives you more theme customization and branding options on the paid account.

Upgrade: Pricing & Plans

Postach.io offers two plans: One free plan and one paid plan.

The paid plan is $5 per month.

Once inside your account, you can upgrade to choose your custom domain name.

As well, you’ll see the additional customization options discussed above.

Our Take

If you’re a fan of Evernote and want a free blogging solution, give Postach.io a try.

The platform is simple to use and perfect for beginners who don’t want to deal with the hassle of learning another blogging platform.

Even if you’re not familiar with Evernote yet, Postach.io is worth considering.

The free plan gives you plenty of features to get started.

The paid plan is only $60 per year—a price that’s affordable for most people.

Features To Look For in a Free Blog Platform

You’ve learned about 22 free blog sites, the similarities and differences between each, their main features, and how much they cost.

It’s now time to help you decide so you can choose the one platform that meets your needs.

Use the following features as you select your favorite free blogging platform.

1. Simple To Understand

You don’t want to spend all of your time learning a new platform. It’s best to focus on creating content and connecting with your audience.

All blogging platforms claim simplicity as a part of their feature suite.

If that’s your main consideration, then you may want to immediately start using the Ghost platform.

2. Low Overhead and Fees

The free blogging platforms will cost you nothing in hosting and domain fees.

The only time you’ll pay is when you want to upgrade your account for more features or a custom domain name.

Different blogging software chooses their specific way to collect payment from their customers.

If you want a completely free blog platform, consider LinkedIn, Medium, and Quora.

3. Functionality That Matches Your Needs

The free blog sites all offer different functionality.

Some are better for simple blogging while others offer more robust features like eCommerce and membership sites.

It’s important to understand what you want to use your blog for before selecting the platform.

Thinking ahead in this area will save you time in the long run.

4. Ability to Customize Design, Posts, and Pages

You want a platform that gives you complete control over the design of your blog.

All free blogging platforms offer some level of customization.

However, some are much better than others.

Choose a platform that makes it easy to change the look and feel of your blog without requiring coding skills.

It’s this consideration that causes us to frequently recommend WordPress.org

5. Strong Open-source Platform and Community

The open-source style of coding continues to evolve.

New features and designs are constantly added by blogging software communities.

Look for a platform with a large, active, and helpful community around it.

You’ll feel confident that your blog interface will remain up-to-date.

As well, it will make it easier to find answers to your questions and get help when you need it.

6. Ability To Get Customer Support

Even with a large and helpful community, you’ll sometimes need direct customer support and assistance.

Look for a blogging platform that offers multiple ways for you to get help when needed.

Jimdo does a nice job in this area.

7. Scalability To Grow Into Your Goals

When your blog becomes successful, you’ll want to add new features and functionality.

Some free blogging platforms make this easy while others do not.

Do some research on the platform’s ability to scale before making your decision.

8. Future-proof Roadmap

Your free blog today might turn into a money-making machine tomorrow.

It’s important to choose a platform with a vision for the future.

Look for a platform that’s constantly innovating and adding new features.

It will help ensure that your blog can grow with you over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

We’ve covered a lot of ground around the topic of free blog sites.

You may still have a few questions.

Here are the answers to two of the most commonly asked questions about blogging success.

Wrapping Up

WordPress.org is our clear winner for the best free blog site.

We rate it as our winner because the platform gives you the most control over your blogging experience.

It wins out in other areas like the following.

• Low overhead and fees
• Functionality
• Customization
• Community
• Scalability

As an open-source CMS, WordPress.org provides a community that stands head and shoulders above the rest.

Millions of website owners trust WordPress.org with their blogs and businesses.

You will find plenty of third-party documentation to help you through any type of technical challenge.

Your WordPress.org blog can use an almost endless supply of plugins to customize its look and feel, eCommerce shopping carts, and lead generation opportunities.

You’ll only pay for hosting and a few premium themes or plugins.

Finally, you can scale a WordPress.org blog from zero to $100,000+ per month in revenue.

Wix is our runner-up winner.

You’re likely looking at the top free blog sites because you’re new to blogging.

Wix is one of the first blogging platforms to use artificial intelligence to help beginners quickly create blogs.

Using the Wix ADI feature ties you within its closed hosting environment.

If you’re okay with that, you can quickly blog your way to success.

Now that you know a bit more about free blog sites, it’s time to choose the platform that’s right for you.

Consider your budget, what you want to use your blog for, how much control you want over the design, and if you need any special features.

With this information in hand, you can make an informed decision about which free blog site is best for you.

Take action now by selecting three to five of the above platforms that interest you most.

Research each free blog site in detail. Finally, select your favorite and start blogging today.

Virtual communities changed everything from hobbies to the way we do business.

Before the internet, communities consisted of neighbors, coworkers, and other locals.

It wasn’t always easy to find people who shared your interests and hobbies.

Small businesses with specialty products struggled to find a market.

Today, you can join a book club with people on the other side of the globe.

It’s easier than ever to launch a new business or campaign to spread awareness of a cause.

You can find people who love a hobby as much as you or fight for policy changes.

Virtual communities made this all possible.

There is nothing more powerful in this space than a community platform.

Of course, you have dozens of options to choose from, so how do you choose?

Learn everything you need to know about community platforms and which ones are the best.

What Is a Community Platform?

Community platforms bring people together online and even support real world meetings.

These communities connect people online via forums, message boards, and email lists.

Engagement is the driving force behind community platforms.

Participants can share thoughts, ideas, and experiences with people like them.

It’s also an opportunity to gain feedback and input from a targeted audience.

Who Uses Community Platform Software?

Building a supportive, engaged brand community is critical for any business or cause.

Modern societies exist in large part online, making the world larger and smaller at the same time.

You can reach people across the globe with a few clicks.

But, you have to break through the noise from others seeking attention.

Community platform software filters out noise to connect you with the right people.

These platforms allow individuals and brands to engage in meaningful ways.

What Features Should a Community Software Have?

There is no one-size-fits-all option.

Choosing the right community software takes some research and thought.

Try creating a wish list of features to narrow the field to the perfect fit your organization.

• Various communication channels allow you to disseminate and receive information.
• Search and filter options improve the user experience.
• Customization is key to maintaining brand consistency with colors, logos, and imaging.
• Make sure the platform handles every language you use.
• Security features should include spam protection and strong data security.
• Make sure it is easy to use for you and your customers.
• Gamification features hook your customers and keep them coming back for more.
• Look for platforms with SEO features to improve your online presence and authority.

Finally, the community software should provide access to in-depth analytics.

You should be able to refine your efforts to meet customer needs.

What Are the Best Community Platforms?

There are dozens of community platforms available and something for everyone.

After a lot of research, we selected the best options to help you make a decision.

1. Mighty Networks

Our Pick

Mighty Networks is a platform that allows you to post articles, videos, and more.

Users can connect, learn, and interact with you and the community.

Visit Mighty NetworksRead Mighty Networks reviews

Mighty Networks is a platform that allows you to post articles, videos, and more.

Users can connect, learn, and interact with you and the community.

Who Does Mighty Networks Fit Best?

This platform is best for entrepreneurs and creatives who want to grow their community.

Businesses can also gain from the platform, especially with the custom app option.

What Are the Main Features of Mighty Networks?

Mighty Networks is popular because it offers personalization and a dynamic interface.

There are several options available to create a custom community with this mighty network, including:

• Activity feeds are easy to follow and customizable.
• Unlimited members regardless of plan size.
• Personalize everything with your brand.
• Easily build courses to sell.
• Various communication channels, including private messaging and small group chats.
• Hold live events, meetings, and group chats.
• Analytics dashboard tracks memberships and trends.

You can also embrace the Mighty Pro option.

Mighty Networks creates a custom mobile app for your brand to optimize membership.

Is There a Guide for Launching a Community with Mighty Networks?

One of the neatest things about Mighty Networks is that the platform has its own community.

The Mighty Community teaches you about different features.

You can even attend workshops and events.

Additionally, the platform provides an extensive help center.

Read articles and watch videos detailing how to use the software.

Is There a Glossary of Key Terms Used in the Mighty Networks Platform?

Mighty Insights is the user dashboard for this platform.

Users can access a Glossary of Key Terms through a hyperlink.

Pros of Using Mighty Networks

• Mighty Networks comes with high ratings on G2, GetApp, and Capterra.
• It’s easy to use.
• You get a range of features in one platform.
• The event calendar and course-building options stand out from the crowd.
• Detailed analytics help you refine content and goals.

Pricing Plans for Mighty Networks

Mighty Networks offers a free trial without providing a credit card.

If you like the platform then you can upgrade.

• The Community Plan starts at $33 per month if you pay annually.
  You get a website, live streaming, chat, messaging, events, and paid memberships.
• The Business Plan starts at $99 per month with annual payments.
  This level adds online courses, live courses, analytics, Zapier APIs, and workflows.

The site does not list pricing for upgrading to Mighty Pro.

You can request a demo and speak with the team to get an estimate.

2. Tribe 

Runner Up

Tribe is another powerful community-building platform with rich features that make engagement easy.

Sign-up is easy; users can use existing social media profiles from other platforms.

Visit TribeRead Tribe reviews

Tribe is another powerful community-building platform with rich features that make engagement easy.

Sign-up is easy; users can use existing social media profiles from other platforms.

Who Does Tribe Fit Best?

Tribe is best for smaller businesses and creators who want to build organic communities.

But, Tribe boasts some notable corporate customers.

IBM created a private community for their technology teams.

What Are the Main Features of Tribe?

This platform offers a range of tools that serves as a communication hub.

It offers dozens of customizable features.

Tribe claims to help you create a custom version of Facebook or LinkedIn.

• Spaces represent the various segments with easy to interpret names.
• Apps include the analytics, custom codes, and Google Tag Manager.
• Enhance and optimize your content before posting.
• Moderation tools give you control over comments.
• Search and filter features help users find what they want faster.
• Activity feeds update regularly to keep information fresh.
• Customize domains, colors, and layouts to match your brand.
• Create private communities.

Tribe also offers powerful security features to ensure safety and privacy.

Is There a Guide for Launching a Community With Tribe?

Yes, there is a guide for launching a community with Tribe.

Users can follow a step-by-step install and setup.

The site also features webinars and access to an Expert Network if necessary.

Is There a Glossary of Key Terms Used in the Tribe Platform?

Tribe features an online Glossary of important terms and definitions.

Search alphabetically or by typing in at least part of a word.

Pros of Using Tribe

• Robust features including augmented videos.
• Integrates with multiple third-party platforms.
• Stellar customer support and knowledge base.
• Features over 25 languages.
• Robust moderation features.

Pricing Plans for Tribe

Tribe offers four plans but is free for up to 100 members.

Users get a discount for paying annually instead of monthly.

• Plus Members can start for free until they reach 100 members.
  At 100 members, the plan starts at $59 per month and includes three administrative seats.
• Premium Membership starts at 2,500 members and includes five admin seats for $299 per month.
• At 25,001 members, you move to Advanced Membership status and $599 per month.
  The new plan includes five additional admin seats and a range of advanced features.
• Enterprise Members have more than 100,000 members and enter a new billing system.
  Pricing goes through the sales team and you get several upgrades.

Everybody can start for free without providing a credit card.

Tribe also permits users to buy extra admin seats if desired.

3. BuddyBoss

Also Great

BuddyBoss is one of the more versatile community platforms.

Users can choose a website package or a custom app.

Visit BuddyBossRead BuddyBoss reviews

BuddyBoss is one of the more versatile community platforms.

Users can choose a website package or a custom app.

Who Does BuddyBoss Fit Best?

This highly-rated platform seems to work best for educators and coaches.

It boasts a range of high-profile clients, including Stanford and Yale.

The website option is for use on WordPress.

What Are the Main Features of BuddyBoss?

BuddyBoss is a comprehensive platform for websites or as a custom app.

You get similar features with each option but the delivery differs.

• Web version is a WordPress Theme.
• Adds popular social networking features on your site.
• Integrates with the LearnDash plugin to deliver courses.
• Drag and drop editing tools.
• Many plug and play functions for easy customization.
• Customize the site to match your brand.
• Unlimited members, groups, courses, and admins.

The custom apps offer the same features with your branding.

Sell it in the App Store or Google Play Store.

Is There a Guide for Launching a Community With BuddyBoss?

There is a guide for launching the platform.

Users also have access to a robust help system and 24/7 customer support.

Is There a Glossary of Key Terms Used in the BuddyBoss Platform?

There is not a glossary, but BuddyBoss has a Knowledge Base with tutorials.

You can access information on any unknown terms through the search bar.

Pros of Using BuddyBoss

• Easy to use.
• Unlimited members and page views.
• Compatible with many plugins and third-party tools.
• 21-day risk-free guarantee.
• 24/7 technical support.

Pricing Plans for BuddyBoss

BuddyBoss bills annually for all products.

The pricing differences depend on the number of sites or app features.

BuddyBoss Web

• One site: $228
• Five sites: $288
• Ten sites: $388

BuddyBoss App

• Standard features: $179 per month.
• Done for you: $1,999 one-time payment plus $179 per month.
• Developer: $299 one-time payment plus $278 per month.

Users pay the monthly app fees annually.

The “done for you” and “developer” packages include advanced features and more support.

4. Vanilla Forums

Vanilla Forums is a mature platform for building brand awareness and connecting with customers.

Users can select an open-source version or paid plan.

The paid plans include advanced features.

Visit Vanilla ForumsRead Vanilla Forums reviews

Vanilla Forums is a mature platform for building brand awareness and connecting with customers.

Users can select an open-source version or paid plan.

The paid plans include advanced features.

Who Does Vanilla Forums Fit Best?

This platform is versatile enough to meet the needs of most organizations but medium to large companies.

It focuses on discussions and gathering ideas from members while letting businesses track trends.

What Are the Main Features of Vanilla Forums?

Vanilla Forums offers several features to increase engagement and brand awareness.

It focuses on an exceptional user experience for customers and admins.

• Create forums for customers to exchange ideas.
• Build a knowledge base about your brand, product, or service.
• Q&A features let you support customers through many avenues.
• Crowdsource ideas through polls.
• Gamification features let users build reputation to gain abilities on the platform.
• Custom themes match your branding.
• Manage multiple groups and forums with unique interests and topics.
• Schedule and share events online and in real life.
• Enhance standard growth analytics with Google Analytics.

The platform integrates with various other software to create a seamless experience.

For example, if you already use Salesforce as a CRM, it works with Vanilla.

Is There a Guide for Launching a Community With Vanilla Forums?

New users can access a “Getting Started” checklist to guide them through setup.

Further support and information exists in the Resource Library.

Is There a Glossary of Key Terms Used in the Vanilla Forums Platform?

There is no glossary of key terms available.

Pros of Using Vanilla Forums

• Customizable to match your brand
• Moderation features include demerits and banning
• Q&A system
• Event calendar with RSVP capabilities
• Integrates with WordPress

Pricing Plans for Vanilla Forums

Vanilla Forums offers three pricing plans, Essential, Corporate, and Enterprise.

The platform does not list prices and directs you to speak with a sales representative.

5. Discourse 

Discourse is one of the older community platforms.

It’s also one of the simplest to install, learn, and use.

Users can tap into an open-source or cloud-based version depending on their needs.

Visit DiscourseRead Discourse reviews

Discourse is one of the older community platforms.

It’s also one of the simplest to install, learn, and use.

Users can tap into an open-source or cloud-based version depending on their needs.

Who Does Discourse Fit Best?

This platform is a solid option for anybody because it’s so versatile.

There are many customization options and it is mobile responsive.

What Are the Main Features of Discourse?

Discourse markets its product as a civilized discussion for any community.

The open-source version is possibly the best in the business.

Users can discuss via mailing list, chat room, and discussion forum.

• Bypass the need to click next page thanks to the infinite scrolling option.
• Receive notifications whenever someone mentions you.
• Simple, easy to use, flat forums let you track conversation        s.
• Use emojis and badges to add flair.
• Spam blocking alerts you to potential spammers.
• Summarize topics with the click of a button.
• Intuitive admin dashboard.

Is There a Guide for Launching a Community With Discourse?

There are many guides for launching a community with Discourse.

Users can access the guides for their individual software needs in the Community section.

Is There a Glossary of Key Terms Used in the Discourse Platform?

There is currently not a glossary of key terms used in the Discourse platform.

Pros of Using Discourse

• Reply to users via email and personal messaging.
• Compatible with many plug-ins.
• Built-in moderation system.
• Available in 45 languages.
• Easy to use dashboard.

Pricing Plans for Discourse

Users can get the open source software for free but need to pay for hosting somewhere.

Discourse offers managed forum hosting at three price points.

• Standard plan: $100 per month for up to 100,000 monthly page views, 20GB storage, 100,000 monthly emails, and five admins.
• Business plan: $300 per month for up to 500,000 monthly page views, 100GB storage, 300,000 monthly emails, and 15 admins.
• Enterprise plan: contact sales for pricing to get over 200GB storage, over three million page views per month, and over 1.5 million emails per month.

All paid plans include a free 14-day trial period, unlimited members, a mobile app, and SSL.

6. Disciple 

Disciple is a paid platform that allows users to create private communities.

It’s one of the easiest platforms to set up and use with intuitive features.

Visit DiscipleRead Disciple reviews

Disciple is a paid platform that allows users to create private communities.

It’s one of the easiest platforms to set up and use with intuitive features.

Who Does Disciple Fit Best?

Disciple best fits creators and entrepreneurs with visual products.

It has many customers in the food, arts, and health and fitness industries.

What Are the Main Features of Disciple?

Customer service is one of the key selling points for Disciple.

The platform caters to individual needs.

Judging by high ratings, Disciple does an excellent job with customer service.

• Create a private community where you can sell courses and subscriptions.
• Share content from one place.
• Organize content into a structured library.
• Integrates with top tools.
• Hold events, polls, and livestreams.

Like other platforms, Disciple allows you to track analytics to refine your efforts.

It also features strong privacy and security features to protect your community.

Is There a Guide for Launching a Community with Disciple?

Yes, Disciple offers a Community Building Guide and Course to help new users.

Is There a Glossary of Key Terms Used in the Disciple Platform?

There is not a specific glossary of key terms.

The platform has an extensive knowledge base where you can search for terms to find answers.

Pros of Using Disciple

• Private communities
• Monetize your efforts
• Easy to build and use
• Outstanding customer service
• Customizable pricing plans

Pricing Plans for Disciple

Disciple offers a free seven-day trial.

The platform offers multiple packages and you can pay quarterly or annually.

Disciple lets users add extra features and services to make a custom package.

Web-only packages start at $46 per month when paid annually.

Mobile only packages begin at $458 per month if you pay annually.

Users can also get both web and mobile services.

7. Khoros

Disciple is a paid platform that allows users to create private communities.

It’s one of the easiest platforms to set up and use with intuitive features.

Visit DiscipleRead Disciple reviews

Khoros is a tried and true community platform with over 15 years of experience.

It focuses on scaling and security features.

Who Does Khoros Fit Best?

Building a Khoros community is an excellent choice for any organization.

It’s versatile and integrates with multiple tools to create a cohesive experience.

What Are the Main Features of Khoros?

Khoros offers a community engagement platform as part of its broader services.

This company specializes in social media marketing and growing relationships.

• Emphasis on analytics and customer feedback.
• Business-oriented with seamless integration to the features you already use.
• Provides ongoing strategy and management services if desired.

Unlike some of the other platforms, Khoros addresses the big picture.

It sees community engagement as a piece of the puzzle.

Is There a Guide for Launching a Community With Khoros?

Khoros has a guide to online communities and how to set one up.

Is There a Glossary of Key Terms Used in the Khoros Platform?

Khoros has a list of common industry terms.

Pros of Using Khoros

• Trusted brand with over 20 years of experience.
• Integrates with most other tools.
• Part of a larger collection of products.
• Powerful SEO optimization tools.
• Easy to manage as an admin.

Pricing Plans for Khoros

Khoros does not list pricing on the website.

Interested users must contact the sales team to discuss plans.

9. HiveBrite

Hivebrite is one of the most customizable options on the list.

It’s a massive platform that caters to many large companies.

Visit HiveBriteRead HiveBrite reviews

Hivebrite is one of the most customizable options on the list.

It’s a massive platform that caters to many large companies.

Who Does HiveBrite Fit Best?

This platform best fits companies that need a straightforward system.

It does not cater to a specific industry.

What Are the Main Features of HiveBrite?

Hivebrite is clean and easy to use.

Straightforward customization options make it easy to operate and adjust everything from content to events.

But, that’s not all you get.

• Data management tools include targeting filters and profile update tracking.
• Content management puts you in control of everything.
• Manage events easily, including ticketing, payments, and sharing on social media.
• Maintain newsletters and email campaigns.
• Post opportunities for members and partners.
• Create custom groups to segment members.

This platform also features strong security and robust analytics to compete with the other options.

Is There a Guide for Launching a Community With HiveBrite?

HiveBrite does not have a public guide for launching a community.

Users can access a comprehensive help center and customer support.

Is There a Glossary of Key Terms Used in the HiveBrite Platform?

There is no glossary of key terms posted on the website.

Pros of Using HiveBrite

• Works with organizations around the world.
• Filters members for targeted marketing.
• Full control over all content with moderation tools.
• Event management options.
• Easy payment to monetize the memberships and events.

Pricing Plans for HiveBrite

Hivebrite does not list pricing on the website.

You can request a demo and speak with the sales team.

10. Circle

Circle is another option gaining popularity and presence in the space.

It’s easy to use and offers an alternative to some of the large-scale platforms.

Visit CircleRead Circle reviews

Circle is another option gaining popularity and presence in the space.

It’s easy to use and offers an alternative to some of the large-scale platforms.

Who Does Circle Fit Best?

Circle seems to be one of the best options for coaches and educators.

It leans on live streams, events, and videos.

What Are the Main Features of Circle?

Circle is straightforward and offers many of the same features as other platforms at some of the lowest prices.

• Create content, organized discussions, and private spaces.
• Engage via chat rooms, live streams, events, and weekly newsletters.
• Many ways to monetize, including gate access and recurring subscriptions.
• Manage everything from an easy to use dashboard.
• Offer coupons, discounts, and free trials.

This platform uses a single sign-on for logging in and integrates with your website.

Is There a Guide for Launching a Community With Circle?

There is a guide for getting started and how to set up each space.

Is There a Glossary of Key Terms Used in the Circle Platform?

There is no glossary of key terms on the website.

Pros of Using Circle

• Easy to use.
• Hosts your videos in one location.
• Create private groups with restricted or paid access.
• Integrates with many third-party tools.
• Add multiple managers.

Pricing Plans for Circle

All users get a 14-day trial for free.

Circle offers three paid plans depending on the community size.

• Basic: $39 per month.
• Professional: $99 per month.
• Enterprise: $399 per month.

Each package builds on the one before it.

Users get additional members, admins, moderators, and space at each new level.

11. Panion

Panion is the ”people” platform.

The company markets its product as solving social challenges by bringing people together.

It aims to create safe, inclusive cultures online and in-person.

Visit PanionRead Panion reviews

Panion is the ”people” platform.

The company markets its product as solving social challenges by bringing people together.

It aims to create safe, inclusive cultures online and in-person.

Who Does Panion Fit Best?

This platform is best for people who want to connect with others around the world.

Panion highlights the ability to transcend time zones to bring people together.

What Are the Main Features of Panion?

Panion notes that it’s a people-first platform and touts its ease of use.

The company promotes the platform’s quick setup and secure connections as well.

• Efficient searches.
• Mobile-friendly.
• Get started in minutes.
• Assign various admins or managers to monitor events.
• Users can sign up with a Google account, Facebook login, or verifiable email address.

Unlike other options on this list, Panion is an existing space with multiple communities.

Businesses can create their own by working with the sales team.

Is There a Guide for Launching a Community With Panion?

Yes, there is a detailed walkthrough for setting up a community.

Is There a Glossary of Key Terms Used in the Panion Platform?

There is no glossary of key terms.

Pros of Using Panion

• Established platform with thousands of users around the world.
• Simple to use.
• Robust analytics and community connectivity mapping.
• Personalized profiles.
• Matchmaking algorithms connect users who like what you offer.

Pricing Plans for Panion

There are three pricing plans for Panion.

Users can pay monthly or annually, but it’s cheaper to pay annually since you get two months free.

• Starting: $38 per month for up to 5,000 members and 10 groups
• Growing: $79 per month for up to 15,000 members and 100 groups

The Scaling plan is an enterprise level option with dedicated support and management.

Pricing is only available from a member of the sales team.

Other Types of Community Platforms

The above products create discussions and engage customers to grow a brand.

There are other types of community platforms that offer unique content and work toward different goals.

Support Community

A support community platform helps people find information they need.

It might involve troubleshooting a feature on specific tech.

Users turn to the forums to find information to solve problems.

What Are the Features of the Support Community Platforms?

Since people seek out support communities to solve problems, these platforms need exceptional search and filtering capabilities.

Support platforms also need technical experts and moderators who can manage the queues.

Action Community

Action community platforms exist to create change.

These platforms involve advocates with a common goal at the local, national, or global level.

For example, they may target environmental issues or public health interventions.

What Are the Features of the Action Community Platforms?

These platforms need open communication across many channels to keep everyone informed.

They also require calendars and events to further their cause and engage followers.

Gamification is helpful for action communities because it lets members climb the hierarchy and grow their voices.

Factors to Consider When Selecting a Community Platform

Finding the right community platform starts with a plan and wish list.

Choose the one that checks off the most boxes.

• What is your end goal?
  Which platforms work best with your vision?
• Make a list of must-have features for admins and customers.
  Then list the things you would like to see.
• Determine your budget and stick to it.
• Consider customer support and service reviews from trusted sources.
• Select a few platforms you like and compare them using your wish list and goals.

Running side-by-side comparisons can help you narrow down your choices.

If you can’t decide between two platforms, talk to representatives from both to see how their visions match with yours.

Benefits of Using Community Platforms Software

Between the price tags and effort involved in the process, it’s easy to wonder why you should use community platform software instead of a Facebook group.

These platforms give you a leg up in several ways.

• You get quality leads with people who want what you have.
• Expand your reach to a worldwide audience without leaving your office.
• Tap into advanced targeting features to improve the customer experience.
• Set incentives like badges and ratings to reward engagement and increase customer loyalty.
• Customize everything to increase brand recognition.

Community platform software brings everything together under one dashboard for more comprehensive analytics.

You can run multiple groups at a time to assess different products and ideas.

Key Use Cases for Community Platforms

Most companies and organizations can benefit from building a wide-reaching online community.

• Create private social networking opportunities.
• Gain insight to customer satisfaction.
• Find your key advocates among those who engage most frequently.
• Increase engagement from employees and customers.
• Generate new content consistent with your brand and send it out via many channels.
• Brainstorm on a larger scale to improve the quality of ideas and products.

Knowing how to apply a community platform isn’t always easy, but these ideas might help you sort that out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you still have questions about community platforms?

Let’s clarify a few more things.

Questions to ask a vendor when buying best Community Software

Before you select a platform, ask the vendor these key questions about their software.

• How often do you update your software?
• What third party software is compatible with yours?
• How much can I customize?
• Can customers make suggestions for development?
• Do you have any customers who I could speak to about your software?

You might want to ask about the company’s financials and stability.

Reputable vendors will provide the information you request.

Final Thoughts

Community platforms offer organizations the opportunity to reach broader audiences and make meaningful connections.

It’s a key step to expanding your brand and building online community engagement.

Is your favorite platform on this list?

If not, let us know in the comments.

Both versions – WordPress.com and WordPress.org – are among the best platforms globally for creating a website, with plenty of features to simplify the process.

However, this website builder platform cannot satisfy every user’s needs.

This situation results in people searching for WordPress alternatives.

Our Top Picks

An overview of favorite WordPress alternatives from our comprehensive list below.

Our Pick

Squarespace

• Tons of functionality, including layouts for blogs, portfolios, online stores, restaurants, and more
• This is a robust platform that is a one-stop-shop. Buy the domain, images, and everything else you need to start a website from Squarespace

Visit Squarespace

Runner Up

Wix

• Features a drag-and-drop website builder that is easy to use and simple to understand
• An Additional AI-based design tool can help build a website for you, saving time and money

Visit Wix

Also Great

Weebly

• Great site speeds for a website builder. Fast load times and solid performance scores
• Large amount of design functionality and flexibility with pre-built themes and templates

Visit Weebly

What Is the Meaning of WordPress Alternative?

A WordPress alternative refers to other platforms and services that enable website building.

These can include other types of content management systems, or be dedicated website builders that allow you to build a site.

Some examples include Squarespace, Shopify, and Hubspot CMS.

Why Do People Look for WordPress Alternatives?

Users seek alternatives when the WordPress site does not meet their specific needs.

They search for other options because they want hosting and website-building tools in one place.

People may also look for WordPress alternatives to lessen responsibility in their website management.

Which Is the Best WordPress Alternative?

The market features multiple WordPress alternatives to suit your needs.

Below are ten of the best options in the market.

Understanding their differences and similarities lets you know the features needed to make an appropriate decision.

1. Squarespace

Squarespace is a quality platform offering everything you require to start a website.

It includes hosting, domain registration, eCommerce, themes and templates, and support.

Our Pick

Squarespace has various features to make your utility and navigation convenient.

These include a built-in website analytics tool, flexible layouts, custom color palettes, and built-in photo editing functions.

Visit SquarespaceRead Squarespace Reviews

What Are the Key Features of Squarespace?

Squarespace has various features to make your utility and navigation convenient.

These include a built-in website analytics tool, flexible layouts, custom color palettes, and built-in photo editing functions.

Who Should Use Squarespace?

Squarespace is ideal for a user primarily handling image-rich sites or portfolios.

Its limited functionality makes it suitable for sites providing a small selection of products or services.

The multiple mobile-optimized templates let you use the platform for blogging.

What Are the Pricing Plans for Squarespace?

Squarespace offers four pricing plans categorized into Personal, Business, Basic Commerce, and Advanced Commerce.

The Personal plan costs around $14 per month, and the Business option comes at $23.

Squarespace charges $27 monthly for the Basic Commerce and $49 per month for the Advanced Commerce plan.  

What Is the Comparison Between Squarespace and WordPress?

Squarespace and WordPress have pricing plans, cover SEO basics, and function as blogging platforms.

However, this WordPress alternative has 24/7 customer support via emails and live chats.

In contrast, WordPress does not have customer support.

Instead, you may get assistance from the creator through some paid plugin options and themes.  

What Advantages Does It Have Over WordPress?

Squarespace is more intuitive and user-friendly than WordPress.

You do not require touching code when using this alternative for your website creation.

It also has a better drag-and-drop page editor.

Squarespace provides customization options via its template, making design easy and convenient.  

2. Wix

It is a cloud-based website builder featuring web design and hosting services to let you create beautiful and professional websites.

Runner Up

This WordPress alternative incorporates several features such as advanced SEO tools, stunning templates, unlimited fonts, and advanced design functions.

Wix supports blog creators and eCommerce operators.

It may suit you if you intend to run a regular website, such as a personal blog, business site, or portfolio.

Visit WixRead Wix Reviews

What Are the Key Features of Wix?

This WordPress alternative incorporates several features such as advanced SEO tools, stunning templates, unlimited fonts, and advanced design functions.

Who Should Use Wix?

Wix supports blog creators and eCommerce operators.

It may suit you if you intend to run a regular website, such as a personal blog, business site, or portfolio.

What Are the Pricing Plans for Wix?

Wix provides eight pricing plans, ranging from $14 to more than $500 monthly with annual billing.

The paid plans are Combo, Unlimited, Pro, VIP, Business Basic, Business Unlimited, Business VIP, and Enterprise.

It also has a free option that you can utilize for as long as possible.

What Is the Comparison Between Wix and WordPress?

The two platforms support essential SEO tools, apps, and plugin services.

The WordPress website has a broader range of design layouts and themes, but Wix has more beautiful templates.

It is also better than Wix concerning blogging and eCommerce functionality.

What Advantages Does It Have Over WordPress?

Wix delivers an excellent job with its editor interface.

It has stunning templates that make Wix better for designing than WordPress.

3. Weebly

Weebly is a web hosting and web creation service.

Also Great

Weebly’s key features include pre-made templates, app integrations, and a drop and drag design.

It also has a function to upgrade your site into an eCommerce CMS.

Visit WeeblyRead Weebly Reviews

What Are the Key Features of Weebly?

Weebly’s key features include pre-made templates, app integrations, and a drop and drag design.

It also has a function to upgrade your site into an eCommerce CMS.

Who Should Use Weebly?

You should use Weebly if you intend to display a portfolio, create an informational site, or desire a blogging platform.

What Are the Pricing Plans for Weebly?

It provides a long-term free plan that you can use for as long as necessary.

Weebly has higher plans such as the Personal, Professional, and Performance options with advanced settings suitable for online store sites.

What Is the Comparison Between Weebly and WordPress?

Both platforms integrate basic SEO tools.

They also provide plugin or app integrations.

These features give you access to more advanced SEO recommendations, such as WordPress’s Yoast SEO.

Unlike WordPress, Weebly offers reliable support via live chats and phone calls for its paid accounts.

Free users receive email support.

Another difference is that WordPress is an open-source website while Weebly is not.

What Advantages Does It Have Over WordPress?

Weebly is among the easiest website builders in the market.

Its drag and drop design means it is more comfortable and stress-free to use than WordPress.

4. Jimdo

Jimdo is a web-building platform that uses an intuitive web design approach, encompassing convenience, simplicity, and affordability.

Jimdo is a web-building platform that uses an intuitive web design approach, encompassing convenience, simplicity, and affordability.

Jimdo has professional templates, photo galleries, social media support, an AI-based editor, storage, and bandwidth.

Visit JimdoRead Jimdo Reviews

What Are the Key Features of Jimdo?

Jimdo has professional templates, photo galleries, social media support, an AI-based editor, storage, and bandwidth.

Who Should Use Jimdo?

It is ideal for users seeking to begin various types of web projects, such as landing pages and web portfolios.

Jimdo also suits you if you want to operate a business website like an online store.

What Are the Pricing Plans for Jimdo?

Jimdo provides three paid plans for website creators.

The Unlimited plan at $39 monthly, the Grow option at $15, and the Start plan at $9 per month.

It also has programs tailored for online stores, such as the VIP at $39 per month.

Jimdo also has the Business plan at $19 and the Basic option at $19 for your professional store.  

What Is the Comparison Between Jimdo and WordPress?

The two platforms incorporate blogging functionality and eCommerce support.

WordPress has powerful and versatile plugin and extension options.

Jimdo does not have an integrated app store, although it lets you access various third-party widgets.  

What Advantages Does It Have Over WordPress?

Jimdo is an easy-to-use and code-free website builder.

WordPress is an open-source CMS needing basic coding proficiency.

5. Webnode

Webnode is a website-building platform with features to help you swiftly get a website up and running.

Webnode has an intuitive editor, preformatted page templates, and an extensive image gallery.

It also presents secure and safe servers and a backup feature, letting you restore previous versions of your site.

Visit WebnodeRead Webnode Reviews

What Are the Key Features of Webnode?

Webnode has an intuitive editor, preformatted page templates, and an extensive image gallery.

It also presents secure and safe servers and a backup feature, letting you restore previous versions of your site.

Who Should Use Webnode?

People who desire an eCommerce platform to create sites with static pages should use Webnode.

It is ideal for an eCommerce store, a small business, and a personal website.

What Are the Pricing Plans for Webnode?

Webnode has multiple pricing plans to suit varying client needs.

The pricing comes at $22.90 monthly, the Standard at $12.90, and the Mini at $7.50.

It also offers a basic Limited plan at $3.90, allowing you to attach your custom domain.

What Is the Comparison Between Webnode and WordPress?

The two have publishing tools that let you add blogging content to your site.

They offer themes and template selections to help you personalize your website.

Unlike Webnode, WordPress supports full customization to suit your demands when creating a site as a web developer.

What Advantages Does It Have Over WordPress?

It has a drag-and-drop interface that makes utility easier for first-time and long-term users.

A self-hosted WordPress requires you to be tech-savvy to incorporate more functionality.  

6. Medium.com

Medium.com is another great WordPress alternative.

It presents a free blogging platform, enabling you to grow your audience, create content, and establish authority in your industry.

Medium.com is another great WordPress alternative.

It presents a free blogging platform, enabling you to grow your audience, create content, and establish authority in your industry.

Visit Medium.comRead Medium.com Reviews

What Are the Key Features of Medium.com?

It has feedback loops and curation tags.

Medium.com also has a sharing feature and distinct note URLs that focus on context.

Who Should Use Medium.com?

Medium.com may be perfect when you intend to establish your site as a thought leader in a specific field.

What Are the Pricing Plans for Medium.com?

Medium.com presents a free publishing platform.

It does not require payment for domain name registration or hosting.

You only need to sign up for an account before you begin blogging using its intuitive editor.

Notably, it has a $5 monthly membership, giving you access to all its content.

What Is the Comparison Between Medium.com and WordPress?

The two platforms are suitable for blogging and have SEO tools.

WordPress offers more customization options and advanced features since it is a content management system.

The cost-free Medium.com does not enable the purchase of themes or a custom domain.

Hence, your blogs have the same layout.

What Advantages Does It Have Over WordPress?

Medium.com provides a free publishing platform with easy-to-use features, quickly enabling you to scale your writing profile.

7. Shopify

Shopify is a software that lets businesses build, host, run, and manage websites linked to the eCommerce industry.

It is also the most popular multi-channel content management system globally among medium and small businesses.

Shopify is a software that lets businesses build, host, run, and manage websites linked to the eCommerce industry.

It is also the most popular multi-channel content management system globally among medium and small businesses.

Visit ShopifyRead Shopify Reviews

What Are the Key Features of Shopify?

Shopify features include the Shopify analytics, Shopify Point of Sale (POS) app, and Shopify website analytics.

It also has abandoned cart reminders, Shopify Dropshipping, and out-of-box SEO tools.  

Who Should Use Shopify?

Shopify might be the best WordPress alternative if you want to create an online store.

What Are the Pricing Plans for Shopify?

It has three primary pricing plans: Basic, Shopify, and Advanced.

They go for $29, $79, and $299 per month.

What Is the Comparison Between Shopify and WordPress?

Shopify and WordPress have quality themes and template selections.

They also have convenient payment methods and transaction fees.

Shopify’s built-in features give it a quicker building time than WordPress.

What Advantages Does It Have Over WordPress?

Shopify does not need coding, making it easier to use than WordPress.

It does not require installing additional software.

The built-in eCommerce features enable swift online selling.

8. BigCommerce

BigCommerce is a platform designed to help you create an eCommerce website.

Its main features are website customization, SEO and analytics optimization, application integrations, and payment and inventory management.

Visit BigCommerceRead BigCommerce Reviews

What Are the Key Features of BigCommerce?

Its main features are website customization, SEO and analytics optimization, application integrations, and payment and inventory management.

Who Should Use BigCommerce?

You should use BigCommerce when you want to create an online store website.

It is also ideal for well-established stores or businesses that sell through other platforms.

What Are the Pricing Plans for BigCommerce?

BigCommerce pricing plans are Standard at $29.95, Pro at $299.95, and the Enterprise with custom features and pricing.

What Is the Comparison Between BigCommerce and WordPress?

The two options have functions to facilitate eCommerce website creation.

BigCommerce is easy to use, and WordPress has a simple setup.

This WordPress alternative has more built-in features than WordPress.

On the contrary, WordPress offers eCommerce functionality via WooCommerce, an open-source WordPress plugin.  

What Advantages Does It Have Over WordPress?

BigCommerce has more built-in features than other competitors, including WooCommerce, which relies on extensions.

The alternative also provides better customer assistance that stands out against the limited support from WordPress.

9. Webflow

Webflow refers to an in-browser design tool that lets you build and launch a responsive website via visual editing software.

Webflow has several features to deliver well-designed websites, such as a content management system and web and motion design.

It has custom branding, SEO tools, and integrations like Google analytics.  

Visit WebflowRead Webflow Reviews

What Are the Key Features of Webflow?

Webflow has several features to deliver well-designed websites, such as a content management system and web and motion design.

It has custom branding, SEO tools, and integrations like Google analytics.  

Who Should Use Webflow?

Webflow might be for you if your interest lies in front-end development.

What Are the Pricing Plans for Webflow?

Webflow includes a Basic plan at $12 each month, CMS at $16, and Business at $36.

It also lets you select a site or workspace option when choosing your plan.

The Site plan is suitable for publishing and hosting.

Workspace is ideal for managing multiple sites.

What Is the Comparison Between Webflow and WordPress?

Webflow and WordPress have SEO optimization, pre-made themes, and performance optimization.

It is easy to begin using Webflow, while WordPress has a small learning curve, teaching you basic coding.

What Advantages Does It Have Over WordPress?

Webflow offers a production-oriented tool that combines the power of Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) and HyperText Markup Language (HTML) visually.

10. Hubspot CMS

Hubspot CMS is a WordPress competitor designed with an inbound methodology to aid in automating content marketing strategies.

This WordPress alternative has publishing tools, a multilingual content creator, and built-in SEO recommendations.

It also provides testing, analytics, and security features.

Visit Hubspot CMSRead Hubspot CMS Reviews

What Are the Key Features of Hubspot CMS?

This WordPress alternative has publishing tools, a multilingual content creator, and built-in SEO recommendations.

It also provides testing, analytics, and security features.

Who Should Use Hubspot CMS?

Hubspot CMS may be the perfect choice if you want your site to focus on inbound marketing.

What Are the Pricing Plans for Hubspot CMS?

Hubspot CMS has a Starter plan at $23 per month.

It also offers a Professional option at $360 and Enterprise at $1,200.

What Is the Comparison Between Hubspot CMS and WordPress?

Hubspot CMS has custom modules, and WordPress presents multiple themes to enhance your design.

Both systems also support SEO tools, although you require plugins when using WordPress.

WordPress gives little customer service, typically limited to specific paid themes.

Hubspot CMS provides an entire support team.

What Advantages Does It Have Over WordPress?

Hubspot CMS has a ready-to-use ecosystem to monitor a buyer’s journey, making it a specialist inbound marketing platform.

How Do You Choose a WordPress Alternative?

It is critical to consider a few elements when choosing a WordPress alternative.

These aspects enable you to know if the features available suit your business.

They include:

• Business Goal – Do you want a publishing or eCommerce platform?
• Engagement – Will you be active on the site frequently or prefer static pages?
• Pricing – Are you seeking a budget-friendly plan, or are costs not a limitation?
• Skills – Are you tech-savvy, open to learning to code, or desire ready-made solutions?

Frequently Asked Questions

Wrapping Up

“Is this WordPress alternative the right pick for my business or personal needs?”

The answer to this query might be the most effective method of finding a suitable option in the market.

It is vital to examine the various features offered by each alternative.

This evaluation can help you identify the one that best matches your requirements out of the ten selections.

Website building has gone from requiring in-depth coding skills to something almost any computer user can handle — as long as you use the right tool.

Sites like WordPress, Weebly, Squarespace, and Wix have made it so anyone with a vision can build a website, often in just an hour or two.

Whether you’re looking for a simple blogging platform or a powerful drag-and-drop editor to create a professional website, there are affordable options available.

In this article, we will compare two of the best website builders out there: Wix and Squarespace.

We’ll look at ease of use, design options, e-commerce, and their pricing plans.

By the end of the article, you should have a good sense which is right for you.

What Are Squarespace and Wix?

Squarespace.com and Wix.com are drag-and-drop website builders which allow anyone to craft a beautiful online presence.

Gone are the days when you needed to have extensive HTML or CSS coding knowledge to create a great looking webpage.

With simple user interfaces, both of these sites allow you to quickly build high-quality websites that provide a great user experience for people visiting your site, whether they’re on a desktop or a mobile device.

Both Squarespace and Wix share many of the same features.

You can connect domain names you already own or get domains through them.

They also let you select from a list of attractive templates to give your site a polished look.

If you own a business, you can even build an e-commerce store using either of these platforms, which will allow customers to buy products and pay securely with a credit card or PayPal.

Comparing Which is Easier to Use

When looking at which of the two builders is easier to use, a lot depends on how much experience you have with computers.

Squarespace has great options and is very intuitive for most people who are just starting out in web design.

For complete beginners, though, Wix has the edge when it comes to ease of use.

This is mostly thanks to a Wix feature called Artificial Design Intelligence, or Wix ADI.

With Wix ADI, you pick a template or even some general themes you like and then give them some details for your site.

Tell them the name, the purpose of the website, elements you’d like on the page, etc.

Once they’ve got everything, Wix ADI will automatically create your website.

It’s as simple as answering a few questions to get started.

Want a bit more control over the process?

Both Wix and Squarespace offer you the ability to build your website using drag-and-drop technology, and both are easy to learn.

Move things around, enter text, change the color of your background, add photos — it’s all there, and Squarespace might even be a bit simpler and intuitive when it comes to designing the site.

So for absolute beginners who want to build a website quickly, Wix wins the “ease of use” category with their ADI technology.

For people who want more control and aren’t afraid to get their hands a little dirty, Squarespace might be the more intuitive website builder to use.

Design Options and Templates

We’ve talked about which site builder is easier to use.

Let’s break down Wix vs. Squarespace when it comes to design options and templates.

In terms of variety, Wix has a lot more templates than Squarespace — they currently offer over 300 to choose from.

They provide a wide range of options for different business types, personal blogs, photo galleries, and more.

Whatever you can dream up, or whatever business type you want to feature, odds are they have a template designed for that very thing.

They also let you customize the template with different colors, menu items, and more.

The downside to this wide range of templates is that they vary in terms of functionality.

Some Wix templates are fully responsive, meaning they will automatically display properly  whether they’re viewed on desktop, mobile, or tablet.

Others aren’t responsive.

They’ll work on mobile but might be a bit wonky or require some finagling from you.

The other big issue: If you build a Wix site with one template, it’s exceedingly difficult to switch templates later.

Not all your information will be brought over, if any.

If you decide to switch templates, you might have to rebuild the entire site.

Squarespace templates are beautiful and customizable as well, but there are only about 110.

That’s probably more than enough, and even though they might not always be designed with a specific site category in mind, odds are you can find a beautiful template that works for your business.

Plus, they’re all responsive, meaning they’ll automatically work on any device.

Also, Squarespace lets you switch templates and save all the information for your website.

Photos and text will be brought over, and fitted as best as possible into the new template.

It might require some work, but unlike Wix, you won’t have to start over.

Squarespace also offers a mobile editor for quick changes you need to make on the move, something Wix doesn’t offer.

Squarespace vs. Wix for Small Business

Wix has a lot of options to incorporate e-commerce directly into the website building process.

Most of these are found in the Wix App Market, which allows you to find widgets for what you need for your business and then incorporate those plugins seamlessly into your website.

If you pay for a business site (more on pricing in the next section), you can get access to a ton of great features, including Google Analytics, unlimited bandwidth, email marketing, and even no-commission payment processing.

Squarespace doesn’t have an app market.

That will make it easier to set up for e-commerce since it’s all done in the site builder, but it does limit your options a bit when doing so.

However, they have some great built-in options for people who run businesses with them, including email marketing services that come when you launch a business site.

You can also integrate your social media marketing efforts directly into feeds that live on your site.

Both Wix and Squarespace offer secure payment services, and both allow you to integrate a Shopify button, if you prefer your payments go through that platform.

Pricing

We’ve broken down the features of Wix and Squarespace.

Let’s get to how much it’s going to cost you to build a site with them.

Wix Pricing

Wix has a lot of pricing options.

You can build a free website on their platform, but that option doesn’t let you have a custom domain and they can advertise on your site.

If you want to power up, they have eight different pricing options:

• Combo plan: $17/month
• Unlimited plan: $22/month
• Pro plan: $27/month
• VIP plan: $47/month
• Business Basic plan: $28/month
• Business Unlimited plan: $33/month
• Business VIP plan: $56/month
• Enterprise plan: $750/month

Note: You can save on the monthly cost for all of these if you pay annually.

The first four options are for basic websites without e-commerce.

The Combo plan gives you a basic site, a customized free domain, and email support, but it limits the amount of files you can store on the site.

The Unlimited plan gives you all that, plus unlimited storage.

You also get their “site booster” for your Wix website, which helps you get found on search engines.

The Pro plan and VIP plan offer more perks.

The Pro plan comes with a free logo design and the ability to add subdomains, while the VIP plan offers rapid response phone support for any issues you may have.

For people building an e-commerce website on Wix, you have the four “business” options.

All of these are built to allow e-commerce, but each tier provides more in terms of storage, support, shipping help, security, and more.

All their e-commerce sites are commission free.

Squarespace Pricing

Unlike Wix, Squarespace doesn’t have any free plans.

If you want to build a site with them, you’ll need to pay a little bit of cash.

Their pricing model is much simpler as well:

They have two tiers of payment for sites that don’t require e-commerce, and two premium plans for e-commerce sites.

For sites that don’t require e-commerce, Squarespace offers:

• Personal plan ($12/month)
• Business plan ($18/month)

Like Wix, you can save on the monthly costs for all of these if you purchase an annual plan.

The Personal site will be perfect for anyone looking to highlight work and is a great option for photographers or bloggers.

The personal plan offers a free custom domain, SSL security, unlimited bandwidth and storage, and 24/7 support.

The Business plan offers all of that, along with advanced metrics, email from Google, $100 in Google Ads credit to get found on the search engine, and limited e-commerce.

You can set up an online store, but they charge a 3% transaction fee to the buyer and seller.

For their e-commerce sites, Squarespace offers:

•  Basic plan ($26/month)
• Advanced plan ($40/month)

The Basic plan lets you sell unlimited products with no transaction fees and helps with inventory, orders, and lets you issue coupons.

They offer label printing services, help you list products on Instagram, let customers set up accounts on your site, and give you the option to handle checkout right on your domain.

The Advanced plan has all of that plus some high-powered features, including the ability to get recurring payments through subscriptions, advanced shipping options, and abandoned cart auto-recovery.

(That means if someone puts an item in their cart and then closes the site down, their cart will fill back up with the item when they return to the website.)

For e-commerce sites looking for serious growth, the Advanced plan is recommended.

Final Verdict: Wix vs. Squarespace

For true beginners looking for flexible pricing plans, Wix lets you choose from a range of pricing options, answer a few questions, and create a website quickly.

For people who prioritize beautiful templates that are customizable and always mobile-friendly, you might lean toward its competitor.

Squarespace might seem more limited when compared to Wix’s range of templates and pricing plans, but for people who value simplification (and the ability to try out multiple templates), Squarespace could be the better choice.

The choice really depends on your needs — both are fantastic options for entrepreneurs or anyone looking to build a website.

They come in all shapes and sizes, from photography, craft, and interior design blogs, to marketing, business and motivational blogs.

It’s said that somewhere in the world, a new blog is created every half second, adding to over 152,000,000 websites that all have something important to say.

But where is the best place to start a blog when you’re new to the blogosphere?

Everyone has an opinion on what the best platform to start your new blog from is.

Usually, it’s the same one that most bloggers use, however, there are a lot more places out there that offer a base to start your blog that you might not have heard of.

Today I’m going to share ten blogging platforms , where to start a blog, and make money that are worth checking out.

Have a browse of each, check out their features and really explore the options before you make your decision.

10 of the Best Places to Start a Blog

1 – WordPress

I’m starting with WordPress because it’s probably one of the one’s you’ve most likely heard of.

WordPress is one of the leaders in the blogging platform industry, with two versions based on your needs.

WordPress.com is its free blogging platform. Users can sign up and create a blog in just a few minutes.

There’s the ability to buy your own domain name if you’re not happy with a WordPress.com one and a range of free themes to make your blog look the business.

Other options include the ability to buy premium services, including premium themes, fonts and color options.

Not only that, but when you decide to incorporate a Twitter or Facebook page for your business or blog, then there are an abundance of plugins that work with popular social media platforms.

These will further customize the look and feel of your blog and set it apart from other free WordPress users.

However, I don’t recommend WordPress.com. I’ve had too many clients complain when they want to add a cool plug-in or change to a paid theme (neither can be done on WordPress.com)

WordPress.org is for bloggers looking to self-host their own site and I highly recommend it.

Users can install it via their hosting service and make use of much more functionality than the dot com option.

This includes complete customization over your website, a massive library of free WordPress themes, along with thousands of plugins to add elements such as optin forms, social sharing buttons and much more.

2 – Blogger

Another blogging platform you’ve probably heard of, Blogger is Google’s version of blogging on the web.

The blogger service is free with optional premium extras such as your own domain name.

It allows you to use many of the free apps that Google offer such as Feedburner and Networked Blogs while giving you control over how your blog looks.

Blogger’s interface is pretty straightforward to use, however, lacks the functionality that a WordPress blog offers. If you’re after something easy to use, straight out of the box, however, it’s a good place to start.

But you’ll want to have a self-hosted blog in the near future so it may be better to just start with the other options.

3 – Squarespace

Squarespace is relatively new to the blogosphere, however, its influence is steadily growing rapidly.

Rather than letting you get on with the work of updating and fiddling around with your blog settings, Squarespace offers a complete package including:

• Domains
• Hosting
• Websites
• Commerce
• And 24/7 Support

They offer a range of beautiful designs for your website, all of which are optimized for mobile devices and included in your package.

They’re probably some of the most beautiful designs I’ve seen on a site!

You can try Squarespace out for free for 14 days to see if you like it.

After that prices start at just $8 per month, with pricier packages depending on your needs. It is one of my favorite places to recommend to my new blogger clients!

4 – Dropplets

Dropplets is a blog platform that’s a little different from the ones I’ve mentioned so far.

What’s unique about it is that it’s free to use and open source – meaning you can play about with it and improve it if you want to.

To use Dropplets you simply have to upload it to your hosting server, load your website in a browser and then follow some easy steps to get up and running.

Dropplets also uses the markdown text formatting syntax to make it easy to create your posts in any text editing software.

Once you’re ready to upload, all you need to do is mark your post as published and Dropplets will take of everything else – including the formatting.

5 – Postagon

Looking for something a bit easier?

This next platform has you covered.

Postagon has to be one of the easiest blog posting platforms I’ve come across.

Within a matter of seconds you can have your blog up and running, ready to publish your first post – I tried it myself and have to agree!

There’s no need to set up any hosting for Postagon – it’s all browser-based.

You don’t really need to do anything technical to start blogging, however, there are loads of extras if you want to customize things a little.

Some of the extras include:

• Your own domain name
• Google Analytics
• Post via email
• Drag and drop photo uploads
• Email subscribers
• RSS
• And social sharing

All it costs is $4 per month, which is a great deal for something that’s so easy to use.

6 – Svbtle

Svbtle is more of a psychological machine than a blogging platform. It’s extremely minimal and distraction-free and has been built with your brain in mind.

Instead of the average blogging dashboard you might find with something like WordPress or Blogger, Svbtle has only two columns.

On the left is a place for you to jot down your ideas.

These are saved as drafts for you to build upon, much like you would do with a series of thoughts.

On the right is a list of your published posts – giving you a clean, organized overview of your thoughts and work.

Creating a post within Svbtle is like writing on a white screen.

There’s no fussy editing icons and nothing to distract you from anything other than your writing.

When you sign up to Svbtle, you get 30 days blogging for free.

After that, it will cost $6 per month to use.

7 – Ghost

Ghost is another open source blogging platform that’s simple to use and which looks amazing.

Essentially as soon as you download the software, you own it and do whatever you like with it – such is the nature of open source software.

Ghost is free to download and use, however you’ll need your own hosting package to make use of it.

Thankfully the team behind Ghost offer a Ghost Pro package which they describe as a bit like a “gated community of ghost bloggers” for $5 per month.

It’s basically their own hosting and all the profit made through selling it, goes into the non-profit organization behind this great service.

Lastly Ghost has its own open marketplace.

This is a bit like a shop, but it includes both free and premium stuff like themes and templates to make your blog look shiny.

8 – Postach.io

If you’re a fan of Evernote, you’ll love this next blogging platform.

Postach.io is more of a cloud blogging service than a platform because it provides you with the ability to blog via your Evernote account.

Once you’ve signed up (with your Evernote account) and chosen your theme, you’re free to create your blog posts right from within Evernote.

To upload them to your blog, it’s just a case of tagging your posts with “published” and your content will be displayed beautifully on your site.

While Postach.io doesn’t come with a native comments system, you can integrate it easily with Disqus.

You can also publish items from apps like Pocket by tagging an item with “favorite” or create documents within Dropbox to publish.

You can also use a custom domain if you have one.

For multiple sites, multiple authors and other extra features, you can sign up for $5 per month as a Postach.io premium user.

Which isn’t that bad for added functionality.

9 – Medium

Next up we have Medium – a beautiful space to connect with the right audience who want to read your stuff.

It’s designed to be minimal, with the focus on your writing and is a great way to post updates and thoughts that don’t necessarily fit within 140 characters.

There’s no widgets, sidebars, plugins or distractions on Medium. Nothing to set up, complicate and generally distract you from your content.

Your content and images will automatically look better as the technology updates.

The main idea behind Medium, however, is to write alongside people instead of sitting on your own somewhere in the big wide internet ocean.

You get to exchange ideas and bump into people with the same mindsets, which is what makes this platform so unique.

10 – Scriptogram

Lastly we have Scriptogram, built for writers and storytellers wherever they are, to be invisible and inconspicuous.

Designed to only appear when you’re ready to publish, Scriptogram is similar to postachi.io in that it allows you to create your posts in your favorite editing apps, before syncing to your Scriptogram blog.

Store markdown files in Dropbox and then seamlessly sync to your Scriptogram folder and your post will be beautifully displayed on your blog.

Add your own domain if you want to.

Choose from any of the sleek, mobile-optimized themes.

Then write. Pure, simple writing from anywhere that takes your fancy.

Wrapping Up

Finding a blogging platform to start your writing goals with, isn’t as hard as it might seem at first.

Hopefully, some of the ideas I’ve shared with you today, have you eager to jump on board and blog your heart out.

The best tip I can give you, is to start small, get a feel for it all and then grow as you feel more comfortable.