12 Best Blogging Platforms in [Current year] – 6 Are Free

Starting a blog in 2025 can feel overwhelming, with so many platforms competing for your attention. Should you go with WordPress because everyone uses it, Wix for its drag-and-drop simplicity, or Medium for its ready-made audience? The truth is each one has strengths and limitations.

I’ve spent months testing every major blogging platform to help you make the right choice. Whether you’re looking to build a personal brand, monetize your writing, or share your thoughts, I’ll show you what each platform can (and can’t) do for you.

The good news? You don’t need to spend a fortune or learn coding to create a professional blog. In fact, six of my top picks offer completely free plans to get you started. I’ll break down each platform’s exact features and pricing so you can choose the one that matches your goals and budget.

After testing, I found Wix was the best option. It’s easy enough for beginners and offers advanced customizations for experienced users. Wix also has a ton of design flexibility that lets you create a unique look for your blog – and offers a free plan. Read on to learn more about Wix and other top blogging platforms.

What We Look For in the Best Blogging Platforms

Blogs have specific needs, so I judged website builders and platforms based on how well they provided a combination of the following things:

• Customization. The ability to customize your blog’s design and layout is crucial for standing out. The website builders on my list vary in customization flexibility, but they all let you create a unique-looking blog.
• Ease of use. The builders on this list are beginner-friendly, and some even have AI tools that make it easier to produce blog content. They also have fully featured templates, which save time by including essential elements such as opt-in forms and commenting features to increase engagement.
• Blog promotion. My picks offer SEO and marketing tools. This way, your blog can be discovered on search engines and social media, and you can turn visitors into loyal readers.
• Monetization tools. The builders on my list offer various ways to earn money with a blog, including exclusive subscriptions to premium posts or newsletters, donations, and ad revenue. If you want a blog to drive traffic to an online store, many builders offer e-commerce tools.

1. Wix: The Most Customizable Blogging Platform

Wix has about 70 templates devoted to blogging, plus hundreds of others that can easily incorporate a blog with a few clicks. Beyond templates, this platform also has a perfect balance of customization and ease of use.

Its drag-and-drop editor lets you design unique blogs without coding, while built-in blogging tools handle everything from post scheduling to member management. The free plan gives you access to most features, though you’ll need a paid plan to remove Wix branding and connect your domain.

Wix Pros: Why Choose This Platform

• Marketing tools. You can add forms to capture leads, send out newsletters that incorporate your blog posts, build landing pages to drive subscriptions, customize how pages look when shared on social media, and much more.
• Easy SEO. Wix structures its sites to automatically meet Google’s best practices. Plus, you can use Google Search Console from your Wix dashboard, get guidance from a custom SEO checklist, and access detailed blog analytics.
• Member’s Area. When you start your blog, you can choose to add a Member’s Area. This lets site visitors create logins and public profiles and comment on blog posts. It’s a good way of fostering a sense of community around your writing.
• Post on the go. There’s never enough time to write. But Wix’s mobile app solves that issue by letting you write and edit posts while you’re away from your computer.

Wix Cons: Before You Commit

• Storage Limits. The free plan only includes 500MB of storage, which can fill up quickly with images.
• Template Lock. Once you choose a template, you can’t switch without rebuilding your blog.

Read our expert Wix review for more details.

2. WordPress.com: The Best Blog Content Management System

WordPress is an enormously popular website management platform, but it has two flavors. WordPress.com (not .org) is what I’m talking about here. With over 40% of all websites running on WordPress, this platform has become the go-to choice for professional bloggers and publishers.

WordPress’s success lies in its unparalleled customization options, powerful content management tools, and robust ecosystem, which supports blogs of all sizes, from personal diaries to high-traffic publications. The WordPress free plan includes essential blogging tools, while paid plans unlock advanced features like plugins and custom themes.

WordPress.com Pros: Why Choose This Platform

• Dynamic page content. WordPress.com includes many content features that make pages and blog posts more dynamic. For example, there are several options for highlighting quoted material, creating lists and tables, and so on.
• Newsletter and RSS support. All WordPress.com plans come with the ability to create and send newsletters. And because all WordPress.com sites have an RSS feed built in, your blog visitors can easily use it to keep up to date with your posts.
• Plugins. The highest pricing tiers get access to the WordPress plugin market, which has over 50,000 extensions. There’s a plugin for everything, from booking tools for travel blogs to automatic spam removers.
• Built-in SEO. Like Wix, WordPress.com sites are automatically built to top-tier search engine standards. Plus, you can verify your site with search engines, take advantage of mobile-friendly themes that rank higher in search results, and use Google Analytics from your dashboard.

WordPress.com Cons: Before You Commit

• Learning Curve. It is more complex than drag-and-drop builders and requires time to master all features.
• Theme Limitations. Free users can only access basic themes, with premium designs costing extra.
• Plugin Restrictions. Need higher-tier plans to access the entire plugin marketplace.

To learn more, check out our in-depth review of WordPress.com.

3. Squarespace: The Most Stylish Blog Templates

Squarespace has 50 templates with blogs already built in. These templates are sleek and modern, so they’re best for blogs with a more polished, professional vibe (as opposed to “quirky” or “fun” blogs).

You’ll get a platform that turns your content into a visual masterpiece – perfect if you want your blog to capture attention immediately. While you won’t find a free plan here, your investment gets you everything needed to run a professional blog, from basic posting to advanced monetization through memberships.

Squarespace Pros: Why Choose This Platform

• Integrate with other platforms. Squarespace’s integration with Tumblr lets you cross-post blog posts. Squarespace also lets you add your blog as a branded news channel on Apple News.
• Paywall content. Membership Sites is a paid add-on that lets you create exclusive blog posts and newsletters for subscribed readers.
• SEO suite. There’s an SEO checklist and SEO settings for individual pages, which help you accomplish the basics. But Squarespace also integrates with Google Search Console, which lets you do keyword research to beat the competition.
• Squarespace Extensions. Although Squarespace’s market for third-party apps isn’t huge, there are still some solid tools for extending your blog’s features. For example, you can use Outfy to automate social media posts or Weglot to translate your blog for international readers.

Squarespace Cons: Before You Commit

• No Free Plan. You’ll need to invest in a paid plan before starting your blog.
• Limited Customization. Your design changes are restricted to maintain the template’s professional look.
• Steeper Price Point. The entry plan has everything a blogger needs but costs more than other platforms.

Learn more from our full review of Squarespace.

4. Hostinger Website Builder: Speed-Optimized Blogging Made Simple

Hostinger Website Builder offers a pretty solid balance between ease of use and customization. And while it has just a few blog templates, they’re pretty well-crafted. Your readers will appreciate how quickly your blog loads on any device, thanks to Hostinger’s optimized infrastructure.

While your template options are limited compared to other platforms, each design is carefully crafted for both speed and style, giving your content the clean, professional showcase it deserves.

Hostinger Pros: Why Choose This Platform

• Speed Performance. Your blog loads in milliseconds, keeping readers engaged and improving your search engine rankings.
• User-Friendly Editor. You can create and customize your blog without any technical knowledge – just drag and drop, then publish.
• Mobile Optimization. Every template automatically adjusts to look perfect on phones and tablets.
• Cost-Effective. Get all the essential blogging features at a lower price point than most competitors.

Hostinger Cons: Before You Commit

• Limited Templates. Your design choices are restricted to a small selection of blog templates.
• Basic Features Only. You won’t find advanced blogging tools or extensive third-party integrations.
• Minimal Integration Options. Your ability to connect with external tools and services is limited compared to other platforms.

Check out our trusted Hostinger review for all the details.

5. IONOS: Budget-Friendly AI-Powered Blogging

IONOS doesn’t offer any templates with a built-in blog, but like other builders on my list, you can easily add a blog after choosing your template. What makes IONOS stand out is its AI-powered features that help create both text and images for your blog posts.

While the customization options are basic, the AI tools make up for it by helping you generate content quickly. Starting at just $1.00/month, you get access to AI writing assistance, image generation, and competitor tracking – features that usually cost much more on other platforms.

IONOS Pros: Why Choose This Platform

• SEO Text Generator. Aside from a regular text generator, IONOS’s Plus and Pro plans let you use AI to generate page titles and descriptions for search engines. SEO is essential but time-consuming, so this can be a handy feature.
• Competitor tracking. In addition to the standard SEO tools, all plans have access to instant alerts about competitors’ Google rankings and social media activity.
• Generous storage. The entry-level plan has 10GB of storage space, much more than other builders offer on their introductory plans. You’ll be able to grow your blog without needing to upgrade.
• Online store tools. You can add an online store builder to any paid plan, which includes the ability to sell digital products. As a bonus, you can integrate your store with Instagram and Facebook to sell your writing to a larger audience.

IONOS Cons: Before You Commit

• Limited Templates. No pre-made blog templates means more setup time.
• Basic Design Tools. Customization options are restricted compared to other platforms.
• AI Dependence. The platform relies heavily on AI features, which may not suit writers who prefer complete creative control.

Read our review of IONOS to learn more.

6. SITE123: The Fastest Way To Start Blogging

SITE123 has 7 templates for blogging, but you can easily add a blog to any of its other templates with just a few extra steps. If you want to start blogging today without dealing with complex design decisions, SITE123 makes it happen with its straightforward point-and-click editor.

While you won’t have advanced customization options, you can set up your blog in minutes. The free plan includes most essential features, and paid plans add e-commerce capabilities and your own domain name.

SITE123 Pros: Why Choose This Platform

• Comment systems. Like other builders on this list, SITE123 has a built-in commenting feature for blog posts. However, it also lets you integrate Facebook and Disqus comments on your blog, making it easier for visitors to start discussions on your posts.
• Multilingual sites. If you have a premium account, you can get your blog’s text automatically translated into different languages, which is great for appealing to a broader audience. Plus, translated pages have different URLs, which improves your SEO.
• Free SEO tools. SITE123 gives you an SEO boost just by signing up, as it automatically optimizes your pages for search engines. You can also use Google Webmaster Tools within the SITE123 editor to analyze your blog’s traffic.
• App market. SITE123’s App Market has about 100 apps that can add any functionality you find lacking from SITE123 itself. For example, you can install Donately so that your blog can accept donations from readers.

SITE123 Cons: Before You Commit

• Limited Design Freedom. Basic customization options might feel restrictive for creative bloggers.
• Storage Restrictions. The free plan comes with minimal storage space for images and files.
• Basic Blog Features. SITE123’s blogging functionality is pretty basic, lacking advanced scheduling or categorization tools.

Get the full scoop with our expert SITE123 review.

Other Notable Blogging Platforms

If the options above don’t seem like a great fit for you, rest easy. I’ve included a few more builders below for you to check out.

7. Webador

While SITE123 is almost as easy as it gets, Webador is even simpler, making it a solid option for beginners. You can drag-and-drop elements onto your page, which will automatically fit into a grid pattern. The platform keeps everything straightforward, from blog post creation to basic customization. Its built-in features let you categorize posts, add reader comments, and even include rating systems for engagement.

The catch? The entry-level paid plan still has Webador branding and lacks some other features that might be useful for blogs, such as a search bar.

8. Shopify

Because it’s, first and foremost, a robust e-commerce solution, Shopify is best if you want to use a blog to drive traffic to an online store. It has a pretty impressive collection of themes, including a blog. The blog editor is decent and on par with some of the more straightforward builders on my list, so you can manage and publish content effectively.

However, while Shopify can do well at bridging content and commerce, its pricing is higher than most website builders. Plus, most of its themes come at an additional cost. So if e-commerce is not your main priority, Shopify likely isn’t a good fit. You’d be paying for advanced features you don’t need.

9. BigCommerce

Think of BigCommerce as your specialized tool when you’re serious about mixing blog content with selling products. Your blog posts can pull real-time product info, prices, and inventory – pretty handy when writing about items in your store.

The downside? BigCommerce has a pretty complicated user interface. And at $29.00 per month to start, it’s not exactly cheap. Unless you plan to sell products alongside your blog content, you’ll probably find better value with a platform that focuses just on blogging.

10. Web.com

If you’re looking for a no-fuss way to start blogging, Web.com might catch your eye. The blog templates practically build themselves – just pick your industry, and the AI design helper suggests layouts for your content. Adding new posts is straightforward, and you can easily connect your social media accounts.

Here’s the catch, though – while you’ll pay just $4.99 per month for your first year, that price triples after your first year ends. Plus, you might miss some handy features other platforms offer, like scheduling posts ahead of time or letting multiple people manage your blog.

11. Weebly

If you love mixing different types of media in your blog – Weebly makes it surprisingly simple. Your readers can subscribe to specific topics they’re interested in, and you’ll see exactly which posts they love most through the built-in stats app. Adding a podcast to your blog posts takes just a few clicks, and all your content stays neatly organized in searchable archives.

But here’s where things get tricky: since Square bought Weebly in 2018, the platform’s blog features haven’t seen many updates. While you can still do all the basics, don’t expect cutting-edge blogging tools.

12. Blogger (by Google)

If you’re just starting out and want a completely free blogging platform, Blogger has your back. Since it’s part of the Google family, you’ll get automatic integration with other Google tools – think Analytics for tracking visitors, AdSense for making money from ads, and even custom domain support through Google Domains. The platform keeps things refreshingly simple: you can start writing posts within minutes of signing up with your Google account.

The trade-off comes in design flexibility. You’re limited to a few basic templates that feel a bit dated compared to modern blogging platforms. While you can tweak colors and layouts somewhat, you won’t be able to create a truly unique look for your blog.

Should I Use a Dedicated Blogging Platform?

In addition to the builders I’ve listed above, there are some platforms dedicated to blogging. These range from specialized website builders to social networking writing platforms. Below, I’ll explain how they compare to standard builders.

Ghost

Ghost is a website builder that focuses solely on writers. It provides advanced tools, though some of its offerings are more complex than what most bloggers need. Ghost has some great templates, but only a few are free. Plus, each plan limits the number of followers your blog/newsletter can have – a constraint most website builders don’t have.

Substack

Substack is a newsletter/blog subscription platform that many high-profile writers have adopted as their own. It’s free to use and makes it easy to charge for exclusive posts or newsletters. However, customization is very limited. And if you monetize your blog, Substack takes a hefty 10% of your subscription revenue, in addition to the roughly 3% that its payment processor Stripe takes.

Medium

Like Substack, Medium offers the advantage of a large community of readers and writers, which makes it easier for your work to get discovered. But this vast community comes at a cost. Unlike Substack, where readers directly pay writers, readers subscribe to Medium, and Medium then allocates money to high-performing writers. This means you’ll only get paid if your content meets high engagement requirements.

3 Tips To Start Blogging Now

Knowing where to start when you’re new to blogging can be challenging. Here are my top tips to get you going in the right direction:

1. Pick the Right Platform for Your Goals

Don’t just go for the most popular option. Choose a platform based on what matters most to you – whether that’s design flexibility (try Wix), complete control (WordPress), or simple setup (SITE123).

2. Start With a Free Plan

Six of the twelve platforms I ranked here offer free plans to get you started. You can use the free version to learn the platform’s features and create content before investing in a paid plan – you have nothing to lose.

3. Focus on Content First, Design Second

While a beautiful blog is nice, your content matters more. Start writing and publishing regularly. You can always improve your blog’s design later when you have an audience and better understand your needs.

This simple approach helps you avoid getting stuck in the planning phase. Your blog doesn’t need to be perfect from day one – it just needs to exist and grow with you.

Monetization Opportunities

So, you’ve got your blog up and running. Now, how do you turn all that hard work into income? Whether you’re just starting out or already have a loyal audience, there are plenty of ways to make money from your blog. Here are three tried-and-true methods to get you started:

Advertising Revenue

Place ads on your blog through platforms like Google AdSense. Once your blog gets steady traffic (typically 10,000+ monthly visits), this can create a passive income stream without requiring extra content creation.

Premium Content & Subscriptions

Lock your best content behind a paywall or offer exclusive newsletters to paying subscribers. Platforms like Wix and WordPress make it easy to set up membership areas where readers pay monthly for access to premium posts.

Digital Products

Create and sell products related to your blog’s topic, such as ebooks, online courses, or downloadable templates. Your blog content builds trust and expertise, making your audience more likely to purchase your products.

This simple three-tier approach lets you start with ads while building toward more profitable options as your audience grows.

The Best Blogging Platform Is Out There

There is no shortage of options when it comes to finding a platform that can build and host your blog. To choose one, consider your priorities and how much time you want to spend setting up your blog.

The best solution overall is Wix. It allows you to customize your blog extensively while still being easy to use, making it an excellent way to create a uniquely branded blog.

Alternatively, WordPress.com is best for dynamic writing or for publishing many blog posts and collaborating with others.

If neither sounds quite right, you can’t go wrong with Squarespace and its polished blog templates. It’s particularly good if your blog has a more serious or professional subject matter.

FAQ

What is the best free blogging platform?

Wix stands out among zero-cost options. The free plan gives you access to essential blogging tools, multiple templates, and basic customization features – more than enough to start a professional-looking blog. While you’ll see Wix branding and use a Wix subdomain, you can upgrade anytime when ready for more features.

Which blogging platform is best for beginners?

SITE123 makes starting out simple and stress-free. The straightforward editor eliminates technical hurdles, letting you focus on creating content instead of figuring out complex settings. Built-in templates handle the design work, while clear instructions guide you through each step of building your blog.

Are blogs still relevant in 2025?

Digital content creation remains stronger than ever. Social media posts get lost in algorithms, but blogs give you complete control over your content and audience relationship. Plus, long-form content consistently ranks better in search results, making blogs essential for building authority in your field.

Which blogging platform is best for making money?

WordPress.com offers the most monetization options. Its integrated tools let you accept payments, create membership sites, run ads, and sell digital products from one dashboard. The platform also connects seamlessly with major e-commerce plugins when you’re ready to expand your revenue streams.