Best Blogging Platforms in 2024

Blogging has become more than just a hobby.

It’s a way to share your ideas, connect with like-minded people, and even make a living.

But let’s face it—choosing the right blogging platform can feel overwhelming.

With so many options out there, how do you pick the one that fits your needs perfectly?

Don’t worry.

I’ve got you covered.

This guide will walk you through the best blogging platforms of 2024, highlighting their features, pros, cons, and pricing.

And if you are a beginner, don’t forget to check out my comprehensive guide on how to start blogging.

Let’s dive in.

Why Choosing the Right Blogging Platform Matters

Think of a blogging platform as your online home.

It’s where you’ll create, share, and interact with your audience.

A good platform makes this easy and enjoyable.

The wrong one?

It can hold you back, frustrate you, and even cost you money.

Your choice depends on:

• Your blogging goals (personal expression, professional growth, or monetization).
• Your technical skills (are you tech-savvy or a total beginner?).
• Your budget (free options or premium features).

So, let’s explore the top platforms to help you decide.

1. WordPress: The Flexible Giant

If there’s one platform that’s a favorite among bloggers, it’s WordPress.

It powers over 43% of the internet.

Yep, it’s that big.

But popularity aside, WordPress is loved for its flexibility.

What Makes WordPress Awesome

With over 10,000 themes and 59,000+ plugins, you can build any type of blog in WordPress.

You can add almost any feature—SEO tools, social media integration, e-commerce features, and much more.

Just a few clicks, and you’ve got a whole new feature ready to go.

1. Open Source
   It’s free and open-source. This means you can tweak its code to fit your vision (if you know how).
2. SEO Superpowers
   With plugins like Yoast SEO or Rank Math, WordPress gives you the tools to rank higher on Google.
3. Ownership and Control
   Unlike platforms like Medium, you own your content and have complete control.

Drawbacks of WordPress

1. Learning Curve
   Beginners might feel overwhelmed by the setup process.
2. Maintenance
   Regular updates, backups, and plugin management are necessary.
3. Hosting Costs
   While WordPress itself is free, hosting and premium plugins can add up.

Cost Breakdown

• WordPress.org: Free to use but requires hosting (from $3/month for shared hosting).
• WordPress.com: A simpler, hosted version with plans starting at $5/month.

2. Medium: Blogging Simplified

Medium is different from most blogging platforms because it comes with its own massive audience.

It’s great for writers who just want to write and not worry about the technical side of things.

It’s clean, distraction-free, and incredibly easy to use.

Think of it as a platform where writers meet readers—without all the technical fuss.

Why Medium Stands Out

1. Built-in Audience
   Medium has over 170 million monthly readers, so your content gets exposure right away.
2. User-Friendly Writing Interface
   No setup or design skills are needed. Just write, publish, and share.
3. Monetization Options
   Medium’s Partner Program lets you earn money based on reader engagement.
4. Content Virality
   If your post resonates, Medium’s algorithm promotes it, reaching a massive audience.

Where Medium Falls Short

1. No Full Ownership
   Your content lives on Medium, not your own website.
2. Limited Customization
   Forget about fancy designs or plugins. What you see is what you get.
3. Monetization Limits
   Earning potential depends on Medium’s rules, and it may not match self-hosted blogs.

Pricing Plans

• Free Plan: Publish for free.
• Membership ($5/month): Unlocks extra features.

If you want a simple, no-frills way to start blogging with a built-in audience, Medium is a fantastic option.

Not sure which platform to pick for your blog?

WordPress vs Blogger vs Medium
Compare ease, SEO, monetization & more to find the perfect blogging platform for your goals. Read now!

3. Wix: Drag-and-Drop Simplicity

Wix is like the LEGO of blogging platforms.

Not interested in all that technical setup?

That’s where Wix comes in. Wix is all about simplicity.

Its drag-and-drop editor makes building a blog super easy, even if you’ve never touched code in your life.

Why People Love Wix

1. Beginner-Friendly
   Customizing your blog is as easy as dragging elements onto the page.
2. Beautiful Templates
   Choose from 800+ templates to create a professional-looking site in minutes.
3. Built-in SEO Tools
   Boost your visibility on search engines with Wix’s intuitive SEO features.
4. E-commerce Capabilities
   If you want to sell products, Wix has you covered.

There are over 300 apps you can add to boost your blog’s functionality—like integrating social media feeds, adding contact forms, or even building an online store.

The Downsides of Wix

1. Limited Template Flexibility
   Once you pick a template, switching isn’t possible without rebuilding your site.
2. Storage Restrictions
   Storage limits apply to all plans.
3. Pricing
   Some advanced features are locked behind higher-tier plans.

Pricing Plans

• Free: With Wix ads and branding.
• Combo: $14/month (ad-free with more storage).
• Unlimited: $18/month (best for bloggers).
• VIP: $39/month (priority support and advanced tools).

Wix is perfect for those starting out who just want something easy to use without any coding headaches.

4. Squarespace: Stunning and All-in-One

Squarespace is where design meets functionality.

It’s the go-to platform if you want a visually stunning blog with integrated e-commerce features.

If you don’t want to mess with design too much, Squarespace is perfect.

Why Squarespace is Amazing

1. Award-Winning Templates
   Seriously, they’re beautiful.
2. Unlimited Bandwidth and Storage
   No worries about running out of space for your blog posts or media.
3. All-in-One Solution
   From domain registration to SEO tools, Squarespace does it all.
4. E-commerce Integration
   Sell products, services, or subscriptions with ease.

What Could Be Better?

1. Limited Customization
   While templates are gorgeous, you can’t tweak them as much as on WordPress.
2. No Free Plan
   Unlike Wix, Squarespace doesn’t offer a free option.
3. Pricing
   It’s on the pricier side compared to other platforms.

Cost Breakdown

• Personal: $16/month (great for solo bloggers).
• Business: $23/month (e-commerce features included).
• Basic Commerce: $28/month (ideal for small businesses).
• Advanced Commerce: $52/month (advanced tools for serious sellers).

Squarespace is perfect for those who want an eye-catching, beautiful blog without dealing with plugins, coding, or too much customization.

5. Weebly: Simple and Affordable

Weebly’s a nice hybrid if you want a blog with e-commerce features. It’s got drag-and-drop simplicity, just like Wix, but also offers some neat tools for selling products if you want to monetize.

It is like Wix’s cousin—simple, affordable, and beginner-friendly.

Why Weebly is Worth Considering

1. Free Plan
   Get started without spending a dime.
2. Drag-and-Drop Interface
   Building your blog is quick and easy.
3. E-Commerce Ready
   Perfect for bloggers who want to sell products alongside their posts.

Downsides to Weebly

1. Limited Customization
   Templates look great but lack flexibility.
2. Square Ads
   Free plans display ads that you can’t remove.
3. Customer Support
   Only higher-tier plans offer phone support.

Pricing

• Free: Basic features with ads.
• Personal: $10/month.
• Professional: $12/month (no ads, more features).
• Performance: $26/month (best for e-commerce).

6. Drupal: The Developer’s Dream

Okay, this one’s for the developers and those who want to get their hands dirty with code.

Drupal is a robust content management system that gives you complete control over everything.

It offers unmatched flexibility and scalability.

You will need coding skills or a developer to make the most of it.

Why Developers Love Drupal

1. Open Source
   Modify and customize it however you like.
2. Scalable and Secure
   Perfect for large blogs or sites handling sensitive data.
3. Active Community
   A vibrant developer community supports and enhances Drupal.

The Challenges with Drupal

1. Steep Learning Curve
   Beginners, beware. This isn’t plug-and-play.
2. Higher Maintenance Costs
   You may need to hire a developer for updates or fixes.

Cost

• Free to download, but you’ll pay for hosting and development services.

Comparison Between Best Blogging Platforms

Here’s a quick recap to help you decide:

Still unsure?

• Pick WordPress if you want full control and endless possibilities.
• Try Medium if you want to focus purely on writing.
• Go with Wix or Squarespace for quick, beautiful blogs.

FAQs

Which blogging platform is best for beginners?

Wix and Weebly are beginner-friendly, offering drag-and-drop simplicity.

Can I monetize a free blog?

Yes, but options are limited. Platforms like Medium allow monetization, while others like WordPress offer more options with paid plans.

Is WordPress free?

WordPress.org is free, but you’ll need hosting. WordPress.com offers free plans with limited features.

What’s the easiest platform to use?

For ease of use, Wix and Medium are excellent choices.

Can I switch platforms later?

Yes, but it can be complicated. Plan ahead and choose a platform that supports your growth.

Final Thoughts

Blogging is your canvas, and these platforms are your tools.

Choosing the best blogging platform comes down to your own goals and preferences.

If you want complete control and customization, WordPress might be the way to go.

For simplicity, Wix and Medium are great choices.

If you’re looking to add e-commerce to your site, Squarespace and Weebly can work better for you.Start with my detailed guide on how to start a blog in 2025—I’ll walk you through every step based on my 5 years of experience in blogging and SEO.