I Rank & Compare 10 Best Blogging Platforms for Beginners (2025)

I almost gave up on blogging before I even started.

I had 23 browser tabs open, comparing platforms, and made a spreadsheet. Plus, I asked three developer friends for advice and got three different answers.

I eventually picked the one with the coolest commercials. Six months later, I hit a wall with features and had to rebuild everything on WordPress.

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

Here’s what I learned: the right blogging platform isn’t about which one has the flashiest demo. It’s about which one fits what you actually need.

For the past 10 years, I’ve tested every major platform and built sites on most of them. Some for clients, some for side projects, and plenty just to see what works.

This guide shows you the 10 best blogging platforms for beginners in 2025, based on real testing.

I’ll tell you which ones are worth your time and which ones look good but cause headaches later. Plus, I’m covering 5 bonus platforms you should know about.

Key Takeaways Box

• If you want complete control and room to grow, WordPress.org is my top pick.
• For absolute beginners who want AI to build everything for them, Hostinger Website Builder delivers.
• Need the simplest free option? WordPress.com or Blogger work great.
• I’ve tested all 10 platforms in this guide, some for years on real client sites.
• Here’s the honest breakdown of what works, what doesn’t, and which platform matches your specific needs.

You can also use the table of contents below to skip to any section of the article you want.

With that out of the way, lets begin.

How I Test Blogging Platforms for Beginners

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

Here’s exactly how I evaluate each platform:

• Setup Speed: I time how long it takes to go from clicking “Sign Up” to publishing your first blog post. If it takes more than 30 minutes for a beginner, that’s a red flag. The best platforms get you online in under 10 minutes.
• Editor Experience: I write the same blog post on each platform. This tells me which editors are intuitive and which ones make simple tasks frustrating. Can you add images easily? Does formatting work the way you expect? These details matter when you’re publishing weekly.
• Design Flexibility: I try to match a specific brand look on each platform. Some give you complete control over colors, fonts, and layouts. Others lock you into rigid templates. I test how far I can customize without touching code, because most beginners won’t hire a developer.
• Monetization Options: I check the terms of service and test ad placement on each platform. Some let you run any ads you want. Others ban affiliate links or force you to share revenue. If you plan to make money from your blog, these restrictions can kill your income.
• Growth Ceiling: I look at storage limits, bandwidth caps, and feature restrictions. Can the platform handle 50,000 monthly visitors? What happens when you need advanced features? Some platforms scale with you. Others force you to migrate when you outgrow them.
• Exit Strategy: I test the export process on each platform. How easy is it to download your content and move elsewhere? Some platforms make migration simple with one-click exports. Others trap your content, making it nearly impossible to leave without losing everything.

I focus on what beginners actually need, not what looks impressive in a feature list. That’s why my ratings emphasize ease of use and practical value over technical specs that don’t matter when you’re starting out.

Why Trust My Blogging Platform Reviews?

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

And this is why you should trust my blogging platform reviews.

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

IsItWP is part of WPBeginner, so we’re deeply connected to the WordPress community.

Here’s the thing: I don’t just review these platforms from a distance. I maintain active accounts on them.

I’ve built sites for clients on WordPress, tested Hostinger’s AI builder for small business projects. On top of that, I have even run side blogs on platforms like Medium to see how they actually perform.

When I tell you a platform has advantages or limitations, it’s because I’ve hit those walls myself.

For IsItWP, the platforms that rank highest earned their spots through real-world testing and my experiences.

Best Blogging Platforms for Beginners Compared

If you’re in a hurry, here’s how the 10 best blogging platforms stack up. I’ve tested each one hands-on, and this table shows you the key differences at a glance.

Platform	Best For	Free Version	Ease of Use	Rating	Starting Price
🥇 WordPress.org	Complete control & unlimited growth	✅ Software only	Moderate	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	FREE software + $2.99/month Bluehost hosting
🥈 Hostinger Website Builder	AI-powered all-in-one solution	❌	Very Easy	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	$2.69/month
🥉 WordPress.com	Free WordPress experience	✅	Easy	⭐⭐⭐⭐	$4/month
4. Blogger	Google integration & AdSense	✅	Very Easy	⭐⭐⭐⭐	FREE
5. HubSpot CMS	Marketing & CRM integration	❌	Easy	⭐⭐⭐⭐	$20/month
6. Network Solutions	Budget-friendly small business	❌	Very Easy	⭐⭐⭐⭐	$2.99/month
7. Squarespace	Design-conscious creators	❌	Easy	⭐⭐⭐⭐	$16/month
8. Tumblr	Microblogging & visual content	✅	Very Easy	⭐⭐⭐	FREE
9. Medium	Built-in audience for writers	✅	Very Easy	⭐⭐⭐	FREE
10. Weebly	Simple stores with Square	✅	Easy	⭐⭐⭐	$10/month

💡 Quick Take: WordPress.org wins for long-term growth and control. Hostinger’s AI builder is the easiest starting point for tech-phobic beginners. WordPress.com and Blogger offer solid free options.

1. WordPress.org ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Powers 43% of All Websites | Best for: Complete Control & Unlimited Growth

WordPress.org is the platform IsItWP runs on. It’s also what I’ve used to build over 50 client sites in the past decade.

See, after watching a small hobby blog, I set up scale from 1,000 to 80,000 monthly visitors without me changing a single thing about the hosting. I realized something important: most blogging platforms crack under success.

WordPress.org doesn’t.

Why WordPress.org Works for Serious Bloggers

The biggest advantage? You actually own your content.

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

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

You control everything from the massive plugin ecosystem.

With over 90,000 free plugins, you can solve almost any problem you’ll face. Need a contact form? WPForms installs in 2 minutes.

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

Plus, WordPress.org gives you the best SEO tools available, ensuring you grow your traffic with little experience. For example, All in One SEO and Yoast SEO help you optimize every post for search engines.

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

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

But it’s not just about the site design. You can also choose from themes like Astra, Thrive Themes, and OceanWP for designs that load fast and look great on mobile.

And if you want more control, page builders like SeedProd let you design custom layouts without touching code.

The reason I recommend WordPress.org is that it scales with you. You can start with a simple blog today, and add a membership site tomorrow. Need to monetize it? Just launch an online store after.

My Experience

I still remember setting up my first WordPress.org site. The Bluehost one-click installer had me up and running in about 15 minutes.

I picked the Astra theme, customized my colors, and published my first post all in one afternoon.

What really sold me was how fast problems got solved. You can track visitors by simply installing a free plugin like MonsterInsights.

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

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

► Pros

• Complete ownership means no one can shut down your blog overnight
• 90,000+ free plugins solve almost any problem you can imagine
• Best SEO tools available including AIOSEO and Yoast that actually boost rankings
• Scales infinitely without forced upgrades or migration headaches

► Cons

• Learning curve exists for complete beginners, though it’s gentler than it used to be
• You’re responsible for backups and security, not a managed service
• Requires paying for hosting

My Verdict

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

But that tiny investment gives you a platform that can grow from zero to millions of visitors without breaking.

Check out my detailed WordPress.org review. Plus here are WordPress alternatives you can also look at.

Get started with WordPress.org with Bluehost hosting.

Pricing: FREE software + $2.99/month Bluehost hosting

2. Hostinger Website Builder ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

AI-Powered Builder | Best for: Beginners Who Want Everything Done Fast

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

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

Why Hostinger Works for Non-Techies and Beginners

The AI website builder does the heavy lifting for you. You don’t pick templates or struggle with layouts. Just tell it what kind of blog you want, and it creates everything automatically.

The drag-and-drop editor makes changes simple. Want to move a section? Drag it. Need to change text? Click and type. Want visuals? You can generate images with AI. No training videos needed.

Plus, everything’s included in one package.

Your domain name, hosting, email accounts, and SSL certificate all come together. This ensures that there is no need to hunt for pieces across different companies.

Apart from that, Hostinger’s servers are fast, ensuring pages load quickly without you doing any optimization work.

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

For starters, the mobile app lets you manage your blog from your phone. With it, you can update posts, check stats, and respond to comments.

Everything works smoothly on mobile, which matters when you’re blogging on the go.

It’s not just blogging that this top blogging hosting service makes easy; the built-in eCommerce tools handle online selling without extra plugins.

Payment processing works with multiple gateways with no transaction fees eating into your profits. And the SEO tools help your posts rank on Google without technical knowledge.

My Experience

I tested Hostinger for a client who wanted a recipe blog but hated technology. The AI asked three questions: What’s your blog about? Who’s your audience? What’s your style preference?

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

The customization surprised me.

Even though AI built it, we could change everything. We could swap colors in seconds, adjust fonts with dropdown menus, add new sections by dragging blocks and more.

► Pros

• AI builds your entire site in under 5 minutes
• All-in-one package includes domain, hosting, and email
• Drag-and-drop editor needs zero technical skills
• Fast servers and built-in SEO optimization

► Cons

• Can’t switch templates after initial setup
• Limited compared to WordPress’s plugin ecosystem
• No completely free plan (though 30-day refund available)

My Verdict

Hostinger is perfect if technology intimidates you. The AI does 90% of the work, and the editor handles the rest without code.

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

Check out my updated Hostinger review for more details.

Get started with Hostinger Website Builder here.

Pricing: Starts at $2.69/month

3. WordPress.com⭐⭐⭐⭐

70M+ Blogs Hosted | Best for: Free WordPress Experience Without Hosting

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

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

Why WordPress.com Works for Hassle-Free Blogging

You will quickly notice that you can start creating your first blog post within 5 minutes of signing up. No hunting for hosting companies or installing software.

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

It surprised me that the free plan gives you a complete blogging platform.

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

Your blog lives at yourname.wordpress.com, which works perfectly for personal projects or testing your blogging commitment.

Security and maintenance are completely managed.

You don’t need to worry about updates breaking your site. As a result, you don’t need to install security plugins or configure backups.

The upgrade path is simple and affordable.

For $4/month, you get a custom domain and remove WordPress.com branding. That’s cheaper than most affordable hosting plans.

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

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

On top of that, your content exports cleanly, and the migration process is well-documented.

My Experience

I set up WordPress.com for a travel blog experiment, and three minutes later, I was publishing. The process involved picking a clean travel theme, customizing colors, and writing my first post.

Everything worked smoothly. The editor felt familiar because it’s the same Gutenberg interface I use on WordPress.org sites.

► Pros

• Completely free to start with no credit card required
• Zero technical setup or hosting knowledge needed
• Automatic security, backups, and updates handled for you
• Same editor as WordPress.org makes skills transferable

► Cons

• Free plan includes WordPress.com branding and subdomain
• Monetization and plugins require Business plan ($25/month)
• Less customization flexibility than self-hosted WordPress
• Custom domain requires upgrading to paid plans

My Verdict

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

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

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

Compare WordPress.com with WordPress.org before you make your decision.

Get started with WordPress.com here.

Pricing: Free | Pro starts at $4/month

4. Blogger.com⭐⭐⭐⭐

Google-Powered | Best for: Free Blogging with Easy AdSense

Blogger is Google’s forever-free blogging platform that’s been reliably serving bloggers since 1999.

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

Plus, it’s hands-down the easiest platform for monetizing with Google AdSense.

Why Blogger Works for Straightforward Blogging

Setup takes about 2 minutes. In fact, you just sign in with your Google account, pick a name, choose a template, and you’re blogging.

There are no hosting bills ever, and no domain required unless you want one. Just pure, simple blogging with zero financial commitment.

Google AdSense integration is seamless and powerful.

Click one button in settings, and ads appear on your blog. The approval process is straightforward because Google trusts its own platform.

If you want to earn money from ads without complicated setups, Blogger makes it genuinely simple.

The Google ecosystem integration is excellent.

Analytics connects automatically to track your traffic, Search Console shows your Google rankings, while cloud drive stores your images. Everything works together smoothly.

If you already live in Google’s world, Blogger fits perfectly into your workflow without learning new tools. The platform is deliberately simple and focused. No feature bloat, just straightforward blogging.

My Experience

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

Adding AdSense took one click, and ads appeared automatically with earnings starting the same week.

For pure ad monetization focused on hobby content, Blogger’s integration works better than manually configuring ads elsewhere.

The trade-off? Design customization requires HTML knowledge, and you’re limited to Google’s template options.

► Pros

• Completely free forever with zero hosting costs
• Easiest Google AdSense approval and integration
• 2-minute setup with just a Gmail account
• Reliable Google infrastructure and uptime

► Cons

• Design customization requires HTML knowledge
• Fewer modern features than platforms like WordPress
• Limited to Google’s template options
• Best suited for straightforward blogging needs

My Verdict

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

It’s not trying to be WordPress; it’s deliberately simpler.

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

Compare Blogger vs. WordPress before you make your decision. Also check out the best Blogger alternatives if this platform does not meet your needs.

Get started with Blogger here.

Pricing: Free

5. HubSpot CMS ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Marketing Platform + CMS | Best for: Business Blogs with CRM Needs

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

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

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

Why HubSpot CMS Works for Marketing-Focused Blogs

As mentioned, everything connects automatically in one platform.

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

After this, it will track which posts each visitor reads, then follow up based on their interests. Once all that is done, HubSpot can then score leads based on blog engagement.

But the blogging nurturing automation that really landed HubSpot on this list.

It allows you to be highly targeted. For example, you can send targeted emails when someone reads three posts about a specific topic. Then, create workflows that nurture contacts from blog reader to customer.

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

But HubSpot is not just about nurturing, it’s also about growing.

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

Apart from that, the A/B testing tools let you test different headlines and calls-to-action to see what converts better.

The managed hosting removes all technical headaches so you don’t need to worry about security updates, server configuration, or performance optimization.

My Experience

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

A visitor read three posts about leadership, and HubSpot automatically tagged them and sent a targeted consultation offer. As a result, the client started getting more qualified and quality leads.

► Pros

• All-in-one platform eliminates juggling multiple tools
• Powerful marketing automation drives real business results
• Built-in SEO and conversion tools boost performance
• Managed hosting removes all technical responsibilities

► Cons

• Higher price point than basic blogging platforms
• More features than solo bloggers typically need
• Best value requires already using HubSpot’s ecosystem
• Learning curve for mastering all features

My Verdict

HubSpot CMS makes perfect sense for businesses serious about content marketing. If your blog exists to generate leads, nurture prospects, and drive sales, HubSpot’s integrated approach delivers measurable ROI.

Yes, you’ll pay more than basic hosting, but you’re getting a complete marketing system where your blog becomes a lead generation engine.

For businesses ready to treat blogging as serious marketing, the investment pays for itself quickly.

Get started with HubSpot CMS here.

Pricing: Starts at $20/month

6. Network Solutions Website Builder ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Affordable All-in-One | Best for: Budget-Conscious Small Business Blogs

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

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

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

Why Network Solutions Works for Budget Bloggers

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

Once you set up Network Solutions, the drag-and-drop website builder makes creating your blog simple with no coding knowledge required.

You get the flexibility to choose from dozens of professionally designed templates, customize colors and fonts with dropdown menus, and add your content by clicking and typing.

As a result, your blog can be live in under an hour.

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

You get SEO tools to help your posts get found, analytics show which content performs best, and layouts are mobile-responsive automatically.

And if you face any difficulty that the knowledge base cannot help with, support is available 24/7 through phone, live chat, and email.

My Experience

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

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

Due to the simplicity Network Solution offered, my client felt confident managing updates herself without technical support from me.

► Pros

• Affordable with everything included
• Free domain name and email accounts with all plans
• Drag-and-drop builder requires zero technical skills
• 24/7 customer support by phone, chat, and email

► Cons

• Fewer advanced features than WordPress
• Smaller template library than some competitors
• Limited third-party integrations available
• Best for straightforward blogs, not complex sites

My Verdict

Network Solutions excels at providing professional blogging tools at a price anyone can afford. If you’re starting a small business blog on a tight budget, their packages deliver genuine value.

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

For budget-conscious entrepreneurs who want a legitimate blog without technical stress, this is one of the best value propositions in blogging.

Check out my Network Solutions review for more details. Plus here are Network Solutions alternatives if you are looking for more options.

Get started with Network Solutions Website Builder here.

Pricing: Starts at $2.99/month

7. Squarespace ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Premium Design Templates | Best for: Design-Conscious Creators & Portfolios

Squarespace is where beautiful design meets powerful blogging.

If you care deeply about how your blog looks and want a stunning, professional website that reflects your creative work, Squarespace delivers templates that make other platforms jealous.

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

Why Squarespace Works for Creative Professionals

Squarespace templates are genuinely gorgeous. Every Squarespace theme looks professionally designed because they are.

Plus, clean layouts, elegant typography, and stunning image galleries come standard. Your blog will look magazine-quality from day one without hiring a designer.

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

You can customize colors, fonts, layouts, and spacing with visual controls that make sense.

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

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

But Squarespace comes with built-in features that save you from hunting for blogging plugins, which can be overwhelming and bloat up your site.

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

Mobile responsiveness is exceptional.

Squarespace templates automatically adapt beautifully to phones and tablets. This allows your readers to view your blog’s beautiful design regardless of the device they use.

Apart from that, Squarespace makes it easy for you to manage your blog.

You can schedule posts, create multiple authors, and organize with categories and tags. Plus, you get eCommerce capabilities that are surprisingly powerful too.

So you can start with a blog, then add a shop when you’re ready to sell digital products or physical products using the same beautiful design.

My Experience

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

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

The all-in-one approach simplified her life since domain management, email marketing, and client galleries are all on one platform instead of juggling five accounts.

► Pros

• Absolutely stunning templates with magazine-quality design
• Intuitive editor makes customization simple and visual
• Mobile-responsive designs look perfect on all devices
• Built-in eCommerce for selling products alongside blogging

► Cons

• Higher price point than budget hosting options
• Less plugin flexibility than WordPress
• Can’t switch templates after launching without rebuilding
• Monthly cost adds up for multiple sites

My Verdict

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

For creative professionals who need their blog to look absolutely stunning, Squarespace delivers that polish effortlessly.

Get started with Squarespace here.

Pricing: Starts at $16/month

8. Tumblr ⭐⭐⭐

Microblogging + Social Network | Best for: Visual Content & Creative Communities

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

It’s perfect for sharing photos, art, short posts, and visual stories with built-in audiences who already love discovering new content.

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

Why Tumblr Works for Visual Storytelling

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

The community discovery is genuinely powerful and my favorite thing about this social blogging platform. Like Pinterest, Tumblr users actively search tags, reblog content they love, and follow creators.

In the end, your posts can reach thousands organically without paid promotion. Added to that, the reblog feature acts like built-in viral marketing.

Multimedia sharing is what Tumblr does best.

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

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

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

This goes great with the informal, creative atmosphere, which encourages experimentation and celebrates authenticity over polish.

My Experience

I set up Tumblr for my SEO blog. Within a week, my posts were getting reblogged by people who found my work through tags like #WordPressSEO and #SEOforBeginners with no advertising.

The community engagement happened naturally, with other SEO experts commenting and sharing techniques.

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

For creators and experts who want frictionless sharing and organic community discovery, Tumblr delivers.

► Pros

• Completely free with active built-in audiences
• Instant setup with zero technical knowledge required
• Powerful tagging system connects you to passionate communities
• Excellent for visual content and creative expression

► Cons

• Limited professional business features
• Can’t use custom domain on free version
• Smaller audience than peak popularity years
• Best for creative content, not traditional business blogs

My Verdict

Tumblr excels as a creative portfolio and community platform.

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

Think of it as Instagram meets blogging, where visual storytelling thrives.

Get started with Tumblr here.

Pricing: Free

9. Medium ⭐⭐⭐

Built-in Audience | Best for: Writers Who Want Readers Immediately

Medium is where writers find readers from day one: no building traffic, no SEO learning curve, or empty analytics dashboard.

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

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

Why Medium Works for Pure Writers

Medium allows you to publish to real readers within minutes. All you have to do is create an account, write your first post, add relevant tags, and publish.

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

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

You do not need to wait months for Google to rank your content or build social media followings from scratch.

The writing experience is beautifully simple.

Unlike most blogging alternatives on this list, you do not need to make theme decisions or look for the best plugins. Just a clean, distraction-free editor focused entirely on your words.

My favorite thing is that the Partner Program lets you earn money from day one.

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

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

Publishing on Medium builds your writing portfolio effortlessly with clean URLs you can share with potential clients or employers.

My Experience

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

Medium’s algorithm found interested readers automatically. That single post earned $147 over three months from the Partner Program.

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

► Pros

• Instant access to millions of active readers
• Beautiful, distraction-free writing experience
• Partner Program pays you based on reading time
• Zero technical setup or website management

► Cons

• Can’t use your own custom domain
• Medium owns the platform and the audience relationship
• Limited design customization options
• Best as a supplementary platform, not a sole presence

My Verdict

Medium excels at one thing: connecting writers with readers instantly. If you want to write and be read without building websites, learning SEO, or managing technical details, Medium removes every barrier.

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

Use Medium to build your writing portfolio, test content ideas, or earn from the Partner Program while you establish your primary blog elsewhere.

Get started with Medium here.

Pricing: Free

10. Weebly ⭐⭐⭐

Drag-and-Drop Simplicity | Best for: Small Businesses Adding Blogs to Existing Sites

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

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

Why Weebly Works for Business Websites with Blogs

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

Since Weebly is owned by one of the top online payment systems, the Square integration is powerful.

It allows you to accept payments with no transaction fees beyond standard processing rates. As a result, your blog and store share the same professional design.

But user experience is why Weebly is on this list.

Mobile responsiveness happens automatically, and every template adapts perfectly to phones and tablets.

But it is not just the user experience for your users; it is for you as well. You get built-in SEO and marketing tools that help improve your content’s visibility.

Plus, support and reliability are excellent—Weebly handles hosting, security, and updates automatically while you focus on running your business.

The free plan lets you test thoroughly before committing. You can build your entire site, add posts, and see how everything works. Once you are happy, upgrade to a custom domain for a professional look.

My Experience

I set up Weebly for a massage therapist needing a simple site with a blog and booking capability. We picked a wellness template, added services, and set up a blog in two hours.

The Square booking integration impressed us as clients could read wellness tips, then immediately book appointments and pay deposits in one natural flow.

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

► Pros

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

► Cons

• Free plan includes Weebly branding
• Fewer advanced features than WordPress
• Smaller template selection than some competitors
• Best for straightforward sites, not complex projects

My Verdict

Weebly excels when you need a simple business website with blogging capability. The Square integration makes it particularly valuable for service businesses, small retailers, and anyone accepting payments online.

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

Get started with Weebly here.

Pricing: Free | Pro starts at $10/month

That’s it for my list of the best blogging platforms for beginners. But below are a few more options that just missed the list.

4 More Blogging Platforms Worth Knowing About

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

• Wix: Is one of the most popular website builders with over 250 million users worldwide. The drag-and-drop editor gives you complete visual control. This allows you to place elements anywhere on the page. The AI tool (Wix ADI) can even generate a complete site by answering a few questions.
  • Try Wix →
  • Related: Wix vs WordPress Comparison
• Gator Website Builder (HostGator): Offers a complete package including domain, hosting, and drag-and-drop builder all together. It’s similar to Hostinger but with less AI automation. You get 200+ mobile-responsive templates, basic blogging features, and 24/7 support included.
  • Try Gator Builder →
  • Related: Check out my Gator Website Builder review and my HostGator review for more details.
• Ghost: Focuses exclusively on publishing and memberships. Ghost is perfect if you’re building a subscription newsletter, paid membership site, or professional publication. It provides clean, fast tools designed specifically for these niche purposes. Plus, the editor is distraction-free and beautiful.
  • Try Ghost →
• LiveJournal: Combines blogging with social networking. This makes it perfect for personal journaling with friend groups. You can control exactly who sees each post by setting your pages to public, friends-only, or private. The community features let you join groups, comment on threads, and follow other journals like a social network.
  • Start LiveJournal →

How to Choose Your Perfect Blogging Platform

Looking at 10+ different platforms can feel overwhelming. I get it. But choosing the right one doesn’t have to be complicated when you know what matters most to you.

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

If You Want to Make Money from Your Blog

• Choose WordPress.org and use Bluehost hosting for maximum monetization freedom. Run any ads, join any affiliate program, sell any products. No platform restrictions. No revenue sharing. You control every dollar your blog earns.
• Choose Blogger if AdSense is your main strategy. Google’s platform makes AdSense approval and setup genuinely simple. Perfect for niche review blogs focused purely on ad revenue.
• Choose Medium if you want to earn from writing immediately. The Partner Program pays based on reading time. No need to set up ads or find affiliate products. Just write quality content.

Learn more: How to Make Money Blogging

If You’re on a Tight Budget (Under $5/Month)

• Choose WordPress.com FREE for zero-cost WordPress blogging. You get WordPress’s powerful editor without paying anything. Perfect for testing if you’ll stick with blogging.
• Choose Blogger FREE for lifetime free blogging with reliable Google hosting. Never pay a hosting bill. Great for hobby bloggers who don’t need premium features.
• Choose Network Solutions at $2.99/month if you need a custom domain and professional email. Everything is included at coffee-shop prices.

If Technology Overwhelms You

• Choose Hostinger Website Builder for AI that builds your site in 5 minutes. Answer three questions, get a complete blog. Easiest technical setup available.
• Choose Medium to focus purely on writing. Zero technical decisions. Just write and publish. Perfect for writers who hate website management.
• Choose Blogger for Google-simple blogging. If you can use Gmail, you can use Blogger. Two-minute setup with zero configuration.

If You Need Complete Design Control

• Choose WordPress.org and use Bluehost hosting for unlimited customization. Install any theme, customize any element, code anything you imagine. Maximum creative freedom.
• Choose Squarespace for professional templates without coding. Gorgeous designs that look magazine-quality immediately. Best for visual creators.
• Choose Wix for drag-and-drop freedom. Place elements anywhere on the page visually. Just remember you’re locked into your template choice.

If You’re Building a Business Brand

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

Learn more: How to Start a Business Website

If You Plan to Grow Long-Term

• Choose WordPress.org and use Bluehost hosting for unlimited scaling. Handle millions of visitors, add any features, never outgrow your platform. Future-proof choice.
• Choose Hostinger Website Builder for affordable scaling. Plans grow with you without breaking the bank. Good middle ground between simple and powerful.

Migration difficulty ranking (easiest to hardest):

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

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

If You Want Built-in Audience Discovery

• Choose Medium for instant readers. Publish and reach thousands through Medium’s algorithm and topic feeds. Best for building writing portfolios quickly.
• Choose Tumblr for a creative community. Share visual content and get discovered through tags. Perfect for artists building followings organically.

If You Need Simple Payment Processing

• Choose Weebly for Square integration. Accept payments, book appointments, and blog—all in one place. Perfect for service businesses.
• Choose Squarespace for integrated eCommerce. Start with blog, add shop later seamlessly. Beautiful design for both content and products.
• Choose WordPress.org with WooCommerce for ultimate eCommerce power. Most flexible but requires more setup. Best for serious online stores.

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

Yes, there’s a learning curve. But you won’t outgrow it, and you won’t regret the investment when your blog succeeds.

If you’re testing whether you’ll stick with blogging, start free with WordPress.com or Medium. Switch to WordPress.org when you’re ready to get serious.

FAQs: Best Blogging Platforms for Beginners Compared

Final Verdict: Start Today, Adjust Tomorrow

After testing all these platforms, here’s what matters most: the best blogging platform is the one you’ll actually use.

I’ve seen people spend months researching perfect platforms, then never publish a single post. Meanwhile, others start with simple free platforms, publish consistently, and build successful blogs.

Your first platform choice isn’t permanent. After all, you can migrate your content and improve your skills. Plus, needs change.

The biggest mistake isn’t picking the “wrong” platform. It’s waiting too long to start.

If you are still curious, here are 100 amazing stats and facts.

Apart from that, here are posts I know you will love.

• What is a Blog? Blog vs. Website & How Do They Work?
• Top 10 Best Blog Hosting Companies of 2025
• Free Blog Themes I Tested: Optimized for Content & Fast Loading
• BEST Blog Name Generators to Find the Perfect Blog Name
• 37 Biggest Brands in the World Using WordPress Actively

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