Ghost Pricing 2026: Every Plan Explained (Is It Worth It?)
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Ghost — Our Verdict
Ghost requires a paid subscription but delivers 0% transaction fees on paid subscriptions across all plans for independent publishers who want an owned media platform combining blog, newsletter, and membership. Starter plan capped at 500 members.
- 0% transaction fees on paid subscriptions across all plans
- Full CMS with custom themes for stronger website/SEO
- Self-hosting option for zero recurring cost
Pros
- 0% transaction fees on paid subscriptions across all plans
- Full CMS with custom themes for stronger website/SEO
- Self-hosting option for zero recurring cost
Cons
- Starter plan capped at 500 members
- Steeper learning curve than beehiiv or Substack
- No built-in ad network
Ghost Pricing 2026: Every Plan Explained
Ghost positions itself as one of the more accessible options in the email marketing and newsletter platforms space — though it requires a paid subscription. But the sticker price is just the beginning. Here’s every cost you’ll encounter, what each plan actually includes, and which tier makes sense for your budget.
Prices last verified: 2026-03-28 | Source{target=“_blank” rel=“noopener”}
Ghost Plans at a Glance
| Plan | Details |
|---|---|
| Starter | $25/mo ($18 annually) |
| Creator | $39/mo ($29 annually) |
| Team | $65/mo ($50 annually) |
| Business | $249/mo ($199 annually) |
No Free Plan
Ghost does not offer a permanent free plan in 2026. The lowest-cost entry point is the Starter plan.
What’s Included in Each Plan?
For a deeper look at how these features stack up against alternatives, see our Ghost review or the Ghost alternatives page.
Monthly vs Annual Billing
Ghost offers discounted annual billing. Based on our review of their pricing page:
- Starter: $25/mo ($18 annually)
- Creator: $39/mo ($29 annually)
- Team: $65/mo ($50 annually)
- Business: $249/mo ($199 annually)
Annual billing typically saves 15–25% compared to monthly. If you’re committed to Ghost long-term, the annual plan is the better deal.
Is Ghost Worth the Price?
Based on our hands-on testing, Ghost earns 8.2/10 stars.
Where it delivers real value:
- ✅ 0% transaction fees on paid subscriptions across all plans
- ✅ Full CMS with custom themes for stronger website/SEO
- ✅ Self-hosting option for zero recurring cost
Where pricing might not be justified:
- ❌ Starter plan capped at 500 members
- ❌ Steeper learning curve than beehiiv or Substack
- ❌ No built-in ad network
Our verdict: If you’re independent publishers who want an owned media platform combining blog, newsletter, and membership, Ghost is worth every dollar. Starter plan capped at 500 members.
Ghost vs Competitors on Price
How does Ghost stack up on price?
| Tool | Free Plan | Starting Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ghost | ❌ | $18/month (annual) | 8.2/10 |
| beehiiv | ✅ | $0 (up to 2,500 subscribers) | 9/10 |
| ActiveCampaign | ❌ | $15/month (1,000 contacts) | 8.6/10 |
| Kit (ConvertKit) | ✅ | $0 (up to 10,000 subscribers) | 8.5/10 |
For detailed breakdowns: beehiiv Pricing, ActiveCampaign Pricing
Best Value Recommendation
Given the pricing, we recommend starting with the Starter plan: $25/mo ($18 annually). It covers the core use cases without committing to a higher tier until you know it fits your workflow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Ghost have a free plan? No, Ghost does not currently offer a permanent free plan. The lowest-cost option is the Starter plan at $25/mo ($18 annually).
What is the cheapest Ghost plan? The most affordable paid option is the Starter plan: $25/mo ($18 annually).
Is Ghost worth the price? Based on our hands-on testing, Ghost earns a 8.2/10 rating. It’s worth the investment if independent publishers who want an owned media platform combining blog, newsletter, and membership. The main value drivers are: 0% transaction fees on paid subscriptions across all plans; Full CMS with custom themes for stronger website/SEO. See our full value analysis in the “Is Ghost Worth It?” section above.
Does Ghost offer annual discounts? Yes, Ghost offers savings when billed annually. $25/mo ($18 annually).
Related Email Marketing Pages
- Ghost Full Review
- Ghost Alternatives
- beehiiv vs Ghost
- ActiveCampaign vs Ghost
- Kit (ConvertKit) vs Ghost
- Best Email Marketing for Newsletters
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Ghost have a free plan?
What is the cheapest Ghost plan?
Is Ghost worth the price?
Does Ghost offer annual discounts?
Try Ghost yourself
See current pricing and features on the official site.