Ghost Pricing (2026)

Ghost charges based on audience size — the number of members in your publication — using a slider that scales from 0 to 100k+. It's usage-based in the truest sense: you're paying for reach, not seats or features, which aligns cost directly with the value of a growing subscriber list.

From $18/mo 4 plans usage-based Free trial
Starter
$18/mo
Publisher
$29/mo
Business
$199/mo
Custom
Contact Sales
Verified Jul 25, 2026 Official pricing page
Screenshot of Ghost's pricing page showing its plans and prices
Their pricing page, captured Jul 25, 2026

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Starter

$18/mo $15/mo annual
  • Your own website
  • Free custom domain
  • Email newsletter
  • Simple design settings
  • 1,000 members

Publisher

$29/mo
  • 3 staff users
  • Custom themes
  • 8,000+ integrations
  • Paid subscriptions
  • Advanced analytics
  • 1,000 members

Business

$199/mo
  • 15 staff users
  • Priority support
  • Higher usage limits
  • Early access to features
  • 10,000 members

Custom

Contact Sales
  • Unlimited staff users
  • Advanced configurations
  • Dedicated IP address
  • 99.9% uptime SLA
  • Unlimited members

AI Pricing Analysis

Pricing Model

Ghost charges based on audience size — the number of members in your publication — using a slider that scales from 0 to 100k+. It's usage-based in the truest sense: you're paying for reach, not seats or features, which aligns cost directly with the value of a growing subscriber list.

Tier Strategy

Starter ($18/mo) is for solo creators just getting off the ground; Publisher ($29/mo) is the sweet spot for newsletters with real traction who need more members capacity; Business ($199/mo) is a significant jump aimed at media operators who need custom SSL, subdirectory installs, and higher limits. The upgrade trigger is almost always hitting the member ceiling on your current tier.

Competitive Positioning

Ghost sits in the mid-to-premium range for creator publishing tools — more expensive than a basic Substack setup but positioning itself as the serious, self-respecting alternative for writers who want ownership and control. They're going after creators who've outgrown Substack's limitations and don't want to be on a platform that takes a revenue cut.

Growth Lever

Member count is the primary expansion driver — as your audience grows, you're nudged up the slider and eventually into a higher tier. The $50/mo add-ons for custom SSL and subdirectory installs on Business are a secondary lever, but the real pressure is organic: a successful publication literally prices itself into an upgrade.

Ghost Pricing FAQ

How much does Ghost cost?
Paid plans start at $18/mo, going up to $199/mo for larger teams. There's also an Enterprise tier with custom pricing.
Is there a free plan?
No free plan. But there is a free trial, so you can test it out before paying.
Can I try it before paying?
Yes — there's a free trial. You don't need a credit card to start.
How does the pricing work?
Ghost charges based on audience size — the number of members in your publication — using a slider that scales from 0 to 100k+. It's usage-based in the truest sense: you're paying for reach, not seats or features, which aligns cost directly with the value of a growing subscriber list.
Is there a discount for annual billing?
Yes — you save up to 17% if you pay annually instead of month-to-month.
Which plan makes sense for me?
Starter ($18/mo) is for solo creators just getting off the ground; Publisher ($29/mo) is the sweet spot for newsletters with real traction who need more members capacity; Business ($199/mo) is a significant jump aimed at media operators who need custom SSL, subdirectory installs, and higher limits. The upgrade trigger is almost always hitting the member ceiling on your current tier.

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Comparing Ghost to something specific? Try Ghost vs Beehiiv, Ghost vs Buttondown, or Ghost vs 123FormBuilder.

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