That’s why this guide exists. I’ll walk you through the best free blogging platforms, compare what they’re good at, show you where they fail, and help you decide which one is right for you. Whether you want to blog for fun, grow your writing skills, or earn from ads and affiliate marketing, there’s a platform that fits.
Why Picking the Right Free Blogging Platform Matters
Most new bloggers think, “Free is free, so what’s the difference?” But the platform you pick will control:
Your freedom (Can you move your blog later? Do you own the content fully?)
Your earnings (Some platforms block ads or affiliate links)
Your growth (Is SEO support built-in? Can you customize the design?)
Imagine spending six months building traffic, only to realize your platform doesn’t allow Google Adsense or puts its own ads above your content. Frustrating, right? That’s why smart bloggers spend a little time comparing options before they start typing.
Free Blogging Platforms Comparison
Here’s a snapshot to help you see the differences:
| Platform | Ease of Use | Customisation | Money-Making Options | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WordPress.com | Beginner-friendly | Medium | Limited on free plan | Bloggers who want flexibility later |
| Blogger | Very easy | Low | Adsense-friendly | First-time bloggers, hobby writers |
| Medium | Very easy | None | Medium Partner Program | Writers who love writing, not tech |
| Wix (Free Blog) | Drag-and-drop | Good (with limits) | Hard to monetise | Non-tech creatives |
| Ghost | Moderate | High (if self-hosted) | Needs setup | Minimalists, techies |
WordPress.com – The Most Popular Choice
If you ask “Which platform do most bloggers use?” the answer is almost always WordPress. But let’s be clear: WordPress.com (the free version) is different from WordPress.org (the self-hosted version).
On the free plan, you get:
A blog address like yourblog.wordpress.com
Dozens of free themes
Basic customisation
Pros:
Very popular, so tons of tutorials exist.
Easy to use, beginner-friendly dashboard.
Great stepping stone if you later want to move to self-hosted WordPress.org.
Cons:
Can’t install plugins on free plan.
Can’t run Adsense unless you upgrade.
WordPress shows its own ads on your blog.
If your goal is learning and writing, it’s perfect. If your goal is money, you’ll soon outgrow the free plan.
Blogger – Google’s Free Classic
Blogger is like that old friend who’s always been there. Owned by Google, it’s been around for decades. Many full-time bloggers started here because it’s simple and connects directly with Google Adsense.
Why it’s good for beginners:
Simple drag-and-drop design tools.
Direct Adsense integration.
100% free hosting with no storage worries.
Downsides:
Limited templates , your blog might look outdated if you don’t customise.
Not the best for SEO compared to WordPress.
Google could shut it down (remember Google+?).
Still, if you want a free blog site to make money fast, Blogger is one of the best.
Medium – Best for Writers Who Love Writing
Medium flips the blogging idea upside down. Instead of building your own website, you publish inside a community. Think of it like YouTube for writers.
Perks of Medium:
No design stress , clean, beautiful reading experience.
Built-in audience: people can “follow” and clap for your posts.
Money via Medium Partner Program (based on how long members read your work).
Why it’s not for everyone:
You don’t control the platform , Medium does.
You can’t customise the look.
Hard to build your own brand.
If you want readers fast and care less about “owning” a website, Medium is a good place. But for long-term money-making and brand growth? Not ideal.
Wix Free Blog – Drag-and-Drop Simplicity
Wix is popular with people who want to “design without coding.” Its drag-and-drop editor feels like playing with Lego.
Free plan includes:
Blog with yourname.wixsite.com domain
Hundreds of templates
Visual editing
Pros:
Zero tech skills required.
Beautiful free templates.
Lots of creative freedom.
Cons:
Wix ads appear on free sites.
Free domain looks unprofessional.
Hard to move your site later if you outgrow Wix.
Wix is good for personal blogs or creative portfolios. But if your target is to monetise through ads, skip it.
Ghost Blogging Platform – Minimalist & Open Source
Ghost is the underdog here. It’s an open-source platform, built for serious writers and newsletters. Think of it as “WordPress without the clutter.”
Good things about Ghost:
Clean, fast, and SEO-friendly.
Great for email newsletters + blog combo.
Open-source = full control if you self-host.
Not-so-good things:
The free hosted version is limited.
Needs some technical skills if self-hosted.
Not as beginner-friendly as Blogger or Wix.
If you’re tech-comfortable and want a modern setup, Ghost is cool. But beginners will find it confusing.
Which Free Blog Platform is Best for Beginners?
For pure ease of use, the crown goes to Blogger. It’s beginner-proof, integrates Adsense, and you don’t worry about hosting bills.
For those who want flexibility and growth, WordPress.com is better. It gives you practice before you move to a paid self-hosted WordPress.
If you just want to write, not design, Medium works. But if your long-term dream is making money, avoid putting all your eggs there.
Best Free Blog Platforms to Make Money
Here’s the blunt truth: free blogs are okay for learning, but money-making needs control. Platforms like Medium pay pennies unless you already have a big following. Wix and Ghost aren’t built for ads on free plans.
The real contenders for making money are:
Blogger (Google Adsense works directly).
WordPress.org (Self-Hosted) , not free, but the king of monetisation.
So if your main keyword is “best blogging platform to make money,” the answer isn’t a free one , it’s WordPress.org.
Free Blog Sites for Beginners vs. Long-Term Bloggers
Beginners usually ask: Which blogging site is best for beginners? Answer: Blogger or WordPress.com.
But serious bloggers eventually ask: Which blog platform is best for making money? Answer: WordPress.org.
It’s like training wheels on a bike. Start with free. Once you’re confident, remove the training wheels and upgrade.
Final Recommendation – Start Free, Then Scale Smart
So, which is best blogging platform free?
If you want quick money from Adsense → Blogger.
If you want flexibility and long-term growth → WordPress.com (then move to WordPress.org).
If you want just to write without tech → Medium.
If you want design fun → Wix.
If you want minimalist + advanced → Ghost.
But here’s my honest advice: start free, learn, then switch to WordPress.org when you’re ready to grow.
Chris Digital, tech enthusiast and digital marketer, shares insights on WordPress, SEO, Adsense, online earning, and the latest in graphics and themes.