Open source, headless Node.js CMS for publishing with memberships, subscriptions, and newsletters. Self-host or use the paid Ghost(Pro) service.
Ghost is an open source alternative to ConvertKit, Substack, and Beehiiv. Open source, headless Node.js CMS for publishing with memberships, subscriptions, and newsletters. Self-host or use the paid Ghost(Pro) service. MIT licensed, 54.4k GitHub stars, hosted version available, self-host with Docker, and last released 2026-07-10.
Should you switch?
Independent creators and publishers who want an open source, headless Node.js CMS with built-in memberships, paid subscriptions, and newsletters, and the option to self-host or use the managed Ghost(Pro) service.
You want a permanent free managed plan with no server setup: Ghost(Pro) is a paid managed service (a free trial is available), and self-hosting means running your own server via the Ghost-CLI or Docker.
Self-hosting is on you: the README's official self-host path is the Ghost-CLI on a server with automatic SSL via LetsEncrypt, and the managed Ghost(Pro) service is paid, with its revenue funding the Ghost Foundation.
In the product
Community proof
"I'm in the process of migrating from svbtle to Ghost (https://ghost.org/), which is free if you can install it on your own web server."
"I use Digital Ocean to host. The blog uses Ghost CMS. I’ve used WP in the past, but I like the blogging focus and relative simplicity of Ghost."
Maintenance health
Can you do it today?
docker compose up -dGitHub
Support the creator
No public funding page yet.
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