In 2025, blogging remains one of the most accessible and rewarding ways to share your voice, build a community, or even generate income.
Whether you’re a hobbyist, an aspiring influencer, or a small business owner, starting a blog doesn’t have to break the bank.
With the right platform, you can launch a professional-looking blog quickly and affordably, often for free or at a minimal cost.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the seven cheapest blogging platforms available today, focusing on their features, ease of use, monetization options, and limitations. By the end, you’ll know exactly which platform suits your needs to start blogging instantly. Let’s dive in!
Why Start a Blog in 2025?
Before we explore the platforms, let’s understand why blogging is still a powerful tool in 2025. Blogs allow you to:
- Express Yourself: Share your passions, expertise, or stories with a global audience.
- Build a Brand: Establish authority in your niche, whether it’s travel, tech, or lifestyle.
- Earn Income: Monetize through ads, affiliate marketing, or subscriptions.
- Connect with Communities: Engage with like-minded individuals and grow your network.
With over 600 million blogs worldwide, the blogging landscape is thriving, and free or low-cost platforms make it easier than ever to join the party.
The platforms we’ll cover are designed for beginners and seasoned bloggers alike, offering intuitive tools to get your blog live in minutes.
What to Look for in a Blogging Platform
When choosing a blogging platform, consider the following factors to ensure it aligns with your goals:
- Cost: Free or low-cost plans are ideal for beginners.
- Ease of Use: Look for platforms with simple interfaces, especially if you’re not tech-savvy.
- Customization: Templates and design options to make your blog unique.
- Monetization Options: Support for ads, affiliate links, or subscriptions.
- SEO Tools: Features to help your blog rank on search engines.
- Mobile Compatibility: Apps or responsive designs for managing your blog on the go.
- Content Ownership: Ensure you retain control over your content.
- Scalability: Ability to grow with your blog as traffic increases.
With these criteria in mind, let’s explore the seven cheapest platforms to launch your blog instantly.
1. WordPress.com
Overview
WordPress.com is one of the most popular blogging platforms, powering millions of blogs worldwide. It offers a free plan that’s perfect for beginners, with affordable upgrades for added features. Its intuitive block editor and vast theme library make it a go-to for bloggers of all levels.
Key Features
- Free Plan: Includes a subdomain (e.g., yourblog.wordpress.com), 1GB storage, and basic themes.
- Ease of Use: Drag-and-drop block editor for creating posts and pages.
- Customization: Hundreds of free themes, with premium options for more control.
- Monetization: Supports ads and affiliate links on paid plans; premium plans allow eCommerce.
- SEO Tools: Built-in SEO features and integration with plugins like Yoast (on paid plans).
- Mobile App: Jetpack app for iOS and Android to manage your blog on the go.
- Community Support: Access to WordPress forums for troubleshooting.
Cost
- Free Plan: $0, with a WordPress.com subdomain and limited features.
- Paid Plans: Start at $4/month (Personal plan) for a custom domain and ad-free experience.
- Hosting: Included in all plans, with no external hosting required.
Pros
- User-friendly for beginners with no coding skills needed.
- Scalable for growing blogs with premium plans.
- Strong community support and extensive documentation.
- Reliable hosting with automatic backups.
Cons
- Free plan includes WordPress branding and limited storage (1GB).
- Advanced customization and plugins require paid plans.
- Can feel overwhelming for absolute beginners due to feature variety.
Best For
Bloggers who want a balance of simplicity, scalability, and robust features. Ideal for personal blogs, hobbyists, or those planning to monetize later.
How to Get Started
- Sign up at WordPress.com.
- Choose a free theme and customize it.
- Write your first post using the block editor.
- Publish and share your blog via social media.
2. Blogger
Overview
Blogger, owned by Google, is a classic free blogging platform that’s been around since 1999. Its simplicity and integration with Google services make it a fuss-free option for beginners who want to start blogging instantly.
Key Features
- Free Plan: Unlimited posts, storage, and a Blogspot.com subdomain.
- Ease of Use: Simple interface with a straightforward post editor.
- Customization: Basic themes with HTML editing for advanced users.
- Monetization: Easy integration with Google AdSense for ad revenue.
- SEO Tools: Google Analytics integration for tracking performance.
- Mobile App: Available for iOS and Android for on-the-go blogging.
Cost
- Free Plan: $0, with a Blogspot.com subdomain.
- Custom Domain: Around $14.99/year if purchased separately.
- Hosting: Free, hosted by Google.
Pros
- Completely free with no hidden costs.
- Easy setup with Google account integration.
- Reliable hosting with minimal downtime.
- Simple for casual bloggers or those new to blogging.
Cons
- Limited customization compared to modern platforms.
- Outdated templates that may not look professional.
- Content is hosted on Google’s servers, limiting ownership control.
- No advanced features like scheduling or eCommerce without workarounds.
Best For
Casual bloggers or hobbyists who want a no-cost, low-maintenance platform to share thoughts or stories.
How to Get Started
- Sign in with your Google account at Blogger.com.
- Choose a template and customize basic settings.
- Create your first post and publish.
- Connect to Google Analytics or AdSense for insights and monetization.
3. Medium
Overview
Medium is a minimalist blogging platform with a built-in audience of over 100 million monthly readers. It’s perfect for writers who want to focus on content creation without worrying about design or technical setup.
Key Features
- Free Plan: Unlimited posts with a clean, magazine-style interface.
- Ease of Use: Simple text editor with basic formatting options.
- Monetization: Medium Partner Program pays based on reader engagement (requires a $5/month subscription to join).
- SEO Tools: Limited control, but posts can rank well due to Medium’s domain authority.
- Built-in Audience: Access to Medium’s readers for instant exposure.
- Mobile App: Available for writing and reading on iOS and Android.
Cost
- Free Plan: $0 for basic publishing.
- Partner Program: $5/month to earn money from your posts.
- Custom Domain: Not supported; uses Medium’s domain.
Pros
- Instant access to a large audience.
- Minimalist design focuses on writing.
- No setup or maintenance required.
- Easy to use for beginners.
Cons
- Limited customization and branding options.
- Monetization requires a paid subscription.
- Content is hosted on Medium, limiting ownership.
- Algorithm-driven visibility can be unpredictable.
Best For
Writers who prioritize content over design and want to tap into an existing audience, especially for topics like tech, freelancing, or personal development.
How to Get Started
- Sign up at Medium.com.
- Click “Write” to access the editor.
- Publish your first story and share it with Medium’s community.
- Join the Partner Program for monetization (optional).
4. Wix
Overview
Wix is a versatile website builder with robust blogging features, offering a free plan that’s great for beginners. Its drag-and-drop editor and extensive template library make it easy to create a visually appealing blog.
Key Features
- Free Plan: Includes a Wix subdomain, 500MB storage, and Wix branding.
- Ease of Use: Intuitive drag-and-drop editor for designing your blog.
- Customization: Over 800 templates, with options to tweak layouts and colors.
- Monetization: Supports ads, affiliate links, and eCommerce on paid plans.
- SEO Tools: Built-in SEO wizard and analytics.
- Mobile App: Manage your blog and write posts on iOS or Android.
Cost
- Free Plan: $0, with Wix branding and limited bandwidth (1GB).
- Paid Plans: Start at $16/month (Combo plan) for a custom domain and ad-free experience.
- Hosting: Included in all plans.
Pros
- Highly customizable with professional templates.
- Easy for beginners with no coding required.
- Scalable for growing blogs or businesses.
- Strong SEO and marketing tools.
Cons
- Free plan includes Wix ads and limited storage.
- Switching templates after launch can be challenging.
- Overwhelming for beginners due to extensive features.
Best For
Bloggers who want a visually stunning blog with flexibility for future growth, such as lifestyle or portfolio blogs.
How to Get Started
- Sign up at Wix.com and choose a blog template.
- Customize your design using the drag-and-drop editor.
- Write and publish your first post.
- Promote your blog via social media or Wix’s marketing tools.
5. Squarespace
Overview
Squarespace is known for its sleek, designer-quality templates, making it ideal for bloggers who prioritize aesthetics. While it doesn’t offer a free plan, its pricing is competitive, and a 14-day free trial lets you test the platform.
Key Features
- Free Trial: 14 days to explore all features.
- Ease of Use: User-friendly editor with pre-built layouts.
- Customization: 140+ mobile-optimized templates.
- Monetization: Supports paywalls, memberships, ads, and eCommerce.
- SEO Tools: Built-in SEO features and Google integrations.
- Mobile App: Manage content and track analytics on iOS or Android.
Cost
- Free Trial: 14 days, no credit card required.
- Paid Plans: Start at $16/month (Personal plan) for a custom domain and blogging features.
- Hosting: Included in all plans.
Pros
- Stunning, professional templates for image-rich blogs.
- Strong monetization tools, including paywalls and subscriptions.
- Reliable hosting and security.
- Good for visual niches like photography or fashion.
Cons
- No permanent free plan.
- Limited customization compared to WordPress.
- Occasional glitches in the blog editor.
Best For
bloggers who want a polished, professional blog and are willing to invest a small amount for premium design.
How to Get Started
- Start a free trial at Squarespace.com.
- Select a blog template and customize it.
- Create your first post using the blog editor.
- Publish after the trial or upgrade to a paid plan.
6. Substack
Overview
Substack is a newsletter-focused platform that doubles as a blogging tool, perfect for writers who want to build a direct connection with their audience. It’s free to start, with monetization options for subscriptions.
Key Features
- Free Plan: Unlimited posts and newsletters with no upfront cost.
- Ease of Use: Simple editor for writing and publishing.
- Monetization: Free and paid subscriptions; Substack takes 10% of revenue.
- SEO Tools: Limited, but posts can rank on search engines.
- Built-in Audience: Share posts with Substack’s community.
- Mobile App: Available for managing newsletters and posts.
Cost
- Free Plan: $0, with Substack branding.
- Custom Domain: $50 one-time fee.
- Revenue Share: 10% of subscription revenue, plus Stripe fees (2.9% + $0.30 per transaction).
Pros
- Easy to set up and publish newsletters or blog posts.
- Built-in monetization through subscriptions.
- Direct audience engagement via email.
- No technical skills required.
Cons
- Limited customization for branding.
- Revenue share reduces earnings.
- Not ideal for complex websites or eCommerce.
- Limited SEO control.
Best For
Writers focused on building a loyal audience through newsletters or subscription-based content, such as journalists or thought leaders.
How to Get Started
- Sign up at Substack.com.
- Create your first post or newsletter.
- Publish and share with your audience.
- Set up paid subscriptions for monetization (optional).
7. HubPages
Overview
HubPages is a unique platform that allows you to publish articles (or “hubs”) and earn revenue through ad sharing. It’s completely free and ideal for writers who want to monetize without managing a full website.
Key Features
- Free Plan: Unlimited articles with ad revenue sharing.
- Ease of Use: Simple article editor with basic formatting.
- Monetization: Earn 60% of ad revenue via PayPal; supports affiliate links.
- SEO Tools: Basic optimization tools for search visibility.
- Built-in Audience: Access to HubPages’ readership.
- Community: Engage with other writers for feedback.
Cost
- Free Plan: $0, with no hosting or domain costs.
- Payout Threshold: $50 minimum for ad revenue.
Pros
- Completely free with no setup required.
- Easy monetization through ads and affiliate links.
- Built-in audience for increased visibility.
- Simple for beginners.
Cons
- Limited design customization.
- Content is hosted on HubPages, not your own domain.
- Revenue depends on traffic and ad performance.
- Can feel crowded with other writers’ content.
Best For
Writers who want to earn passive income from articles without managing a website, especially for evergreen topics like “how-to” guides.
How to Get Started
- Sign up at HubPages.com.
- Write your first article using the editor.
- Publish and optimize for search engines.
- Enroll in the ad program for monetization.
Comparing the Platforms
| Platform | Free Plan | Custom Domain | Monetization Options | Customization | SEO Tools | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WordPress.com | Yes | Paid ($4/mo) | Ads, affiliate, eCommerce (paid) | High (paid plans) | Strong | Scalable blogs |
| Blogger | Yes | ~$14.99/yr | Google AdSense, affiliate | Limited | Basic | Casual bloggers |
| Medium | Yes | No | Partner Program ($5/mo) | Minimal | Limited | Writers with audience focus |
| Wix | Yes | Paid ($16/mo) | Ads, affiliate, eCommerce (paid) | High | Strong | Visual blogs |
| Squarespace | Trial | Paid ($16/mo) | Ads, subscriptions, eCommerce | High | Strong | Professional blogs |
| Substack | Yes | $50 one-time | Subscriptions (10% fee) | Limited | Limited | Newsletter-focused blogs |
| HubPages | Yes | No | Ad revenue (60%), affiliate | Minimal | Basic | Passive income articles |
Tips for Launching Your Blog Successfully
- Choose a Niche: Focus on a specific topic (e.g., travel, tech, food) to attract a targeted audience.
- Plan Your Content: Create an editorial calendar to stay consistent. Aim for 1–2 posts per week.
- Optimize for SEO: Use keywords, meta descriptions, and alt text for images to boost search rankings.
- Engage Your Audience: Respond to comments and share posts on social media to build a community.
- Monetize Strategically: Start with affiliate links or ads, then explore subscriptions or products as your audience grows.
- Track Performance: Use analytics (e.g., Google Analytics or platform-specific tools) to monitor traffic and engagement.
- Stay Consistent: Regular posting builds trust and keeps readers coming back.
Monetization Strategies for Your Blog
Once your blog is live, you can explore various ways to earn money:
- Google AdSense: Available on Blogger and WordPress.com (paid plans). Earn revenue from ad clicks or impressions.
- Affiliate Marketing: Promote products and earn commissions via links (supported by most platforms).
- Subscriptions: Platforms like Substack and Squarespace allow paid subscriptions for premium content.
- Sponsored Posts: Partner with brands to write paid content.
- eCommerce: Sell digital or physical products using Wix, Squarespace, or WordPress.com.
- Donations/Tips: Platforms like Ko-fi (not covered here but worth mentioning) or HubPages support reader donations.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Choosing the Wrong Platform: Pick one that aligns with your technical skills and goals.
- Ignoring SEO: Without optimization, your blog may struggle to attract organic traffic.
- Inconsistent Posting: Sporadic updates can lose reader interest.
- Overlooking Mobile Users: Ensure your blog is mobile-friendly, as most readers use smartphones.
- Not Backing Up Content: Save copies of your posts, especially on platforms where you don’t own the content (e.g., Medium, HubPages).
Which Platform Should You Choose?
- For Beginners: Blogger or Medium for zero-cost, no-fuss setup.
- For Visual Blogs: Wix or Squarespace for stunning designs.
- For Scalability: WordPress.com for flexibility and growth potential.
- For Monetization: Substack or HubPages for quick earnings via subscriptions or ads.
- For Writers: Medium or Substack for a focus on content and audience engagement.
Conclusion
Starting a blog in 2025 is easier and more affordable than ever, thanks to these seven platforms. Whether you choose WordPress.com for its versatility, Blogger for its simplicity, or Substack for its newsletter focus, each platform offers unique strengths to help you launch instantly.
By picking the right platform, creating valuable content, and engaging your audience, you can turn your blog into a powerful tool for self-expression, community-building, or income generation.
Ready to start blogging? Choose one of these platforms, follow the steps outlined, and publish your first post today. The blogging world is waiting for your voice!