Can I open-source Ghost Pro?
YES · mature open-source replacementYes. Ghost (55k stars), WordPress (20k stars) are mature open-source replacements for Ghost Pro — self-host with real ops work and stop paying $29/mo.
They pay because publishing should not turn into server administration.
xmanaged hosting
xupgrades
xbackups
xemail delivery setup
xCDN/security
xsupport
xeasy scaling
These projects already replace it, free.
GGhostGhost Pro without Ghost doing the server, database, mail plumbing, backups, or late-night updates for you.open source↗WWordPressPowers 40% of the web — themes, plugins, and full ownership of your site.open source↗What each one is, in full: Ghost · WordPress
no votes, no pay-to-list · just what's real
Ghost Pro pricing
| plan | monthly | annual (per mo) | what you get |
|---|---|---|---|
| starter | — | $18/workspace | 1 staff user; 1,000 members; 5 MB/file; 1 newsletter; unlimited email sends. |
| publisher | — | $29/workspace | 3 staff users; 1,000 members; 100 MB/file; 3 newsletters; 3 premium tiers; 15 offers; unlimited email sends. |
| business | — | $199/workspace | 15 staff users; 10,000 members; 250 MB/file; 10 newsletters; 10 premium tiers; 50 offers; unlimited email sends. |
| custom | custom | — | Unlimited staff and members; 1 GB/file; 99.9% uptime SLA. |
free tierno permanent hosted free tier verified; a try-for-free flow is offered, but the public page does not state a numeric trial length
billingmonthly + annual; live accessible state exposes annual rates; upgrade, downgrade or cancel anytime
hidden costsmember growth can force a higher plan; the free .link domain is free for 1 year then renews at the normal rate; Stripe processing still applies; Business custom SSL and managed subdirectory installs are each $50/month
verified 2026-08-13 · source ↗
Can I open-source Ghost Pro?
Yes. Ghost replaces Ghost Pro today — self-host it on your own server or machine with no subscription. The full list of open-source alternatives is on this page.
How much does Ghost Pro cost?
Ghost Pro costs about $29/month (Publisher, checked 2026-08-13), which is $348 per year. That's what you save by replacing it with open source.
What do I lose by replacing Ghost Pro?
Honestly: managed hosting; upgrades; backups; email delivery setup; CDN/security; support; easy scaling. If any of those are load-bearing for you, keep paying.
Is there an open-source alternative to Ghost Pro?
Yes: Ghost (Ghost Pro without Ghost doing the server, database, mail plumbing, backups, or late-night updates for you.) WordPress (Powers 40% of the web — themes, plugins, and full ownership of your site.)