Launching your own blog doesn’t have to come with a price tag. Whether you’re a budding writer, a passionate hobbyist, or a small business owner looking to expand your online presence, free blogging platforms offer a fantastic starting point. At freetrials.co.uk, we’ve thoroughly tested and evaluated numerous options to bring you the most user-friendly and feature-rich free blogging platforms available. From sleek designs to robust content management systems, these platforms provide the tools you need to share your voice with the world—all without spending a penny.
WordPress.com
WordPress.com offers a powerful and versatile free blogging platform that’s ideal for beginners and experienced bloggers alike. With its user-friendly interface and extensive customisation options, you can create a professional-looking blog without any coding knowledge. The platform provides a wide range of themes and layouts to choose from, allowing you to personalise your blog’s appearance to match your style.
WordPress.com’s free plan includes essential features like social media integration, basic analytics, and community-building tools. We found the platform’s mobile app particularly useful for managing your blog on the go, making it easy to create and edit posts from your smartphone or tablet.
Key Features
- User-friendly interface with drag-and-drop editor
- Wide selection of customisable themes
- Built-in social sharing tools
- Basic analytics and insights
- Mobile app for on-the-go blogging
- 3GB storage space
The free plan offers a solid foundation for starting your blog, but it comes with WordPress.com branding and a wordpress.com subdomain. For more advanced features, custom domains, and removal of WordPress.com ads, you can upgrade to paid plans starting at £3 per month.
Blogger
Blogger, owned by Google, is a straightforward and reliable free blogging platform that’s been around for years. It’s an excellent choice for those who want a no-fuss blogging experience with minimal setup required. The platform seamlessly integrates with other Google services, making it easy to incorporate elements like Google Photos or YouTube videos into your posts.
Blogger’s interface is intuitive, allowing you to focus on writing content rather than dealing with complex technical aspects. While it may not offer as many advanced features as some other platforms, its simplicity and reliability make it a popular choice among casual bloggers and those looking for a hassle-free blogging experience.
Key Features
- Simple and intuitive interface
- Integration with Google services
- Custom domain support (even on the free plan)
- Basic theme customisation options
- Built-in analytics
- Unlimited storage through Google Photos
Blogger is entirely free to use, with no paid upgrades or premium features. You can use it with a Blogger subdomain or connect your own custom domain at no extra cost. The platform is ad-supported, but the ads are generally unobtrusive.
Medium
Medium is a unique blogging platform that focuses on quality content and reader engagement. It’s designed for writers who want to reach a broader audience and potentially earn money from their writing. The platform’s clean, distraction-free interface puts your content at the forefront, making it ideal for long-form articles and thought pieces. Medium’s built-in community and recommendation system can help your posts gain traction and visibility.
We appreciate how Medium handles formatting and typography, ensuring your posts look professional and are easy to read across all devices. While it may not offer as much customisation as other platforms, its emphasis on content quality and readership makes it a top choice for serious writers.
Key Features
- Clean, distraction-free writing interface
- Built-in audience and community
- Earnings program for writers
- Analytics and reader insights
- Social media integration
- Mobile app for reading and writing
Medium’s free plan allows you to publish unlimited stories and participate in the Platform’s Partner Program to earn money based on member engagement. For £5 per month, you can upgrade to a membership that provides unlimited access to all stories on Medium and supports the writers you read.
Wix
Wix is a versatile website builder that includes robust blogging capabilities, making it an excellent choice for those who want to combine a blog with a full-featured website. The platform’s intuitive drag-and-drop editor allows you to create visually stunning blogs without any coding knowledge. Wix offers a wide array of customisable templates specifically designed for blogs, ensuring your site looks professional and matches your personal style.
We found the platform’s App Market particularly useful, as it allows you to easily add functionality to your blog, such as social media feeds, comments systems, and email marketing tools. While primarily known for its website-building capabilities, Wix’s blogging features are impressive and user-friendly.
Key Features
- Drag-and-drop website and blog editor
- Wide range of blog-specific templates
- Wix App Market for extended functionality
- SEO tools and mobile optimisation
- Social media integration
- 500MB storage and 500MB bandwidth
The free plan includes Wix branding and a Wix subdomain. For a custom domain, ad removal, and increased storage and bandwidth, you can upgrade to paid plans starting at £3 per month. Premium plans also offer advanced blogging features like member areas and monetisation options.
Weebly
Weebly is another website builder that offers solid blogging functionality, making it a good option for those who want to create a blog as part of a larger website. The platform provides a user-friendly interface with drag-and-drop capabilities, allowing you to design your blog without needing technical skills. Weebly’s blogging tools are straightforward and effective, offering features like post scheduling, categories, and RSS feeds.
We found the platform’s SEO tools particularly helpful for optimising blog posts for search engines. While not as blog-centric as some other platforms, Weebly’s combination of website-building and blogging features makes it a versatile choice for small businesses or individuals who want a multi-purpose online presence.
Key Features
- Drag-and-drop website and blog editor
- Responsive themes for mobile optimisation
- Basic SEO tools
- Blog post scheduling
- Category and tag support
- 500MB storage
The free plan includes Weebly branding and a Weebly.com subdomain. For custom domains, ad removal, and enhanced features, paid plans start at £4 per month. These plans also offer increased storage and advanced e-commerce capabilities.
Ghost
Ghost is a modern, open-source blogging platform that offers a sleek and minimalist approach to content creation. It’s designed for developers and tech-savvy users who want complete control over their blogging environment. Ghost’s primary focus is on publishing, providing a distraction-free writing experience with a powerful editor that supports Markdown. The platform excels in performance and speed, ensuring your blog loads quickly for readers.
We were impressed by Ghost’s built-in SEO features and its native support for memberships and subscriptions, making it an excellent choice for professional bloggers and online publishers. However, it’s worth noting that while Ghost itself is free, you’ll need to manage your own hosting, which requires some technical know-how.
Key Features
- Modern, minimalist design
- Powerful Markdown editor
- Built-in SEO optimization
- Native membership and subscription support
- Themeable and extensible
- API-driven architecture for headless CMS setups
Ghost is free and open-source, but you’ll need to provide your own hosting. Alternatively, Ghost(Pro), the official hosted version, starts at £7 per month for those who prefer a managed solution. The self-hosted version offers unlimited possibilities but requires technical skills to set up and maintain.
Write.as
Write.as is a minimalist blogging platform that prioritises privacy and simplicity. It’s designed for writers who want to focus solely on their content without distractions or complex settings. The platform offers a clean, no-frills interface that makes it easy to start writing immediately. We appreciate Write.as’s commitment to user privacy, with features like optional encryption and the ability to publish anonymously.
The free plan provides a good starting point for individual bloggers, although it comes with some limitations. Write.as stands out for its simplicity and privacy-focused approach, making it an excellent choice for those who value these aspects in their blogging platform.
Key Features
- Minimalist, distraction-free writing interface
- Privacy-focused with optional encryption
- Markdown support
- Anonymous publishing option
- Basic customisation options
- Cross-posting to other platforms
The free plan allows for one blog with up to 10 posts, using a Write.as subdomain. For unlimited posts, custom domains, and additional features, paid plans start at £4 per month. These plans also offer more customisation options and the ability to manage multiple blogs.
Tumblr
Tumblr is a unique blogging platform that combines elements of traditional blogging with social media functionality. It’s particularly popular among younger users and creatives due to its focus on visual content and community interaction. The platform allows for easy sharing and reblogging of content, creating a dynamic and interactive blogging experience.
We found Tumblr’s customisation options to be quite extensive, allowing users to create visually striking blogs without needing coding skills. The platform supports various post types, including text, images, quotes, links, chats, audio, and video, making it versatile for different content creators. Tumblr’s mobile app is also noteworthy, providing a seamless experience for blogging on the go.
Key Features
- Easy content sharing and reblogging
- Support for multiple post types
- Extensive theme customisation options
- Active community and social networking features
- Tagging system for content discovery
- Mobile app for iOS and Android
Tumblr is completely free to use, with no paid tiers or premium features. The platform is ad-supported, but users can choose to display ads on their blogs. While there are no storage limits, there are some restrictions on post sizes and daily post counts.
Substack
Substack is a newsletter-centric platform that has gained popularity among writers looking to monetise their content directly. While primarily known for its newsletter functionality, Substack also serves as a capable blogging platform. It offers a clean, straightforward interface that puts the focus on your writing. We were impressed by Substack’s built-in monetisation options, allowing writers to offer paid subscriptions to their content easily.
The platform also provides useful analytics to help you understand your audience and grow your readership. Substack’s combination of blogging and newsletter features makes it an excellent choice for writers who want to build a direct relationship with their audience.
Key Features
- Newsletter and blog publishing in one platform
- Built-in monetisation through paid subscriptions
- Simple, distraction-free writing interface
- Email list management
- Analytics and audience insights
- Podcast hosting capabilities
Substack’s basic plan is free, allowing you to publish and grow your audience without any upfront costs. The platform takes a 10% cut of paid subscription revenue. There are no additional charges for free subscribers or posts.
Penzu
Penzu is a unique blogging platform that focuses on privacy and security, making it ideal for personal journaling or private blogging. The platform offers a clean, intuitive interface that resembles a traditional paper journal, creating a comfortable writing environment. We appreciate Penzu’s strong emphasis on privacy, with features like password protection and military-grade encryption for your entries.
While it may not offer the same level of customisation or public-facing features as other platforms, Penzu excels in providing a secure space for personal reflection and private writing. The platform’s mobile apps ensure you can journal on the go, syncing your entries across all your devices.
Key Features
- Password-protected journals
- Military-grade 256-bit AES encryption
- Customisable journal covers and backgrounds
- Tagging and search functionality
- Mobile apps for iOS and Android
- Reminder system for regular writing
The free plan allows for one journal with basic customisation options. For multiple journals, advanced security features, and more customisation options, Pro plans start at £15 per year. These paid plans also offer features like custom fonts and the ability to add photos to your entries.
How to choose the best free blogging platform for you
Assess your technical skills and desired customisation
Consider your comfort level with technology and web design. Some platforms offer user-friendly interfaces with drag-and-drop editors, ideal for beginners. Others provide more advanced customisation options, which might appeal to those with coding experience. Evaluate how much control you want over your blog’s appearance and functionality, and choose a platform that aligns with your skills and aspirations.
Determine your content type and storage needs
Think about the kind of content you plan to publish. Will you primarily post text, or do you need support for multimedia like high-resolution images and videos? Some free platforms have limitations on file sizes and storage capacity. Assess your anticipated content volume and choose a platform that can accommodate your needs without requiring immediate upgrades to paid plans.
Consider long-term growth and monetisation options
While you’re starting with a free platform, it’s wise to think ahead. Look into each platform’s upgrade paths and monetisation features. Some free blogging sites offer seamless transitions to more robust paid plans as your blog grows. Others may provide built-in tools for ads, sponsored content, or e-commerce integration. Select a platform that not only meets your current needs but also supports your future blogging goals and potential income strategies.
Which Free Blogging Platform Is Best?
WordPress.com offers a balance of functionality and ease of use. Its free plan provides a solid foundation for beginners, with a user-friendly interface and a wide range of customisation options. While it has some limitations, such as WordPress.com branding and limited storage, it’s an excellent starting point for new bloggers who want room to grow. We recommend WordPress.com if you’re an aspiring blogger who wants a versatile platform with potential for future expansion.
Looking for simplicity? Blogger might be the right choice for you. Owned by Google, it provides a straightforward platform with minimal fuss. It’s particularly suitable if you want to focus solely on writing without getting bogged down in technical details. However, keep in mind that its design options are somewhat limited compared to other platforms. We suggest Blogger for hobbyist writers or those who prefer a no-frills blogging experience.
The Medium free plan allows you to publish articles and potentially earn money through their Partner Program. The platform’s built-in readership can help your content gain traction quickly, but you’ll have less control over your blog’s appearance and functionality compared to self-hosted options. We recommend Medium if you prioritise content distribution and networking with other writers.
Frequently Asked Questions about Free Blogging Platforms
What are the best free blogging platforms available?
Some of the top free blogging platforms include WordPress.com, Blogger, Medium, Wix, Weebly, Ghost (self-hosted), Write.as, Tumblr, Substack, and Penzu. Each offers unique features and limitations, catering to different blogging needs and styles.
Is WordPress.com completely free?
WordPress.com offers a free plan, but it comes with limitations such as WordPress.com branding, limited storage, and a wordpress.com subdomain. Paid plans are available for more features and customisation options.
Can I make money blogging on free platforms?
Yes, it’s possible to monetise blogs on some free platforms. However, many have restrictions on advertising or require upgrading to paid plans for full monetisation features. Platforms like Medium and Substack offer built-in monetisation options even for free users.
Which free blogging platform is best for beginners?
Blogger and Wix are often recommended for beginners due to their user-friendly interfaces and simple setup processes. Medium is also a good choice for those who want to focus solely on writing without worrying about design or technical aspects.
Do free blogging platforms offer good SEO capabilities?
SEO capabilities vary among free platforms. WordPress.com and Ghost (self-hosted) generally offer better SEO tools and customisation. However, most free plans have limitations compared to their paid counterparts or self-hosted solutions.
Can I use a custom domain with free blogging platforms?
Most free plans don’t allow custom domains and instead provide a subdomain (e.g., yourblog.wordpress.com). To use a custom domain, you typically need to upgrade to a paid plan.
How much control do I have over my content on free blogging platforms?
Control varies by platform. Self-hosted options like Ghost offer the most control, while platforms like Medium have stricter content guidelines. Always read the terms of service to understand your rights and the platform’s policies.
Is it easy to switch from a free blogging platform to a paid one later?
The ease of switching depends on the platform. Some, like WordPress.com, offer relatively smooth upgrades to paid plans. Others may require migrating your content, which can be more complex. It’s wise to consider potential future needs when choosing a platform.
Are there any hidden costs with free blogging platforms?
While the basic service is free, you might encounter costs for premium features, removing ads, using a custom domain, or increasing storage. Always check the pricing structure and feature limitations of free plans.
Which free blogging platform is best for privacy-conscious users?
Write.as and Penzu are known for their focus on privacy. Write.as allows anonymous blogging, while Penzu offers private, encrypted journals. However, for maximum control over your data, a self-hosted solution like Ghost might be preferable.
