Head to head · Best CMS Platforms for News Sites
BLOX Digital (TownNews) vs Ghost
BLOX Digital (TownNews) and Ghost score within 0.2 of each other, so the decision comes down to fit rather than quality.
| Criterion | BLOX Digital (TownNews)Strong Choice | GhostStrong Choice |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 3.9 | 3.9 |
| Capability45% of composite | 4.1— higher score for BLOX Digital (TownNews) | 3.4 |
| Publisher fit40% of composite | 4.5 | 4.5 |
| Total cost of ownership15% of composite | 1.5 | 4.1— higher score for Ghost |
| Best for | Mid-Market, Enterprise | Small, Mid-Market |
| Pricing | Custom enterprise pricing; costs are typically based on scale, pageviews, and selected software modules. | Managed Ghost(Pro) starts at $15/mo (Starter), $29/mo (Publisher), and $199/mo (Business). Software is free to self-host. |
BLOX Digital (TownNews)
- Comprehensive media-specific feature set
- Integrated advertising and subscription solutions
- Scalability proven for high-traffic operations
- Limited design flexibility and customization options
- Steep learning curve for new users
- No transparent pricing information
Ghost
- Open-source platform with advanced customization designed for publishers
- All-in-one platform with website building, publishing, email newsletters, and premium subscriptions
- Hundreds of templates and extensive third-party integrations including PayPal, Slack, and Instagram
- Starter plan only offers one newsletter and lacks custom themes and integrations
- Creator and Team plans require a minimum of 1,000 subscribers
- Business plan starts at $249/month for 10,000 subscribers, which is expensive
Common questions
Is BLOX Digital (TownNews) or Ghost better?
BLOX Digital (TownNews) and Ghost score within 0.2 of each other, so the decision comes down to fit rather than quality. BLOX Digital (TownNews) scores 3.9/5 and Ghost scores 3.9/5 on Benchmark Grid's independent assessment. Scores are set editorially by SODP against published criteria and cannot be purchased.
Which is cheaper, BLOX Digital (TownNews) or Ghost?
On total cost of ownership — which covers pricing transparency, entry cost, implementation, hidden-fee risk and ongoing cost — BLOX Digital (TownNews) scores 1.5/5 and Ghost scores 4.1/5. A higher score means better value, not a lower sticker price.
How are these scores calculated?
Each tool is assessed across 12 criteria grouped into Capability (45% of the composite), Publisher Fit (40%) and Total Cost of Ownership (15%). Assessment is carried out by SODP's editorial team against a published methodology. Vendors cannot pay for inclusion, scores or rankings.
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Both tools are scored in Best CMS Platforms for News Sites. See alternatives to BLOX Digital (TownNews) or alternatives to Ghost.
