Head to head · Best CMS Platforms for News Sites
Ghost vs RebelMouse
Ghost and RebelMouse score within 0.2 of each other, so the decision comes down to fit rather than quality.
| Criterion | GhostStrong Choice | RebelMouseStrong Choice |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 3.9 | 3.9 |
| Capability45% of composite | 3.4 | 3.9— higher score for RebelMouse |
| Publisher fit40% of composite | 4.5 | 4.5 |
| Total cost of ownership15% of composite | 4.1— higher score for Ghost | 2.2 |
| Best for | Small, Mid-Market | Enterprise |
| Pricing | Managed Ghost(Pro) starts at $15/mo (Starter), $29/mo (Publisher), and $199/mo (Business). Software is free to self-host. | Custom enterprise pricing based on traffic and feature requirements; no public self-serve pricing tiers available. |
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
RebelMouse
- Impressive homepage programming tools for enhanced engagement
- Agile front-page management
- Advanced recirculation & social engine
- Less structured editorial governance
- Requires tuning for personalization
Common questions
Is Ghost or RebelMouse better?
Ghost and RebelMouse score within 0.2 of each other, so the decision comes down to fit rather than quality. Ghost scores 3.9/5 and RebelMouse 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, Ghost or RebelMouse?
On total cost of ownership — which covers pricing transparency, entry cost, implementation, hidden-fee risk and ongoing cost — Ghost scores 4.1/5 and RebelMouse scores 2.2/5. 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.
Still deciding?
Answer four questions about your publication and we'll recommend a full stack — with the reasoning for each pick and what it will cost.
Both tools are scored in Best CMS Platforms for News Sites. See alternatives to Ghost or alternatives to RebelMouse.
