The short answer
Choose WordPress when broad extensibility, PHP hosting and diverse site functions matter. Choose Ghost when a focused publication with newsletters and memberships is the central product and its Node.js operating model fits your team.
Choose from requirements, not reputation. Test content modeling, one publishing workflow, preview, extension needs, performance and an upgrade in a small proof of concept.
Platform facts
Strengths and tradeoffs
WordPress
Why choose it: Largest ecosystem and familiar editorial workflow.
Watch for: Plugin governance, updates and performance need discipline.
Ghost
Why choose it: Clean publishing experience with memberships built in.
Watch for: Less suitable for complex non-publishing applications.
Decision checklist
- Define authors, roles and approval steps.
- Model the most complex content and relationships.
- List required integrations and accountable maintainers.
- Estimate build plus three years of operations.
- Test exports and preserve URL ownership.
Frequently asked questions
Is Ghost only for blogs?
Ghost is designed around professional publishing and can support newsletters and memberships. It is less general-purpose than WordPress for unrelated application features.