Best Free & Open Source Alternatives to WordPress

Compare 9 open-source WordPress alternatives including Ghost, EmDash, Haven and more

If you're looking for the best open-source alternative to WordPress, Ghost is a strong place to start. If it doesn't quite fit your needs, there are plenty of other great options worth exploring, including EmDash, Haven, Strapi and Directus. We've ranked the top alternatives to help you compare your options and find the right fit.

Ghost

Independent technology for modern publishing, memberships, subscriptions and newsletters.

Alternative to:

WordPress

EmDash

A full-stack TypeScript CMS built on Astro and Cloudflare, reimagining WordPress with serverless, type-safe foundations.

Alternative to:

WordPress

Haven

Self-hostable private blogging

Alternative to:

WordPress

Strapi

🚀 Strapi is the leading open-source headless CMS. It’s 100% JavaScript/TypeScript, fully customizable, and developer-first.

Alternative to:

WordPress

Directus

The flexible backend for all your projects 🐰 Turn your DB into a headless CMS, admin panels, or apps with a custom UI, instant APIs, auth & more.

Alternative to:

WordPress

WriteFreely

Minimalist, federated blogging platform for writers who want a clean, distraction-free space to publish.

Alternative to:

WordPress

FlatPress

FlatPress is a lightweight, easy-to-set-up flat-file blogging engine.

Alternative to:

WordPress

WollyCMS

Self-hosted, open-source headless CMS built specifically for Astro.js with a block-based page builder.

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WordPress

Golocron

A plug-and-play blogging and wiki system for Go backends with Markdown support and live preview.

Alternative to:

WordPress

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any open source alternatives to WordPress?

Yes, there are 9 open source alternatives to WordPress. Popular options include Ghost, EmDash, Haven and more. These alternatives are free to use and many offer self-hosting options.

What is the best free alternative to WordPress?

The best free alternative to WordPress depends on your specific needs. Ghost is a popular choice with self-hosting capabilities. All alternatives listed here are open source and free to use.

Can I self-host an alternative to WordPress?

Yes, 7 of the alternatives listed here can be self-hosted, giving you complete control over your data and privacy.

Why should I switch from WordPress to an open source alternative?

Open source alternatives to WordPress offer several advantages: no vendor lock-in, complete data ownership, no subscription fees, the ability to self-host for privacy and security, and active community support. You can also customize the software to fit your specific needs.

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