Software Alternatives & Startups

Ghost VS OpenCMS

Compare Ghost VS OpenCMS and see what are their differences

Ghost

Ghost is a fully open source, adaptable platform for building and running a modern online publication. We power blogs, magazines and journalists from Zappos to Sky News.

Rating
0 reviews
Pricing
Open source Paid Free trial $36 / Monthly (100k views/month, 2 users)
OpenCMS

OpenCms is an open source Java-based content management system for dealing with large-scale enterprise level of websites.

Rating
0 reviews

Which is more popular?

Based on our record, Ghost seems to be more popular. It has been mentioned 197 times since March 2021.

social mentions
197 vs 0
Blogging popularity
98% vs 2%
alternatives listed
240+ vs 22

Base details

Website, pricing, platforms and company facts side by side.

Ghost
OpenCMS
Website ghost.org opencms.org
Pricing
Open source Paid Free trial $36 / Monthly (100k views/month, 2 users) Official pricing
—
Company Startup from the United Kingdom —
Listed in

Features and specs

What each product offers, as listed by its team.

Ghost 5 features
OpenCMS 5 features
  • User-Friendly Interface
    Ghost offers a clean and intuitive interface that makes content management straightforward, even for those without technical expertise.
  • Speed and Performance
    Ghost is built on modern technology like Node.js which makes it faster and more efficient compared to some traditional CMS platforms.
  • SEO Optimized
    Ghost comes built-in with SEO features like clean URLs, meta tags, and sitemaps which help in improving search engine rankings.
  • Customizable Themes
    Ghost supports a variety of themes that can be easily customized to fit the branding and functionality needs of a website.
  • Markdown Support
    Content creation in Ghost is made easy with Markdown support, allowing writers to focus on text rather than formatting.

Possible disadvantages

  • Limited Plugin Ecosystem
    Compared to WordPress, Ghost has a more limited selection of plugins, which might restrict some functionalities users are looking for.
  • Higher Hosting Costs
    Ghost's official hosting is relatively expensive, making it less suitable for users on a tight budget.
  • Technical Knowledge Requirement
    While Ghost is user-friendly, setting it up on a custom server can require a higher level of technical knowledge compared to some other platforms.
  • Less Community Support
    The user community for Ghost is smaller compared to more established platforms like WordPress, which can make it harder to find support and resources.
  • Limited Ecommerce Capabilities
    Ghost is primarily a publishing platform and lacks the more advanced eCommerce functionalities that other CMS platforms might offer out of the box.
  • Open Source
    OpenCMS is open-source software, which means it is free to download and use. This reduces initial costs and allows for custom modifications by developers.
  • Flexibility
    OpenCMS offers a high degree of flexibility with its XML-based content management, allowing complex implementations tailored to specific needs.
  • Java-Based
    Being Java-based, OpenCMS benefits from the robustness, portability, and security features of Java, making it suitable for enterprises.
  • Integrated Workflow and Versioning
    It offers integrated workflow and version control, allowing teams to manage content revisions and approvals efficiently.
  • Extensive Module Support
    OpenCMS provides a wide range of modules and extensions that expand its functionality, catering to diverse requirements without starting from scratch.

Possible disadvantages

  • Complexity
    Due to its flexibility and the wealth of features, the initial setup and configuration can be complex and require a steep learning curve.
  • Java Requirement
    As it is Java-based, both developers and hosting environments need to support Java, which might complicate deployment for non-Java shops.
  • Limited Community Support
    Compared to more popular CMS platforms like WordPress or Drupal, OpenCMS has a smaller community, which can limit readily available support and plugins.
  • Performance Overhead
    Running OpenCMS can incur a higher performance overhead, particularly if not optimized, due to its Java-based nature and extensive feature set.
  • User Interface
    The user interface of OpenCMS may seem outdated or less intuitive compared to modern CMS alternatives, affecting usability for non-technical users.

Analysis

An editorial look at what each product does well and who it suits.

Ghost
OpenCMS

Overall verdict

  • Ghost is a highly regarded platform for serious bloggers and publishers who want a minimalistic yet powerful content management system. It is especially beneficial for those who prefer a distraction-free writing environment with the capability to scale and customize as their needs grow.

Why this product is good

  • Ghost is a popular open-source platform designed for professional bloggers and publishers. It is known for its clean design, speed, and ease of use. Ghost offers robust features for content creation, management, and distribution while focusing on providing an optimal writing experience. Additionally, Ghost is built on modern technology stacks and offers flexibility through themes and integrations. It also supports membership and subscription models, making it ideal for those looking to monetize their content.

Recommended for

  • Professional bloggers
  • Content creators looking for a minimalist interface
  • Publishers seeking to monetize their content
  • Developers looking for an open-source platform
  • Organizations that require a fast and reliable CMS
  • Writers who value a focused writing experience

No analysis of OpenCMS yet.

Videos

Walkthroughs and reviews on video.

Ghost 2 videos + Add
OpenCMS 0 videos + Add

Why I Moved My Blog From WordPress to Ghost

More videos

  • - Ghost review - CMS for creators to build a membership

No OpenCMS videos yet. You could help us improve this page by suggesting one.

Category popularity

How often each product is chosen within a category, 0–100% relative to the other.

Score bands 0–20 21–40 41–50 51–60 61–100
Ghost
OpenCMS
98% 98%
2% 2%
98% 98%
CMS
2% 2%
98% 98%
2% 2%
96% 96%
4% 4%

User comments

Share your experience with using Ghost and OpenCMS. For example, how are they different and which one is better?

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Reviews and articles

External articles and on-site reviews we used to compare the two products.

Ghost no reviews yet
OpenCMS no reviews yet
  • Comparing 9 WordPress alternatives & competitors in 2024
    webflow.com · Dec 2024

    Ghost specializes in creating a monetized blogging platform. Based on their subscription status, readers can create user profiles, sign up for newsletters, and browse your entire blogging calendar. The platform’s...

  • 19 Best WordPress Alternatives in 2025
    www.pixpa.com · Oct 2024

    Ghost is known for its simplicity and focus on content creation. It's a great option for writers and creators who want a clean and distraction-free environment to publish their work.

  • 7 Best Buy Me a Coffee Alternatives
    wpforms.com · Mar 2024

    If you don’t already have a website, Ghost may be an appealing option as a Patreon alternative. However, customizations are limited, and you’ll need to choose a pre-built design from the theme library. There are a few...

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We have no reviews of OpenCMS yet. Be the first one to post

Social recommendations and mentions

Recommendations tracked on public social media and blogs since March 2021.

Ghost 197 mentions
OpenCMS 0 mentions
  • At 19, founder raises $11M for Ghost, maker of a $3,499 computer for personal AI
    I'm curious...isn't the name `ghost` an infringement between ghost, the app / CMS alternative to WordPress? https://ghost.org/. - Source: Hacker News / 8 days ago
  • Local Journalism Is How Democracy Shows Up Close to Home
    Digital production has lowered the cost, and the Ghost platform in particular is a great value for small publishers, bundling together the blog, newsletter and subscriptions in one package, even now including ActivityPub federation. And... - Source: Hacker News / 9 months ago
  • Bye Bye Big Tech: How I Migrated to an Almost All-EU Stack (and Saved 500€/Year)
    Https://ghost.org — Open-source run by a non-profit headquartered in Singapore. - Source: Hacker News / 10 months ago

View more

Tracking OpenCMS since Mar 2021.

Alternatives to Ghost and OpenCMS

When comparing Ghost and OpenCMS, you can also consider the following products.

  • WordPress

    WordPress is web software you can use to create a beautiful website or blog. We like to say that WordPress is both free and priceless at the same time.

    Compare WordPress to Ghost or OpenCMS:

  • Medium

    Welcome to Medium, a place to read, write, and interact with the stories that matter most to you.

    Compare Medium to Ghost or OpenCMS:

  • Pulse CMS

    A simpler WordPress. The CMS for web professionals.

    Compare Pulse CMS to Ghost or OpenCMS:

  • Drupal

    Drupal - the leading open-source CMS for ambitious digital experiences that reach your audience across multiple channels. Because we all have different needs, Drupal allows you to create a unique space in a world of cookie-cutter solutions.

    Compare Drupal to Ghost or OpenCMS:

  • Blogger

    Publish your passions, your way. Create a unique and beautiful blog. It’s easy and free.

    Compare Blogger to Ghost or OpenCMS:

  • Joomla

    Joomla! is the mobile-ready and user-friendly way to build your website. Choose from thousands of features and designs. Joomla! is free and open source.

    Compare Joomla to Ghost or OpenCMS: