Ghost vs Slack
Updated 2026-09-03
Verdict
Ghost is open source (MIT, self-host free) for newsletters, paid memberships and publishing, with Ghost(Pro) from $18/month; Slack is a team chat platform (free plan, Pro $7.25/user/month billed annually) built around channels and app integrations. Ghost for audience publishing and monetization; Slack for internal team communication and ops.
| Pricing | Ghost | Slack |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | 18 USD | 7.25 USD |
| Free tier | Yes | Yes |
| Platforms | Web, self-hosted (Node.js) | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Web |
Ghost — Pros
- Self-hosted option is free and open source (MIT)
- Newsletters, paid memberships, SEO and 8000+ integrations in one platform
- 0% transaction fee on Publisher and above
Slack — Pros
- Free plan included
- Channels, direct messages and app integrations
- Works on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android
Ghost — Cons
- Self-hosted requires server administration and Node.js setup
- Ghost(Pro) Starter ($18/month) limited to 1 staff, no custom themes
- Custom SSL and subdirectory install cost extra (+$50/month each)
Slack — Cons
- Advanced admin features need paid plans
- Proprietary platform
Read the full reviews
FAQ
Is Ghost cheaper than Slack?
Ghost starts at 18 USD (checked 2026-09-03); Slack starts at 7.25 USD (checked 2026-09-03). Check the current pricing page for the latest tiers.
Do Ghost and Slack have a free plan?
Both Ghost and Slack offer — see the comparison table above.
What platforms does Ghost vs Slack support?
Ghost is available on Web, self-hosted (Node.js). Slack is available on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Web.
Are Ghost and Slack in the same category?
Yes. Both Ghost and Slack are classified as communication tools.