Compare software

WordPress vs Medium: catalog facts
WordPress	Medium
Free Free and open source under the GPL; you pay only for your own hosting.	Freemium Free to publish, with a paid reader membership.
Self-hosted	Web
Very large library of themes and plugins Visual block editor with live preview	No hosting or setup to manage Built-in audience of readers on the platform
Needs a PHP and database server to self-host Plugins and themes vary widely in quality and need updating	Little control over design and layout Your content lives on a platform you do not control
Self-hosted	Hosted service
Open source	Closed source
License: GPL-2.0	License not stated
Not stated if an account is needed	Account needed
Not stated if it works offline	Needs internet
Official website Full listing and sources Checked October 2, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Checked October 2, 2026

Catalog facts only. Anything “not stated” is unconfirmed. Check full listings for details.