What is Better than Blogger? Top Blogging Platforms Compared

Blogger's been around forever, but let's be real—it feels kinda stuck in time. Tons of folks start with it since it's simple, but eventually, most crave more features, more control, and something that doesn't look like it was built for the early 2000s.

If you've hit that wall and wonder what's actually better than Blogger, you're not alone. The web is packed with shiny tools that give you more power and let your site grow with you. Want to tweak every detail? Add cool plugins? Run a shop or just have a fancy modern look? There's a platform for all that—and it's easier to get started than you might think.

But with so many choices, it's easy to waste hours just comparing features. You want something reliable, user-friendly, and that will hold up even if your blog blows up. And who wants to get stuck somewhere again? I'll break down the best picks, what each is awesome at, and how to dodge the headaches people run into when switching or starting fresh.

• Why People Move On from Blogger
• Top Blogger Alternatives Worth Checking Out
• How to Pick the Right Platform for You
• Tips for a Smooth Blogging Switch

Why People Move On from Blogger

Blogger used to be one of the go-to choices for starting a blog, mainly because it’s free and easy to set up with just a Google account. But more and more bloggers outgrow it. What’s causing so many people to look for alternatives? Let’s get into the real reasons.

First off, design options on Blogger are super limited. You get some basic templates and a few ways to rearrange stuff, but nothing that really stands out today. Most modern bloggers want to make a site that truly fits their vibe. Blogger makes that tough unless you know how to code, and even then it’s clunky compared to newer platforms.

Next, plugins and add-ons are almost nonexistent. On other popular blogging platforms, you can add an SEO tool, shopping cart, newsletter, or gallery in a few clicks. On Blogger? Forget about it. Simple blogs might be fine, but if you ever want to grow or add features, you hit a brick wall.

Blogging platforms like WordPress or Wix give you way more room to grow. For example, WordPress alone powers about 43% of all websites as of early 2025. It isn’t just hype; it’s about having tools to grow your site, attract readers, and even make money if you want. Blogger just can’t compete here.

And then there’s ownership. Google technically owns your blog and all its content. If they decide to change policies or shut down Blogger, your site could vanish with short notice. That’s not cool if you’ve put in years of work.

• Limited customization: You’re stuck with basic templates.
• Poor plugin support: Can’t add features easily.
• Weak SEO options: No advanced tools built in.
• No real ownership: Google controls the platform.
• Old-school feel: Blogs end up looking outdated.

If you’re curious how all this stacks up, here’s a quick side-by-side to show what you’re missing out on if you stick with Blogger:

So, if you’ve ever felt limited on Blogger or worried about losing your site, you’re definitely not alone. That’s why so many people jump ship for something with fewer limits and more features.

Top Blogger Alternatives Worth Checking Out

If Blogger is starting to feel like a relic, you’re not stuck—there are plenty of solid blogging platforms built for today’s needs. Here’s a rundown of the ones that keep coming up in real conversations and actual blogger reviews, not just flashy ads.

• WordPress.org – When most people say "WordPress," they mean this self-hosted version. It powers over 40% of all websites. Big perk? You own your stuff, tweak everything, install plugins, control layouts, add e-commerce—sky’s the limit. Downsides? You’ll need to pay for hosting (usually under $10/month starting out) and buy a domain name. Still, it’s where the pros and power-users hang out.
• Wix – If you want to drag-and-drop your way to a sharp site, Wix is a strong contender. It has a huge template library, built-in SEO features, and a free plan (with Wix ads and a Wix-branded domain). It’s more visual than Blogger and easy to tweak. Paid plans start at around $14/month.
• Squarespace – Known for beautiful, professional-looking designs and an idiot-proof setup. You pay a monthly fee (from $16) and get hosting, templates, and customer support rolled in. You can launch blogs, portfolios, or even small stores without tech headaches.
• Medium – Great if you care more about writing than customization. You publish posts, connect with a built-in audience, and don’t need to think about design. But you lose some control—Medium owns the playground and can change the rules.
• Ghost – Built for people who want a fast, clean blog-first platform. You can host it yourself (trickier, but free) or pay for Ghost(Pro) (from $9/month). It’s focused, ad-free, and especially great for newsletters and paid subscriptions.

To give you a quick side-by-side look, check this out:

One thing people miss: ownership. Blogger (and, in some ways, Medium) means your data and traffic live with that company. With something like WordPress.org or Ghost self-hosted, you own every pixel and post. That makes it easier to monetize, control ads, or move platforms if needed. Wix and Squarespace also offer more control than Blogger, plus you get modern templates that don’t scream 2005.

Quick tip: If you’re worried about switching but want to test the waters, try the free plan options first (Wix, WordPress.com, or Medium). You’ll get a feel for the tools without risking cash. Don’t get stuck in decision paralysis—pick one, mess around, and see how it fits. Nobody gets it perfect on the first try!

How to Pick the Right Platform for You

Choosing where to plant your blog usually comes down to what you want out of it. Some folks just want a place to share ideas without getting tangled up in tech. Others want every ounce of control, maybe to run a store, get big on Google, or just look different from anyone else. Don’t just follow whatever’s trendy—pick what actually fits your needs and skill level.

• Customization: Want full control over your blog’s look? WordPress.org is the king here. It lets you mess with every detail if you’re comfortable digging into themes and plugins. Wix and Squarespace also have drag-and-drop editors, so you don’t need to know HTML or CSS to make cool changes.
• Ease of Use: If you don't want a learning curve, platforms like Wix and Squarespace almost feel like playing with digital LEGO blocks. You just pick what you want, drag it where you want it, and publish.
• Cost: Don’t get caught off guard by hidden fees. Blogger is free, but many alternatives charge monthly or yearly. WordPress.com has a free tier, but you'll hit limits quick if you want your own domain or need extras. Paid platforms often unlock more storage, better themes, and handy extras.
• Growth Potential: Planning to build a big audience or add new stuff—like an online shop or podcasts—later on? WordPress.org gives you plenty of runway. Wix and Weebly handle e-commerce but can get pricey as your needs grow.
• Ownership and Portability: On some platforms (like Blogger), Google technically holds your stuff. With self-hosted WordPress, the content is all yours. If you think you might switch in the future, check if you can easily export your posts and backups.

Here’s a trick: jot down your priorities before even looking at another blogging platform. Want to make money, or just share stories? Do you care more about design or about getting found on Google? Are you fine learning a little tech, or does that just make you want to close the laptop?

If you just want to blog for fun and don’t care much about design, Blogger, WordPress.com, or Medium will work. If you want your own brand, more traffic, or a site that can really grow, it’s worth learning something like self-hosted WordPress or spending time on Wix or Squarespace. Don’t rush—most platforms have free trials so you can play around before locking anything in.

Tips for a Smooth Blogging Switch

Moving your blog from Blogger to a new platform can feel intimidating, but don't stress; loads of people do this each year and bounce back with even better sites. The last thing you want is lost posts or broken links. Here’s how you can make your move as painless as possible.

1. Back up everything first. On Blogger, go to Settings > Other > Back up Content. This saves all your posts and comments as an XML file. If anything goes wrong, you’ll have peace of mind.
2. Pick your new platform and check its import tools. If you’re moving to WordPress, they’ve got a built-in Blogger importer. It grabs your old posts and comments, and with a little cleanup, you can even keep old URLs.
3. Redirect your traffic. This is crucial if you want your followers and Google rankings to come with you. Blogger lets you set up custom redirects for each old post. Some platforms offer plugins or help docs to walk you through it.
4. Test before you go live. Look for images that didn’t make it over (happens a lot!), missing formatting, or links that point to your old site. There’s nothing worse than announcing your fresh blog and finding half the content is broken.
5. Let your readers know. Drop a post or email your subscribers so nobody's left confused about why your usual posts disappeared. People appreciate the heads-up, and you can ask them for feedback if anything seems off on the new site.

Here's a quick look at the platforms people switch from Blogger to, and how tricky each migration is:

One last thing about choosing the blogging platforms that are best for switching: always test your site on phones and desktops after the move. Designs and layouts can break, especially when moving lots of content. If you fix these issues right away, your readers probably won’t even notice you switched—they’ll just see a slick new site that works.