Picking a blogging platform can feel overwhelming with all the choices out there. If you’re trying to decide between WordPress and Medium, the main difference is that WordPress offers more control while Medium is simpler to use.
WordPress and Medium are two popular options that work for different needs. WordPress gives you full control over your site, while Medium lets you focus just on writing.
If you want to control how your blog looks and works, WordPress might interest you. But if you just want to write web content and find readers without dealing with technical stuff, Medium could work better for you.
We’ve tested many different WordPress alternatives and came to a conclusion that all of them suit different needs. In this blog, we’ll compare WordPress and Medium to help you figure out which one matches what you want to do. This guide will help you choose the right platform, whether you’re planning what content to create or just starting your blogging journey.
Related: Already on WordPress? Check out our WordPress SEO for dummies guide to learn about optimizing your website for search engines
Medium vs WordPress – Understanding the platforms
Before diving into the details, let’s take a quick look at what makes WordPress and Medium unique. Each platform has its own set of features designed for different types of bloggers.
WordPress
WordPress is a self-hosted platform, meaning you have complete control over your website. Whether you’re running a personal blog, a business site, or an e-commerce store, WordPress gives you the flexibility to create whatever you need. You’ll need a web host and a domain name, but once set up, you have endless customization options.
One of the best things about WordPress is how flexible it is. You can add all kinds of features to your site using plugins and premium themes – things like contact forms, photo galleries, and even online stores. It’s perfect if you want your own website with a unique look and feel that stands out online.
When to Use WordPress:
- You want to create a fully customizable blog or website with unique branding.
- You plan to monetize your content through ads, affiliate links, or products.
- You need complete control over your site’s design, functionality, and SEO.
Medium
Medium, on the other hand, is a free, simple blogging platform that keeps things easy. You don’t need to think about hosting, security, or design decisions. You just sign up, write your post, and publish it.
What makes Medium different is that it comes with readers already built in. With WordPress, you need to work on getting people to visit your site, but Medium already has lots of readers and writers using it. It’s great if you just want to focus on writing good content without dealing with technical stuff.
When to Use Medium:
- You want a simple, distraction-free space to write and publish content quickly.
- You prefer tapping into a built-in audience without building your own from scratch.
- You’re not interested in managing technical aspects like hosting or maintenance.
Features comparison: WordPress vs Medium
Now that you understand the basics of both platforms, let’s compare some key features to help you decide which one fits your needs best.
WordPress vs Medium – comparison table
| Feature | WordPress | Medium |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use | Moderate learning curve, especially for beginners | Extremely beginner-friendly, minimal setup |
| Customization & Design | Fully customizable with themes, plugins, and code | Very limited design control — mostly one layout |
| Content Control & Ownership | You own your site and content completely | Medium owns the platform — your content lives on their terms |
| Social Media Integration | Full control — can connect any social accounts, auto-post, etc. | Basic sharing features; no deep integration |
| Community & Networking | You build your own audience from scratch | Built-in community and recommendation engine |
| Support | Varies — large community, forums, and paid support options | Limited official support; relies on help docs |
| SEO | Full SEO control (titles, URLs, metadata, plugins like Yoast) | Minimal SEO control — Medium handles most of it |
| Blog Monetization | Multiple options — ads, affiliates, memberships, sponsorships, more | Medium Partner Program (paywall-based, limited control) |
| Cost | Free to high (depends on hosting, themes, plugins) | Free to use; optional paid membership for readers/writers |
| Security | You’re responsible for security (or use managed hosting for peace of mind) | Fully managed — Medium handles all security |
Medium vs WordPress – Ease of use
WordPress: While WordPress offers a lot of flexibility, this can come with a bit of a learning curve, especially for beginners. Setting up your site, choosing themes, and adding plugins can take time to get used to. However, once you get the hang of it, WordPress provides a wide range of options to manage your site. If you prefer control and customization, the learning process is well worth it.
Medium: Medium, in contrast, is incredibly easy to use. The free blogging platform that’s interface is intuitive and designed for writers who just want to publish content without distractions. Signing up and writing your first post is straightforward, making it a great choice for people who don’t want to spend time on the technical side of blogging.
Tip: If you’re using WordPress, managing your content calendar becomes easier with tools like Strive Calendar, which can help you stay on track with your posts.
WordPress vs Medium – Customization and design
WordPress: One of the best things about WordPress is how much you can customize it. You can pick from thousands of themes and plugins to make your blog look and work exactly how you want. Whether you like a simple, clean design or something more complex, WordPress lets you change almost everything about your website.
Medium: Medium keeps things much simpler with a standard design for everyone. This is great if you want an easy platform to just start writing, but it means you can’t really change how your blog looks. All Medium blogs have the same clean, text-focused style. It’s perfect if you just want to focus on writing without thinking about design at all.
WordPress vs Medium – Content control and ownership
WordPress: With WordPress, you have full control over your content and content creation. You can update, delete, or unpublish posts whenever you want. Plus, since WordPress is self-hosted, you own your website and the content published on it, which gives you more freedom when it comes to how to write content for your blog and how you manage it.
Medium: Medium provides a great platform for writing, but it doesn’t offer the same level of control. Medium owns the content you post on its platform, and while you can edit or delete your posts, you don’t have full ownership of them. This might not be a big deal for those who simply want to share their writing, but it’s something to consider if ownership is important to you.
WordPress vs Medium – Social media platform integration
WordPress: WordPress offers a wide range of options for integrating your blog with social media platforms. There are plugins available that allow you to automatically share your posts to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and other social channels. This can help drive traffic to your site and engage with your audience more easily.
Additionally, you can add social sharing buttons to your blog posts, making it easy for readers to share your content with their own networks. Since WordPress allows full customization of your own site elements, you can tailor how social media is integrated to suit your needs.
Medium: Medium editor also allows you to share your content on social media platforms, but it doesn’t offer the same level of customization as WordPress. After publishing a post, you can manually share it to social media channels to reach a wider audience. Medium does have a built-in community, so if you’re active on the platform, you may see engagement without needing to rely heavily on social media.
However, since you don’t have as much control over the design and layout of your Medium posts, there’s less opportunity for seamless integration with your overall branding and social media strategy.
WordPress vs Medium – Community and networking
WordPress: Unlike other platforms, WordPress is a bit more decentralized when it comes to community and networking. As a self-hosted WordPress site, it doesn’t have a built-in social network. However, you can enable a comment section on your posts. You can integrate social media sharing buttons. With premium plugins, you can create forums or membership areas where readers can connect with each other and discuss your content. Though WordPress doesn’t offer a built-in audience, its flexibility allows WordPress users to create and nurture your own community and network with others through various channels.
Medium: Medium’s main strength lies in its built-in community of readers and writers. When you publish on Medium, your work is automatically exposed to a large audience, and readers can follow your profile to keep up with your new posts. This makes it easier to gain traction, especially for new bloggers, since your medium content is more likely to be discovered by others.
Medium also has features like claps (similar to likes) and comments, allowing readers to engage with your content and build a following. Additionally, because Medium’s focus is on writing and storytelling, it fosters a more tight-knit community of like-minded individuals who are passionate about content creation.
However, while Medium offers an active community, it is not as customizable or independent as WordPress. You’re building your audience within Medium’s platform, so you have less control over how you interact with your readers or how you grow your network.
WordPress vs Medium – Support
WordPress: WordPress offers extensive support and user guides to help both beginners and experienced users navigate its platform. One of the primary sources of support is the WordPress.org support forums, where WordPress users can ask questions and share solutions with the community. Additionally, WordPress provides a comprehensive documentation section known as the WordPress Codex, which contains detailed guides on everything from installation to advanced customization.
For those who prefer visual learning, there are numerous video tutorials available online that cover various aspects of using WordPress. Moreover, many web hosting services that offer WordPress hosting include customer support, which can help with technical issues related to hosting and site management.
Medium: Medium offers a straightforward support system designed to assist users with any questions or issues they might encounter while using the platform. Although not as extensive as WordPress’s support network.
Medium’s Help Center is the primary resource for users seeking assistance. It contains a comprehensive collection of articles and guides covering various topics. If users encounter issues that cannot be resolved through the Help Center or community interactions, they can reach out to Medium’s support team directly. Medium provides a contact form for submitting inquiries, and their support staff typically responds in a timely manner to address user concerns.
SEO: WordPress site vs Medium blog
SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is crucial for driving organic traffic to your own blog’s web address. Both WordPress and Medium have their own approach to SEO, and understanding these differences can help you decide which platform is best for your growth. Is WordPress good for SEO or is Medium better? Let’s find out!
WordPress
One of the standout features of WordPress is the control it gives you over your website’s SEO. You can optimize nearly every aspect of your site for better search engine rankings. Here’s how:
- SEO plugins: Tools like Yoast SEO or Rank Math allow you to optimize your titles, meta descriptions, keywords, and more to help improve your ranking on search engines.
- Custom URL structure: WordPress allows you to customize your URLs to make them more SEO-friendly (e.g., including keywords in your post URLs).
- Content optimization: You have full control over how your images, videos, and other content are optimized, including adding alt text and adjusting image sizes for faster loading times.
Because WordPress gives you so much control, it’s a great choice for bloggers who want to optimize their content for search engines and grow their traffic over time. Once you make your self hosted WordPress site, you can use this SEO checklist to make sure your website and content are fully SEO optimized.
Medium
Medium does have built-in SEO features, like automatically generating meta tags and creating clean, readable URLs. However, you don’t have as much control over these elements compared to WordPress.
For instance, you can’t customize your post’s title tags or meta descriptions to better target specific keywords. Additionally, Medium’s SEO relies heavily on its own internal algorithms, which means you’re less likely to rank for certain keywords unless your post gains traction within the Medium community.
While you can still attract readers through Medium’s audience, your SEO control is limited, which may affect your ability to rank on search engines compared to WordPress.
Blog monetization: WordPress vs Medium
When it comes to making money from your blog, both WordPress and Medium offer different opportunities. Let’s explore how each platform handles monetization.
WordPress
One of the biggest advantages of using WordPress is the flexibility in how you can make money from your site. Since you have full control over your website, you can use multiple revenue streams, including:
- Ads: With WordPress, you can add ad networks like Google AdSense to your site and display ads for revenue.
- Affiliate marketing: You can promote products or services through affiliate links and earn commissions on sales made through those links.
- Memberships: You can offer premium content behind a paywall or set up membership options for your readers.
- Selling products/services: Whether it’s physical goods, digital products, or services, WordPress makes it easy to set up an online store.
Essentially, WordPress gives you the freedom to choose how to monetize your site and adapt as you grow.
Medium
Medium takes a different approach to monetization. Rather than offering a range of monetization options, Medium has its Partner Program, which allows you to earn money based on the engagement your articles receive from Medium members. The more people interact with your posts (by reading, clapping, or commenting), the more you can earn.
However, the earning potential on Medium can be more limited compared to WordPress. Since the platform doesn’t allow you to run ads or directly sell products, your earnings will mostly depend on the quality of your writing and how well it resonates with the Medium audience.
Cost: WordPress vs Medium account
When it comes to cost and maintenance, there are clear differences between WordPress and Medium that can impact your decision based on your budget and the amount of time you’re willing to spend on upkeep.
WordPress
WordPress is self-hosted, meaning you’ll need to pay for hosting and a domain name. These costs can vary based on your choice of hosting provider and the level of service you need. Here are some of the typical costs associated with running a WordPress blog:
- Web hosting: Depending on the provider and the plan you choose, hosting can range from a few dollars per month to more for premium services.
- Domain name: You’ll need to purchase a custom domain name (e.g., yourwebsite.com), which typically costs around $10–$20 per year.
- Themes and plugins: While there are many free themes and plugins, premium options may have additional costs for more advanced features and customization options.
- Ongoing maintenance: With WordPress, you’ll need to handle updates to the platform, themes, and plugins yourself. While this isn’t too difficult, it does require some ongoing attention to ensure your site remains secure and up-to-date.
Overall, WordPress requires more investment upfront, but it gives you full control over your site. The cost and maintenance are manageable if you’re comfortable with some technical tasks, or if you’re willing to outsource them.
Medium
Medium, on the other hand, is completely free to use. There’s no need to pay for a web hosting service or a custom domain name, which makes it an attractive option for people who don’t want to deal with the costs or complexities of running a website.
Since Medium is a hosted platform, all maintenance, updates, and security are handled by Medium itself, so you don’t need to worry about any of the technical aspects. You can focus entirely on writing and publishing without dealing with things like software updates or website backups.
However, while Medium is free, the tradeoff is that you don’t have the same control over your blog or monetization options as you would with WordPress. If you want to add additional features or branding, you’ll be limited.
Security: WordPress vs Medium account
When it comes to security, WordPress and Medium handle things quite differently, with each platform offering its own level of protection and responsibilities for users.
WordPress
With WordPress, security is largely your responsibility. Since it’s a self-hosted platform, you need to take steps to secure your website. While WordPress itself is quite secure, it can be vulnerable to attacks if not properly maintained. Here are some key security considerations for WordPress:
- Regular updates: WordPress frequently releases updates for the core software, themes, and plugins. It’s essential to stay on top of these updates to patch any security vulnerabilities.
- Security plugins: There are several security plugins (like Wordfence or Sucuri) that can help protect your site from malware, hacking attempts, and other threats.
- Backups: You’ll need to set up regular backups of your site, either manually or through a plugin, to protect against data loss in case of an attack or technical failure.
- SSL certificates: It’s important to secure your site with an SSL certificate, which encrypts data between your website and your visitors to protect their information.
While security is ultimately in your hands, the flexibility of WordPress means you can add as many layers of protection as you need.
Medium
Medium handles all of the security for you, which can be a huge relief if you’re not technically inclined. Since it’s a hosted platform, Medium takes care of software updates, backups, and server security. This means you don’t have to worry about protecting your content from hackers or other potential threats.
However, the tradeoff is that you have less control over your site’s security settings. You’re relying on Medium to handle everything, which can be reassuring for some but might feel limiting for others who want more control over their site’s protection.
For most bloggers, Medium’s built-in security is more than enough, especially since the platform handles the technical aspects of security automatically.
WordPress vs Medium: Which one is right for you?
Now that we’ve compared the key features of both WordPress and Medium, it’s time to think about which platform best suits your needs. The right choice depends on your priorities, whether it’s full control over your blog, ease of use, or the ability to monetize your content.
WordPress: the best choice for full control and growth
WordPress is ideal if you’re looking for flexibility and control over your website. It’s the best option if you want to:
- Build a unique, personalized brand: With endless themes and plugins, you can customize your site’s look and functionality to match your brand.
- Monetize your blog in various ways: Whether through ads, affiliate marketing, or selling products, WordPress offers several monetization options.
- Own and control your content: You have full control over your blog’s design, content, and how you engage with your audience.
- Grow and scale your site: WordPress is highly scalable, so as your blog grows, you can add new features and expand your website with ease.
However, keep in mind that WordPress has a bit of a learning curve, especially for beginners. If you’re up for managing your site’s technical aspects, WordPress is the way to go.
Medium: the best choice for simplicity and community
Medium is perfect if you want to focus purely on writing without the hassle of managing a website. It’s the best option if you:
- Want a distraction-free writing experience: Medium provides a clean, simple and user-friendly interface that’s easy to use, so you can focus entirely on creating quality content.
- Don’t want to deal with the technical side of blogging: Unlike WordPress, you don’t need to worry about hosting, security, or design—everything is handled for you.
- Are looking for an existing community: Medium’s built-in audience makes it easier to reach readers right away. You don’t have to spend time building an audience from scratch.
- Are okay with basic customization options: If you’re happy with a simple, consistent design, Medium’s minimalist layout will work perfectly for you.
If we compare Medium with WordPress self hosted blog, it is great for writers who want a straightforward platform. But it has some limitations, such as less control over your content and monetization.
Whether you’re on WordPress or Medium, check out the blog content strategy guide to have a successful blog.
Key takeaways: WordPress vs Medium
Deciding between WordPress and Medium as your blogging platform hinges on your individual needs and goals. If you’re seeking a customizable self-hosted publishing platform with endless possibilities for design, functionality, and monetization, WordPress is your go-to choice. It offers the flexibility to create a unique online presence, whether for personal blogs, business websites, or even e-commerce stores.
On the other hand, if your priority is to start publishing content online quickly and reach a built-in audience without worrying about technical details, Medium provides a user-friendly environment. Its simplicity, combined with a strong domain authority, makes it an appealing option for writers focused on quality content and storytelling.
Ultimately, whether you opt for WordPress’s functionality and complete control or Medium’s simplicity and community, both platforms have their strengths. Consider what aligns best with your blogging aspirations and start creating your own blog today.
Want to simplify your content planning on WordPress? Start your 14-day trial of Strive Calendar, a WordPress plugin that can help you with content planning and staying organized.
FAQs about WordPress vs Medium
Is it better to write on Medium or WordPress?
If you’re just starting out, Medium is easier to use with its simple, no-fuss and user-friendly interface. You can focus purely on writing without worrying about technicalities like hosting or design. WordPress has a steeper learning curve, especially when it comes to setting up hosting and customizing your site, but it offers more flexibility in the long run.
Can I integrate Medium into WordPress?
Yes, but the integration is limited. You can republish your WordPress posts on Medium manually or use tools like the Medium plugin or Zapier to automate the process. However, Medium doesn’t offer deep integration with WordPress — it’s more about cross-posting than syncing content or design. Just make sure to use canonical tags to avoid SEO issues when republishing.
Can I make money from my blog on Medium?
Yes, you can earn money on Medium through their Partner Program, where you earn based on how much engagement your posts receive from Medium members. However, the earning potential is generally lower compared to WordPress, which allows for more monetization methods like ads, affiliate marketing, and e-commerce.
Do I have full control over my content on Medium?
No, on Medium, you have limited control and ownership over your content, as Medium itself retains some rights. On the other hand, WordPress is a customizable self hosted blog. So you own your content fully and have the ability to update, delete, or move it offers you numerous customization options.
Which platform is better for SEO?
WordPress gives you full control over your site’s SEO, including customizing meta tags, adding keywords, and image optimization. In advanced settings, you can add SEO plugins to reach more audience. Medium has built-in SEO features, but you have limited control over its settings, making WordPress the better choice for users serious about SEO.
Is Medium really free?
Yes, Medium is free to use, with no hosting or domain costs. WordPress requires you to pay for hosting and a domain, but offers more control and customization options.