write.rocks vs Hashnode/Dev.to: Developer Blog Showdown 2025
Compare developer-focused blogging platforms
Hashnode and Dev.to are popular among developers for their built-in communities. But what if you want multiple sites, more theme options, or built-in analytics? Compare the platforms designed specifically for developer blogging.
Quick Comparison Summary
At a glance: Key strengths of each platform
- Unlimited sites on Pro vs 1 blog per Hashnode account
- 7 premium themes vs Hashnode's limited customization
- Built-in analytics (no Google Analytics needed)
- Notion-like editor with slash commands and keyboard shortcuts
- No community platform dependency - own your domain and traffic
- Built-in developer community for discovery
- Free custom domains (Hashnode) or free hosting (Dev.to)
- Social features (likes, follows, trending)
- Zero cost for basic blogging
- Dev.to has massive existing audience
Detailed Feature Comparison
See how write.rocks compares to Hashnode across all key features
Pricing & Value
| Feature | write.rocks | Hashnode |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Blogging | $0 (100 posts free) | $0 (unlimited free on both) |
| Pro Plan | $19/mo (unlimited sites) | $0 (Hashnode/Dev.to are free) |
| Custom Domains | $19/mo (Pro plan) | Free on Hashnode, not available on Dev.to |
| Premium Features | Analytics, themes, multi-site | All free, but limited options |
Performance & Speed
| Feature | write.rocks | Hashnode |
|---|---|---|
| Page Load Speed | <1s (Lighthouse 95+) | 1-2s (Lighthouse 80-90) |
| CDN & Hosting | Automatic CDN caching | CDN included (both platforms) |
| Mobile Performance | Optimized by default | Good on Hashnode, variable on Dev.to |
| Core Web Vitals | Excellent | Good |
Editor & Writing Experience
| Feature | write.rocks | Hashnode |
|---|---|---|
| Editor Type | Notion-like block editor + Markdown | Markdown editor (both) |
| Writing Features | Slash commands, drag & drop, shortcuts | Basic Markdown (Hashnode better than Dev.to) |
| Code Block Support | 200+ languages with Shiki highlighting | Good (both support syntax highlighting) |
| Live Preview | Real-time preview mode | Split view on Hashnode, preview on Dev.to |
Data Ownership & Control
| Feature | write.rocks | Hashnode |
|---|---|---|
| Content Ownership | ||
| Export Format | Markdown + JSON (portable) | Markdown export on Hashnode, limited on Dev.to |
| Platform Dependency | Low (own domain, portable data) | Medium (Hashnode) to High (Dev.to) |
| Custom Domain | Unlimited domains on Pro | 1 domain on Hashnode, not available on Dev.to |
Customization & Design
| Feature | write.rocks | Hashnode |
|---|---|---|
| Themes Available | 7 curated themes (2 free, 5 Pro) | 3-4 basic themes (Hashnode), none (Dev.to) |
| Custom CSS | Pro plan | Limited on Hashnode, not available on Dev.to |
| Branding Control | Full control on Pro | Limited (Hashnode shows branding, Dev.to mandatory branding) |
| Layout Options | Multiple layouts per theme | Fixed layouts |
Technical Features
| Feature | write.rocks | Hashnode |
|---|---|---|
| Multi-site Support | Unlimited sites on Pro | 1 blog per account (Hashnode), 1 profile (Dev.to) |
| Analytics | Built-in (Basic free, Advanced Pro) | Requires Google Analytics integration |
| Built-in Community | ||
| Discovery/Trending | ||
| RSS Feed | ||
| Comment System | Built-in with Markdown | Built-in (both platforms) |
Key Differentiators
Deep dive into the most important differences
Multi-Site: Scale Your Blogging
Developers often want multiple blogs: personal blog, project blog, company blog, side-project blogs. Hashnode limits you to one blog per account (though you can create multiple accounts). Dev.to doesn't support multiple blogs at all.
write.rocks
write.rocks Pro ($19/month) includes unlimited sites under one account. Manage all your blogs from a single dashboard with centralized analytics and settings.
Hashnode
Hashnode requires creating separate accounts for multiple blogs, each with its own login and settings. Dev.to doesn't support multi-site - you're limited to your single profile blog.
Customization: Stand Out vs. Look the Same
Hashnode offers 3-4 basic themes. Dev.to offers zero theme options - everyone has the exact same layout and design. You can't differentiate your brand.
write.rocks
write.rocks provides 7 professionally designed themes optimized for developers, with custom CSS support on Pro. Create a unique visual identity that reflects your brand.
Hashnode
Hashnode's themes are functional but limited. Dev.to intentionally offers no customization to maintain platform consistency. Both show platform branding prominently.
Analytics: Built-in vs. DIY
Understanding your audience requires analytics. Hashnode and Dev.to don't include built-in analytics - you must set up Google Analytics yourself.
write.rocks
write.rocks includes analytics out of the box. Track pageviews, popular posts, traffic sources, and engagement metrics without any third-party setup. Pro tier adds advanced analytics.
Hashnode
Both Hashnode and Dev.to require integrating Google Analytics manually. This means additional setup, accepting Google's terms, and managing another tool.
Community vs. Independence
Hashnode and Dev.to's biggest advantage is their built-in developer communities with discovery features, trending pages, and social engagement. This helps new blogs get initial traction.
write.rocks
write.rocks focuses on ownership and independence. Build your own audience through SEO, social media, and direct channels. You're not dependent on a platform's algorithm for reach.
Hashnode
The community is valuable for discovery, but comes with trade-offs: limited customization, platform dependency, and algorithm changes affecting your reach. If the platform's priorities change, your traffic suffers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about write.rocks vs Hashnode
Can I migrate from Hashnode or Dev.to to write.rocks?▼
Yes! Hashnode allows you to export your content as Markdown, which write.rocks can import directly. Dev.to doesn't offer official export, but you can copy your Markdown source. We provide tools to make migration smooth.
Will I lose the community benefits if I leave Hashnode/Dev.to?▼
Yes, you'll lose built-in discovery and the platform's community features. However, you'll gain independence, customization, multi-site support, and built-in analytics. The trade-off is discovery vs. ownership.
Is Hashnode/Dev.to better for beginners?▼
Hashnode and Dev.to are easier to start because they're completely free with built-in audiences. If you're just testing blogging, start there. Once you're serious about owning your content and brand, write.rocks offers more control and features.
Can I run multiple blogs on Hashnode or Dev.to?▼
Hashnode allows one blog per account (you can create multiple accounts, but it's cumbersome). Dev.to doesn't support multiple blogs at all. write.rocks Pro allows unlimited sites under one account.
Why should I pay for write.rocks when Hashnode/Dev.to are free?▼
You pay for ownership, customization, multi-site support, and built-in analytics. If you value your brand and want to scale beyond one blog, write.rocks is worth the investment. If you want free blogging with community benefits, Hashnode/Dev.to are great choices.
Do write.rocks blogs rank well in Google like Hashnode blogs?▼
Yes, write.rocks sites load faster (Lighthouse 95+ vs 80-90) which Google rewards. Hashnode custom domains rank well, but Dev.to articles often rank under dev.to's domain, not your brand.
Can I cross-post between write.rocks and Dev.to?▼
Yes! Publish on write.rocks first (for SEO ownership), then cross-post to Dev.to with a canonical link pointing to your write.rocks post. This gives you Dev.to's community reach while maintaining SEO credit on your owned domain.