dev.to vs Hashnode vs Medium
dev.to vs Hashnode vs Medium compared for developer writing: audience, custom domains, code formatting, canonical URLs and monetisation, plus where DEVAE fits for the community side.
For developer writing in 2026: dev.to is best for reach inside the developer community, Hashnode is best for a blog on your own domain with a headless API, and Medium is best for a general audience and paid distribution. None of the three is a community for building together; that is what DEVAE adds next to your blog.
Most developers pick one publishing home and cross-post with canonical URLs. The table settles the practical differences; the entries explain who each suits.
Last reviewed 20 September 2026. We build DEVAE and rank it first; every other entry is described from its public documentation.
How we ranked
- Audience: developers, general readers or your own domain's visitors.
- Ownership: custom domain, export, canonical URLs.
- Code formatting and developer features.
- Monetisation and distribution.
4 picks, ranked
dev.to
Reach inside the developer community, tags, canonical cross-posting, open source platform.
Best for: Long-form tutorials and articles with search traffic
Pros: Huge tag-based community, canonical URL cross-posting, open source (Forem).
Cons: Publishing-first; no live collaboration or matching.
Hashnode
Own domain, headless API, newsletter, developer-focused editor.
Best for: A developer blog on your own domain
Pros: Custom domains, headless API, newsletter, built-in audience.
Cons: Blog-centric; community interaction is secondary.
Medium
Largest general audience and the Partner Program; weakest code formatting.
Best for: General-audience writing with built-in distribution
Pros: Big readership, clean editor, publications.
Cons: Paywall, weak code formatting, not developer-specific.
DEVAE
Not a blog. The place to post the short version, open a room, and meet the readers who want to build with you.
Best for: Building with other developers: live rooms, terminal sharing, co-founder matching
Pros: Stack-tuned feed of original posts, live rooms with voice + screen + terminal share, CLI, matchmaking, snippets, hackathons, desktop and Android apps.
Cons: Open beta with a young community; not a place to host a long-form blog.
At a glance
| Feature | dev.to | Hashnode | Medium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Custom domain | No (org pages only) | Yes | No (publications only) |
| Canonical URL support | Yes | Yes | Yes (import tool) |
| Code blocks with highlighting | Yes | Yes | Basic |
| Headless / API | REST API | GraphQL + headless mode | Limited |
| Newsletter | No | Yes | Yes (followers) |
| Monetisation | No | Sponsors | Partner Program |
| Audience | Developers | Developers | General |
| Price | Free | Free (Pro optional) | Free (membership optional) |
DEVAE is free for individuals in open beta. Bring your stack, post what you're building, open a room.
Sign up freeFrequently asked questions
Hashnode if you want your own domain and ownership; dev.to if you want the built-in developer readership. Many write on Hashnode and cross-post to dev.to with a canonical URL.
For reach beyond developers, yes. Code formatting and the paywall make it a weaker home for tutorials.
Next to your blog: post the short version on DEVAE, open a room for questions, and keep the long form where it ranks.
Yes, with canonical URLs pointing at your primary home.
