Although you will inevitably associate the term “WordPress” as one single beast, there are two WordPresses: WordPress.com and WordPress.org. Both are extremely powerful tools to build web sites, but they differ significantly in features, flexibility, pricing, and ownership. Choosing between WordPress.com vs. WordPress.org two can be a confusing decision for a novice web developer. In this guide, we outline everything you need to know about WordPress.com and WordPress.org side by side. This article will guide you on how to choose the best of the two (WordPress.com vs. WordPress.org) for you.
What is WordPress.org?
While comparing WordPress.com vs. WordPress.org, WordPress.org is basically known as the version to be self-hosted. WordPress is an open-source content management system that may be downloaded from the internet and installed on a user’s computer for one’s own use of the website.
For WordPress.org, you can buy the domain name and web hosting separately. You are free to change any aspect of the website once installed, using themes, plugins, or custom coding as needed.
Key Features of WordPress.org
- You own your site and have the complete control over the design, functionality, and monetization of it.
- Thousands of free and premium themes and plugins can be installed.
- Free to monetize with ads, selling products, and affiliate marketing.
- You have complete control over SEO and performance using Yoast SEO and other caching tools.
- Use WooCommerce and other e-commerce plugins to create an online store.
- You’re not tied to WordPress.com’s terms of service.
Who Should Use WordPress.org?
- Bloggers who want complete control over their content.
- Businesses that need a fully customizable website.
- E-commerce store owners looking for scalability.
- It is for developers who want to build custom websites.
What is WordPress.com?
In the comparison of WordPress.com vs. WordPress.org, WordPress.com is hosted WordPress that takes the headache of hosting and maintenance from your hands. It is further managed by the company behind WordPress, Automattic, as a more user-friendly way to make a website, with no hosting, security, or the big words of technical mumbo-jumbo.
Key features of WordPress.com
- With WordPress.com you don’t have to buy some separate hosting plan because it comes with hosting.
- For a beginner, the interface is pretty easy to use.
- They’ll take care of updates, Backups, and Security.
- Their customer support team will be there for you, but only with Paid plans.
- There is a Free Site plan, though with ads and a few restricted features.
Who Should Use WordPress.com?
- A simple, headache-free website for a beginner.
- Hobby bloggers who don’t need full customization.
- Small businesses that require a basic online presence.
Key Differences: WordPress.com vs. WordPress.org
| Feature | WordPress.org (Self-Hosted) | WordPress.com (Hosted) |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership | Full ownership of your website | WordPress.com owns the platform |
| Hosting | Requires third-party hosting | Hosting included |
| Customization | Full access to themes, plugins, and code | Limited customization on free/cheaper plans |
| Monetization | Full control over ads, memberships, and e-commerce | Limited unless on higher-tier plans |
| E-commerce | Full e-commerce capabilities with WooCommerce | Only available on Business and E-commerce plans |
| Security & Maintenance | Managed by the user | Handled by WordPress.com |
| SEO Options | Full control, can use SEO plugins | Limited on free plan, better on paid plans |
| Price | Hosting costs apply, but flexible | Free basic plan, premium plans required for more features |
| Support | Community forums & third-party support | Direct support available for paid plans |
Pros & Cons of WordPress.org
Pros
- Full ownership of your website
- Endless customization options by using themes and plugins.
- Monetize freely using advertisements, membership subscriptions or products.
- More SEO Power through Yoast SEO and lots more.
- Grow your business for any kind of big companies and e-com stores.
Cons
- Self-hosting and setup need.
- Technical skills must be higher because it needs periodic updating and to ensure security features.
- Costly depending on the Premium Themes and Plug-ins.
Pros and Cons of WordPress.com
Pros
- Setting up is effortless. No concerns with hosting nor security.
- Automated Update and Backup.
- Good for those who don’t have too much time to learn about it.
- Free plan there is a free plan for simple personal usage.
Cons
- Very limited customizations, especially when not on premium plan.
- Limited monetization: cannot insert many ads and affiliate links.
- WordPress.com branding (yourdomain.wordpress.com ) on the free plan.
- Premium plans are quite costly for having all the features.
Pricing Breakdown
WordPress.org Costs
Running a WordPress.org website costs:
- Domain name: $10-$20 per year
- Web hosting: Starts at $5-$10 per month (e.g., HostWebsites, Bluehost, SiteGround)
- Themes & Plugins (Optional): Free to $100+ per year
- Security & Maintenance: Varies (can be free with plugins)
- So, running a WordPress.org site will cost between $50 and $500+ per year, depending on your needs.
WordPress.com Costs
WordPress.com has a free plan and some paid plans
- Free Plan : Basic, with WordPress branding.
- Personal Plan : $4/mo (own domain, ad-free)
- Premium Plan : $8/mo (more features for customization and payments)
- Business Plan : $25/mo (full flexibility, plugins and e-commerce integration)
- E-Commerce Plan : $45/mo (more elaborate online store options)
If you are looking for a real full-fledged business website, it probably means you would need either of the Business or e-commerce plans and it can well be that WordPress.com would become pretty pricey as compared to WordPress.org in the long run.
Which One to Use?
Choose WordPress.org if:
- You want full control over your website.
- You need advanced customization and more plugins.
- You’ll monetize your site by ads, membership, or sale of something.
- You don’t really care to deal with the hosting, security, or update.
Use WordPress.com if:
- You’re not fussed dealing with hosting and maintenance.
- You only need a basic website for personal use or business purpose.
- You want everything in one platform, no headache about the tech stuff.
- Customization is not particularly important if you don’t mind paying more on WordPress.com plans.
Conclusion
In the comparison of WordPress.com vs. WordPress.org, WordPress.org is good for the serious professional website or online business because it offers control, flexibility, and more freedom for monetizing.
WordPress.com is good when you only need a simple hassle-free website especially for beginners who don’t want to bother themselves with hosting and security.
That depends on your needs, budget, and technical level. If you need long-term development and flexibility, then WordPress.org is worth the investment. However, if all you require is to have the website up as quickly as possible with minimal effort, then WordPress.com is good enough.
FAQs
What is the difference between WordPress.org and WordPress.com?
The major difference between WordPress.com vs. WordPress.org is that in WordPress.org you have total control over your site, such as hosting, modification, and making money, and in WordPress.com, they have the whole of hosting, security, and updating but very minimal options in modifications and money making unless one decides to go with the premium accounts.
Is WordPress.org free?
Yes, WordPress.org is free and open-source; however, web hosting and a name for your domain will require you to pay for them. You might spend on some premium themes, plugins, and security tools, of course.
Is there any free plan offered by WordPress.com?
Yes, WordPress.com offers a free plan, however, with limitations. The website will feature WordPress ads and branding (for example, yourwebsite.wordpress.com), and you will not be able to install third-party plugins or make any great changes to the site.
How do I make money on WordPress.com?
Monetization is limited on WordPress.com, especially on the free and lower-tier plans. Only Premium and Business plan users can use WordPress’s built-in ad program, called WordAds. If you want full monetization freedom, WordPress.org is a better choice.
