WordPress powers more than 40% of all websites, and if you’re thinking about building a site, it’s probably a top choice. But you may be surprised to discover that there are two different platforms: WordPress.com and WordPress.org.
While both are connected to the WordPress ecosystem, their purposes, functionalities, and target audiences differ significantly — and understanding those differences is crucial to selecting the right one for your needs.
So let’s take a moment to explore WordPress.com and WordPress.org, along with their differences, and guide you towards the right decision for your site.
What is WordPress.com?
WordPress.com is a managed hosting platform from Automattic. It simplifies website creation and management by handling hosting, updates, and some maintenance tasks. This platform is geared towards users who want an easy, no-technical-knowledge-required approach to building a site.
Key things to note about WordPress.com
- Hosting and management tasks (like security, backups, performance, and updates) are taken care of for you. You won’t need to pay for additional hosting.
- There are both free and paid plans available, with different features and customization options included with each.
- Building a website on .com requires less technical knowledge and a more hands-off approach, but does also provide fewer customization options, especially for more advanced users.
- Support from Happiness Engineers is included.
What is WordPress.org?
WordPress.org is free, open-source software that you can download and install on the web host of your choosing. It’s completely free to use, and you can modify it in absolutely any way. However, you will need a separate hosting plan and will be responsible for ongoing maintenance tasks.
WordPress.org offers complete control and flexibility, making it particularly popular for developers, businesses, and more experienced users.
Key things to note about WordPress.org
- While WordPress.org is free software, hosting is not included. You will need to purchase a separate hosting plan.
- You’ll have more freedom and flexibility with WordPress.org and can modify every aspect of the source code. Plus, you can use plugins and extensions to customize your site.
- You’ll be responsible for maintenance tasks, including updates, performance, and security. There are, however, plugins that can take care of these tasks for you, along with managed hosts that include them in their plans.
- While community support is available through support forums, there is no direct, individualized support from Happiness Engineers.
Ten key differences between WordPress.com and WordPress.org
| Feature | WordPress.com | WordPress.org |
| Hosting | Included (managed) | Self-hosted (requires a third-party provider) |
| Cost | Free plan with limited features; paid plans from $4/month | Software is free, but hosting and premium add-ons are extra |
| Ease of Use | Beginner-friendly, no technical setup required | Steeper learning curve, requires some technical knowledge |
| Customization | Limited on free and lower-tier plans | Unlimited customization with themes and plugins |
| Monetization | Restricted on free and lower-tier plans | Full freedom to monetize |
| Maintenance | Handled for you | Your responsibility (or your host’s) |
| Scalability | Good for most sites, but may require a move to WordPress VIP for very large enterprise sites | Fully scalable |
| Plugins | Not allowed on free plan; limited on other plans | Access to over 59,000 free and premium plugins |
| Ecommerce | Requires a high-tier paid plan | Can be added for free with WooCommerce |
| Support | Official support for paid plans | Community support forums; paid support from theme/plugin developers |
1. Hosting responsibilities
WordPress.com: Hosting is included, so users don’t need to find or manage their own hosting provider.
WordPress.org: Users must find and pay for their own hosting provider. This does, however, allow for more control.
2. Domain names
WordPress.com: Free plans include a subdomain (e.g., yoursite.wordpress.com). Custom domains are available only with paid plans.
WordPress.org: Users can purchase any domain from any provider to use for their site.
3. Cost and pricing
WordPress.com:
- A free plan available, but with limited features. This plan is best for personal sites, as it does not include the ability to add plugins or use a custom domain name.
- Paid plans start at $4/month and scale up depending on the features you’d like (e.g. the ability to install plugins, ecommerce capabilities, etc.)
WordPress.org:
- The software itself is free.
- You will need to pay for a hosting plan separately, which varies in cost.
4. Ease of use
WordPress.com: It’s very beginner-friendly and requires no technical setup. WordPress is pre-installed, and many maintenance tasks are taken care of on your behalf.
WordPress.org: While still very user-friendly, WordPress.org has a bit of a steeper learning curve. Users will need to choose a host, install WordPress (or use their host’s automatic installation tools), and handle more maintenance tasks themselves.
5. Customization options
WordPress.com:
- Free and lower-tier plans limit theme choices and plugins.
- Paid tiers offer more flexibility and premium themes, but not as much flexibility as with WordPress.org.
WordPress.org:
- Users have unlimited customization, with access to thousands of free and premium themes and plugins.
- Advanced users can modify source code to achieve any functionality, with no limits.
6. Monetization options
WordPress.com:
- Free and lower-tier plans restrict monetization options.
- Higher plans allow for ad placements and online stores.
WordPress.org:
- Users have full monetization freedom. They can run ads, participate in affiliate programs, charge for memberships, run online stores, and more.
7. Maintenance and updates
WordPress.com:
- Security and performance tasks, like backups and updates, are taken care of for you.
WordPress.org:
- Users are responsible for software updates, backups, and site maintenance. However, some hosts handle these tasks for you, and there are excellent plugins to simplify them as well.
8. Scalability
WordPress.com:
- WordPress.com can scale with your business. However, if you grow to an enterprise level, you’ll likely need to upgrade to WordPress VIP or switch to a WordPress.org installation. Learn more about WordPress VIP here.
WordPress.org:
- WordPress.org is fully scalable. Users can upgrade hosting plans as their needs shift, optimize for large volumes of traffic, and implement advanced functionality with no limitations.
9. Plugins and themes
WordPress.com:
- Free plans do not allow for plugins or custom themes.
- Paid tiers allow for more flexibility, with some restrictions compared to WordPress.org.
WordPress.org:
- You’ll have unlimited access to third-party plugins and themes. Advanced users can also create their own.
10. Ecommerce functionality
WordPress.com:
- WordPress.com supports ecommerce, but only with the Commerce plan.
WordPress.org:
- You can run a highly-functional ecommerce store at no extra cost, with the free WooCommerce plugin.
- It’s ideal for large or complex online stores.
Additional considerations when choosing between WordPress.com and WordPress.org
Now that we’ve explored the differences between the two, let’s look at some more considerations.
Support and community
WordPress.com:
- There is official support for paid plans and a community forum for free users.
WordPress.org:
- WordPress.org relies on a robust community of developers and users for support, available through a forum. Premium plugins and themes often include dedicated customer support.
Security
WordPress.com:
- Security is taken care of by WordPress.com, with features like SSL certificates and malware protection.
WordPress.org:
- Security responsibilities fall on the user, but plugins like Jetpack Security and managed hosting services can take care of the majority of these tasks.
Learning resources
Both platforms offer extensive documentation, tutorials, and forums to help users navigate their systems. For WordPress.org, additional learning may be required to understand hosting, coding, and advanced tools.
How to decide which platform is right for you
Choosing between WordPress.com and WordPress.org depends on your specific needs, goals, and technical expertise. Ask yourself the following:
- Do you need a quick and simple setup without much customization? WordPress.com may be the better choice.
- Do you require full control, scalability, and advanced functionality? Consider WordPress.org.
- What is your budget for hosting, domains, and additional tools?
- How comfortable are you with handling technical aspects like updates and backups?
Frequently asked questions
Can I switch from WordPress.com to WordPress.org?
Yes, you can migrate your site from WordPress.com to WordPress.org. The process involves exporting your content from WordPress.com and importing it into your self-hosted WordPress.org site. You may also need to reconfigure themes, plugins, and other settings.
Can I switch from WordPress.org to WordPress.com?
Yes, you can switch from WordPress.org to WordPress.com. The process involves exporting your content from your self-hosted WordPress.org site and importing it into WordPress.com. Keep in mind that some features or customizations may not transfer seamlessly, especially if they rely on specific plugins or custom code.
Can I use my own domain name on WordPress.com?
Yes, you can use your own domain name on WordPress.com, but this requires a paid plan. Free plans only allow for a subdomain (e.g., yoursite.wordpress.com).
Do I need coding skills to use WordPress.org?
No, coding skills are not necessary to use WordPress.org. Thanks to themes, plugins, and the drag-and-drop block editor, you can create beautiful, effective websites without any development experience. However, some technical knowledge can help if you want to customize your site beyond what plugins and themes offer.
Is WordPress.com or WordPress.org better for SEO?
WordPress.org offers full control to install any SEO plugin you want, such as Yoast SEO or Rank Math. You can also make advanced technical changes to improve your site’s speed and performance.
WordPress.com has good built-in SEO features, and it handles many technical details for you. This makes it a solid choice if you are a beginner. For users who want the most control over their SEO strategy, WordPress.org can be a superior option because it allows for deeper customization.
What are the real costs of using WordPress.org for a small business?
The WordPress.org software is free, but running a website with it involves several costs. You will need to pay for web hosting, which can range from $5 to $30 per month for a good shared plan. You also need a domain name, which usually costs around $15 per year.
Many businesses also choose to buy a premium theme for about $60 and some premium plugins for added features. In total, a small business should budget at least $150 to $300 for the first year to get a professional site up and running on WordPress.org.
Which platform is better for a simple portfolio or resume website?
For a simple portfolio or resume website, WordPress.com is often the better choice. It is very easy to set up and requires no technical maintenance. You can get a professional-looking site online in a very short amount of time.
If you do not plan on adding complex features or monetizing your site, the simplicity of WordPress.com is a major advantage. If you are a web developer or designer who wants to showcase your technical skills and have full creative control, then WordPress.org would be the more appropriate platform.
Is it hard to find a good web host for WordPress.org?
Finding a good web host for your WordPress.org site is not hard, but it is important to choose a reliable provider. Look for a host that offers a one-click WordPress installation, good customer support, and positive reviews.
Many hosts offer specialized “managed WordPress hosting,” where they handle technical tasks like security and updates for you. Read our guide on the best managed WordPress hosting providers.
Streamline your WordPress experience with Jetpack
Whether you choose WordPress.com or WordPress.org, managing and optimizing your website requires the right tools. This is where Jetpack comes in! Jetpack is a powerful suite of plugins designed to enhance WordPress sites, with features for security, performance, and growth.
Here are just a few of the benefits of using Jetpack:
- Enhanced security: Jetpack Security provides essential tools like real-time backups, malware scanning, and spam protection to keep your site safe.
- Improved performance: Jetpack Boost helps your site load quickly and provides a better experience for visitors.
- Access to growth tools: From automated social sharing to AI-powered content creation, Jetpack helps you increase your site’s reach and visibility.
By integrating Jetpack with your WordPress site, you can save time, reduce complexity, and focus on creating great content. Whether you’re on WordPress.com or WordPress.org, Jetpack offers tools to support your site’s success. Learn more about Jetpack here.
Jetpack 