Wordpress.com vs Wordpress.org: What's the Difference
When creating a website using WordPress, a Content Management System (CMS), you first must decide whether to use WordPress.com or WordPress.org. Both platforms have advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to understand the difference between them before you decide.
WordPress.com is a hosting service that allows you to host your website or blog for free, while WordPress.org is a free software that you can use to create your website using your domain name and hosting. The main difference between the two is how they are hosted, which impacts their functionality, features, and limitations.
Let’s take a closer look at the two platforms, their similarities and differences.
WordPress.com vs. WordPress.org
WordPress.com
WordPress.com is a blogging platform created by Automattic, the company behind WordPress. Because of the same founder, users often confuse WordPress.com with the popular WordPress.org software. It is a quick and easy way to start a blog or website for free without worrying about hosting, management, or maintenance. However, it comes with its own set of limitations.
First, you are limited to the features that WordPress.com offers, as you cannot install third-party plugins or themes. This means you cannot customize your website as much as you can with WordPress.org. The upside of this is that WordPress.com is very user-friendly, it takes care of everything for you, and you can get started quickly.
WordPress.com also offers a range of plans, some of which have more features and benefits than others. The free plan includes basic features such as a free subdomain, some basic themes, and limited customization. However, you cannot monetize your website with ads or add custom code. To remove these limitations, you must pay for a premium plan.
Pros and Cons of WordPress.com
Pros:
Easy to get started with creating a website or blog using stylish themes and patterns.
A range of plans are available depending on your specific needs and budget.
The free basic plan allows you to build a site and start a blog with limited features.
Jetpack’s essential features and other tools are integrated into the platform, providing additional functionality and options for customization.
Community support is available for all users, while email and live chat support is available for paid users.
No need to worry about server maintenance, backups, and security updates. WordPress.com and other managed WordPress hosting companies can take care of security and make backups for the user.
Cons:
Customization options are limited compared to a self-hosted WordPress.org site.
The Free wordpress.com plan includes limited features and displays ads on your WordPress.com site.
Restrictions on monetization through ads or eCommerce for free plans.
No access to the entire backend code, which can limit flexibility and control over your site.
Upgrading to more advanced plans can become expensive over time.
WordPress.com doesn’t allow plugins, which extend a site’s functionality unless purchasing a Business or eCommerce plan.
WordPress.com Plans and Pricing
Free – The free version includes basic features such as a WordPress.com subdomain, Jetpack essential features, 3 GB storage space, and community support.
Personal – priced at $4 per month, this plan includes a custom domain name, email, live chat support, more storage (6 GB), and removal of WordPress.com ads.
Premium – priced at $8 per month, includes everything in the Personal plan and additional features such as unlimited premium themes, advanced design customization, and Google Analytics integration.
Business – priced at $25 per month, this plan includes all Premium features, unlimited storage space, eCommerce tools and integration, and search engine optimization (SEO) tools.
eCommerce – priced at $45 per month, includes everything in the Business plan, with additional features specifically for online stores, such as integrated payment processing, product reviews, and support for multiple shipping methods.
WordPress.org
WordPress.org is an open-source software you can download and install on your hosting, such as Bluehost or SiteGround. With WordPress.org, you can access thousands of free and paid themes and plugins, which means you can customize your website as much as you like.
However, WordPress.org requires more technical proficiency than WordPress.com, and it may take a while to set up and maintain your website, especially if you are unfamiliar with hosting and coding. Luckily most popular WordPress hosting companies offer 1-click WordPress installation options.
On the self-hosted version of WordPress, your site’s installation, maintenance, and security is your responsibility (you can also choose to outsource it, but at your own expense).
Nevertheless, WordPress.org is more scalable, flexible, and powerful than WordPress.com, giving you more control over your website and allowing you to monetize it as you see fit.
WordPress.org is also free to use, but you must pay for your hosting and domain. This can cost anywhere between $3 to $20 per month, depending on your hosting provider and plan.
Pros and Cons of WordPress.org
Pros:
Open-source software: WordPress.org is open-source and free to use and customize. You have complete control over your website and its code.
Flexibility and customization: With WordPress.org, you can design and customize your website to your specifications. You can choose from various themes and patterns or create your own design from scratch.
Extensive plugin library: WordPress.org offers over 55,000 plugins, providing a wide range of features and functionality to enhance your website. You can add features like an online store, mailing list, portfolio, social feed, analytics, and more.
Ownership of content and data: With WordPress.org, your content, design, and data always belong to you. You have full ownership and control over them.
Stable and secure: WordPress.org is built by an open-source community with decades of experience. The passionate contributors are dedicated to keeping WordPress as stable and secure as possible.
Cons:
Hosting and maintenance: With WordPress.org, you can find and manage your web hosting service. This can involve additional costs and technical knowledge.
Learning curve: WordPress.org requires some technical knowledge and may have a steeper learning curve than other website builders or platforms.
Updates and backups: As a self-hosted solution, you must regularly update your WordPress version and plugins to ensure security and functionality. You will also need to take care of regular backups.
Limited support: While there is an active community of users and developers, support for WordPress.org is largely dependent on community forums, documentation, and third-party resources. There is no official support team available.
WordPress.Org Pricing
WordPress.org does not offer any specific pricing plans as it is open-source software. The costs associated with self-hosted WordPress come from purchasing a domain name and web hosting services from third-party providers.
The cost can vary depending on the type of hosting platform and the provider’s pricing structure. Additionally, users may need to purchase premium WordPress themes or plugins to add more functionality and customization to their WordPress.org website.
Which One to Choose?
Choosing between WordPress.com and WordPress.org depends on your needs, priorities, and budget. Here are some factors to consider:
If you want a quick and easy way to start a blog or website and are not concerned with customization or monetization, WordPress.com is a good option.
If you want full control over your website and are willing to learn and invest in hosting and maintenance, WordPress.org is the way to go.
If you want to monetize your website with ads or affiliate marketing or use customized themes and plugins, you will need to choose WordPress.org.
If you are on a tight budget and cannot afford to pay for hosting, WordPress.com may be a better option.
Difference Between WordPress.com and WordPress.org
Hosting and Setup
WordPress.com
Fully hosted solution
No need to find a separate hosting provider
The quick and easy setup process
Limited control over server configuration
WordPress.org
Self-hosted solution
You need to find and subscribe to a hosting provider
Requires manual installation and setup
Complete control over server configuration
Customization and Flexibility
WordPress.com
Limited customization options
Access to a limited number of themes and plugins
No access to backend code
Limited ability to monetize your website
WordPress.org
Full customization options
Thousands of free and premium themes and plugins are available
Access to the entire backend code
Ability to monetize your website with ads, eCommerce, etc.
Costs and Pricing
WordPress.com
Free plan available (with limitations)
Paid plans available to unlock more features and remove limitations
Additional costs for custom domains, premium themes, etc.
WordPress.org
WordPress software is free
Costs associated with hosting, domain registration, and premium themes or plugins
Pricing varies based on your chosen hosting provider and additional services
Maintenance and Support
WordPress.com
The platform takes care of server maintenance, security updates, and backups
Limited direct support for free plans
Paid plans offer more support options
WordPress.org
You are responsible for server maintenance, security updates, and backups
Community support available through forums, online resources, and developer communities
Direct support options may vary depending on your hosting provider
Monetization and Business Features
WordPress.com
Free plans do not allow monetization through ads or eCommerce
Paid plans offer options for monetization, such as ad networks and eCommerce tools
Limited ability to install and integrate third-party business tools
WordPress.org
Full control over monetization, allowing you to use ad networks, sell products, and more
Ability to integrate with a wide range of third-party business tools and platforms
When to Use WordPress.com
WordPress.com is a suitable choice under the following circumstances:
Simplicity and Ease of Use: If you’re looking for a hassle-free solution and don’t want to get into the technical aspects of website management, WordPress.com offers a user-friendly platform with built-in hosting and maintenance.
Limited Customization Needs: If you don’t require extensive customization and are content using pre-designed themes and a limited selection of plugins, WordPress.com can be a convenient option.
Personal Blogging: WordPress.com’s free plan is ideal for individuals starting a blog without needing advanced features or a custom domain.
When to Use WordPress.org
WordPress.org is a better choice under the following circumstances:
Full Control and Customization: If you desire complete control over your website’s design and functionality, including custom themes, plugins, and the ability to modify the code, WordPress.org is the way to go.
Business Websites and Online Stores: WordPress.org allows for integrating advanced features and functionalities, making it suitable for building robust business websites, online stores, or membership sites.
Technical Knowledge and Support: Since WordPress.org entails self-hosting, regular updates, and maintenance, having technical knowledge or access to technical support can be beneficial. If you have the necessary expertise or support, WordPress.org offers more flexibility.
Remember that these guidelines may vary based on individual needs and preferences. It is always recommended to carefully evaluate your requirements and consider factors such as customization, control, scalability, technical expertise, and budget when deciding between WordPress.com and WordPress.org.
Conclusion
In summary, both WordPress.com and WordPress.org offer their advantages and disadvantages. WordPress.com is a good option if you want to start quickly and do not require much customization or monetization. At the same time, WordPress.org is a better choice if you want full control over your website and are willing to learn and invest in hosting and maintenance. It is up to you to weigh the pros and cons and decide what suits your needs best.
For our users, our recommendation is always to use WordPress.org. For roughly the same amount of money as the ultra-basic WordPress.com website, you could launch a new, completely functional website with no limitations using WordPress.org.
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