WordPress.com and WordPress.org: What are the differences?

TL;DR: WordPress.com is a website-hosting service. WordPress.org is software.

If you’re starting a website with WordPress, one of the first decisions you’ll face is choosing between WordPress.com and self-hosted WordPress.org. While both use the same underlying WordPress software, they differ in hosting, customization, and control.

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1. Hosting and Maintenance

• WordPress.com: Hosting is included. Automattic (the company behind WordPress.com) manages server setup, performance, backups, and security for you. You don’t have to worry about installing software or applying updates.

• WordPress.org: You download the WordPress software and install it on a hosting account you purchase from a third-party provider (like SiteGround, Bluehost, or WP Engine). You’re responsible for setup, updates, backups, and security—though many hosts offer tools to automate these tasks.

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2. Cost Structure

• WordPress.com: Free and paid plans are available. The free plan comes with WordPress.com subdomain branding (e.g., yoursite.wordpress.com) and limited customization. Paid plans remove branding, offer more storage, and unlock advanced features like custom domains and monetization tools.

• WordPress.org: The software is free, but you pay for hosting, a domain name, and any premium themes or plugins you choose. Costs vary widely depending on your needs, but you have more control over budget and scaling.

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3. Customization and Flexibility

• WordPress.com: Customization depends on your plan. On lower-tier plans, you’re limited to a selection of themes and built-in features. Higher-tier plans allow custom themes, third-party plugins, and advanced design control.

• WordPress.org: Full flexibility from the start. You can install any theme or plugin, edit the site’s code, and integrate with virtually any service or tool. This makes it ideal for complex sites or unique functionality.

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4. Monetization Options

• WordPress.com: Monetization is restricted on free plans. Higher-tier plans let you run ads through WordAds, sell products, and collect payments, but you must follow WordPress.com’s terms.

• WordPress.org: No restrictions—you can run any ad network, sell products or memberships, and use any payment processor.

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In short:

• WordPress.com is a hosted platform—convenient, beginner-friendly, and maintenance-free, but with limitations unless you pay for higher-tier plans.

• WordPress.org is self-hosted—flexible, customizable, and powerful, but requires you to handle hosting and technical upkeep.

If you want ease of use with less technical responsibility, WordPress.com may be your best bet. If you want full ownership, creative freedom, and scalability, WordPress.org is the way to go.

Feature	WordPress.com	WordPress.org (Self-Hosted)
Hosting	Included with your plan; managed by WordPress.com	You arrange and pay for your own hosting
Setup	Quick, no technical setup required	Requires installing WordPress on your hosting account
Maintenance	Automatic updates, backups, and security handled for you	You’re responsible for updates, backups, and security (many hosts offer tools)
Cost	Free and paid plans ($0–$45+/month)	Free software; pay for hosting, domain, and optional themes/plugins
Domain Name	Free subdomain (yoursite.wordpress.com) or custom domain on paid plans	Purchase your own custom domain
Customization	Limited on free/low-tier plans; full customization only on high-tier plans	Unlimited customization from the start
Themes & Plugins	Only approved themes and plugins; advanced access on higher plans	Any theme or plugin you want, including custom code
Monetization	Limited; ads and e-commerce on higher-tier plans only	Unlimited; any ad network, e-commerce platform, or payment system
Storage	1 GB (free) to 50 GB+ (paid)	Depends on your hosting plan
Control & Ownership	Platform controls certain aspects and enforces terms	Full control and ownership of site and content
Best For	Beginners, bloggers, small sites wanting simplicity	Businesses, e-commerce, complex or fully customized sites