WordPress.com vs WordPress.org: What's the Difference?
Published: 9/24/2025
If you're thinking about starting a website, you’ve probably heard of WordPress. It’s one of the most popular tools for building websites, but did you know there are two versions: WordPress.com and WordPress.org? They sound similar, but they’re quite different. Let’s break it down in simple terms to help you decide which one is right for you.
What is WordPress.com?
WordPress.com is a hosted platform. This means everything you need to run a website is taken care of for you. Think of it like renting an apartment—someone else handles the maintenance, and you just move in.
- How it works: You sign up on WordPress.com, pick a plan (free or paid), and start building your site. They provide the hosting, security, and updates.
- Ease of use: Super beginner-friendly. You don’t need to know anything about servers or coding.
- Customization: Limited compared to WordPress.org. You can use their themes and plugins, but you can’t upload your own unless you’re on a higher-tier paid plan.
- Cost: Offers a free plan with basic features, but paid plans (starting around $4/month) give you more options like a custom domain or extra storage.
- Best for: Bloggers, hobbyists, or small businesses who want a simple, low-maintenance website.
What is WordPress.org?
WordPress.org is the self-hosted version of WordPress. It’s like buying a house—you have full control, but you’re responsible for maintaining it.
- How it works: You download the free WordPress software from WordPress.org, but you need to get your own web hosting and domain name. You install the software on your hosting server and manage everything yourself.
- Ease of use: Requires more technical knowledge (or willingness to learn) because you handle hosting, updates, and security.
- Customization: Almost unlimited. You can use any theme or plugin, tweak the code, and make your site exactly how you want it.
- Cost: The software is free, but you’ll need to pay for hosting (around $3-$10/month for basic plans) and a domain (about $10-$15/year). Costs can add up if you buy premium themes or plugins.
- Best for: Businesses, developers, or anyone who wants full control over their website’s design and features.
Key Differences
Here’s a quick comparison to make things clear:
Feature
WordPress.com
WordPress.org
Hosting
Included (managed by WordPress.com)
You need to find your own hosting
Ease of Use
Very easy, no setup required
Requires setup and some technical know-how
Customization
Limited (depends on plan)
Full control with themes, plugins, and code
Cost
Free or paid plans ($4-$45/month)
Free software, but hosting costs apply
Maintenance
Handled by WordPress.com
You manage updates and security
Domain
Free subdomain (e.g., yoursite.wordpress.com) or custom domain with paid plans
Custom domain required (e.g., yoursite.com)
Which Should You Choose?
- Choose WordPress.com if you want a quick, hassle-free way to start a website without worrying about technical stuff. It’s great for personal blogs, portfolios, or small sites.
- Choose WordPress.org if you want full control to customize your site and don’t mind learning a bit or hiring help. It’s ideal for businesses, e-commerce stores, or complex websites.
Final Thoughts
Both WordPress.com and WordPress.org are powerful tools, but they serve different needs. If you’re a beginner or want something simple, start with WordPress.com. If you’re ready to invest time and money for a unique, fully customized site, go with WordPress.org. Think about your goals, budget, and comfort with technology to pick the best option for your website.
Ready to get started? Visit WordPress.com to try the hosted version or WordPress.org to download the software and find a hosting provider!