You’ve likely heard of WordPress. WordPress is one of the most popular content management systems (CMS) on the internet, with over 40% of all websites using it. But when it comes to choosing between WordPress.com and WordPress.org, things can get a bit confusing.
In this article, we’ll break down the differences between the two and help you decide which one is right for you.
Key Takeaways
- WordPress.com is a hosted version of WordPress that provides a simplified experience, while WordPress.org is a self-hosted version that gives you more control over your website.
- WordPress.com is free to use, but you’ll need to pay for additional features and customization options. WordPress.org requires web hosting and domain registration, which can cost anywhere from a few dollars to hundreds of dollars per year.
- When choosing between WordPress.com and WordPress.org, consider your needs for customization, monetization, and support.
WordPress.com vs WordPress.org: An Overview
If you’re new to blogging or website building, you may have heard about WordPress.com and WordPress.org. Both are great platforms, but they have some differences. In this section, we’ll give you a brief overview of both platforms so you can decide which one is right for you.
What is WordPress.com

WordPress.com is a hosted platform that allows you to create a website or blog quickly and easily. It’s perfect for beginners who want to get started right away. Here are some key features of WordPress.com:
- It’s free to use, but there are paid plans available if you need more features.
- You don’t need to worry about hosting or maintaining your website. WordPress.com takes care of everything for you.
- You can choose from a variety of templates and themes to customize your website.
- It has a built-in community of bloggers and website owners, so you can connect with others in your niche.
However, there are some limitations to WordPress.com. For example, you can’t install your own plugins or themes, and you have limited control over your website’s design and functionality.
WordPress.org

WordPress.org, on the other hand, is a self-hosted platform that gives you complete control over your website. Here are some key features of WordPress.org:
- You need to purchase web hosting and a domain name to use WordPress.org.
- You can install your own plugins and themes, giving you complete control over your website’s design and functionality.
- You have access to the entire WordPress community, which means you can find support and resources easily.
However, using WordPress.org requires more technical knowledge and maintenance. You’ll need to keep your website updated and secure, and you’ll be responsible for any technical issues that arise.
Comparison
Here’s a quick comparison of WordPress.com vs WordPress.org:
Feature | WordPress.com | WordPress.org |
---|---|---|
Hosting | Hosted | Self-hosted |
Cost | Free, with paid plans available | Hosting and domain name required |
Customization | Limited | Complete control |
Plugins | Limited | Unlimited |
Maintenance | Handled by WordPress.com | Handled by you |
Price Comparison
When it comes to pricing, there are some key differences between WordPress.com and WordPress.org.
WordPress.com offers a free plan, which is a great option if you’re just starting out and don’t want to invest any money. However, this plan comes with some limitations, such as the inability to use custom themes and plugins, and the inclusion of WordPress.com ads on your site. If you want to remove these limitations, you’ll need to upgrade to a paid plan, which starts at $4 per month for the Personal plan.

On the other hand, WordPress.org is completely free to use. However, you’ll need to pay for hosting and a domain name, which can cost anywhere from a few dollars to hundreds of dollars per year, depending on your needs. While this may seem like a disadvantage, it also means that you have complete control over your site and can customize it however you like.
Limitations of WordPress.com
While WordPress.com is a great platform for beginners, it does come with some limitations. Here are a few things you should keep in mind:
1. Limited Storage Space
WordPress.com offers limited storage space. The amount of space you get depends on the plan you choose. For example, the free plan only offers 3 GB of storage, while the Premium plan offers 13 GB. If you plan on uploading a lot of images or videos to your site, you may quickly run out of space.
2. Adsense Requires Business Plan
If you want to monetize your blog with Adsense, you’ll need to upgrade to the Business plan. The free and lower-tier plans do not allow you to place ads on your site, which can be a major drawback if you’re looking to make money from your blog.
3. Plugin Installation Requires Business Plan
WordPress.com has some restrictions on what you can and can’t do with your site. For example, you can’t install custom themes or plugins on the free plan, and you can’t run your own ads unless you upgrade to the Business plan. Additionally, you can’t modify the PHP code of your site, which can limit your ability to customize certain aspects of your site.
Limitations of WordPress.com
While WordPress.org is a great platform for bloggers, it does come with a few limitations that you should be aware of before making a decision. Here are some of the main limitations of WordPress.org:
1. Requires a Paid Hosting Plan
Unlike WordPress.com, you will need to purchase a hosting plan for your WordPress.org site. This means that you will need to find a hosting provider, purchase a plan, and manage your server. While this gives you more control over your site, it also means that you will need to spend more time and effort setting up and maintaining your site.
2. You Need to Do the Maintenance Hard Work
With WordPress.org, you will need to take care of all the maintenance tasks yourself. This includes updating WordPress, your themes, and your plugins. Failure to keep everything up to date can leave your site vulnerable to security threats and other issues.
3. You Need to Setup a Backup for your Websites
While you can use plugins to backup your WordPress.org site, you will need to set up the backups yourself. This means that you will need to choose a backup plugin, configure the settings, and make sure that the backups are running regularly. If something goes wrong with your site, you will need to restore it from the backups yourself.
Security, Backup and Maintenance
When it comes to maintaining your website, security should be a top priority. WordPress.com takes care of security and maintenance for you, so you don’t have to worry about it. They have a team of experts that monitor and protect your site 24/7. They also automatically update your site to the latest version of WordPress and plugins, which helps keep your site secure.
On the other hand, with WordPress.org, you are responsible for your site’s security and maintenance. You will need to install security plugins and perform regular updates to ensure your site is secure. While this may seem daunting, there are many resources available to help you with this, including the WordPress.org community and various online tutorials.
When it comes to backups, both WordPress.com and WordPress.org offer backup options. With WordPress.com, backups are performed automatically on a daily basis. With WordPress.org, you will need to set up a backup system yourself. This can be done through a plugin or by manually backing up your site’s files and database.
It’s important to note that WordPress.com is owned by Automattic, the same company that created WordPress. This means that they have a vested interest in keeping WordPress.com secure and up-to-date. With WordPress.org, you are relying on third-party developers to keep their plugins and themes secure and compatible with the latest version of WordPress. While most developers are diligent about updating their products, there is always a risk of using outdated or insecure plugins and themes.
Monetization Opportunities
When it comes to monetizing your blog, both WordPress.com and WordPress.org offer different opportunities. Let’s take a closer look at what each platform has to offer:
WordPress.com
WordPress.com offers limited monetization options, particularly on the free plan. While you can display ads on your site through WordAds, you need to meet certain criteria to be eligible. Additionally, you can’t use other ad networks like AdSense or sell products directly on your site.
However, if you upgrade to the Premium or Business plan, you can use WordAds and also sell products through the WooCommerce plugin. This can be a great option if you’re looking to monetize your blog and sell products at the same time.
WordPress.org
Since WordPress.org is self-hosted, you have more control over how you monetize your site. You can use any ad network you like, including AdSense, and sell products directly on your site using WooCommerce or other e-commerce plugins.
However, keep in mind that you’ll need to find your own hosting and take care of updates and security. This can be a bit more time-consuming and expensive than using WordPress.com.
Community and Support
One of the great things about WordPress is the strong community of users and developers who are always willing to help each other out. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced blogger, there are plenty of resources available to help you get the most out of your WordPress site.
The WordPress community is made up of millions of users from all over the world. This means that there are always people available to answer your questions, share their experiences, and offer advice. Whether you’re looking for help with a technical issue, or just want to connect with other bloggers, the WordPress community is a great place to start.
In addition to the community, there are also plenty of resources available to help you learn more about WordPress. The official WordPress documentation is a great place to start, with detailed guides and tutorials on everything from getting started with WordPress to customizing your site. There are also plenty of third-party resources available, including blogs, YouTube channels, and online courses.
If you ever run into any issues with your WordPress site, you can always reach out to the support team at Automattic, the company behind WordPress. They offer a range of support options, including live chat, email support, and a comprehensive knowledge base. Whether you need help with a technical issue, or just have a question about your site, the Automattic support team is always ready to help.
Conclusion
In the end, the choice between WordPress.com and WordPress.org really depends on your specific needs as a blogger. If you’re just starting out and want a simple, user-friendly platform with basic features, WordPress.com might be the way to go. However, if you’re looking for more flexibility, control, and customization options, WordPress.org is the better choice.
Blogger and Blogspot are also viable options, but they don’t offer the same level of features and functionality as WordPress. Tumblr is a great choice for microblogging and social networking, but it’s not ideal for serious blogging.
Overall, it’s important to consider your goals, budget, and technical expertise when choosing a blogging platform. Take the time to research your options and choose the one that best meets your needs. And remember, you can always switch platforms if you find that your current one isn’t working for you.