What is the Difference Between WordPress.org and WordPress.com? Which one should you choose?

Do you know that WordPress.com and WordPress.org are two completely different platforms? Well, if the answer is no, follow our article to find out the critical differences between the two platforms.

Most probably, you had heard about both WordPress platforms when you had an idea to start blogging. Usually, many people confuse them, and as a result, they choose the wrong blogging platform for their needs.

This article will highlight the key differences between WordPress.com vs WordPress.org.

WordPress.com vs WordPress.org: Key differences

Before diving into the topic, let's clarify the fundamental differences between the two platforms. These two platforms are differentiated from each other in four areas: domain names, website hosting, website maintenance, security, and backup.

WordPress.org, also known as self-hosted WordPress, is open-source WordPress software that anyone can use however they want. It's 100% free to use. You need only purchase a domain name and web hosting plan.

WordPress.com is a hosting service that provides strict levels of security and customization. You don't need to download software, pay for hosting plans, or manage a web server. WordPress.com will do everything instead of you.

WordPress.com is not entirely free; you have to create an account and choose paid plans for premium features.

WordPress.org vs WordPress.com Comparison Chart

Below, the table demonstrates the key features of both platforms.

WordPress.com vs WordPress.org comparison: Pros and Cons

This article will further explain how the two platforms are different and which benefits they offer for users. In order to understand key differences, you have to take a look at each platform individually.

WordPress.org

WordPress.org is open-source software and completely free. However, bear in mind, it does not mean everything is free; you still have to purchase a domain name and hosting plan.

Of course, this will come with a price tag, but any penny spent on the WordPress.org website project might be worth considering, especially if you are looking for freedom and full customization abilities.

Here are some pros of WordPress.org:

• Free software, open-source, easy to use.
• Website and all data belong to you. Your website will not be disabled because someone decided that it is against their terms of service (if you don't have illegal activities on your website).
• You can install free themes, plugins and also upload custom WordPress themes/plugins/apps to your website anytime.
• You have design flexibility with complete control. You can add any free/paid WordPress themes and customize them based on your needs. In addition, with page-builder plugins, you can create completely custom designs.
• You can make revenue on your website without sharing it with someone else. WordPress.org allows you to easily put ads on your website from different platforms (i.e., Google AdSense).
• You can install and use Google Analytics on your website to track your website's activities.
• If you plan to work on an eCommerce website, then WordPress.org should be your best option. You can create an online store to sell your products/services, accept credit card payments, and ship them through your website.
• Using WordPress.org, you can create any type of website such as membership websites, course platforms, coupon sites, and more using WordPress.org.

Here are some cons of WordPress.org:

• WordPress.org does not offer hosting service and storage. You have to purchase it through different hosting companies depending on your needs. Initially, it may cost around $3-$10 per month, but as your website gets more traffic, you have to consider upgrading your hosting plan, which will lead increase in the price tag.
• You have to install WordPress software when you purchase a hosting service. Luckily many WordPress hosting companies offer one-click WordPress installation. However, if you don't have this option, you must install WordPress manually.
• You are responsible for your website. It means you have to make sure that your website's WordPress version is up to date and has the required security options. Also, backups should be done on time, and themes/plugins should be updated as soon as possible to avoid vulnerabilities on your website.

The actual cost of the WordPress.org website varies based on your project. Some additional factors can affect your workflow and budget. For instance, premium themes, plugins, and other developer services require more funding. On a low budget, it can cost around 40-50$ per year if you do everything yourself.

WordPress.com

WordPress.com is a hosting service created by Automattic. WordPress.org is also owned by Automattic; therefore, many people confuse these two platforms. WordPress.com is a commercial entity that provides WordPress software as a service that is ready to use.

Instead of installing it manually on your website, you sign up at WordPress.com and start to create your blog website. As a result, you don't need to download and install anything; it comes with everything you need for your website.

WordPress.com has five essential plans:

1. Free
2. Personal (48$ per year)
3. Premium (96$ per year)
4. Business (300$ per year)
5. Ecommerce (540$ per year)

Each plan has its own functions and features. The most expensive plan is the Ecommerce plan which includes everything that WordPress.com can offer.

Here are some pros of WordPress.com:

• You don't need specific knowledge to create a website. Everything is ready to use.
• You don't need to purchase a hosting plan to store your website's files. WordPress.com offers a self-hosting service.
• It's free for up to 3 GB of storage; however, you need to switch to a paid plan for more storage space.
• You don't need to handle updates or backups. WordPress.com will take care of that.

Here are some cons of WordPress.com:

• WordPress.com has several limitations. You are not free to choose or customize.
• In the free plan, WordPress.com places ads everywhere on your website. The bad side is you don't get any revenue from these advertisements. If you don't want your users to see their ads, you must purchase a personal plan. (48$ per year)
• You are not allowed to sell ads on your website, which severely limits the options to monetize your website. You cannot place Google AdSense ads on your website, but if you want to monetize your website (if you have huge traffic), you need to apply for their advertising program (WordAds). The bad side of this program is you share your revenue with WordPress.com.
• You can't upload custom plugins unless it is not available on the WordPress.com plugin market. Free plan users get built-in Jetpack features pre-activated, but if you upgrade your plan, you gain several benefits regarding plugin installation.
• You cannot upload custom themes as well. Free plan users have a limited selection, but if you want more advanced themes, you have to upgrade your plan again.
• Website's statistics are restricted with WordPress.com's analytics tools. You cannot add Google Analytics and track your website.
• The free plan does not allow you to change WordPress branding. To use your own brand, you again need to upgrade your plan.
• Your website is not always safe. The administration can delete your website anytime if someone decides your activities are against their terms of service. You are not free, and your website is continuously being monitored by their team.

Obviously, WordPress.com has a lot of limitations. You cannot alter page structure; you don't have access to PHP files to customize your website based on your preferences. It also means you can't add custom CSS or JavaScript links to your website.

With WordPress.com, you are constrained to the themes they allow. Their TOS are not fully optimized for all users. They have royalty-free access to your website data, which can lead to turning down your website.

Conclusion

As you can see, both platforms have pros and cons. It is difficult to say which one is the best for your needs and expectations. However, your decision may depend on your budget and the type of website you are trying to launch.

If you consider creating a personal blog as a hobby or an un-monetized website, then WordPress.com is worth checking.

However, if you want to open a professional/business website, you need to use the Wordpress.org platform. Bear in mind, WordPress.org has more customization options rather than WordPress.com.

If you don't want to pay for a hosting service, manage your own website and server, you can go for WordPress.com. It's free and straightforward to set up. WordPress.com also provides a domain name for you by default (ending with wordpress.com); however, it does not allow you to install themes and plugins. While it is free to set up, they also offer several premium upgrades.

Using WordPress.org opens up more control and flexibility for your website, but it also increases your responsibility. You are responsible for updating your website's WordPress version, themes, plugins, and other settings.

Using a self-hosted version of a WordPress website means you can use your own custom domain name, install any type of plugin or theme, as well as edit the code behind your website.