When you hear the name WordPress, you might not realise there are two different versions: WordPress.com and WordPress.org. While they share a name and both offer powerful website-building capabilities, they serve different purposes. Understanding these differences can help you choose the best platform for your needs.
What’s the Difference Between WordPress.com and WordPress.org?
WordPress.com
WordPress.com is a hosted service, meaning everything is managed for you, including hosting, security, and updates. It’s a great option if you’re looking for an easy-to-use, low-maintenance website builder.
Pros of WordPress.com
- Easy setup: No need to worry about hosting or technical management.
- Free option: Basic plans are free (with WordPress ads), making it ideal for personal blogs or small hobby sites.
- Automatic updates: Security and software updates are handled for you.
Cons of WordPress.com
- Limited customisation: Your design and functionality options are more restricted compared to WordPress.org.
- No plugin support on free plans: To add plugins, you’ll need to upgrade to a paid WordPress.com plan.
- Ads on free sites: Your site will display ads unless you pay to remove them.
WordPress.com is ideal for you if…
- you want a low-maintenance website or blog,
- you are starting a hobby website or blog,
- you don’t require advanced features or customisation.
WordPress.org
WordPress.org is self-hosted, meaning you download the software for free and install it on your own web hosting provider. This version offers complete control and customisation but requires more hands-on management.
Pros of WordPress.org
- Full control: You can customise every aspect of your site, from themes to plugins.
- Unlimited features: Install any plugin or theme, giving you access to extensive functionality for e-commerce, SEO, security, and more.
- Monetisation freedom: You own your site fully, so you can run ads, integrate payment gateways, and sell products without restrictions.
Cons of WordPress.org
- Requires hosting: You’ll need to purchase your own hosting and domain name.
- More technical management: You’re responsible for security, backups, and updates, which can be more complex for beginners.
- Higher costs: While the software is free, you’ll need to budget for hosting, domain registration, and premium themes or plugins.
WordPress.org is ideal for you if…
- you want full control of your website,
- you are a business, professional and developer,
- you need advanced functionality like custom plugins or e-commerce setups,
- you are comfortable managing your hosting, or are engaging someone to manage your hosting.
Which One Should You Choose?
- WordPress.com is ideal if you want a straightforward, low-maintenance website or blog. If you’re not comfortable with technical management and don’t need advanced features, this is a great choice. However, customisation and flexibility are limited unless you’re willing to pay for premium plans.
- WordPress.org is better if you want full control over your website, plan to scale it, or need advanced functionality like custom plugins or complex e-commerce setups. It’s perfect for businesses, professionals, and developers who require flexibility and are comfortable managing their own hosting.
Conclusion
If you want a hassle-free experience with less maintenance, WordPress.com is an excellent option for small sites and personal blogs. On the other hand, if you need the freedom to customise and monetise without limitations, WordPress.org is the way to go.
- Starting a hobby website? Get WordPress.com* here.
- Looking for all the bells and whistles of WordPress.org? Book a free discovery call with me to discuss how a fully managed WordPress website can help you scale.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you decide to make a purchase through them, I might earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). It’s a little way to support what I do-thanks for that!
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