Table of Contents
If you want to build your website and have heard about WordPress, you might have come across two similar names: WordPress.com and WordPress.orgb but they are not the same thing! Let’s figure out what the differences are, in simple terms.
What is WordPress.org?
WordPress.org is a site where you can download WordPress to install on your own hosting. It’s like getting a construction kit with which you can build a house the way you want.
The main features of WordPress.org:
- Complete control: You decide how your website will look and work.
- You can make money: You can place ads, sell products and services, and make paid subscriptions.
- Not free: You need to buy a domain (like mycoolwebsite.com you can do it here) and hosting (my personal favotite is Siteground) – the place where your site will “live.”
- You control everything: Updates, virus protection, data storage – it’s all on you.
- Lots of features: You can install additional programs (plugins), different integrations to add features like a feedback form or an online store or something more complex.
Benefits of WordPress.org:
- Complete freedom to create a website.
- Ability to use any plugins and themes.
- No restrictions on monetization.
Disadvantages of WordPress.org:
- Need to understand customization.
- Need to deal with security and updates on your own.
- Requires initial costs for hosting and domain.
What is WordPress.com?
WordPress.com is a platform that does everything for you. You don’t have to download or install anything. It’s like renting an apartment instead of building a house.
The main features of WordPress.com are:
- It’s easy to get started: Sign up, choose a design, and your site is ready.
- Limited features: You can’t add your own programs or design themes on the free version.
- Free and paid options: On the free plan, your site will have an address like mycoolwebsite.wordpress.com, and ads from WordPress. Paid plans remove the ads and give you more features.
- Less worries: Updates and protection are already included, you don’t have to worry about it.
- Less freedom: You’re limited to what WordPress.com allows, especially on free plans.
Benefits of WordPress.com:
- Very easy start with no technical knowledge.
- Free version for testing ideas.
- Security and support already included.
Disadvantages of WordPress.com:
- Restrictions on plugins and themes.
- The website address in the free version looks unprofessional.
- You need paid plans to make money.
Main differences
| What is important | WordPress.org | WordPress.com |
|---|---|---|
| Control over the site | Full control | Limited control |
| Monetization options | Yes, any way you like | Only on paid plans |
| Cost | Pay for domain and hosting | Free or subscription-based |
| Design and features | Install anything you want | Limited by the plan |
| Responsibility for the site | Everything depends on you | WordPress.com takes care of it |
Who is it good for?
WordPress.org is right for you if:
- You want full control over the site.
- You plan to make money through the site.
- You are not intimidated by working with technical customizations.
- You are willing to spend time managing the site.
WordPress.com is right for you if:
- You want to create a website quickly and easily.
- You don’t plan to make money from the site.
- You don’t want to deal with the technical details.
- You need a website for a hobby, blog, or small project.
Conclusion
WordPress.com and WordPress.org are two different approaches to building a website. If you want more freedom and features – choose WordPress.org. If you want a simple solution without the hassle – WordPress.com is a great fit. If you want more control over your website, you can contact us to build it or switch to WordPress.org.
