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When you’re just getting started with WordPress, one of the first (and most confusing) decisions you’ll face is whether to use WordPress.com or WordPress.org.
At a glance, both seem to offer a way to create a website using WordPress. But there’s a fundamental difference between the two — and choosing the right one from the beginning can save you time, money, and frustration.
This guide breaks it all down so you can make a confident, informed decision.
What Is WordPress?
Before we dive into the differences, let’s quickly clarify what WordPress actually is:
- WordPress.org is the home of the open-source WordPress software — free for anyone to download and use.
- WordPress.com is a hosted platform that offers WordPress software as a service with varying features depending on the plan you choose.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Feature | WordPress.com (Free Plan) | WordPress.org (Self-Hosted) |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free (with limitations) | Cost of hosting + domain |
| Custom Domain | No (you get a subdomain like yoursite.wordpress.com) | Yes (you can use your own domain) |
| Themes | Limited selection, no uploads | Full access + upload custom themes |
| Plugins | Not allowed on free plan | Full plugin access |
| Monetization | Limited, ads shown by WordPress | Full control (ads, memberships, etc.) |
| Storage Space | 1 GB | Depends on hosting (usually 10 GB+) |
| Maintenance | Handled by WordPress.com | You manage updates and backups |
| SEO Control | Very limited | Full SEO customization |
| Branding | WordPress.com ads & branding | No third-party branding |
| eCommerce | Paid plans only | Fully customizable with plugins like WooCommerce |
WordPress.com: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Completely free on the base plan
- No need to worry about maintenance, security, or backups
- Great for hobbyists and people testing out blogging
Cons
- Limited customization and functionality
- No access to themes/plugins without upgrading
- You don’t fully control your website
- WordPress can display ads on your site (and you can’t remove them unless you pay)
WordPress.org (Self-Hosted): Pros and Cons
Pros
- Full control over your website
- Access to thousands of themes and plugins
- Monetize however you like (ads, memberships, courses, stores)
- Better SEO flexibility and performance
Cons
- Requires a bit of a learning curve
- You are responsible for updates, backups, and security
- Needs initial investment for hosting and a domain
Cost Breakdown: WordPress.org
To give you a clearer picture, here’s an idea of what you might pay for a self-hosted WordPress.org site:
- Domain Name: ~\$12/year
- Shared Hosting: ~\$3–\$10/month
- Optional Premium Themes/Plugins: Varies
Tip: Many hosting providers offer a free domain with annual plans, and installing WordPress is usually a one-click process.
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose WordPress.com if:
- You want a completely free, no-fuss option.
- You’re a hobby blogger or student.
- You don’t need custom functionality or monetization.
Choose WordPress.org if:
- You want to build a professional blog or business website.
- You plan to monetize your site in the future.
- You need full control over your site’s appearance and features.
WP Passion’s Take
At WP Passion, we always recommend WordPress.org if you’re serious about building a long-term website, blog, or business. While WordPress.com is a convenient starting point, it quickly becomes restrictive — and migrating later can be a hassle.
With self-hosted WordPress.org, you truly own your content, control the experience, and unlock the full power of what WordPress was made for.
Ready to Start?
Check out our Start Now section to:
- Learn how to choose your first web hosting provider
- Register your domain name
- Install WordPress in minutes
- Start building your dream site
Your journey into WordPress starts with one smart decision — now you know which one to make.
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Stay passionate. Stay WordPress.
