If you’re venturing into the world of website creation and management, chances are you’ve come across the terms wordpress com vs wordpress org.
While they may sound similar, they refer to two distinct platforms that serve different purposes. In this article, we will explore the differences between WordPress.com and WordPress.org, helping you make an informed decision about which platform is best suited for your needs.
Most of the newbies to blogging have heard of WordPress. They have heard that WordPress is the most popular blogging platform – being used by more than 23.3% of the top 10 million websites as of January 2015 and a total of more than 60 million websites are run at WordPress.
But WordPress has two versions, WordPress.com and WordPress.org. And what newbies are mostly confused about is the difference between WordPress.com and WordPress.org.
In this article, I’ll explain wordpress com vs wordpress org and also in brief we’ll figure out what can be the best for you as a blogger or as a business website owner.
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wordpress com vs wordpress org
When it comes to website creation and management, two platforms often come into play: WordPress.com and WordPress.org. Although they may sound similar, they offer different functionalities and cater to distinct user needs. In this informative and friendly article, we will delve into the details of WordPress.com and WordPress.org, helping you understand the key differences between the two and choose the one that suits you best.
WordPress.com — Hosted
WordPress.com is like a house that you’ve taken on rent. A rented house does not require any construction because it’s already built. All you have to do is pay rent and live there.
WordPress.com provides users with services like Web hosting, domain registration, themes, and plugins all in one place. WordPress.com users don’t need to worry about updating their WordPress version, themes, plugins, etc. WordPress.com does everything for you.
WordPress.org — Self-Hosted
Unlike WordPress.com, WordPress.org is like an empty space that you have bought and now you can build a house yourself in that empty place.
For using WordPress.org, you need to download the latest version of WordPress from the official website. Buy web hosting from any web hosting provider, a domain name from anywhere you want, host the WordPress on the hosting you bought, and finally map the domain name with your web hosting.
In the self-hosted version of WordPress, you need to take care of everything yourself. You need to update to the latest WordPress version, update all the installed themes, update plugins, etc.
WordPress.com vs WordPress.org — Free & Premium Services
As of now you know WordPress.com does everything for you but, at a price. Although they also provide a free plan with limited resources and features their paid plans include extended features.
WordPress.org is open-source and free. You don’t need to pay a single penny for downloading the WordPress archive.
Domain With wordpress com vs wordpress org
WordPress.com free plan gives a free domain name with a subdomain. An example of a free domain would be “myblog.wordpress.com”. To have your own custom domain name, the user will have to upgrade to a Premium or Business plan.
The domain can be purchased from WordPress.com itself but in case you don’t find desired domain extensions, then you can register your domain anywhere else and map it with your WordPress.com site or blog.
On the other hand with WordPress.org, you only use a custom domain name purchased from any domain name provider, like Hostgator, GoDaddy, etc.
Hosting Space
WordPress.com’s free plan provides 3GB of space for uploading content. 3GB of space may be enough for a starter. But if the user needs more space then he can upgrade to Premium or Business Plan. The premium plan currently costs $99 per year which provides 13GB of space and the Business Plan currently costs $299 which grants unlimited space to upload content.
WordPress.org is hosted on the space that you purchase from any web hosting company and depending on the company and its plans, hosting space differs. For example, TheITstuff.com is hosted on GoDaddy so the space that TheITstuff has is provided by GoDaddy.
FTP Access
WordPress.com does not provide access to the internal files through FTP. So users can only upload content like videos, images, and documents using Media Upload (a feature provided by WordPress.com).
Whereas If you’re using the self-hosted version Wordpress.org then you’ve access to internal files & folders. For, example you can add code to the website, edit themes, upload your own themes and plugins, etc.
Website Themes
With WordPress.com, there is a collection of free and premium themes. But, with the Free & Premium plan, you won’t be able to use premium themes. Only a Business Plan subscriber will be able to use 50+ Premium themes.
One very important thing, even as a Premium & Business plan subscriber you won’t be able to upload your own themes. If you purchased themes from third-party services then you can’t use those themes on your WordPress.com website or blog.
WordPress.org, the self-hosted version has the ability to get you access to use free as well as premium themes. Besides WordPress themes, there are tons of free & premium themes available in the market.
You can have themes from third-party developers specific to your website or blog. Because with WordPress.org you have FTP access, user can upload their own themes purchased or downloaded from other web developers’ websites.
Plugins
Plugins are to extend features. Each plugin you install adds a new feature to your website. If you’re using WordPress.com then you have access to the most popular plugins — Google Integration, Akismet (for blocking spam comments), Site stats, Galleries and carousal slideshows, and more. Unfortunately, WordPress.com does not let you upload any third-party plugins.
You can only use those plugins that WordPress.com provides and one more very important thing, NO plugins for a free plan. To use any WordPress-provided plugin you must subscribe to the paid plan.
With WordPress.org, you have access to tons of free plugins. You can easily install any plugin that you like from the plugin store. There are multiple plugins for a feature and you can choose one depending on the rating and number of downloads.
If you’re using WordPress.org you will never be dissatisfied in terms of extending features through plugins. In case you have a plugin that is not available in the market or some developers provide it at a price then you can simply purchase that plugin and upload it using an FTP client. It will be installed on your website.
This was all about the comparison of the main features between WordPress.com and WordPress.org. If I missed something that I should have mentioned then please inform me in the comments below. Now that we better understand wordpress com vs wordpress org, let’s decide which one can be best for you.
What Is Best For You? WordPress com vs WordPress org
The first question that comes to mind after understanding wordpress com vs wordpress or is what is best or better for you. First of all, don’t think it’s too hard to decide. There are a couple of things that you should keep in mind before making a decision. First, do you want the service to manage everything for you, secondly do you want to manage everything yourself?
Managing everything means updating WordPress, Installing themes and plugins, modifying code, and a lot more. If you want that the service should do everything itself and you don’t want to mess up with hosting and domain plans from other services then the best for you to go with is WordPress.com.
This is not a very complex process to host your own WordPress. If you want to host WordPress by purchasing web hosting and domain from third-party services, manage everything yourself, or want tons of features and plugins, and thousands of themes as alternatives then WordPress.org is the best choice for you.
You have the full freedom to what you want to add to your website and what you want to remove from your website or blog when you choose WordPress.org.
My Recommendation
I always recommend hosting WordPress on your own web hosting space. It’s really fun and you get tons of free plugins to extend features. It just takes some time to get familiar with and understand how things work and then you find it best whether you’re a blogger or a business website owner.
Did We Miss Something Important?
In conclusion, I mention all wordpress com vs wordpress org. These were some detailed important points that you need to know to clear understanding of both the WordPress versions. If you think that we missed something important to mention then please share it with us in the comments below. We will be happy to include your points, if necessary.
Q1. Should I use WordPress.com or WordPress.org?
Choosing between WordPress.com and WordPress.org depends on your specific needs and preferences. Here are a few factors to consider when making your decision:
1. Simplicity vs. Flexibility: If you prefer a straightforward and hassle-free website setup without worrying about technical aspects such as hosting and maintenance, WordPress.com is a good choice. It provides an all-in-one solution with limited customization options. On the other hand, if you want complete control over your website’s design, functionality, and scalability, WordPress.org offers the flexibility and customization capabilities you need.
2. Budget: WordPress.com offers a range of plans, including a free option. However, to unlock additional features and remove the WordPress.com branding, you’ll need to upgrade to a paid plan. With WordPress.org, you have more control over your budget since you only need to pay for domain registration and web hosting.
3. Customization: If you have a specific design
requirements or want access to a wide range of themes and plugins, WordPress.org is the better choice. It provides a vast library of free and premium themes and plugins, allowing you to customize your website to your heart’s content. WordPress.com has limited customization options, and you may need to upgrade to a paid plan to access more advanced customization features.
4. Monetization: If your website’s primary goal is to generate revenue through ads, sponsored content, or e-commerce, WordPress.org is the recommended option. It provides more flexibility and fewer restrictions compared to WordPress.com, allowing you to implement various monetization strategies without limitations.
5. Technical Knowledge: WordPress.com is designed to be user-friendly and requires minimal technical knowledge. It handles hosting, security, and updates for you. In contrast, WordPress.org requires you to set up your own hosting and manage maintenance tasks, which may require a higher level of technical proficiency or a willingness to learn.
Ultimately, the choice between WordPress.com and WordPress.org depends on your goals, budget, customization needs, and technical comfort level. Consider these factors carefully to make the decision that aligns best with your website’s requirements and your own preferences.
Q2. Are WordPress.com and WordPress.org the same company?
Yes, WordPress.com and WordPress.org are both associated with the same parent company, Automattic. However, they represent different services and offerings within the WordPress ecosystem.
WordPress.com is a hosting service provided by Automattic. It offers an all-in-one platform where you can create and host your website without the need for separate hosting arrangements. WordPress.com takes care of hosting, security, and updates, allowing you to focus on creating content.
On the other hand, WordPress.org is the official website for the open-source WordPress software. It is where you can download the WordPress software and access extensive documentation, resources, and the vibrant WordPress community. With WordPress.org, you have the freedom to self-host your website and have full control over its customization, themes, and plugins.
While WordPress.com and WordPress.org have a shared association, they cater to different needs and offer distinct features and functionalities. It’s important to understand the differences between the two to make an informed decision about which platform is best suited for your website goals and requirements.
Q3. WordPress.com Vs. WordPress.org: Which is better?
The better option between WordPress.com and WordPress.org depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize simplicity, convenience, and a hassle-free setup, WordPress.com may be a better choice. However, if you value flexibility, customization options, and complete control over your website, WordPress.org is the preferred option.
Q4. WordPress.com Vs. WordPress.org: Which is more secure and why?
Both WordPress.com and WordPress.org can be secure platforms, but the level of security may vary based on several factors.
WordPress.com handles security measures for you as a hosted platform, providing automatic updates, regular backups, and built-in security features. This can help protect your website from common vulnerabilities and potential hacking attempts. Additionally, WordPress.com ensures the overall security of its servers and infrastructure.
WordPress.org, being a self-hosted platform, places the responsibility of security on the website owner. While this gives you more control, it also means you need to actively manage security measures, such as choosing a reliable hosting provider, implementing security plugins, keeping the software updated, and following best security practices.
In terms of inherent security features and updates, WordPress.com may have an edge as the platform takes care of these aspects for you. However, with proper precautions and security measures in place, such as using secure hosting, keeping plugins and themes updated, and implementing strong passwords, both WordPress.com and WordPress.org can provide a secure environment for your website.
Q5. Are WordPress com and WordPress org the same?
No, WordPress.com and WordPress.org are not the same. WordPress.com is a hosting platform where you can create and host a website without the need for separate hosting arrangements. It takes care of hosting, security, and updates for you.
On the other hand, WordPress.org is the official website for the open-source WordPress software. It allows you to download the software and self-host your website, giving you full control over customization, themes, and plugins.
While they share the same parent company, Automattic, WordPress.com and WordPress.org offer different services and cater to different needs within the WordPress ecosystem.
When I started my blogging journey then my first question was, Why I should choose WordPress.org and not other CMS softwares.
I searched a lot about it on Google at that time and I found that everybody is recommending to use WordPress.org and I started doing the same.
Now today I know that why people should choose WordPress.org . Because WordPress is an independent and easy to use content management system.
The best thing about it is, We can bring any feature in our website with just using a single plugin. That’s really good. 😀
I am using WordPress.org since last 3 years and I loved it. 😀