Comparing WordPress.org and WordPress.com

WordPress Version Comparison: .ORG vs .COM

If you want to set up an exciting blog or create an appealing website, everyone is going to suggest you have a look at the different versions of WordPress. You may have only been familiar with the name “WordPress” itself as the powerful site development and customization tool. But where did the other versions come from? What are the main differences between WordPress.com vs WordPress.org? How to decide which version to choose for your site or blog? These are the common questions that you need answers for clearing the cloud of confusion in your head. Similar to the selection of a web development company or eCommerce platform, we not only measure the pros and cons of each but also consider the needs of the company. In this article we are going to see the differences between the two versions of WordPress in detail so that you can make the right decision for your needs.

Understanding the difference between WordPress.Org and WordPress.com

Choosing between WordPress.org and WordPress.com demands the same weighing of pros and cons even if they are both "WordPress". You need to make an informed choice to address your project requirements. If it’s a simple blog, WordPress.com will be the best option for you. On the other hand, if you are a tech-savvy person or have a team of developers who can look after the maintenance and setup of your website, then WordPress.org will be the ideal choice.

What is WordPress.com?

WordPress.com is a hosting provider that gives you the flexibility to either set up a simple blog site or an advanced website for your business. With its free themes and plugins, a beginner can get the most out of it. But what sets WordPress.com apart from WordPress.org? The major benefit of WordPress.com is that it offers multiple choices of basic hosting plans. The flexibility of hosting plans further caters to the needs of your business. You can have a look at the WordPress pricing for details.

Pros of using WordPress.com

It’s easy to set up and customize
You get 1GB storage on the free plan
It sets you free from the worries of updates, backups, and hosting
With its 100% free plan, you can set up a complete blog or website fulfilling your basic needs

Cons of using WordPress.com

You have to use paid upgrades for better customization and advanced feature utilization
You can’t upload third party plugins on the free plan
You cannot upload any theme you fancy on the free plan
Only a limited number of free WordPress themes are available
You cannot monetize the website with your free plan. You have to upgrade it to the premium version
Free plan users have no access to databases
Free plan users have no access to HTML/CSS customization
Only Premium, Business and Commerce plan users can connect Google Analytics for advanced stats
Free WordPress.com users will always have a website name that is the subdomain of WordPress.com. For example, https://yourwebsite.wordpress.com. To get a fully customized domain name, you will have to get a paid plan
Your free plan website can be deleted by WordPress at any time if it deems to be violating any of their policies
Your website/blog will always display the link of “powered by WordPress.com” which can only be removed by getting the Business or Commerce plan, which in many cases is not the need of the user
You are not offered any eCommerce features on the free WordPress.com plan
To integrate payment gateways, you will have to get the Business or Commerce plan

What is WordPress.org?

Comparing WordPress.com and WordPress.org

Well, the truth be told is that it is WordPress.org that is also known as “the real WordPress”. It’s an open-source website platform that’s 100% free for anyone who wants to use it. Unlike WordPress.com, it is downloadable software that you can set up and host on your desired web server. You need a valid domain name and a good web hosting service to get started with WordPress.org.

Pros of WordPress.org

Absolutely free to download
You don’t need to create an account as in the case of WordPress.com
No limitations on plugin installation
You can use any theme you want
You can monetize your site with your desired ads
You get full control over the code for website customization
You can configure Google Analytics on your site to get better analytics of your website traffic
WordPress.org is licensed under GPL
You have complete control over your website and its data and decide your website policies. Unlike WordPress.com, no one can take your site down.

Cons of WordPress.org

If you are not a tech-savvy person, you need a developer for installation, customization, and hosting of your website.
With external hosting, your hosting cost increases when the website traffic grows.
You have to take the responsibility of updating the site yourself
You need to be responsible for keeping the backup of your site. You can install any WordPress backup plugin to automate the process.

Learn What Clarity Can Do for You

We're happy to talk with you and answer any questions. Click the button below and fill out our short form or use our live chat feature (button on the bottom right corner) to talk to an expert right away!

Request A Demo

Clarity WordPress Experts

WordPress.com and WordPress.org both are some of the most well-known and used platforms on the online world of business. Each have their pros and cons, but both offer solutions for a multitude of potential customers. Whether you are a small business looking to stand-up a website for the first time, or a larger corporation looking to enhance your existing platform, Clarity's team of WordPress experts are here to lend you a helping hand.

Related resources

wordpress cmsGetting Started with Your First WordPress Site wordpress cmsWordPress Comparison to Other CMSs

Your Platform Drives the Growth of Your Business. Why go at it Alone?

We can help!