What is  actually the difference between the two platforms?

In the world of website creation and content management, WordPress stands out as a great platform, with 61.6% of the market share in 2025, empowering millions of websites worldwide. However, a common point of confusion among users is the understanding between WordPress.org and WordPress.com. Both platforms share the same core purpose, but they offer distinct approaches and functionalities. In this article, we explain the difference to help you make an informed choice for your website.

At then end, the choice depends on your priorities and technical expertise. WordPress.org gives full creative control, customization options, and the ability to run a diverse range of websites. On the other hand, WordPress.com offers a hassle-free, managed experience, ideal for those seeking simplicity and a lower learning curve.

If you just want to start a blog or make a website the right way, then you can skip this article and head over to our guide How To Create Your WordPress Website (Step by Step)

Note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we receive compensation if you make a purchase using the links. Consider using these links to take advantage of discounted prices.

WordPress.org, is often referred to as “self-hosted WordPress,” it provides users with the a high level of control over their websites. It is an open-source software, which means, it’s free for anyone to use. All you need is a domain name and web hosting (such as SiteGround or AccuWebHosting).

Software Ownership and Hosting:

• • Provides you with the open-source WordPress software that you can freely download and install on your own web hosting server.
  • You have complete ownership of your website’s data, files, and content.
  • This option requires finding and managing your own hosting provider, which can offer greater flexibility in terms of customization and server resources (such as SiteGround or AccuWebHosting). Technically, you can run WP on your local machine, too, but that’s generally done for development and troubleshooting. Fully Managed WordPress Hosting Service continues to offer more free features and guarantees than any website hosting service!

Customization and Flexibility:

• • You have unrestricted access to themes and plugins, enabling you to create a unique website tailored to your exact specifications.
  • You can customize the core code, design, and functionality of your website to match your vision.

Monetization and E-commerce:

• • • Allows you to monetize your website without limitations. You can run ads, sell products, and implement various revenue-generating strategies.
    • Popular e-commerce plugins like WooCommerce can transform your site into a full online store.

Learning Curve and Technical Expertise:

• • • • Setting up and managing a WordPress.org site demands a moderate level of technical proficiency.
      • Users need to handle WordPress installation, updates, security measures, backups, and other technical aspects on their own or through their chosen hosting provider. Luckily most popular WordPress hosting companies (such as SiteGround or AccuWebHosting) offer 1-click WordPress installation options.

WordPress.com, Managed Convenience, offers a more managed approach to website creation, ideal for those seeking simplicity and ease of use.

Hosted Platform:

• • WordPress.com is a hosting platform where you can create and manage a website without the need to find external hosting.
  • They offer various plans, including free and paid options, each with different levels of customization, including some built-in features.

Simplicity and User-Friendly:

• • • WordPress.com provides a user-friendly interface suitable for beginners and those who want to get started quickly.

The platform takes care of updates, backups, and security, reducing the technical burden on the user.

Limited Customization and Plugins:

• • • • While you can choose from a range of pre-designed themes, customization options are limited compared to WordPress.org.
      • pPlaces ads on all free websites. Your users see those ads, and you don’t make money from it. If you don’t want users to see ads, then you need to upgrade to a paid plan.
      • Access to third-party plugins is restricted, limiting the extensibility of your site. You cannot upload plugins. Free plan users get built-in features pre-activated. Business plan users can install from a selection of compatible plugins (have to pay for it). WordPress.com VIP program lets you install plugins, and it starts (have to pay for it).
      • You cannot upload custom themes. Free plan users can only install from the limited free themes collection. Premium and business plan users can select premium themes. There are limited customization options for the free version.

Monetization Restrictions:

• • • • • The ability to monetize your site through ads or e-commerce depends on the plan you choose. Free plans may have restrictions on monetization.

This hosting platform is quite limited when you’re on the free, personal, or even premium plan. To unlock some of the more advanced features, you have to be on higher paid plan.

Share this post