If you are new to WordPress, the two websites with almost the same name are confusing. Both use the same WordPress software, but they work very differently, and the choice affects what you can do with your blog, how you can earn from it, and how much control you have.
Short answer: WordPress.org is the free software you install on your own hosting, giving you full control. WordPress.com is a hosted service run by Automattic that handles the technical side for you, with a free plan and paid plans. If you want to build a serious blog or business, self-hosted WordPress.org is usually the better long-term choice.
What Is WordPress.org?
WordPress.org is the home of the free, open-source WordPress software, which powers more than 40% of all websites. You download it (or your host installs it in one click), run it on your own web hosting, and connect your own domain. This is often called “self-hosted WordPress.”
WordPress.org Pros
- Full control: install any theme or plugin, edit any file, and customize everything.
- Monetize freely: use any ad network (AdSense, Mediavine, Raptive), affiliate links, sponsorships, and your own products.
- You own your data and can move to another host whenever you like.
- Huge ecosystem: 60,000+ free plugins and thousands of themes.
- Any analytics and SEO tools you want.
WordPress.org Cons
- You pay for hosting (often $3 to $15 a month for beginner plans) and a domain (around $10 to $20 a year, often free for the first year with hosting).
- You are responsible for updates, backups, and security, though good hosts and plugins automate most of it.
- A slightly bigger learning curve at the start.
What Is WordPress.com?
WordPress.com is a hosted platform run by Automattic, the company co-founded by WordPress co-creator Matt Mullenweg. You sign up, pick a plan, and start writing. Hosting, updates, security, and backups are handled for you.
WordPress.com Plans
| Plan | Price (billed yearly) | Storage | Plugins |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | 1 GB | No |
| Personal | $4/month | 6 GB | Yes |
| Premium | $8/month | 13 GB | Yes |
| Business | $25/month | 50 GB | Yes |
| Commerce | $45/month | 50 GB | Yes |
Prices as listed on WordPress.com in October 2026; check the pricing page for current offers.
WordPress.com Pros
- No setup or maintenance: hosting, updates, backups, and security are included.
- A free plan to start, and paid plans that now include plugins and premium themes.
- Fast, reliable hosting with good support on paid plans.
WordPress.com Cons
- The free plan uses a subdomain (yourblog.wordpress.com), shows WordPress.com ads to your visitors, and does not allow plugins.
- You must follow WordPress.com’s terms of service, and sites can be suspended if they break them. My very first blog was deleted this way.
- Some advanced features and higher storage need the more expensive plans, so costs can exceed basic self-hosting.
- Less freedom to move hosts, change server settings, or use some monetization methods.
WordPress.org vs WordPress.com: Side-by-Side
| Feature | WordPress.org (self-hosted) | WordPress.com |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Software free; pay for hosting and domain | Free plan, paid plans from $4/month |
| Custom domain | Yes | Paid plans |
| Plugins | Any plugin | Personal plan and up |
| Themes | Any theme | Premium themes on paid plans |
| Ads and monetization | Any method | More limited; WordPress.com ads on free plan |
| Maintenance | You (or your host) | Handled for you |
| Control and ownership | Full | Subject to platform terms |
Which One Should You Use?
- Choose WordPress.com if you want a personal or hobby blog, do not want to deal with any technical work, and are happy to pay for convenience.
- Choose WordPress.org if you want to make money from your blog, grow a business, or need full control over design, SEO, and monetization.
For most people reading this blog, I recommend self-hosted WordPress.org. It is your site, your brand, and your business, and you deserve full control of it.
How to Start a Self-Hosted WordPress.org Blog
- Choose a domain name. See how to choose a good domain name.
- Get WordPress hosting. For beginners I recommend Bluehost, which includes a free domain for the first year and installs WordPress for you. Compare options in how to choose WordPress hosting.
- Install WordPress and set it up. Follow our Bluehost WordPress setup guide.
For the complete process, read how to start a blog step by step.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is WordPress.org free?
The software is free, but you need hosting and a domain, usually around $50 to $100 for the first year.
Can I move from WordPress.com to WordPress.org later?
Yes. WordPress.com lets you export your content, which you can import into a self-hosted site. Many hosts will help with the move.
Is WordPress.com the same company as WordPress.org?
No. WordPress.org is the open-source project. WordPress.com is a commercial service run by Automattic.
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