WordPress.org VS WordPress.com

WordPress is a popular content management system (CMS) that powers millions of websites around the world. However, it’s important to understand that there are two different versions of WordPress: WordPress.org and WordPress.com. While they share a name and a common goal of helping you create and manage websites, they differ significantly in terms of hosting, customisation, control, and more.

WordPress.org: Self-Hosted WordPress

WordPress.org, often referred to as self-hosted WordPress, is an open-source software that you can download and install on your own web server. Here are some key characteristics of WordPress.org:

1. Complete Control: With WordPress.org, you have full control over your website. You can customise your site’s appearance, install plugins to extend functionality, and access the underlying code for advanced customisation.

2. Hosting Flexibility: You are responsible for choosing your own web hosting provider and setting up your server. This gives you the freedom to select the hosting plan that best suits your needs and budget.

3. Customisation: WordPress.org allows you to use custom themes and plugins, including those developed by third-party providers. This means you can create a unique website tailored to your specific requirements.

4. Monetisation Options: You have the flexibility to monetize your website by running ads, selling products, or accepting donations without any restrictions.

5. No Limit on Website Traffic: Self-hosted WordPress sites can handle a virtually unlimited amount of traffic, provided your hosting resources can support it.

6. Complete Ownership: You own your website and its data, ensuring that you have full control and can make decisions about its future without limitations.

WordPress.com: Hosted WordPress

WordPress.com, on the other hand, is a hosting platform that offers a simplified way to create and manage websites. Here’s how WordPress.com differs from WordPress.org:

1. Hosting Provided: WordPress.com provides hosting for your website, so you don’t need to worry about selecting a hosting provider or managing server-related tasks.

2. Limited Customisation: While WordPress.com offers a range of themes and some customisation options, your ability to modify the website’s code is restricted compared to self-hosted WordPress. Advanced customisation and plugins are available through premium plans.

3. Subdomain: Free WordPress.com sites come with a subdomain (e.g. yoursite.wordpress.com), and you need to upgrade to a paid plan to use a custom domain (e.g. yoursite.com).

4. Monetisation Restrictions: Free WordPress.com sites cannot run external ads. Some monetization features are available with premium plans, but they come with revenue-sharing arrangements.

5. Visitor Limitations: Free WordPress.com sites may have limitations on the number of visitors they can handle. Premium plans offer higher traffic allowances.

6. Ownership: While you have control over your content, the WordPress.com platform retains some control over the site itself. You are subject to their terms of service and policies.

In summary, the choice between WordPress.org and WordPress.com depends on your specific needs and preferences.

We would always advise our clients to go with WordPress.org as you do get complete control and there are no limitations in contrast to WordPress.com.

If you would like to find out more about our WordPress services please get in touch.