Which is the best option for my website between wordpress.org and wordpress.com? This is one of the most common question wordpress users ask. So if you are newbie to WordPress or you have already started using wordpress, this will give you a clear understanding and knowledge about wordpress.org and wordpress.com

It is very ideal we discuss this issue 'wordpress.org vs wordpress.com' beacause often times users gets confused on which platform to choose or maybe end up making a wrong move in selecting the bad choice for your website.

Now the best way to select a choice among these two (wordpress.com and wordpress.org) is by comparison. We will discuss about the differences, benefits, Benefits & disadvantages and also their cost

Text image of wordpress.com vs Wordpress.org

WordPress.org

Some refer it as a self hosted software, it is an open source software and 100% free to download and install on your web host. Open source means anyone can contribute, can use, can copy the codes. In early times it was use majorly in publishing blogs. But overtime, due to the large number of its community and contributors, WordPress is now being use to create professional website (from e-commerce, membership, business websites)

WordPress.com

Wordpress.com is a WordPress hosting platform. It allows user to host thier WordPress blog site only and for free and of course with lots of limitations. You may have to upgrade to their pro plan inorder to unlock other features.

Similarities Between Wordpress.org and Wordpress.com

The only similarities between wordpress.org and wordpress.com is the wordpress attached to both of them which is the registered trademark owned by WordPress foundation. Most employees at wordpress.com are regular contributors to the open source wordpress software.

Advantages of Using Wordpress.org

  • It is 100% free to use by anyone, open source, and also very easy to use
  • It allows to install and uninstall any kind plugins of your choice (either free, premium or paid plugin)
  • It allows you to fully customize your site by installing free, paid and custom theme.
  • You own your website, by taking full control over it and decide whatever you use it for. 
  • Monetization is really easy. You can make money from your website by running your ads or selling ads space on your website

Disadvantages of using wordpress.org

  • You in charge of whatever issues that goes wrong to your website. 
  • It requires you having a hosting server to host your new WordPress website
  • You have to purchase your own domain name
  • Backing up your website data is something you have to do regularly


Wordpress.com Advantages

  • It requires no hosting solution as wordpress.com itself is hosting solution.
  • You have no worries for maintenance and backing up your data as wordpress will do that for you.
  • It's free up to a storage 1Gb


WordPress.com Disadvantages

Let's take a look at the Cons of wordpress.com with it's limitations:

  • It's free up to 1gb storage, for higher storage you have to go for paid plan
  • With the free plan you have an attached extension attached to your domain name (e.g yourdomain.wordpress.com). For custom domain you have to upgrade.
  • You are not allowed to monetize you wordpress blogs. (i.e you can't run ads)
  • Limited themes are available for installation with the free version. You are not allowed to use premium or custom theme.
  • Customization are limited. And WordPress.com link is always attached at the bottom of your site. You will need to upgrade to remove this link.

Cost of using WordPress

As we have discussed earlier in this post using wordpress.org cost you no money, only that you have to purchase your domain and hosting by yourself, all within the range $36-$100 for a start depending on your plan.

Using the free version of wordpress.com will cost you no dime in setting up your website only that it is limited, and you have no access to most of it's awesome features. However to upgrade to a better version will cost you some dollars. Check here to view pricing.

Best option.

Most WordPress developers consider wordpress.org to be the best option which is what I strongly recommend to feel the sense of ownership. But if you are less tech-savvy person, the more help you'll need then you can opt for Wordpress.com.

For Further questions, please leave your questions in the comment section. Thanks.