Did you know that WordPress.com and WordPress.org are two completely different platforms?
When I was a beginner I never knew the difference between WordPress.org and WordPress.com daily I surfed the internet trying to understand the difference and start my blogging journey. I wouldn’t want the same fate for you.
So – what’s the difference, and which one should you choose for your website?
I’ll answer both questions in this post!
When someone says “WordPress”, it can mean two different things, which is naturally pretty confusing.
Firstly, the could mean WordPress.com, which is a for-profit blog/website builder.
Secondly, the could mean WordPress.org, which is the home of the free open-source WordPress software that you can install on your own hosting.
WordPress.com vs WordPress.org Comparison
The best way to understand the difference between WordPress.com vs WordPress.org is to take a look at each platform individually.
WordPress.org
WordPress.org ↱ is the popular website platform that you have heard all the great things about.
It’s a non-profit entity that thousands of people from around the world contribute to.
Anyone – including you – can go to WordPress.org, download the WordPress software ↱, and install it BOOM! You good to go.
WordPress.com
WordPress.com ↱ is one specific implementation of the open-source WordPress software. It’s a for-profit service that makes it easier for people to create WordPress websites. However one downside about WordPress.com is restrictions.
Instead of needing to purchase your own hosting and install the WordPress software yourself, you just register for a WordPress.com account and you can start creating content right away.
Why Do They Use The Same Name? It’s Confusing
In 2003, Mike Little and Matt Mullenweg launched the first version of the open-source WordPress software. As you know, WordPress is free open-source software – anyone can install and use it. This was WordPress.org.
Then, in 2005, Matt Mullenweg launched a company called Automattic, which is the company behind WordPress.com.
So that’s why you have the confusion – the same person is part of both WordPress.com and WordPress.org
WordPress.org Benefits
With WordPress.org, you have full control of your website. You are free to do anything you want and customize it as much as you need. Just take a look at speedyminds.com I did all customization by just playing around with the design.
Here are some of the benefits of choosing WordPress.org to build your website.
- The WordPress software is free, open-source, and super easy to use.
- You own your website and all its data. Your site will NOT be turned off because someone decides that it is against their terms of service.
- You can add free, paid, and custom WordPress plugins / apps to your website.
- You can use customize your website design as needed. You can add any free or premium WordPress theme that you want.
- You can actually make money from your WordPress site by running your own ads without sharing revenue with anyone.
Infact the benefits of wordpress.org is limitless. Folks say everything that has advantage Also have disadvantage.
Disavantages of Using WordPress.org
- Like all websites, you will need hosting (This is where your website files are stored on the internet.) And a domain name (this is the name people will type to find you website e.g facebook.com, speedyminds.com). You will pay for both services. If you can’t afford to spend money monthly or yearly then don’t think of WordPress.org
- You are responsible for updates. You can easily update your WordPress site by simply clicking on the update button (one-click), so it’s not too much work anyway.
- You are responsible for backups.
- If you are looking for adavance configuration or carryout a specific function that requires coding, you are not getting it unless you have money for such premium services.
WordPress.com Benefits
- It’s free for up to 3GB of space. That is enough for a start don’t you think?
- You will not have to worry about updates or backups. WordPress.com will take care of that
Disadvantage of using WordPress.com
- They place ads on all free websites. Your users see those ads, and you don’t make money from it.
- You cannot upload plugins. Free plan users get built-in Jetpack features pre-activated.
- They can delete your site at any time if they think that it violates their terms of service.
- You cannot upload custom themes. Free plan users can only install from the limited free themes collection.
- Your site will display a powered by WordPress.com link. It can be removed by upgrading to the Business plan.
Should You Use WordPress.com or WordPress.org?
Well the choice is yours, Most people use WordPress.org, AKA self-hosted WordPress because the want control others use WordPress.com because they are creating a “just for fun” hobby blog and want a simple, free blogging platform.
But overall, I would recommend that most people choose self-hosted WordPress (WordPress.org).
To get started with self-hosted WordPress on my recommended host, you can follow my guide on how to install WordPress on domainking.
Still have any questions about WordPress.com vs WordPress.org? Ask in the comments section!
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Originally posted 2021-10-27 14:16:38.