We all know that WordPress is a very good tool that helps us to make our desired website quickly without using any programming knowledge. But do you know the differences between WordPress.org and WordPress.com?
If not then this article is for you but before diving into detail we must clearly understand that both of these help us to make websites quickly but in different ways.
WordPress.org: It is a non-profit website that provides software by which you can install WordPress on your device and can make as many no. of websites even without having any coding skills.
WordPress.com: It is a profit-making website that provides you with many services by which you can make websites in minutes without having any coding skills. It will charge you according to the services that you want.
| WordPress.org | WordPress.com |
|---|---|
| It is a non-profit, open-source software managed by WordPress foundation | It is a profit-making website owned by AUTOMATIC which is the owner of Tumbler, Woocommerce, etc..profit-making |
| In wordpress.org there is software that helps you to make websites. Here you have to choose and buy hosting of your choice. | In WordPress.com there is no need to care about hosting services because they provide all those facilities in starting. |
| In wordpress.org there is no free domain and you have to buy which domain you want | In wordpress.com if you buy their paid package then there is a free .com domain for you. |
| In wordpress.org you can install any third-party plugin that you want. | In wordpress.com you can’t install a third-party plugin in each package. You have to buy a business plan or plan above that to get the power of installing a third-party plugin. |
| In wordpress.org you can use any plugin, any theme. You can upload whatever you want. So here you will be responsible for the security. So it is less secure because loopholes can be created. | WordPress.com is known for more security because that is a close environment. There are limited plugins, limited themes and you can’t do any tweaks in that. So overall you can’t contribute more from your side that’s why it is safer. |
| In wordpress.org there is no limitation. You can monetize in whatever way you want. You can add any affiliate links. You can add as many ads on a page. | WordPress.com has many limitations. Here you have to give some part of your Google AdSense Revenue to them. You can’t add all the affiliate links that you want. If you buy a business plan and plan above that then you can get most control but there also you have to follow their terms and conditions |
| In wordpress.org there is no support but there is a forum where you can search your questions. Here your hosting support, theme support, and other types of support will completely depend upon your providers. | WordPress.com provides you with support via email and live chat. For every kind of issue and question, you can ask them. |
| WordPress.org has no limitation over themes. You can add any theme like Astra and Generate Press from the internet and can modify them according to you. | On wordpress.com you get limited themes even in the paid plans. Here you will not get much choice and you have to choose from the given option. |
| WordPress.org has a complex setup process. First, you have to take a domain name and hosting plan and then you have to connect those. After that, you have to install WordPress on that and then you have to do all the customization. | In WordPress.com the setup process is very easy. You have to just register on wordpress.com and then after you can easily set up everything. |
| In wordpress.org backup completely depends upon the hosting provider. If they will provide backup then you will get back up otherwise not. | In wordpress.com you will get automatic backups and one-click rewind. |
| In wordpress.org there are no such terms of service which you need to follow. You can design your website and do whatever you want to do. | On wordpress.com there are terms of service and you have to follow them. If you fail to follow them then your website will be removed. |
| In wordpress.org there is no such pricing because that is open source and free to use. But you have to pay for the domain, hosting, plugins, and other things. | On wordpress.com you have to pay for the services. In the US those price is too costly but in India, it is not that costly and you have to pay from ₹160 to ₹1152 according to the service that you will use. |
Who should choose WordPress.org?
Those who satisfy the following should choose wordpress.org-
- If your intention is to earn money from a WordPress website
- If your intention is to scale that website.
- If you are serious about blogging
Who should choose wordpress.com?
Those who satisfy the following should choose wordpress.com-
- If blogging is your hobby
- If you want to test anything quickly
- If you have to make only an informational blog
