Difference Between WordPress.com and WordPress.org

WordPress is one of the most popular platforms for creating websites in the world. However, many beginners confuse the two main options: WordPress.com and WordPress.org. These two platforms, although based on the same technology, have fundamental differences that affect the user’s choice. WordPress.org is an open-source content management system (CMS) that you download and install on your own hosting, while WordPress.com is a hosting service where everything is managed by Automattic. According to 2025 data, millions of sites use both versions, but their market share differs due to different approaches to site management.

In this article, we will detail the difference between WordPress.com and WordPress.org. We will cover the history of development, technical features, advantages and disadvantages, cost, level of control, customization, plugins, themes, SEO, security, community support, and much more. The article will be structured to help you understand when to choose one platform or the other. The volume of material will allow a deep dive into the topic, with examples, comparisons, and recommendations. If you plan to create a blog, online store, or corporate site, understanding these differences is key to success.

WordPress as a project started in 2003, and since then it has split into two branches. WordPress.org focuses on freedom and flexibility, while WordPress.com – on convenience and simplicity. Estimates show that over 43% of all sites on the Internet use WordPress in one form or another, but the distribution between .com and .org is uneven. Let’s break it down in more detail.

History of Development of WordPress.com and WordPress.org

The history of WordPress begins in 2003 when Matt Mullenweg and Mike Little created a fork from b2/cafelog. Initially, it was a blogging tool, but it quickly evolved. WordPress.org is the official project site with open-source software under the GPLv2 license. It was launched with the release of the first version and became the center for the developer community. Over the years, WordPress.org has added features like the Gutenberg editor (2018), full block support, API for integrations, and enterprise-level tools.

WordPress.com, on the other hand, was launched in 2005 by Automattic, founded by Matt Mullenweg. It is a commercial platform that uses the same WordPress code but adds a layer of hosting and management. Initially, it was a simple service for blogs, but by 2025, it has developed into a full ecosystem with premium plans, Jetpack integration, and business tools. Automattic has invested in development, adding AI features like automatic content generation and integrations with social networks.

Difference in history: WordPress.org is a community project where updates depend on volunteers and contributions, while WordPress.com is a commercial product with quick updates from Automattic. By 2025, WordPress.org has reached version 6.6, focusing on performance and security, and WordPress.com has integrated blockchain for NFTs and extended analytics.

The WordPress.org community numbers millions, with events like WordCamp, while WordPress.com has its own support and forums. This evolution shows how open source became the basis for commercial services.

How WordPress.org Works

WordPress.org is a self-hosted solution. You download a ZIP file from the site, install it on hosting (e.g., Bluehost, SiteGround), set up a MySQL database, and launch. Main components:

• Core: Free PHP software.
• Themes and Plugins: Full freedom – over 60,000 plugins in the repository.
• Customization: Access to code, FTP, SSH.

To launch a site:

1. Choose hosting (from $3/month).
2. Install WordPress.
3. Set up domain.
4. Add content.

You control everything: server, files, data. Ideal for developers.

How WordPress.com Works

WordPress.com is a hosted platform. You register, choose a plan (free or premium), and create a site without installation. Automattic manages hosting, updates, security. The interface is similar, but with limitations on the free plan (e.g., subdomain .wordpress.com, ads).

Plans in 2025:

• Free: Basic, with 1 GB storage.
• Personal: $4/month, custom domain.
• Premium: $8/month, monetization.
• Business: $25/month, plugins.
• Enterprise: For large companies.

All cloud-based, with automatic backups.

Main Differences

Hosting and Installation

WordPress.org: Self-hosted – you choose the provider, manage the server. Requires technical knowledge.

WordPress.com: Hosted – all on Automattic servers. Easy start, no maintenance.

Cost

.org: Free software, but hosting ($3-100/month), domain ($10/year), premium themes/plugins.

.com: Free plan, but premium from $4/month. Includes hosting.

Control and Customization

.org: Full access to code, any changes.

.com: Limited – no plugins on free, only on Business+.

Plugins and Themes

.org: All available, including custom.

.com: Limited, only approved by Automattic.

SEO and Monetization

.org: Full optimization, any tools.

.com: Basic, monetization only on premium.

Security and Performance

.org: You are responsible, but with plugins like Wordfence.

.com: Automattic manages, automatic updates.

Support

.org: Community, forums.

.com: Paid support on premium.

Detailed comparisons in the table:

Advantages and Disadvantages of WordPress.org

Advantages:

• Flexibility: Customization without limits.
• Ownership: Data is yours.
• Scalability: For large sites.

Disadvantages:

• Technical complexity.
• Maintenance costs.
• Security risk.

Advantages and Disadvantages of WordPress.com

Advantages:

• Simplicity: Quick launch.
• Security: Automatic.
• Integrations: Jetpack built-in.

Disadvantages:

• Limitations: No plugins on low plans.
• Cost: Expensive premium.
• Less freedom.

When to Choose Which Platform

For hobbies – .com. For business – .org.

Examples: Blogs on .com, ecommerce on .org with WooCommerce.

Future Trends

By 2030, .org integrates AI deeper, .com – cloud services.

Conclusion

The difference between WordPress.com and WordPress.org is in the balance between convenience and control. Choose based on needs.