How to Choose Between WordPress.org and WordPress.com for Your Blog

You probably didn’t even know that there’s a difference between wordpress.org and wordpress.com. You know what? I didn’t either for a long time.

Ok, so what the heck is the big difference? I know you’re thinking one is just .org and one is just .com, that’s it right? Nope!

While WordPress is free to everyone, wordpress.com offers a hosting plan and a more limited version of WordPress. WordPress.org is free too, but you need to find your own host and you have unlimited capabilities like adding plugins, themes, accessing the core files.

So now that you understand the difference, which version is right for YOU?

Take a look at main features of both and then decide which is the perfect fit.

I’ve also made a really helpful flowchart you can download right now to help you decide.

WordPress.com

Free
The basic WordPress.com package is free however you can only access this from the WordPress.com site.

Hosted
The basic WordPress.com package has free hosting but it is limited to 3GB of space.

Branded URL
The basic WordPress.com package uses a branded domain that ends with .wordpress.com

Less Control
Similar to renting a home, you don’t have complete control over your own website or it’s data.

Limited Monetization
You are restricted from selling ads on your website unless you have over 25K pageviews/mo. and receive approval

No Plugins
You cannot upload any plugins with a free WordPress.com site.

Maintenance Free
You don’t have to worry about any site maintenance like security and backups.

Limited Theme Support
No themes can be uploaded. You can only choose from the provided WordPress.com themes.

WordPress.org

Monthly Fee
WordPress.org sites can be setup with any host but you’ll need to pay for a domain and hosting.

Self-Hosted
You’ll need to provide a host for your site. Monthly hosting plans start at $3.49 per month.

Custom URL
You’ll need your own domain which you can purchase from any domain registrar for about $10 a year.

Full Control
You completely own your data and can move your site to a different host without any issues.

Full Monetization
You can make money from any banner ads or affiliate links you place on your WordPress.org website.

All Plugins
You can choose from over 45,000 plugins to add features and functionality to your WordPress.org site.

Maintenance Required
You’ll need to be responsible to managing backups, updates, security and fixes on your website.

All Themes Supported
You can choose from thousands of free and premium themes or hire a designer to create a custom theme.

PIN THIS FOR LATER

What do you think of this article? Do you have any questions for me? Ask me in the comments box below!