Quick answer: WordPress.org is the free WordPress software you install on your own hosting — you get full control, any theme or plugin and complete freedom to monetise, but you handle hosting and maintenance. WordPress.com is a hosted service that runs WordPress for you — it’s easier, with paid plans from about $4/month (billed yearly), but some features depend on your plan. Choose WordPress.org for a serious business or blog you want to fully control; choose WordPress.com if you want simplicity and no server work.
The difference in one sentence
WordPress.org is like buying a house (you own it and can change anything, but you maintain it); WordPress.com is like renting a flat (the landlord handles maintenance, but there are rules about what you can change).
Side-by-side comparison
| WordPress.org (self-hosted) | WordPress.com (hosted) | |
|---|---|---|
| Software cost | Free | Free plan or paid plans |
| Hosting | You choose and pay a host | Included |
| Domain | Buy separately (some hosts include one) | Free first year on annual paid plans |
| Themes and plugins | Any | Depends on plan |
| Monetisation and ads | Full freedom | Depends on plan and terms |
| Maintenance and security | Your job (or your host’s) | Handled for you |
| Code and server access | Full | Developer tools on higher plans |
| Best for | Businesses, serious bloggers, custom sites | Beginners, personal sites, hands-off owners |
WordPress.com plans and prices
| Plan | Monthly billing | Billed yearly | Storage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | $0 | 1 GB |
| Personal | $9/mo | $4/mo | 6 GB |
| Premium | $18/mo | $8/mo | 13 GB |
| Business | $40/mo | $25/mo | 50 GB |
| Commerce | $70/mo | $45/mo | 50 GB |
Prices as reported for 2026 (USD, before tax). Check the official WordPress.com pricing page for current plans and features.
Recent reports say WordPress.com now lets paid plans install plugins, which used to be a Business-plan feature. Developer tools such as SFTP, SSH, WP-CLI and staging have stayed on the higher plans. Always confirm the feature you need is included before buying.
What does WordPress.org really cost?
The software is free, but you’ll pay for:
- Domain: roughly $10–20 a year.
- Hosting: from a few dollars a month for shared hosting to $20–35+ for managed hosting (watch renewal prices).
- Premium theme or plugins (optional): many great options are free.
See our breakdown of how much a WordPress website costs.
Pros and cons
WordPress.org
- ✅ Full control over design, code and data
- ✅ Any theme or plugin, including custom ones
- ✅ Run any ads or business model
- ❌ You handle updates, backups and security (or pay a host to)
- ❌ A little more to learn at the start
WordPress.com
- ✅ Very easy to start, no server setup
- ✅ Security, updates and backups handled
- ✅ Support included on paid plans
- ❌ Features depend on your plan
- ❌ Less control over the server and some customisations
Which should you choose?
| You want to… | Choose |
|---|---|
| Start a hobby blog for free | WordPress.com (Free or Personal) |
| Build a business website you fully control | WordPress.org |
| Earn money with ads like AdSense | WordPress.org (or a WordPress.com plan that allows it) |
| Run a store with lots of custom plugins | WordPress.org with good hosting, or WordPress.com Commerce |
| Never think about servers | WordPress.com or managed hosting |
How to tell which one you’re using
- If your dashboard address is on
wordpress.comand you log in through WordPress.com, you’re on the hosted service. - If you log in at
yoursite.com/wp-adminand pay a separate host, you’re self-hosted (WordPress.org software).
Can you move from WordPress.com to WordPress.org?
Yes. Export your content from WordPress.com (Tools → Export), set up hosting and install WordPress, then import it. Your domain can be pointed to the new host. See how to move a WordPress site.
Common myths about WordPress.com and WordPress.org
“WordPress.org is harder to use.” The dashboard is almost the same on both. The extra work with WordPress.org is choosing hosting and installing WordPress — and most hosts now do that with one click.
“WordPress.com is always cheaper.” At the start, yes. But once you need plugins, more storage or developer tools, a higher WordPress.com plan can cost about the same as good self-hosted hosting.
“Self-hosted sites aren’t secure.” Security depends on updates, passwords, backups and your host. A well-maintained self-hosted site can be very secure — see our WordPress security guide.
A simple decision checklist
- Do you need a specific plugin, theme or custom code? → WordPress.org.
- Do you want zero server or maintenance work? → WordPress.com (or managed hosting).
- Is this a long-term business asset you want to fully own? → WordPress.org.
- Are you just testing an idea or writing a personal blog? → WordPress.com is a fine start.
Frequently asked questions
Is WordPress.org free?
Yes, the software is free. You pay for hosting and a domain.
Is WordPress.com the same company as WordPress.org?
No. WordPress.org is the home of the open-source project; WordPress.com is a commercial service run by Automattic.
Which is better for SEO?
Both can rank well. Self-hosted WordPress gives you more control over SEO plugins and technical settings.
Which is better for AdSense?
Self-hosted WordPress gives you full freedom to place ads. On WordPress.com, check your plan’s terms.
Final thoughts
Want full ownership and flexibility? Go with WordPress.org and good hosting. Want simplicity? WordPress.com is a solid choice. Either way, start with our beginner’s guide to using WordPress.
Real-world examples: which one would you pick?
A retired teacher starting a hobby blog about gardening. WordPress.com’s free or low-cost plan is a reasonable start. There’s nothing to install, security is handled, and the focus stays on writing. If the blog grows and she wants ads, affiliate links or special plugins, she can move to self-hosted WordPress later.
A plumber who wants local customers from Google. Self-hosted WordPress.org usually makes more sense. He can choose fast hosting, install an SEO plugin, add a booking form and own every part of the site. The cost is similar to a mid-tier WordPress.com plan, with far more control.
An online shop. Self-hosted WordPress with WooCommerce gives the most flexibility and no platform-imposed limits. WordPress.com also supports stores on its higher plans, which suits owners who prefer hands-off hosting.
Who handles security on each?
This is one of the biggest practical differences. On WordPress.com, Automattic manages the servers, software and security patches for you. On self-hosted WordPress, your host manages the server and you manage WordPress, plugins and themes. That split matters during big security events: when the October 2026 PHP2Shell vulnerabilities were disclosed, WordPress.com users had nothing to do, while self-hosted site owners needed to confirm their host had patched PHP. Choosing a good host that patches quickly gives self-hosted sites the same peace of mind.
Can you move between them later?
Yes. WordPress.com lets you export your content as a standard WordPress file, which you can import into a self-hosted site. Many people start on WordPress.com and move to self-hosted WordPress once they need more control. The reverse is possible too. Your posts, pages and media move across; you’ll usually need to set up themes and plugins again. Our migration guide explains the process.
If you’re still unsure, start with the option that matches how much time you want to spend on maintenance. You can always switch later.
WordPressPrime.com is an independent guide and is not affiliated with the WordPress Foundation, WordPress.org or Automattic. Always back up your website before making changes, and check official sources for the latest details.
