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What’s the difference between WordPress.org and WordPress.com?

Thinking about creating a website, landing page, blog, or portal on WordPress? First, understand the difference between WordPress.org and WordPress.com.

ByRodrigo Neves
3 min read
What’s the difference between WordPress.org and WordPress.com?
Because WordPress is the internet’s most popular CMS (Content Management System), many users often don’t understand the difference between WordPress.org and WordPress.com. That’s why this article will clear up any confusion.

WordPress.com

WordPress.com is a free blog hosting service that uses the WordPress tool. Anyone can create a blog and start publishing content quickly and for free, but there are some limitations. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of using it.

Disadvantages of using WordPress.com

  • Limited selection of themes;
  • Restrictions on using JavaScript;
  • Restrictions on using CSS (some optimizations are available only in the Premium version);
  • Restricted FTP access;
  • File uploads are available only in the Premium version;
  • Footer call to action: “Host your blog with WordPress.com”;
  • The free version does not allow you to use your own domain, so all URLs end in yourblogname.wordpress.com (similar to the Blogspot service), which is bad for your brand and hurts SEO;
  • You cannot customize the WordPress source code;
  • Limited features make it harder to monetize your blog;

Advantages of using WordPress.com

 
  • No technical knowledge required;
  • Easy setup;
  • If you don’t choose Premium (paid) features, you can use the platform for free;
  • No hosting costs;
  • WordPress is always updated automatically. Learn why it’s important to update WordPress;
  • Backups are always automatic;

WordPress.org

WordPress.org is the WordPress community website, where you can download the tool’s entire source code and install it on your own server or hosting service. This version allows developers to modify and customize anything needed to ensure the website works properly and aligns with the company’s business strategies. Now, let’s look at the advantages and disadvantages of using WordPress.org:

Disadvantages of using WordPress.org

  • Although it’s simple to install and configure, technical knowledge is required;
  • You need a server (hosting);
  • Updates are the responsibility of the client or the company hired to develop the site;
  • Backups are the responsibility of the client or the company hired to develop the site;
  • All security is the responsibility of the client or the company hired to develop the site;

Advantages of using WordPress.org

  • An open-source platform that allows you to fully customize the website interface and CMS, changing or adding features and design elements;
  • Control over search engine optimization (SEO);
  • Full control over the website;
  • Lets you install themes, plugins, and translations;

Conclusion: the difference between WordPress.org and WordPress.com

As we’ve seen, the main difference between WordPress.org and WordPress.com is the access to endless possibilities offered by the open-source version, compared with the limitations of the “commercial” version. If you have little technical knowledge, want to create a blog, and don’t want to invest at the start, WordPress.com is your best bet. But if you want to create a blog, website, forum, e-commerce store, portal, landing page, or any of the many other things WordPress makes possible, WordPress.org is definitely the ideal choice.    

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