What’s the Difference Between WordPress.org and WordPress.com?
If you’re considering building a website with WordPress, you may have come across two versions: WordPress.org and WordPress.com. While they share the same core software, they are very different in how they’re hosted and managed.
Here’s a breakdown to help you decide which is right for your business.
WordPress.org (Self-Hosted)
- Complete Control: You install the software on your own hosting account and manage everything — from themes and plugins to security and backups.
- Customisation: Choose from thousands of free and premium themes and plugins. You can also edit the site’s code.
- Monetisation: You have full freedom to run ads, sell online, and integrate marketing tools.
- Costs: Free software, but you’ll need to pay for hosting and a domain name.
Best for: Businesses and website owners who want full ownership, flexibility, and room to scale.
WordPress.com (Hosted Service)
- Simplified Setup: Hosting, security, and maintenance are handled for you.
- Limited Flexibility (on free plan): Customisation and plugin access are restricted unless you upgrade to a paid plan.
- Less Control: You don’t manage the server, and certain features like SEO tools or ecommerce may require premium plans.
- Free Option Available: Basic websites can be launched at no cost, using a WordPress-branded domain (e.g. yoursite.wordpress.com).
- Best for: Bloggers, hobbyists, or users looking for a low-maintenance solution without technical setup.
Which One Should You Choose?
If your goal is to build a professional, scalable business website — WordPress.org is almost always the better option. It offers more control, flexibility, and integration with tools like Rank Math, WooCommerce, and advanced SEO settings.
A7Designs builds custom WordPress.org websites that combine performance, ease of use, and future-proof scalability. Let’s help you choose the best path for your needs.
Contact us to discuss the right WordPress platform for your website.