Nayan Dhumal
WordPress.org is the free WordPress software you install on your own hosting. WordPress.com is a hosted service, run by Automattic, that runs WordPress for you. The software is closely related, but who hosts the site, who maintains it and what you can install are different. This guide explains the differences in plain English and how to choose.
The names cause a lot of confusion for new bloggers. Both say “WordPress”, both let you publish posts, and both use the same editor.
The real question is simple: do you want to manage your own hosting, or do you want someone else to handle it?
Key takeaways
- WordPress.org gives you the free software. You pay a host and manage the site yourself.
- WordPress.com includes managed hosting and handles updates, backups and SSL for you.
- WordPress.com has a free plan and several paid plans.
- On WordPress.com, installing plugins needs a paid plan, and custom themes need an eligible plan.
- On self-hosted WordPress.org, you can install any plugin or theme, which also means more responsibility.
- WordPress.com says you can move a site to or from it, and you own your content either way.
The short version
| Question | WordPress.org (self-hosted) | WordPress.com (hosted) |
|---|---|---|
| Who hosts the site? | A hosting company you choose | WordPress.com |
| Software cost | Free | Included in plans |
| Hosting cost | You pay your host | Free plan or paid plans |
| Plugins | Any plugin | On paid plans; some plugins are blocked |
| Themes | Any theme | Custom themes on eligible plans |
| Updates, backups, SSL | You or your host handle them | Handled automatically |
| Control | Full control | Depends on plan |
The details above are based on WordPress.com’s own comparison page, last updated in October 2026. Plans and features change, so check the current page before you decide.
What WordPress.org is
WordPress.org is where you download the free, open-source WordPress software. To use it, you need:
- A domain name.
- A hosting account to run the software.
- Time to install, update and look after the site.
Most hosts offer one-click WordPress installs, so setup is not difficult. My guide on how to install WordPress walks through it.
Pros of self-hosted WordPress
- Install any plugin or theme.
- Full control over your files, database and settings.
- Choose your own host and move whenever you like.
Cons of self-hosted WordPress
- You are responsible for updates, backups and security, or you rely on your host for them.
- You pay for hosting and a domain.
- A bad plugin or a missed update can cause problems.
What WordPress.com is
WordPress.com is a service that hosts WordPress sites for you. You sign up, choose a plan and start publishing. WordPress.com lists Free, Personal, Premium, Business, Commerce and Enterprise plans.
Pros of WordPress.com
- No hosting setup.
- Updates, backups and SSL are handled for you.
- A free plan to start with.
Cons of WordPress.com
- Plugin installation needs a paid plan.
- Custom themes need an eligible plan.
- Some plugins are not allowed.
- Free sites have limits, so check the plan details if you want your own domain or to earn money from the site.
Which should a new blogger choose?
It depends on what you want from the blog.
- Choose self-hosted WordPress.org if you plan to monetise with affiliate links, ads or digital products, want full control and are happy to look after updates and backups.
- Choose WordPress.com if you want the simplest start, do not want to manage hosting and are fine working within a plan’s limits.
Most bloggers who want to treat their blog as a business choose self-hosted WordPress because of the control. This blog runs on self-hosted WordPress.
If you go self-hosted, my guide to the best hosting for a new blog compares options, and free vs paid blogging platforms covers the wider picture.
Pro tip
Whichever you choose, use your own domain name from the start. It makes moving later much easier, because your address stays the same.
Can you switch later?
Yes. WordPress.com says you can migrate a WordPress site to or from WordPress.com, wherever it is hosted, and that you own your content either way.
Before any move, take a full backup. My guide on backing up WordPress shows how.
Common misunderstandings
- “WordPress.org is a website builder.” It is software. You need hosting to use it.
- “WordPress.com is a different CMS.” It runs WordPress, but as a managed service with plan-based features.
- “Self-hosted means free.” The software is free. Hosting and a domain are not.
Frequently asked questions
Is WordPress.org free?
The software is free to download and use. You still pay for hosting and a domain name.
Can I use plugins on WordPress.com?
Yes, on paid plans. WordPress.com says some plugins are blocked.
Which is better for a blog that makes money?
Many bloggers choose self-hosted WordPress for full control. Check WordPress.com’s current plans if you prefer a hosted option.
Do WordPress.com and WordPress.org use the same editor?
Both use the WordPress block editor.
Can I move from WordPress.com to self-hosted later?
Yes. WordPress.com says you can migrate to or from it and you own your content.