WordPress (Org vs Com) – Which One is Right for You?

WordPress is a versatile open source software that is used by many to manage websites.

There are two versions of WordPress available: WordPress.org and WordPress.com. While the former is a non-profit site that offers free themes and plugins, along with support forums and documentation, the latter is a commercial website owned by Automattic that provides hosting without requiring the download or installation of any software.
In this article, we will delve into the differences between WordPress.org and WordPress.com to help you make an informed decision on which one is best for your site’s future.

1- Hosting

When it comes to WordPress, the primary difference between WordPress.com and WordPress.org lies in hosting.

WordPress.org does not provide any hosting services. Instead, it offers only the WordPress system for download, which you must install on an external hosting service. This means you’ll need to purchase hosting separately and install WordPress on it.

The cost of hosting will depend on your budget and needs. You can find low-cost hosting services like BlueHost and HostGator with prices starting at $4 per month.

WordPress.com is a website owned by Automattic that offers hosting services. It provides free hosting with limited features, such as a WordPress.com subdomain and displaying their ads on your site.
if you want to use a custom domain name and remove ads, you must upgrade to a paid plan. WordPress.com offers several plans with different prices and features, including storage space, design customization, and access to premium themes and plugins.

2- Full control

When it comes to WordPress, there are some limitations that WordPress.com users must face. For instance, with free hosting, you only get 3 GB of storage, no video storage, and ads might show on your site which you won’t earn any revenue from.

To get more features and remove these limitations, you can upgrade your WordPress.com account, but it comes at a cost of at least $99 per year. By paying this fee, you can get 13 GB of storage, a private website name, and no ads will show on your site.

with WordPress.org, you won’t encounter these limitations. Once you download the WordPress system from the site, you can upload it to hosting, and everything on your site will belong to you.

Overall, you might feel more restricted with WordPress.com than you would with WordPress.org.

3- Design and function

One of the greatest advantages of using WordPress.org is the vast array of templates and plugins available. For new users, templates offer a pre-designed layout for their site, while plugins provide specific features. WordPress.org offers the flexibility to install numerous themes and plugins on your site.

In contrast, WordPress.com users do not have access to these benefits. They are limited to selecting templates from the WordPress.com collection, which only includes around 300 options. This may seem like a lot, but WordPress.org provides tens of thousands of templates.

Additionally, WordPress.com users are not allowed to install custom plugins. Instead, Automattic provides its own components.
WordPress.org users are free to install their own Google Analytics code to track visitor statistics, which is not possible on WordPress.com. Nevertheless, visitor traffic can be tracked on WordPress.com using Automattic’s analytics feature.

Overall, WordPress.com users can still access some of the functionality that WordPress.org users have, particularly those needed by hobbyist bloggers. The difference is that WordPress.org users have more flexibility in utilizing various resources.

4- Security

Many website owners underestimate the importance of cyber security, which can lead to costly consequences. When it comes to security, WordPress.com offers a great hosting option with a reputation for strong security measures. If you do not have the time or expertise to take charge of securing your website, it may be better to choose WordPress.com.

On the other hand, WordPress.org users are fully responsible for maintaining and securing their website. However, there are many add-ons and services available that can provide the necessary protection.

5- WordPress technical support

When it comes to technical support, there are differences between WordPress.org and WordPress.com.

WordPress.org provides access to all status logs for websites created with WordPress. The “Support” category on WordPress.org is divided into two sub-categories: forums where users can see the issues that others have had and explanations attached, and documentation which contains tutorials and documents to help users learn how to use the WordPress CMS.

WordPress.com, on the other hand, has a dedicated technical support department that can answer questions and resolve issues, but this service is only available to paid customers.

6- Monetization

If you’re ambitious and want to turn your blogging hobby into something profitable, WordPress.org is the best option for you. With full control over your website, you can monetize it as you see fit.

WordPress.com users have limited options for monetization since they can’t install third-party plugins. While it’s possible to add ads to your website on WordPress.com, there are limitations. You need to achieve 25,000 views per month, apply, and wait for approval. If approved, you’ll only receive 50% of the ad revenue, with the other 50% going to Automatic.

On the other hand, with WordPress.org, you can place ads on your website from day one and earn 100% of your ad revenue.

In summary, both versions of WordPress can be monetized, but if your main goal is to make money, then WordPress.org is the better option for you.

Read also: Top 5 Profitable Ways to Make Money Online

final decision

I compared WordPress.com vs WordPress.org based on 6 key criteria that are most important to users.

It’s important to note that both options have their pros and cons, and it ultimately depends on your specific needs and goals.

WordPress.com offers a user-friendly platform with built-in security and support, making it a great option for hobbyists or those without technical expertise.

On the other hand, WordPress.org gives you full control and flexibility over your website, making it ideal for businesses or those who want to customize their site to their exact specifications.

Overall, both options are excellent choices for creating a website, and it’s important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each before making a decision.

If you want my advice, I’ll say it straight, use WordPress.org.