The Difference between WordPress.org and WordPress.com

WordPress.org and WordPress.com are two distinct platforms, often causing confusion due to their similar names. While they both utilize the WordPress software, there are fundamental differences between them.

WordPress.org

WordPress.org is the home of the self-hosted WordPress platform. It provides users with the freedom and flexibility to download the WordPress software and install it on their own web hosting server. This means users have complete control over their website, including the ability to customize its design, add any plugins or themes, and even monetize it.

Users also have access to the underlying code, allowing for extensive customization and development possibilities. However, this requires technical knowledge, as users are responsible for managing their hosting, security, and backups.

WordPress.com

On the other hand, WordPress.com is a hosting service offered by Automattic, the company behind WordPress.org. It offers a more streamlined and beginner-friendly approach. With WordPress.com, users can create a website quickly without worrying about server management. They can choose from a variety of plans, ranging from free to premium options, each with different features and levels of customization.

While it still provides a range of themes and plugins, the options are more limited compared to WordPress.org. Users also have a WordPress.com subdomain (e.g., mywebsite.wordpress.com), which can be upgraded to a custom domain for a fee.

Monetisation

One notable distinction is the monetisation aspect. With WordPress.org, users have the freedom to monetise their websites using various methods, such as displaying ads or selling products/services. However, on WordPress.com’s free plan, users cannot display third-party Ads and monetisation options are limited. To have more control over monetisation, users must upgrade to a paid plan.

In summary, the main difference between WordPress.org and WordPress.com lies in the level of control and flexibility. WordPress.org offers self-hosting and complete customization options, making it ideal for advanced users and businesses.

WordPress.com, on the other hand, provides a hassle-free hosting service with limited customization, catering more to beginners or those who prefer a simpler setup.