If you want to create a new website for your business, you’ve likely heard about WordPress. Did you know that there are two versions of WordPress – WordPress.com and WordPress.org? Each offers different features and levels of control. Understanding these differences is essential to choosing the right one for your business needs.
Comparing WordPress.com vs. WordPress.org
1. Hosting: Managed vs. Self-Hosted
- WordPress.com offers managed hosting, meaning that your website is hosted and maintained by WordPress. This includes things like server management, backups, and software updates, making it a convenient, hands-off option for users who don’t want to handle technical tasks.
- WordPress.org is a self-hosted solution. This means that you are responsible for finding and paying for your own hosting service. With this option, you have full control over your server and can select a hosting provider based on your budget and site requirements. Some businesses, like Markexe, offer managed WordPress hosting to help streamline the process.
2. Customization Capabilities
- WordPress.com offers limited customization options, especially if you’re using the free or lower-tier plans. Users are restricted in their ability to install plugins or customize themes unless they upgrade to higher-tier plans. For basic websites, this can be sufficient, but it may not offer the flexibility some businesses need.
- WordPress.org, on the other hand, gives you unrestricted customization options. You have the ability to install any themes or plugins you choose, and there are no restrictions on modifying the code. This option is ideal for businesses that need to add specific functionality or want a fully tailored website.
3. Costs: Free Options with Varying Additional Expenses
- WordPress.com offers a free plan, but this comes with some limitations, including WordPress branding and advertisements on your site. To remove these and access more advanced features (such as custom domains or additional storage), users need to upgrade to a paid plan.
- WordPress.org is free to use, but because it’s self-hosted, you will incur costs for hosting and a domain name, and potentially for premium themes or plugins. While the up-front costs may be higher, the pricing can be more flexible depending on the features and services you choose.
4. Control and Ownership
- With WordPress.com, you get a more streamlined experience, but WordPress retains a certain level of control over your site. For instance, you may be limited by WordPress’s terms of service and, depending on the plan, WordPress.com may run ads on your site.
- WordPress.org provides full ownership of your website. You control the content, design, and monetization options, and aren’t subject to restrictions or third-party ads unless you choose to include them. This level of control makes WordPress.org a better fit for businesses that require autonomy in managing their online presence.
5. Maintenance and Security
- WordPress.com handles all maintenance and security tasks for you. This includes updates, backups, and security measures like firewalls. If you prefer not to worry about these technical details, this can be a time-saving option.
- With WordPress.org, you are responsible for your own site’s maintenance and security. However, many hosting providers, including managed WordPress hosting services like Markexe, offer security features, regular updates, and backups to help ease this burden. Plugins are also available to automate many of these processes.
6. Monetization Flexibility
- WordPress.com limits monetization options, particularly on free or lower-tier plans. For example, if you want to run ads or affiliate programs, you would need to upgrade to a business plan, and even then, a portion of ad revenue may go to WordPress.
- WordPress.org offers full freedom to monetize your site. Whether you want to run ads, create an e-commerce store, or use affiliate marketing, you are free to implement any monetization strategy without limitations. This flexibility can be important for businesses looking to generate revenue directly through their website.
Our Recommendation
Understanding the core differences between WordPress.com and WordPress.org is important in deciding which platform aligns best with your business goals. WordPress.com provides ease of use with less responsibility, making it an option for businesses that want a managed service with fewer customization needs. WordPress.org, on the other hand, offers complete flexibility and control, making it the preferred choice for businesses that require more customization, scalability, and control over their online presence.
For small business owners seeking maximum flexibility and control, many, including Markexe, recommend the WordPress.org self-hosted option, especially when combined with our managed hosting service through WPengine to simplify the technical aspects while retaining full customization capabilities.