The Difference Between WordPress.com and WordPress.org

BySheilla Luciana

Despite sharing the same name and branding, which makes it easy to get them mixed up, WordPress.com and WordPress.org are entirely different. They are separate platforms with distinctively different username accounts, logins, features, and support systems, each having its own support documentation and forums. Let’s explore what sets them apart.

What is WordPress.com

WordPress.com is a free, hosted blogging service run by a company called Automattic. While you have the option to upgrade to paid plans and purchase a custom domain name, it still comes with some limitations. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Theme restrictions
    You can’t install or access third-party themes (like ours) unless you upgrade to at least a Business Plan.
  • Plugin restrictions
    You’re unable to install plugins without upgrading to a Business Plan.
  • Advertisements and monetization restrictions
    Free sites on WordPress.com display ads placed by WordPress, and you cannot sell your own ads.
  • WooCommerce
    To use WooCommerce on WordPress.com, you need to be on a Business or eCommerce Plan. The free and lower-tier plans do not support WooCommerce. Even with these higher plans, there are still some limitations in terms of customization, plugin availability, and control over the hosting environment.

What is WordPress.org

WordPress.org, often known as self-hosted WordPress, is an open-source platform that lets you create and manage your website independently. When we say WordPress.org is “self-hosted,” it means you purchase your own web hosting and have full control over your website. This allows you to install any themes or plugins you want and customize every aspect of your site. Here’s what sets WordPress.org apart:

  • Total control and customization
    With WordPress.org, you have full control over your site. You can install any theme or plugin, including third-party ones like ours, without any limitations.
  • No ads from the platform
    Unlike WordPress.com, WordPress.org doesn’t place ads on your site. You get to decide how to monetize your website, whether through your own ads or other methods.
  • Advanced features and growth
    WordPress.org offers tons of options for adding features and expanding your site. You can use custom code, advanced plugins, and more to make your site exactly how you want it.
  • Great for online stores
    If you’re planning to run an online store like mine, WordPress.org works perfectly with WooCommerce, giving you powerful e-commerce tools.

Why are there two WordPress with similar names?

WordPress.org, the original version, was born in 2003 as an open-source project by Matt Mullenweg and Mike Little. This self-hosted version quickly became popular among developers, businesses, and advanced users needing a powerful, flexible platform. Since not everyone required such complexity, Automattic introduced WordPress.com in 2005 to offer a simpler, managed experience for hassle-free content creation for bloggers and casual users.

How to tell which one you are using

Login URL
If your login URL looks like yourwebsite.wordpress.com/wp-admin you’re using WordPress.com.
If your login URL is yourwebsite.com/wp-admin you’re likely using WordPress.org.

Hosting
WordPress.com sites are hosted by Automattic.
WordPress.org requires you to buy web hosting from providers like SiteGround, TotalChoice Hosting, Cloudways, Hostinger, or others.

Customization options
On WordPress.com, when you go to Appearance > Themes or Appearance > Plugins, there is no option to upload a theme or plugin directly from your computer unless you are on at least the Business Plan.
On WordPress.org, you have unlimited access to all themes and plugins.

How do I choose one over the other?

Choose WordPress.com if

  • You need a basic blogging tool with no plans to scale.
  • Monetizing your site isn’t a priority.
  • Custom themes or our specialized themes aren’t necessary for your needs.

Choose WordPress.org if

  • You want complete control over your site’s design, functionality, and monetization.
  • You want to use SheShoppes themes.
  • You’re planning to grow your website or run an online business with more complex requirements.

Switching from WordPress.com

What to do if you already signed up at WordPress.com and upgraded to a paid version but realize it’s not for you

If you’ve signed up for a paid plan on WordPress.com but realize it’s not the right fit, don’t worry—you have options.

  • Cancel within 1 month
    WordPress.com offers a 30-day refund policy for some of its paid plans. If you’re within this timeframe, you can cancel your plan and receive a full refund. Please note that you are only eligible for a refund if you are on the Personal or Premium Plan, which don’t allow you to upload third-party themes and plugins.
  • Keep your domain name
    If you bought a custom domain through WordPress.com, you don’t have to let it go. You can keep your domain hosted there and simply adjust the DNS settings to point to your new self-hosted WordPress.org site.
  • Transfer your domain later
    If you prefer to transfer your domain out of WordPress.com, keep in mind that domains usually can’t be transferred within the first 60 days of registration. You can leave your domain with WordPress.com for the first year or first few months and then transfer it to another registrar when the time is right.

I hope this article helped clarify the differences between WordPress.com and WordPress.org so you can confidently choose the right platform for your needs.