What’s The Difference Between WordPress.org And WordPress.com? | About WordPress

WordPress.org and WordPress.com are related to WordPress software, but some significant differences exist.

WordPress vs. WordPress.com 

There is often confusion around the distinction between WordPress and WordPress.com. WordPress is a free, open-source web publishing software project that any single individual or company does not own. WordPress.com, on the other hand, is a blogging service hosted by a company called Automattic.

WordPress

WordPress is a free and open-source content management system (CMS) that can be downloaded from the WordPress.org website. It is highly customizable and provides a wide range of features and functionality to create and manage websites of all types and sizes. WordPress is self-hosted, meaning you must have your own web hosting and domain name to install and use it.

WordPress.com

WordPress.com, on the other hand, WordPress.com is a commercial platform that provides a hosted version of WordPress. It is owned and operated by Automattic, the company behind WordPress, and offers free and paid plans to create and host websites. With WordPress.com, you don’t need to worry about hosting or domain registration, as they are included in the plans.

Overlap

WordPress.org and WordPress.com use the same WordPress software, but the two have some critical differences. With WordPress.org, you can completely control and customize your website as you wish. You can install any plugins or themes, add custom code, and use your web hosting and domain name. With WordPress.com, you have less control over your website, as you are limited to the themes and plugins provided by the platform. Additionally, you may be required to pay for specific features or upgrades.

Additional resource

If you want to learn more about the differences between WordPress.org and WordPress.com, you can check out the official WordPress.org website or the WordPress.com website.

FAQs

Can I use my own domain name with WordPress.com?

Yes, you can use your own domain name with WordPress.com, but you may need to upgrade to a paid plan.

Can I install custom themes and plugins on WordPress.com?

Yes, you can install custom themes and plugins on WordPress.com, but it may require a paid plan, and certain restrictions may apply.

Do I need to have the technical knowledge to use WordPress.org?

While having technical knowledge can be helpful, it is not required to use WordPress.org. Many resources are available to help you start and learn how to use WordPress.