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 What is the difference between WordPress.org and WordPress.com? They are not the same thing but what is the difference between the both of them? While they do share the same name they are in fact not the same thing. They have very different tools to use and offer many different things that the other does not. The following information was provided by Ben Pines’ “What’s the Difference Between WordPress.com and WordPress.org?“

WordPress.org is free and open-source WordPress software. Once you have downloaded the WordPress.org software you have the tools you need to start customizing your website with themes and plugins. Like many things this program has its pros and its cons.

WordPress.org Pros:

  • Choose any theme and plugins to install to personalize your own website.
  • Install any web hosting.
  • Edit and customize anything on your website as far as your coding ability can take you
  • Create whatever content you want.

WordPress.org Cons:

  • There are a number of hosting providers to choose from which may require some research to find the best one to fit your needs.
  • Self maintenance is required by backing up your data and updating software.
  • You have to secure the website through security plugins.

On WordPress.com instead of installing the WordPress software, you only need to create an account to get started right away but, with it you will have limitations to customizing your website.

WordPress.com Pros:

  • No need to look for an external hosting provider when signing up for an account.
  • Not responsible for maintenance and security.

WordPress.com Cons:

  • Cannot install your own themes and plugins. You lose the flexibility to customizing your website.
  • The WordPress.com Business plan costs a little much
  • Terms and conditions limits the type of content you can create on their hosting platform.

Hopefully, this list can provide you with a better understanding of the differences between WordPress.com and WordPress.org.

This chapter is a revised version of a blog post titled “The difference between WordPress.com and WordPress.org” on the blog Production for the Net.

 

 

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