WordPress is a popular open-source content management system (CMS) that is used to create and manage websites. There are two versions of WordPress available: WordPress.com and WordPress.org. While both versions are based on the same core software, they have some significant differences.
What is WordPress.com?
WordPress.com is a hosting platform that provides users with a quick and easy way to create a website. It is a fully-managed service, which means that the hosting, backups, and software updates are all handled by the WordPress.com team. This version of WordPress is free to use, but users can upgrade to a paid plan for additional features and customizations.
What is WordPress.org?
On the other hand, WordPress.org is a self-hosted version of WordPress, which means that users are responsible for their own hosting and maintenance. This version of WordPress is also free to use, but users will need to purchase their own web hosting and domain name. The benefit of this version is that users have full control over their website and can install any plugins and themes they want, without any restrictions.
Comparison Table / Difference between WordPress.com and WordPress.org
WordPress.com
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Fully-managed hosting: The hosting, backups, and software updates are all handled by the WordPress.com team.
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Limited design and customization options: Users can choose from a limited selection of pre-designed templates, and are limited to a select group of plugins that are approved by the platform.
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No need to purchase web hosting or domain name: Hosting and a domain name are included in the cost.
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Integrated security and backups: The platform takes care of security and backups for the user.
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Limited monetization options: Users are limited in their ability to monetize their website and make money from it.
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Advertising on free plans: WordPress.com shows credits in the footer of the free plan user's website.
WordPress.org
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Self-hosted: Users are responsible for their own hosting and maintenance.
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Greater design and customization options: Users can install any theme and plugin they want, without any restrictions.
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Need to purchase web hosting and domain name: Users will need to purchase their own web hosting and domain name.
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No integrated security and backups: Users are responsible for their own security and backups.
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Greater monetization options: Users have more freedom to monetize their website and make money from it.
Which one I should go with WordPress.com or WordPress.org?
The choice between WordPress.com and WordPress.org depends on the specific needs of the user.
WordPress.com is a good option for beginners or users who want a quick and easy way to create a website without having to worry about hosting, backups, and software updates. It is also a good option for users who do not have the technical skills to handle their own hosting and maintenance. However, WordPress.com has limited design and customization options, and users are limited in their ability to monetize their website and make money from it.
On the other hand, WordPress.org is a better option for users who want more control and flexibility over their website. It allows users to install any theme and plugin they want, without any restrictions, and users have more freedom to monetize their website and make money from it. However, WordPress.org requires users to handle their own hosting and maintenance, and users need to purchase their own web hosting (hostinger) and domain name (namecheap).
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you want a fully-managed, easy-to-use platform with limited design and customization options, WordPress.com is a good choice. But if you want more control and flexibility over your website, and you have the technical skills to handle your own hosting and maintenance, WordPress.org is a better choice.
