WordPress.org vs WordPress.com ( What is the difference )
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There are two types of WordPress, WordPress.org and WordPress.com. It introduces the difference between the two and the recommendation by the case which should be chosen.
What is WordPress.org?
WordPress.org is an open source software package.
Anyone can freely download and install WordPress on their own server.
The WordPress that is commonly referred to is the WordPress.org one.
What is WordPress.com?
It’s a SaaS version of WordPress.
SaaS (Software as a Service) is a service that allows users to use the functions of the provided software through the Internet.
WordPress.com is a rental blogging service that allows you to use WordPress.
Management Company
It’s run by Automattic, a US company founded by Matt Mullenweg, one of the founders of WordPress.
Prices and Plans
WordPress.com differs from plan to plan in price and features available to you.
| Free | Personal | Premium | Business | eCommerce | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price ※yearly lump sum payment | Free | $5/month | $8/month | $25/month | $45/month |
| Storage | 3GB | 6GB | 13GB | 200GB | 200GB |
| Domain | ✕ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ |
| Free Themes | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ |
| Premium Themes | ✕ | ✕ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ |
| Remove WordPress.com Ads | ✕ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ |
| Install Plugins | ✕ | ✕ | ✕ | ◯ | ◯ |
| Upload Themes | ✕ | ✕ | ✕ | ◯ | ◯ |
| eCommerce Features | ✕ | ✕ | ✕ | ✕ | ◯ |
The difference between WordPress.org and WordPress.com
WordPress.org is an installation type. WordPress.com, on the other hand, is a rental blog-type service.
| WordPress.org | WordPress.com | |
|---|---|---|
| Type of use | Installation type | Rental blog type |
| Management | WordPress community | Automattic |
| Server | By Own | By Service |
| Domain | By Own | Paid version available |
| Plugins | Unlimited | Limited in the free version |
| Themes | Unlimited | Limited in the free version |
| Ads | Can be placed freely | Service side advertisements will be displayed |
Which one should I choose?
I want to start a blog for free!
If you want to start a blog first, such as writing about your daily happenings like a diary, WordPress.com is the place to go.
It’s free and easy to start a WordPress blog.
I want to make an income from blogging as a business
If you want to earn advertising income for your business or personal, or as an affiliate, WordPress.org is the place to go.
You can run your own domain, so even if you change the server, you can take over the reputation.
As for customizability, there are many plugins and themes to choose from on WordPress.org.
Can you migrate from WordPress.com to WordPress.org?
You can move your WordPress.com posts to WordPress.org. The reverse is also possible.
WordPress has a feature that allows you to export posts, fixed pages, etc. You can add pre-migrated articles by importing them in the migration destination.
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