Choosing between WordPress.com and WordPress.org can be confusing. In this brief article, we'll cover the main differences between the two WordPress website builder options and explain why your choice can have a big impact on your website's future.
What is WordPress.org?
WordPress.org is an open-source software for building websites and blogs. It's open source, which means you have total control over your site. The code and data are in your control.
Chances are that your friend uses this one. We use and recommend this one.
With WordPress.org, you can separately shop for and select your desired web hosting, customize your site's web design and layout extensively, add special functionality with existing or custom plugins, and dive into the code if you want to.
WordPress.org lets you build your site however you like, and host it however you like. Truly open source. This makes it ideal for people who want flexibility and control.
What is WordPress.com?
WordPress.com is a website builder platform that lets you create and host websites or blogs without requiring any technical expertise or additional professional website services.
Unlike WordPress.org, where you're responsible for setting up web hosting, WordPress.com handles it. This makes it a convenient choice for those who want to start a website without worrying about shopping for web hosting, software updates, or maintaining security.
With WordPress.com, you can pick from various themes and plugins, but you will have far less flexibility than open-source WordPress.org. It's an ideal solution for users who want to experience WordPress without getting too technical (...expected that won't change down the road.)
If you're considering how long you'll keep your new website, remember that WordPress.com is a locked down and proprietary platform. You can't take the website with you when you end your service with them.
While it appears somewhat similar to the open-source version, it locks you into their service. This could limit your options if you ever want to move your site or make specialized changes. If you value flexibility, be cautious with proprietary web builders like WordPress.com.
