What Is WordPress? No, Not That WordPress

 

The Difference Between:
WordPress.com and WordPress.org

If you’ve started researching how to build your own website, you’ve likely come across WordPress—and then quickly realized that WordPress doesn’t mean just one thing.

There’s WordPress.org and WordPress.com. Same logo. Similar names. Very different platforms.

So, what’s the deal? Why are there two? And more importantly—which one is right for you?

Let’s break it down in plain language, with real-world examples, cost context, and a balanced view of both options.

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The Basics: Are WordPress.org and WordPress.com the Same Thing?

No, and the difference matters—especially if you’re building a business.

• WordPress.org is where you can download the free, open-source WordPress software. It’s maintained by the WordPress Foundation, a nonprofit organization. You install it on your own hosting and build from there. Think of it like owning your own house—you make the decisions.
• WordPress.com is a commercial, hosted service run by Automattic, the company founded by one of WordPress’s co-creators. It offers a version of the WordPress software that’s managed and simplified for ease of use—but with some trade-offs in flexibility. Think of it like renting a turnkey apartment—you move in fast, but there are rules.

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WordPress.org: The Self-Hosted, Fully Customizable Option

This is the “build your own site” version that gives you full control. You choose your host, install the WordPress software, and use themes, plugins, and tools to create a site tailored to your business.

Pros:

• ✅ Free to use (you only pay for hosting and optional plugins or themes)
• ✅ Full control over functionality, design, and content
• ✅ Thousands of themes and plugins—many free, many premium
• ✅ Works seamlessly with ecommerce, LMS, and membership tools
• ✅ Ideal for businesses that want scalability and ownership

Cons:

• ❌ You manage your own hosting, security, and backups
• ❌ Setup can be more involved if you’re brand new
• ❌ More decision-making upfront

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WordPress.com: The Hosted, Simplified Alternative

WordPress.com takes care of hosting, updates, and basic security. You sign up, pick a plan, and start building with fewer moving parts. It’s great for basic websites and people who want to minimize the tech side—until they hit the limits.

A key consideration with WordPress.com is the tiered access to features. Many powerful tools—like plugin installation, ecommerce functionality, and theme customization—aren’t available unless you upgrade to the Business plan or higher.

Even then, that upgrade doesn’t include everything.

This kind of gated access is often referred to as a paywall.

“Sure, you can have that feature… just as soon as you upgrade your plan—or buy it separately.”

And that’s exactly what happens here. Even after you upgrade, many of the themes and plugins you’ll want to use (including LMS tools or membership systems) still require their own separate subscriptions or licenses. The platform gets you in the door, but you’ll pay for every room you want access to.

To be fair, this isn’t unique to WordPress.com.
This is the webhost platform business model—Shopify, Wix, Squarespace—they all work the same way. I’m not saying it’s bad. I’m just comparing the two WordPresses so you can make the right choice for your business.

So while WordPress.com is easier to start with, the full functionality you might assume is “included” often isn’t.

Pros:

• ✅ Hosting, backups, and updates are all handled for you
• ✅ Great for basic blogs, portfolios, or starter sites
• ✅ Free plan available
• ✅ Easy to get started, even with no tech experience

Cons:

• ❌ Plugin and theme access only available on Business+ plans
• ❌ Many plugins and themes require separate purchases—even on paid plans
• ❌ Ecommerce, LMS, and membership tools are limited or need expensive add-ons
• ❌ Monetization is limited on lower plans
• ❌ You don’t fully “own” the environment—your site lives on WordPress.com’s infrastructure and under its terms

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A Note About Cost (Because It Matters)

(the following are estimates and don’t include promotions, coupons or discounts… just giving you a rough idea)

If you’re building a course website with an LMS, WooCommerce, and memberships, here’s how the costs typically stack up:

WordPress.org (Self-Hosted)

Estimated Total: $500–$800/year
✅ More control. ✅ Pay only for what you need.

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WordPress.com (Business or Commerce Plan)

Estimated Total:

• With Business Plan: $700–$1,000/year

• With Commerce Plan: $900–$1,200/year
  🚧 Higher base cost. 💸 Additional fees for key functionality.

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Final Thoughts: So, Which One Is Right for You?

I like WordPress.org (and I tried to stay objective, but you can see by my PROS and CONS what’s important to me)

I feel like, if you’re building a business, (especially one that includes digital products, online courses, memberships, or ecommerce), WordPress.org offers more for less money. You’ll have more flexibility, control, and room to grow.

That said, WordPress.com takes care of some of the tech heavy lifting, so if you want to minimize the tech side and are okay with a slightly higher base cost in exchange for some convenience.  This may make sense for you.

Again, the WordPress.com is the standard business model for most ecommerce all in one platforms (ie. wix, shopify and squarespace)

Here’s the reality: whether you choose WordPress.com or WordPress.org, you’re still going to need to create content, publish courses, sell products.  You’ll still need to create the content, build the courses, structure your products, and manage your memberships.

And NONE of the platforms will drive traffic to your site.  

Now that you know the difference, you can make a choice based on your business—not just the branding.

And the next time someone says,
“I use WordPress,” you can confidently ask: “oh, on wordpress.com or self hosted?”