WordPress.com vs WordPress.org
Hosted Service or Self-Hosted Software
WordPress.com vs WordPress.org is mainly a choice between a hosted service and self-hosted software. WordPress.com is a hosted service run by Automattic, a company founded by a WordPress co-founder. WordPress.org is the home of the free WordPress software, which you install on hosting you choose.
Both use the same core software, so the editor and many features look familiar. The difference lies in who runs the server, who applies updates and what you are allowed to change. For background on the software itself, see what WordPress is.
Control, Plugins and Themes
On a self-hosted WordPress site you can install any compatible plugin or theme, add custom code and choose the server and its settings. This gives you full control, but it also means you are responsible for compatibility between the pieces.
WordPress.com limits what you can install, and the options depend on your plan. Higher plans unlock more themes, plugins and design tools, while lower plans restrict some features. Check the current plan details before you commit, because these options change over time.
Costs, Responsibilities and Monetization
A WordPress.com site runs on the provider's infrastructure, so updates, security basics and much of the technical upkeep are handled for you. Free and lower-tier plans may show advertising, and some business features require a paid plan.
A self-hosted site has no software restrictions on advertising, selling products or running a membership business, although your hosting provider's terms still apply. The owner pays for hosting and handles backups, updates and security. Costs range from modest to substantial depending on traffic and the services used. The wider question of what a WordPress site costs is covered in is WordPress free.
A Personal Journal and an Online Shop
A hobbyist who writes about gardening may be happy with a hosted plan. The provider handles the technical work, and the site can grow with the owner's needs.
A small business that sells products with a custom checkout and connects to an accounting system will usually need a self-hosted installation. Its owner can install the required extensions, control the environment and integrate with other tools.
Frequently asked questions
Can I move from WordPress.com to WordPress.org?
In most cases, yes. Content can be exported from WordPress.com and imported into a self-hosted installation. Themes, some plugins and features tied to the hosted plan may not transfer, so check what your plan includes and plan the move carefully before you start.
Which option suits a beginner?
It depends on how much control and responsibility you want. A hosted option suits people who prefer the provider to handle technical tasks. Self-hosting suits those who need full control and are prepared to manage backups, updates and security themselves.