There is no doubt that WordPress is the most popular website builder currently. WordPress was used by 45.8% of all websites on the internet in 2023. That means that more than two out of every five websites use WordPress.
WordPress continues to be the preferred choice for building websites in 2024 due to its user-friendly interface, customizability, robust ecosystem, SEO-friendliness, mobile responsiveness, scalability and performance.
Platforms Of WordPress?
There are two different WordPress? Yes, WordPress offers two versions of its product: WordPress.com and WordPress.org. First one is a web hosting company. Then, there is WordPress.org, also known as self-hosted WordPress.
Did you know that despite sharing the same name, WordPress.com and WordPress.org diverge significantly in terms of their functionality and usage?
WordPress.com offers an all-in-one solution, providing hosting and a website-building platform powered by WordPress software. Conversely, WordPress.org serves as a central hub offering information, downloads, resources, and a community for users of the WordPress software. It doesn’t provide hosting or function as a platform for building websites like WordPress.com.
WordPress Platforms: A Comparison
So, what’s the difference between WordPress.com vs WordPress.org? Let’s do a comparison chart.
| WordPress.com | WordPress.org | |
| Pricing | Free – $45 per month | Free + hosting fee |
| Domain | Free | $10 – $15 per year |
| Plugins | Only with Business or eCommerce plan | Unlimited. Full access to upload and customize any plugin on your site. |
| SEO | Limited based on available plugins. | Unlimited control over your SEO. |
| Google Analytics | With premium plan and above | Yes |
| Backup and storage | Yes | With plugin |
| Themes | Limited | Unlimited. Full access to upload and customize any theme on your site. |
eCommerce | Must purchase premium plan | With plugin |
Conclusion: Which one to choose?
For those seeking a straightforward option for a basic, non-monetized website without concerns about WordPress.com branding or advertisements, WordPress.com is a suitable choice. It streamlines maintenance tasks but offers limited customization options.
On the other hand, if you anticipate expanding your website, desire customization freedom, or aim to generate revenue from it, WordPress.org presents a superior option. However, it requires you to manage updates and security measures independently.