What is the Difference Between WordPress.com & WordPress.org? Print

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If you are new to WordPress or maybe just never knew the difference of WordPress.com and WordPress.org there is a major difference in the two.

Lets take the time to discuss the two, this way you can make a informed decision as to which one you would like to use. WordPress the name itself represents what was originally a blogging platform created by Houston, TX Native Matt Mullenweb in May 2003. It has since turned into the platform used more than any other platform to build all types of Websites. The WordPress ecosystem, especially for WordPress.org (self-hosted) is huge. Whatever you can envision, you can build using the WordPress Platform.

WordPress.com and WordPress.org are both platforms that use the WordPress Content Management System (or if you will software that resides on a webserver computer), but they serve different purposes and offer different features:

WordPress.com

  • It is a hosting blogging company that is Automattic. Automattic was founded in 2005 by Matt Mullenweb. And as of 2023, Matt Mullenweb is the current CEO.
  • It provides a quick and easy way to get started for Free, and it offers more custom paid options as you grow.
  • It does restrict the use of plugins. Unless you have a Business or eCommerce plan.
  • You are only able to use WordAds, which is WordPress' official advertising network.
  • You give WordPress.com the right to share your content.

WordPress.org

  • The WordPress software is free and open-source web publishing software project.
  • It is often referred to as "self-hosted WordPress as you can download and install the software on any web host. 
  • It provides almost limitless advanced and customization and monetization options.
  • You have full control over your website and its content. Basically, you can pack it up and move to any host if you wish.
  • You are not limited to WordAds, you can use any ad network to monetize your site using services like Google AdSense, Mediavine, or AdThrive.
  • With an excess of 100,000+ plugins (both free and paid aka "Pro") available in the WordPress ecosystem.
  • Through the WordPress REST API allows a WordPress site to communicate with almost every web application and website, that greatly opens possibilities for your website.

At KartHost, we provide value added services that opens the world to you no other web development system can.

 

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