The quick answer
WordPress.com is a hosted service that runs WordPress for you. WordPress.org is the home of the open-source WordPress software you can install with a hosting provider. The distinction is about the service and responsibility around the software, not two unrelated content management systems.
The short answer
WordPress.com is a hosted service that runs WordPress for you. WordPress.org is the home of the open-source WordPress software you can install with a hosting provider. The distinction is about the service and responsibility around the software, not two unrelated content management systems.
The right setup depends on how much control you need, the features your website requires and who will maintain it. Check current plan features and hosting terms before buying; old comparisons can describe restrictions that have changed.
What hosting changes
With WordPress.com, hosting is included in the service. Features and limits depend on the chosen plan and current product offering. Review the relevant plan when evaluating themes, plugins, storage, support and other requirements.
With software from WordPress.org, you arrange hosting separately. A host may offer a managed WordPress service, installation tools, updates, backups or support. The word “self-hosted” does not require you to operate a server personally, but you must understand who is responsible for each task.
In either case, write down ownership of the domain, billing, content, administrative access and renewal notifications. The business should retain access to the accounts it depends on.
Compare control against responsibility
List the changes your website needs to support: adding content, choosing themes, installing extensions, integrating services and changing code. Test those needs against the actual plan or hosting arrangement.
More control also creates decisions to maintain. Someone must monitor updates, review extensions, test important flows and know how to restore the website when something fails. Some of that work may be covered by a service provider, but coverage should be explicit.
A useful handoff document names the owner for backups, restores, updates, form delivery, security issues and support. Avoid leaving these tasks as an assumption between the business, designer and host.
Compare the full cost
The WordPress software is open source. A functioning business website can still involve spending on a domain, hosting, paid themes, extensions, implementation and ongoing support.
For WordPress.com, compare the current plan that supports your requirements. For a separate host, compare the hosting service plus the features and work needed around it. Include renewal prices and any limitations that would require an upgrade.
An appropriate comparison uses the same requirements on both sides. Comparing a basic hosted plan with a fully managed custom project will not tell you which option fits your actual scope.
Use these questions to decide
- Which themes, plugins or integrations are essential?
- Who needs to publish, and what access do they need?
- Who owns backups and can demonstrate a restore process?
- How will updates and compatibility issues be handled?
- Can the business retain its domain and account ownership?
- What will the website cost to operate through the next renewal?
- What would changing the setup later involve?
If you want a hosted service and its current plan covers your needs, WordPress.com belongs on your shortlist. If your requirements call for a particular hosting arrangement, extension setup or level of control, evaluate a provider using WordPress.org software. A managed host can be part of that second option.
What comes after the platform decision?
Plan the pages, content and enquiry route before building. Our WordPress website guide walks through that process, and the website brief template gives you a place to record the decisions.
If the main uncertainty is whether WordPress suits the project at all, use the broader website platform guide before choosing a hosting setup.
Sources and further reading
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