// explained · prices checked November 2026
WordPress.com vs WordPress.org: what's the difference, what each really costs, and how to move between them
Same software, two ways to run it. WordPress.org gives you the free WordPress software to install on a host you choose; WordPress.com is Automattic's service that runs WordPress for you. The right one depends on how much you want to manage, which plugins you need, and how much control you want over what you publish.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- WordPress.org = free, open-source software. You pay a web host (from about $2-5/mo on shared hosting) and manage updates, backups and security yourself, or pay a managed WordPress host to do it.
- WordPress.com = hosted WordPress by Automattic. Free plan with ads; paid plans from $2.75/mo (3 years). Plugins only from Business ($17.50/mo on 3 years, $40 monthly).
- On WordPress.com, Automattic decides what it hosts; on your own hosting, your host's rules apply, and on a VPS you control everything.
- You can move either way: export from WordPress.com, import into self-hosted WordPress, and keep your domain by pointing it at the new host.
WordPress.com vs WordPress.org side by side
| WordPress.com | WordPress.org (self-hosted) | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A hosting service run by Automattic | Free software you install on any web host |
| Cheapest way to start | Free plan (ads, wordpress.com address); Personal $2.75/mo on 3 years | Shared hosting from about $2-5/mo in the first term (renewals often 2-4x) |
| Plugins and custom themes | Business and Commerce only ($17.50-70/mo) | Any plan, any host |
| Updates, security, backups | Handled for you (backups on Business+) | You, or a managed WordPress host |
| Speed | Automattic WP Cloud with global edge caching | Depends on the host: shared, managed or VPS |
| Number of sites | One per plan | Many per plan on most shared hosts |
| Who decides what you can publish | Automattic's Terms and policies | Your host's Terms; on a VPS, mostly you |
| Renewals | Gentle on 3-year plans (+9-27%) | Often 2-4x the intro price on shared hosting |
| Best for | One site, zero maintenance | Many sites, any plugin, full control |
What each really costs for one site
Prices from our carts and database (November 2026), for one small WordPress site with plugins, over 3 years:
- WordPress.com Business: $630 for 3 years, then $19/mo. Includes backups, staging and support. Every WordPress.com price →
- WordPress.com Personal (no plugins): $99 for 3 years, then $3.50/mo.
- Self-hosted on shared hosting: roughly $70-140 over 3 years on the cheapest plans we track, renewals included. Add your own backup plugin. 3-year cost of every plan →
- Self-hosted on managed WordPress (e.g. Pressable, also on Automattic's WP Cloud): from about $20-25/mo. Cost calculator →
So WordPress.com is cheap if you don't need plugins, and in line with managed hosting if you do. It's not the cheapest way to run several sites.
Ownership and control
On both, you own your content and your domain. The difference is who sets the rules for the server. Automattic's Terms let it remove content it judges "harmful or objectionable" and end access "with or without cause or notice", without a refund. Shared hosts have acceptable-use rules too, but you can move to another host or a VPS where you set the rules. If your topic is borderline, self-hosting gives you more options. Whatever you choose, keep your domain at a registrar you control. What the WordPress.com Terms say →
How to move from WordPress.com to self-hosted WordPress
- Pick a host and install WordPress (most cPanel hosts do it in one click). Use the Hosting Matcher if you're unsure.
- Export your content in WordPress.com: Tools → Export. On Business, you can also download a full backup or copy files over SFTP.
- Import it on the new site: Tools → Import → WordPress, and tick "Download and import file attachments" for your media.
- Recreate what WordPress.com included: install a backup, security and caching plugin, plus a form and SEO plugin if you used those features.
- Point your domain at the new host. If the domain is registered at WordPress.com you can keep it there and change the DNS, or transfer it out. Check the switch with our DNS propagation checker.
- Cancel the WordPress.com plan only after the new site works. Inside the 14-day window (7 on monthly) you get your money back.
Our hosting switch checklist covers the steps people skip, like email records.
How to move a self-hosted site to WordPress.com
WordPress.com offers a migration tool for existing WordPress sites; full-site migration (with plugins and themes) needs the Business or Commerce plan, since lower plans can't run plugins. Connect your domain (free) instead of transferring it, so your registrar, email and DNS stay where they are. Before you move, check your plugins: everything works on Business, but WordPress.com already handles caching, security and backups, so you can drop those.
FAQ
What is the difference between WordPress.com and WordPress.org?
WordPress.org is the free WordPress software you install on any web host and manage yourself. WordPress.com is a hosting service by Automattic that runs WordPress for you, with a free plan and paid plans from $2.75/mo; plugins need the Business plan.
Is WordPress.org the same as WordPress.com?
They use the same WordPress software, but they are different products. WordPress.org is the software; WordPress.com is a company's hosted service built on it.
Is WordPress.com free?
There is a free WordPress.com plan with 1GB, ads and a wordpress.com address. WordPress.org software is free too, but you pay for web hosting and a domain.
Which is better, WordPress.com or WordPress.org?
WordPress.com is better if you want one fast site with nothing to maintain. Self-hosted WordPress.org is better if you need many sites, plugins on a small budget, or full control over your server and content.
Can I move from WordPress.com to WordPress.org?
Yes. Export from Tools → Export, import into WordPress on your new host, re-add plugins for features WordPress.com included, and point your domain to the new host.
Can I use plugins on WordPress.com?
Only on the Business and Commerce plans ($17.50-70/mo depending on the term).
Who owns WordPress.com?
Automattic, the company founded by WordPress co-founder Matt Mullenweg. It also runs Pressable, WooCommerce, Jetpack and WordPress VIP.
SOURCES
- WordPress.com pricing (checked Nov 13, 2026)
- Automattic Terms of Service (updated Nov 9, 2026)
- WordPress.org
Prices and limits change. We note the date we checked each one; confirm on the provider's site before you buy.
Still deciding?
See WordPress.com's real prices, or find a self-hosted plan that fits.