WordPress is free, but hosting your website is usually not. WordPress is a software that you can install on your server but also a hosting platform. Yeah I know, it’s confusing.
wordpress.com is the hosting solution from WordPress. – you have to pay
wordpress.org is where you can download WordPress to install wherever you want to. – it’s free
Many hosts offer a 1-click Installation, so you don’t even need to download and install WordPress yourself.
TLDR:
use the free version of WordPress and install it on the host of your choice and make whatever you want without beeing restricted
Long Version from ChatGPT
WordPress.com and WordPress.org are two distinct platforms that offer different solutions for creating websites. Here are the main differences between them:
wordpress.com
- Hosted solution: WordPress.com provides a fully hosted platform where you can create and manage your website without the need for separate web hosting.
- Simplified setup: Setting up a website on WordPress.com is straightforward. You can choose from pre-designed themes and get started quickly without technical knowledge.
- Limited customization: While WordPress.com offers a range of customization options, such as selecting themes and modifying the appearance, you have limited control over the underlying infrastructure and code.
- Plugin restrictions: WordPress.com has restrictions on the use of plugins. You can only install and use the plugins available within their platform, and certain advanced plugins or custom code options are not supported.
- Monetization limitations: WordPress.com has limitations on monetization options, including restrictions on running ads and limited e-commerce capabilities.
- Pricing structure: WordPress.com offers various pricing plans, including free, personal, premium, and business plans, each with different features and limitations.
wordpress.org
- Self-hosted solution: WordPress.org provides the open-source software that you can download and install on your own web hosting server, giving you full control over your website.
- Complete control and customization: With WordPress.org, you have unrestricted access to the WordPress codebase, allowing you to customize every aspect of your website, including themes, plugins, and underlying functionality.
- Wide range of plugins: Unlike WordPress.com, WordPress.org allows you to install and use any plugin available in the vast WordPress plugin directory, enabling you to extend the functionality of your site extensively.
- Monetization freedom: With WordPress.org, you have complete control over monetization options. You can run ads, implement e-commerce solutions, and explore various revenue streams without restrictions.
- Requires web hosting: To use WordPress.org, you need to have your own web hosting service, which involves additional setup steps, managing server resources, and security measures.
- Free and open-source: The WordPress software itself is free to use, and you have the freedom to modify and distribute it according to your needs.
In summary, WordPress.com is a hosted platform with simplified setup and limited customization options, while WordPress.org is a self-hosted solution offering complete control, customization, and freedom but with additional responsibilities and technical requirements.