Is WordPress Free? (.org Software vs .com Free Plan Explained)
The question Is WordPress free? is common, but the answer requires clarification. There are two main entities associated with the name “WordPress”: the self-hosted software from WordPress.org and the hosted service at WordPress.com. This distinction is crucial to understanding what parts are truly free and what costs might be involved. While you can certainly get started with WordPress without paying upfront, the level of “free” differs significantly between the two platforms, impacting features, control, and long-term costs.
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Is WordPress Free? (.org Software vs .com Free Plan Explained)
The core WordPress software, available for download from WordPress.org, is 100% free and open-source. This means:
- You can download, install, use, and modify the software without paying any licensing fees.
- You have complete ownership and control over your website data and files.
- You have the freedom to install any theme (free or premium) and any plugin (free or premium) from the vast WordPress ecosystem.
- You can customize the code and functionality extensively.
The Catch (Costs Involved): While the software is free, running a self-hosted WordPress.org site requires:
- Web Hosting: You need to purchase hosting from a provider (like Bluehost, SiteGround, Kinsta, etc.) to store your website files and make them accessible online. Hosting costs vary widely based on the provider and plan level.
- Domain Name: You need to purchase a custom domain name (e.g., `yourwebsite.com`), which typically involves an annual registration fee.
- Potential Premium Costs (Optional): While not mandatory, many users opt for premium themes or plugins to achieve specific designs or functionalities, which involve purchase costs or subscriptions.
- Maintenance: You are responsible for updates, backups, and security, which requires time or potentially paid services.
Read also : How to Use Elementor with WordPress
WordPress.com: Hosted Service with a Free Plan (and Limitations)
WordPress.com is a commercial service run by Automattic that uses the WordPress software to provide an all-in-one website building and hosting solution. It offers various paid plans, but also a free plan.
What the WordPress.com Free Plan Offers:
- Basic website or blog creation without needing separate hosting or a domain purchase.
- A simple way to get started quickly.
Limitations of the WordPress.com Free Plan:
- Subdomain Required: Your site address will be in the format `yourusername.wordpress.com`. A custom domain requires a paid plan.
- Limited Storage Space: Typically offers very little storage (e.g., 1GB or less), unsuitable for media-heavy sites.
- WordPress.com Ads Displayed: WordPress.com will show its own advertisements on your free site, and you cannot remove them or easily run your own ads.
- Cannot Install Plugins: This is a major limitation; you cannot add functionality via the vast library of WordPress plugins available to self-hosted sites.
- Limited Theme Selection: You can only choose from a small selection of free themes provided by WordPress.com; you cannot upload custom or most premium themes.
- Restricted Customization & Monetization: Limited CSS customization, no access to code, and significant restrictions on e-commerce or advanced monetization methods.
- WordPress.com Branding: Often includes prominent WordPress.com branding.
- Less Control: You don’t have full technical control (like FTP or database access) and are subject to WordPress.com’s terms of service.
Unlock True Freedom with Self-Hosted WordPress
Ready to move beyond the limitations of free hosted plans? A self-hosted WordPress.org site gives you complete freedom and control. WebDest provides seamless migration, expert setup, and reliable management for your self-hosted WordPress website.
Benefits of Going Self-Hosted with Us:
- ✓ Use Any Theme or Plugin
- ✓ Full Customization Capabilities
- ✓ Complete Data Ownership
- ✓ Scalable Hosting Solutions
- ✓ Professional Support & Security
Conclusion: Free Software vs. Free (Limited) Service
So, is WordPress free? The software (WordPress.org) is free, but running it requires paid hosting and a domain. The service (WordPress.com) offers a free plan, but it comes with significant limitations on storage, customization, plugins, themes, and monetization, making it suitable mainly for very basic personal blogs or testing the waters. For any serious website, professional blog, or online business, the freedom and control offered by the free WordPress.org software combined with reliable hosting (managed by experts like WebDest) is almost always the recommended path.
Read also : Using the Official WordPress Logo
