WordPress.com:
WordPress.com is a blogging platform. It uses the same WordPress software as WordPress.org, but is hosted for you and operates more as a website builder – similar to Wix or Squarespace.
There are some limitations to this site. For example, by default your domain name includes wordpress.com, you can’t modify your site’s coding, upload any themes or plugins. Your site will be free for the lifetime, but you have to pay to upgrade it for more specifications. Upgrades also allow you to use a custom domain like you can use anything as the domain. Further up-gradation also enhances the appearance of your site, upload videos or photos and many more.
Your site will be secured and spam-free as it will be under WordPress security. You only have to sign in and choose your blog name and focus on your content. This site is preferred by everyone but most bloggers, photographers, artists, etc.
WordPress.org:
WordPress.org is a self-hosted content management system (CMS for short). Instead of just logging in online and creating a website, you download the software on your computer and have to host the site you build yourself.
It gives full control and freedom over your site including the WordPress software. Most of the WordPress showcase sites are made on self-hosting.
Benefits and Drawbacks of WordPress.com vs WordPress.org:
If you’re not interested in paying for your hosting, managing your web server or paying someone else to handle that for you, you’ll probably want to use WordPress.com. This is free and easy to set up and you have lots of options for customizing your site.
Some of the drawbacks of using WordPress.com are that your domain will, by default, include “WordPress.com.” As well as you can’t upload any custom themes, plugins or modify the PHP code behind your site.
If you are using the downloaded version of WordPress from WordPress.org, it gives more control and flexibility for your WordPress site, but it also means more responsibility. To use a self-hosted version of WordPress that means you can use your own domain name, upload and install themes and plugins, edit the code behind your site and have access to your site’s database.
Difference between WordPress.com vs WordPress.org:
| Features | WordPress.com | WordPress.org |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Fully hosted version | Self hosted version |
| Advantage | Security and backups are provided | You need to find a host to provide backup and security |
| Maintenance | No responsibility to maintain the site | All responsibilities comes on user |
| Cost | Charges required for upgradation | No charges for upgradation |
| Limitations | Include more limitations | Include less limitation |