WP Assistant
By Atiba

Understanding Self-Hosted WordPress vs WordPress.com

Choosing between self-hosted WordPress and WordPress.com shapes your site’s flexibility and maintenance needs. With self-hosting, you control your server, themes, plugins, and data. This guide compares hosting, customization, cost, and ownership to help you decide.

What does self hosted WordPress mean?

Self-hosted WordPress means you take the WordPress software from WordPress.org and run it on a server you control (either your own or through a hosting service). That way, you’re fully in charge of your site’s look, features, and data. It does demand some technical know-how compared to WordPress.com—where everything is maintained for you—but it also unlocks much more flexibility.

Here’s a helpful article if you want to dive deeper: https://wordpress.org/documentation/article/wordpress-org-and-wordpress-com/

Would you like more details on how self-hosted WordPress versus WordPress.com stack up?

Yes

Here’s a rundown of the main differences between self-hosted WordPress and WordPress.com:

  1. Hosting and Maintenance
    • Self-Hosted WordPress: You download the software from WordPress.org and install it on your own server or with a hosting provider. You’re responsible for backups, security patches, updates, and all technical maintenance.
    • WordPress.com: Hosting and upkeep are managed for you. You don’t need to worry about server maintenance, backups, or updates.
  2. Customization
    • Self-Hosted WordPress: Unlimited freedom—install any themes or plugins (including custom code) to build exactly what you need.
    • WordPress.com: Theme and plugin options are available but limited unless you upgrade to a higher-tier plan.
  3. Cost
    • Self-Hosted WordPress: The software is free, but you pay for hosting, a domain name, and any premium themes or plugins.
    • WordPress.com: Offers a free plan with restrictions; advanced features require paid plans.
  4. Control and Ownership
    • Self-Hosted WordPress: You own your content, data, and server environment completely.
    • WordPress.com: You own your content, but you’re subject to WordPress.com’s terms of service and platform restrictions.

In short, self-hosting gives you maximum control and flexibility, while WordPress.com delivers simplicity and less technical hassle. Your choice will hinge on your technical comfort, customization needs, and budget.

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