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.

Need human WordPress help?

WP Assistant is a free tool created by Atiba Software, a WordPress design and development company located in Nashville, TN. If you need more personalized WordPress assistance let us know, and we’ll get back to you ASAP!

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