WordPress.com vs WordPress.org

Wordpress By Builder

In this video hosted by http://www.learnhowtowp.com we give you a comprehensive look at the primary differences between WordPress.com and WordPress.org. Consider joining the community by becoming a free or premium member today!

Video summary:

WordPress.com advantages –

• Very easy to setup and maintain.
• WordPress.com places your site on multiple servers.
• Hosting is handled entirely by WordPress.com.
• WordPress.com websites and blogs are entirely free (as long as you are okay with a domain structure of domain.wordpress.com).

WordPress.com disadvantages –

• Registering domain costs $17 per year. Map domain for $12 per year.
• No plugins.
• Limited themes (about 160).
• No ads (except WordPress.com may place ads…but no revenue sharing).

In summary, while WordPress.com is free, it offers very little control over your website or blog.

WordPress (WordPress.org) advantages –

• Thousands of plugins.
• Thousands of both free and premium themes.
• Own your brand/domain.
• You control ads (and earn all the revenue).
• Unlimited size (determined by host).
• Complete control over every aspect of your website or blog.

WordPress (WordPress.org) disadvantages –

• You need your own hosting account.
• Setting is more involved.
• You are responsible for controlling spam/backups.

In summary, WordPress.com is easy-to-use and, for the most part, free. It’s the perfect choice for a hobby or personal website or blog that you have no intention of growing or monetizing.

WordPress, on the other hand, provides you with complete control over your website or blog and is the only real choice for serious businesses or bloggers.

source