WordPress comes in two very different forms. The name is the same, but what you get is not. Understanding the difference matters before you commit to either.
WordPress.org — self-hosted WordPress
WordPress.org is the open-source software you download and install on your own hosting server. This is what the vast majority of business websites use. You own your site completely, choose your own hosting provider, install any plugin or theme you want, and have full control over everything.
There are no restrictions on design, no mandatory subscription tiers, and no platform that can change the rules on you. It does require a hosting provider and some initial setup — but that is a one-time process.
WordPress.com — hosted by Automattic
WordPress.com is a commercial hosting service run by Automattic, the company founded by one of WordPress’s original creators. You do not need to arrange your own hosting — the platform handles it for you. But in exchange, you accept significant limitations: restricted plugins, limited design control, and pricing tiers that get expensive as soon as you need basic business features.
Which one is right for your business?
For any serious business website, the answer is WordPress.org. Full control, no platform lock-in, and the freedom to work with any developer or hosting provider you choose. WordPress.com is fine for a personal blog or a very simple online presence — but for a business that wants to grow, it creates unnecessary restrictions.
All WP Clinic hosting and maintenance services run on self-hosted WordPress. Learn more about our hosting or read more about what WordPress is.