Key highlights
- WordPress is the most widely used CMS, but is WordPress free? This is an often-recurring question.
- WordPress.org and WordPress.com are two different products and have their own cost structures.
- WordPress.org is a free but self-hosted solution where you have to pay for hosting, domain, themes and premium plugins.
- WordPress.com works on a freemium model offering free hosting with limitations and paid plans for advanced features.
- Domains, hosting, premium themes and plugins contribute to the total cost of building a professional WordPress website.
- Bluehost offers bundled solutions with free domains, themes and essential plugins.
Introduction
WordPress is a powerhouse in the content management system (CMS) landscape, known for its flexibility, ease of use and vast ecosystem. Once a simple blogging tool, it has grown into a dominant platform that now powers over 40% of all websites worldwide.
From personal blogs to complex eCommerce stores and enterprise portals, WordPress caters to virtually every industry. But people new to WordPress are often confused with this one question—is WordPress free? Or are there hidden costs lurking beneath the surface?
The answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think.
In this blog, we break down WordPress’s pricing structure, uncovering the true costs behind the free and paid aspects while offering insights on how to maximize your investment in the platform.
Understanding WordPress pricing
When diving into the world of WordPress, one of the first points of confusion for beginners is distinguishing between WordPress.org and WordPress.com. These are two distinctly different platforms, each serving unique needs. Let us see how each is different from the other.
WordPress.org: Free platform
WordPress.org, often referred to as self-hosted WordPress, is the original form of WordPress. It is free, open-source software that you can install on your own web hosting server.
This WordPress software version gives you full control over your website, from the ability to upload custom themes and plugins to complete freedom over customization and data.
WordPress.org itself is entirely free to download and use. This means you can install it on your server without paying a license fee and you can customize it endlessly. The software comes packed with a basic but powerful array of features suitable for creating anything from a simple blog to a complex eCommerce site that can cost a bit.
Moreover, the open-source nature of WordPress.org encourages a vibrant community of developers to continuously enhance its capabilities through themes, plugins and updates.
While the WordPress software is free, operating a website using WordPress.org has associated costs. Primary among these are the expenses for web hosting and a domain name.
Bluehost not only offers affordable hosting plans but it also provides optimized hosting solutions specifically designed for WordPress. These plans often come with significant benefits such as a free domain name for the first year, free SSL certificates and automatic WordPress installations that streamline the setup process.
By choosing Bluehost, you can significantly mitigate the overhead costs associated with running a WordPress.org site. You’ll also enjoy the benefits of a robust, secure and high-performing website. This blend of affordability, features and customer support makes Bluehost an ideal partner for both newcomers and experienced WordPress users alike.
WordPress.com: Freemium model
WordPress.com offers a different approach to website creation and management compared to its counterpart, WordPress.org.
Operated by Automattic, WordPress.com provides a hosted environment, which means that instead of having to download software and manage your own hosting, everything is taken care of on a single platform.
This service follows a freemium model, where you can start with a basic set of features for free and then upgrade to higher tiers for access to more advanced functionalities.
Tiered service offerings
WordPress.com’s tiered system has something to offer everyone from personal bloggers to large enterprises. The platform simplifies the process of creating and maintaining a website by managing technical aspects like hosting, security and backups. The free tier is perfect for hobbyists or those just starting out who need basic website functionality without a financial commitment. However, using this tier does place ads on your site and customization options are limited.
Free tier features
- Subdomain: WordPress.com subdomain ([yoursite].wordpress.com)
- Themes: Selection of free themes
- Customization: Essential customization options
- Storage: 3 GB of storage space
- Support: Access to community support for help with website setup and troubleshooting
Premium features
- Personal plan: Removes ads, provides a free custom domain name for the first year, increases storage and includes email support
- Premium plan: Offers advanced design tools, unlimited premium themes, advanced social media tools and the ability to earn revenue through ads
- Business plan: Includes SEO tools, plugins and themes support, 200 GB storage and the ability to install plugins and third-party themes
- eCommerce plan: Designed for online stores, this tier includes features for accepting payments, selling products and services, shipping options and premium integrations like Google Analytics
Comparison: WordPress.org vs WordPress.com
| Feature | WordPress.org | WordPress.com |
| Cost | Free (but requires hosting and domain) | Free with limitations, paid plans available |
| Hosting | Self-hosted (user chooses a provider) | Hosted by WordPress |
| Customization | Full control over themes and plugins | Limited customization on free plan |
| Monetization | Full control over ads and revenue | Restrictions on ad placement for free users |
| Support | Community forums, third-party support | Paid plans include premium support |
| Ease of use | Requires technical knowledge | User-friendly, no installation required |
Extra costs associated with WordPress
We’ve learned that the core WordPress functionalities, whether through WordPress.org or the basic services of WordPress.com, are free or have a minimal cost. However, creating and maintaining a professional website often involves additional expenditure.
Let us look at the additional expenditures that you might incur while building your website with WordPress.
Domain names
A domain name is your website’s address on the internet, making it an essential component of your online presence. While WordPress.com offers a free subdomain ([yoursite].wordpress.com), a custom domain ([yoursite].com) provides a more professional appearance. If you’re using the open-source WordPress software from WordPress.org then you’ll have to purchase a domain name separately.
Hosting fees
All websites need to be stored on a web server where their data is kept saved. Access to these servers is provided by hosting service providers. While WordPress.com have their own hosting service, if you’re using the open-source WordPress software, you’ll have to purchase a hosting plan separately.
Bluehost is a hosting service provider officially recommended by WordPress. We have suitable WordPress hosting plans for all types of users starting from individual enthusiasts to Enterprises. Moreover, our WordPress hosting plans come with a free domain for the first year. So, if you’re looking to optimize your expenditure on WordPress, Bluehost is the right choice for you.
Premium themes
Themes dictate the visual layout and style of your website. While there are thousands of free themes available, premium WordPress themes are often worth the investment for those looking to stand out. However, with Bluehost, the need to spend dollars on premium themes is over. We provide WonderSuite, an AI website builder, free with all WordPress hosting plans.
With WonderSuite, you get a prompt-based website builder, drag and drop block editor and customizable themes all within the same package.
Know more: Key features of Bluehost WonderSuite
Premium plugins
WordPress comes with a plethora of plugins that extend the functionality of your WordPress site. There are over 50,000 free plugins in the WordPress repository offering a vast range of functionalities, from adding contact forms to creating an SEO-friendly site.
However, paid plugins often offer more advanced features that can significantly enhance your site. These features include improved security, comprehensive backup solutions and specialized capabilities like real-time analytics.
If you’re considering WordPress to build a website for your online business, then you’ll definitely need some premium plugins to run your business smoothly. However, knowing which plugin to use for what functionality is a chore of its own. But fret not, Bluehost WordPress Solution has pre-bundled packages of plugins, which can be deployed immediately to set-up your website in seconds. Whether you want to build an eCommerce store or a personal content creator website, we have just the right solution for you.
Final thoughts: Is WordPress free?
The beauty of WordPress lies in its flexibility—you can start small with minimal costs and scale as your website grows. Regardless of your use-case WordPress provides an adaptable solution for building a professional online presence.
For those seeking to optimize costs, Bluehost provides a cheap and holistic solution that covers everything from domains to special plugins. Take the next step in your digital journey—explore Bluehost today and enjoy the full potential of WordPress!
FAQs
WordPress.org is free to download and use, but you need to pay for hosting, domain registration and optional premium themes or plugins. WordPress.com offers a free version with limitations and paid plans for additional features.
The primary costs include web hosting, domain registration, premium themes, premium plugins and optional professional services for customization and maintenance.
With a free WordPress.com plan, monetization options are limited and ads are displayed on your site. To fully monetize your site, you need to upgrade to a paid plan that allows ad revenue and other income streams.
No, WordPress is designed to be user-friendly, with drag-and-drop builders, themes and plugins that make customization easy. However, coding knowledge can help if you want advanced customizations.
To keep your site secure, use strong passwords, enable SSL certificates and install security plugins. Additionally, regularly update WordPress and plugins and choose a reliable hosting provider that includes security features.
