This infographic courtesy of https://ithemes.com/tutorials/wordpress-com-vs-wordpress-org/
Here’s the text version
WordPress.com
- It is a hosted service where you can set up a website or blog that runs on WordPress.
- Requires you sign up for an account to create your website or blog.
- WordPress is set up for you so you can have a website or blog in 5 minutes or less.
- Get basic website functionality with a free plan, but users will need paid upgrades to take advantage of additional features.
- No plugin uploads allowed.
- No backend code, database or file access.
- Choose from available free or premium themes. No theme uploads.
- Free plans will be a subdomain of WordPress.com
WordPress.org
- It’s where you can download the WordPress software to use on your own web hosting account.
- Requires a separate web hosting account to run a WordPress websites.
- Most hosts offer one-click installation if you don’t want to install WordPress yourself.
- The WordPress software is totally free, thanks to open-source development.
- Upload your own plugins to extend functionality.
- Access and customise all backend code, database and files
- Upload your own free, premium or custom themes to customise your website
- Use your own custom domain name for your website’s URL.
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