WordPress is, by far, the most popular content management system, far surpassing competitors like Shopify.
That’s why so many people find it surprising that WordPress is mainly free to use.
As a blogger, I’ve seen many new bloggers ask, “Is WordPress free?”
It might sound too good to be true, but it’s not.
Nevertheless, there are certain caveats I want you to know about, as creating a quality website does come with some costs.
Read on to learn more.
Is WordPress Free?
Yes.
WordPress is a content management software that is free to download and install.
There is a distinction we must make here, though.
To become a blogger, you need to understand the difference between WordPress.org and WordPress.com.
WordPress.org is a free CMS software that you can download and install on your website, but you must have a third-party hosting provider host your website.
The CMS can’t run independently, as you need servers to host it.
Think of WordPress.org as your house – you still require land to put your home on, which is what the hosting provider does.
You must also buy your own domain name, a unique internet address that allows people to find you on the web.
WordPress.com provides a domain name and hosting for you.
It gives you a ready-made website, so you don’t need to install any software yourself.
While a free plan is available, it has several limitations.
For example, you can’t get a custom domain name on the free plan.
Instead, you will have to use a subdomain (YOURSITE.WordPress.com instead of YOURSITE.com).
Therefore, while it’s okay for blogging basics, it’s not a good option for more advanced blogs.
Is WordPress Free for Students?
Yes.
Students can create a free plan on WordPress.com but face the same limitations as other WordPress users.
They can also download and use the WordPress.org software for free on their sites, but they will still need to get third-party hosting.
Is WordPress Free for eCommerce?
No.
WordPress.com does provide an eCommerce plan, but it’s not cheap, costing $70/month ($45/month if you pay annually).
If you use WordPress.org with a third-party hosting provider, you can use WooCommerce for free.
WooCommerce is a free WordPress plugin that will transform your regular WordPress site into an online store that can accept payments.
Is WordPress Free
WordPress – the software itself – is free and open-source.
However, you need a platform to host a WordPress site on.
You can use a third-party premium hosting service, like Namecheap or Bluehost.
Managed WordPress hosting is expensive, but you can get hosting on a shared server for as little as a few dollars a month.
Alternatively, you can let WordPress.com provide you with hosting, which is free.
However, you will need to upgrade to enjoy premium features.
Does WordPress Charge a Monthly Fee?
Yes and no.
Since the actual CMS is open-source, WordPress can’t charge you for it.
It doesn’t even charge you for a hosted site on a WordPress subdomain.
However, if you want WordPress to take care of your site for you but want to remove ads, accept payments, or have a custom domain, you will need to pay WordPress a monthly fee for that privilege.
Fortunately, blogging income can offset the costs of private hosting or a premium WordPress.com plan.
Do I Have To Pay WordPress To Use My Own Domain?
That depends.
If you are hosting your site on WordPress.com, you must sign up for a premium plan to use your own domain.
However, WordPress will give you a free domain name for the first year.
If you want to use your own domain on another hosting platform while using WordPress.org software, you will have to pay that hosting platform a monthly or yearly fee.
However, you won’t have to pay WordPress anything for the software.
What Is the Difference Between WordPress Free and Paid?
Hopefully, you now understand the differences between the two types of WordPress (WordPress.com and WordPress.org).
WordPress.org is an open-source software (house) that you can use however you wish, but you must find your own hosting provider (land) and get your own domain name (address).
It gives you complete control over your site, but you must do everything independently.
WordPress.com provides a done-for-you website with hosting, but you need to pay to earn ad revenue, upload videos, and have more control over your site.
WordPress Comparisons
Let’s see how WordPress measures up to other popular names in the industry, including other website builders and hosting providers.
This section will help you decide whether WordPress is the right choice for you.
Is It Better To Make Your Own Website or Use WordPress?
Generally, making your own website using WordPress.org and a third-party hosting provider is better.
Yes, it does require more work, but it gives you more control.
Most hosting providers allow you to install WordPress.org software with the click of a few buttons, too.
WordPress vs. Wix
Wix is similar to WordPress.com but uses an entirely different content management system.
It provides free hosting and a free website if you use a Wix subdomain.
You will have to upgrade to enjoy premium features.
You can’t install Wix on a third-party hosting platform.
WordPress vs. HubSpot
HubSpot is primarily a customer relationship management platform.
However, it also allows you to create a free website and host it for free.
HubSpot has its own CMS, which is distinctly different from WordPress.
WordPress vs. GoDaddy
GoDaddy is primarily a hosting provider, so you can host a WordPress.org website on GoDaddy.
However, it also has its own website builder, which allows you to create a free website with the GoDaddy CMS.
How Do I Install WordPress for Free?
Installing WordPress.org on your website isn’t difficult, but the process can differ slightly from one hosting provider to another.
Traditional hosting providers give you a “cPanel” control panel, which includes the Softaculous Apps Auto Installer, which allows you to install WordPress with just a few clicks.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here are the steps to take to start a blog and install WordPress for free.
- Buy a domain name.
- Sign up for a hosting plan with a host like Bluehost. If you use Bluehost in particular, you will get a free domain name when you sign up.
- Install WordPress in your cPanel or site control panel (if you use Bluehost, follow these directions to install WordPress in the My Sites section).
Frequently Asked Questions
Getting started with WordPress the first time can be confusing.
Here are answers to some common questions we see from our readers.
How much is a domain in WordPress?
On WordPress.com, subdomains are free, and a custom domain name is free for the first year if you sign up for a premium plan.
After that, a domain name will typically cost around $10/year, depending on the specific TLD (.com, .co, .org, etc.).
How much does a beginner website cost?
The costs of running a WordPress blog typically run around $50-100/year, including domain name renewal and hosting.
However, it does depend on the specific hosting provider and domain name you choose.
Wrapping Up
WordPress.org is a free CMS that you can install on any hosting provider.
However, if you want a ready-made website without worrying about getting hosting, you can use WordPress.com, which has a limited free plan and several premium plans.
So, Is WordPress free?
Yes, but you still have to get hosting.
Hosting on WordPress.com is free, but it comes with limitations, so it’s worth paying for a premium WordPress.com plan or getting third-party hosting.
If you have any questions, please leave a comment below.
Also, check out our best blogging platforms if you’re looking for a WordPress alternative.
