WordPress.com
Automattic's hosted WordPress service, from free blogs to managed hosting with plugins.
- Verified facts
- 5 of 5
- Alternatives ranked
- 7
- Approved reviews
- 0
- Visits sent from here
- 0
About WordPress.com
WordPress.com is the hosted version of WordPress run by Automattic. You get the same block editor and theme system as self-hosted WordPress, but hosting, security, backups and updates are handled for you. Lower plans work like a classic website builder, while higher plans let you install any plugin or theme, use SSH and WP-CLI, and run a store with WooCommerce. Its big advantage over closed builders is portability: you can export a site and move it to any WordPress host. The downside is that WordPress has more moving parts than Squarespace or Wix, and the editor can feel less direct than drag-and-drop builders. A free plan with a WordPress.com address is available; paid plans are billed monthly or with discounts for one to three years, and an enterprise tier covers large publishers. It runs in the browser with iOS and Android apps. The self-hosted open-source WordPress itself is a separate project.
Best for: Bloggers and businesses who want managed WordPress without running their own server.
Pros and cons
What works
- Plugins and themes from the WordPress ecosystem on higher plans
- Sites can be exported to any WordPress host
- Free plan for simple blogs
Why people leave
- Plugin access requires a higher-tier plan
- Block editor takes longer to learn than drag-and-drop builders
- Free plan shows ads and a WordPress.com address
Top WordPress.com alternatives
See all 7- 1
Wix62.6Simpler all-in-one drag-and-drop builder with no plugins to manage.
- 2
Squarespace59.6Polished templates and fewer moving parts for small business sites.
- 3
Elementor57.2Visual drag-and-drop page building on WordPress hosted wherever you like.
- 4
Webflow55.3Visual design control and a built-in CMS without plugins or updates.
- 5
WordPress54.5Self-host open-source WordPress for any plugin and full control at hosting cost.
Why people left WordPress.com
In reviewers' own words, from reviews of the apps they moved to. These are their opinions, not ours.
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Reviews
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WordPress.com: common questions
Is WordPress.com free?
WordPress.com has a free plan and paid plans. Free plan: Yes (checked on WordPress.com's own site).
Is WordPress.com open source?
No, WordPress.com is not open source. Open-source alternatives include WordPress.
What platforms does WordPress.com run on?
WordPress.com is available for Web, iOS and Android.
What are the best alternatives to WordPress.com?
The highest-ranked WordPress.com alternatives right now are Wix, Squarespace and Elementor. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.