Is WordPress Free? What You Need to Know
WordPress is often described as a free website platform, but what does “free” actually mean? The answer depends on which version of WordPress you use and what you want your website to do.
The WordPress software is free to download, use and modify. However, running a website may involve additional costs, such as web hosting, a domain name or optional premium features. This guide explains what you get for free and what you might need to pay for.
What does “free WordPress” mean?
There are two services commonly associated with the name WordPress:
- WordPress.org: The free, open-source WordPress software that you install on your own web hosting account. You manage your hosting, website files and settings.
- WordPress.com: A hosted service that runs WordPress for you. It offers different plans, including a free option, with features and restrictions depending on the plan.
They use the same core publishing software, but the experience, costs and level of control can be different. It is worth checking which service you are choosing before you start.
Is the WordPress software really free?
Yes. The WordPress software available from WordPress.org is free and open source. You can download it, install it and use it to create a blog, business website, portfolio or online shop. You can also adapt the software to suit your needs, subject to its licence.
There is no fee to use WordPress itself, and you do not need to pay a licence fee for every website you build with it. The software is maintained by a global community of contributors, alongside businesses and individuals who support the WordPress project.
What might cost money?
Although the software is free, a self-hosted WordPress website usually needs a few services to be available online.
Web hosting
Web hosting stores your website’s files and makes them available to visitors. Hosting providers charge different prices depending on factors such as performance, support, storage and security features. Some offer low-cost introductory deals, while managed WordPress hosting may cost more in exchange for additional services.
A domain name
A domain is your website’s address, such as example.co.uk. Domains are usually registered for a yearly fee. Some hosting plans include a domain for a limited period, but check the renewal price and terms.
Premium themes and plugins
WordPress has many free themes and plugins. These can help you change the look of your site or add features such as contact forms, search tools and online shop functions. Paid versions may offer extra features, support or regular updates, but they are optional.
Other optional services
You may also choose to pay for professional design or development, email hosting, backups, security tools, payment processing or a content delivery network. The right choices depend on the purpose and scale of your website.
What is included with WordPress.com’s free plan?
WordPress.com offers a free way to start publishing without arranging separate web hosting. The service handles much of the underlying setup, which can make it convenient for a simple blog or personal project.
Free-plan features and restrictions can change over time, so check the current WordPress.com plan details before signing up. In general, a free hosted plan may offer less control over branding, storage, customisation or monetisation than a paid plan. You may also use a WordPress.com address rather than a custom domain, depending on the available options.
WordPress.org or WordPress.com: which is better?
Neither option is best for everyone. Your choice depends on how much control you want and how much time you are willing to spend managing your site.
- Choose WordPress.com if you want a simpler hosted setup and are happy to work within the features of your chosen plan.
- Choose self-hosted WordPress from WordPress.org if you want greater control over hosting, themes, plugins and website settings, and are comfortable managing those parts yourself or paying a provider to help.
A self-hosted site can be highly flexible, but it is not automatically free to run. You will need to arrange hosting and, in most cases, a domain name.
Can you build a website with WordPress for free?
It is possible to start without spending money, particularly if you use a free hosted plan and its included web address. You can also build a WordPress site using free software, a free theme and free plugins, then move to paid services if your needs grow.
For a professional website, however, it is sensible to budget for a custom domain and reliable hosting. These costs do not mean WordPress itself is paid software; they cover the services needed to run your website online.
Is free WordPress right for you?
Free WordPress can be a good starting point for a personal blog, a learning project or a small site with basic needs. It gives you access to a widely used publishing platform and a large collection of themes and plugins.
If you are building a business website, an online shop or a project that needs specific features, compare the available plans and likely running costs first. Consider the total cost over time, including renewals, support and any premium tools you may need.
In summary
WordPress is free software, but a WordPress website may involve costs. With WordPress.org, the software is free while hosting and a domain are usually paid separately. WordPress.com offers a hosted free option, alongside paid plans with different features and levels of control.
By understanding the difference, you can choose the setup that fits your budget and goals—and start building your website with a clearer idea of what “free” includes.
Is WordPress Free? Your Top 7 Questions Answered
- Is WordPress free to use?
- What is the difference between WordPress.org and WordPress.com?
- Can I create a website with WordPress for free?
- Do I need to pay for hosting to use WordPress?
- Can I use a free domain name with WordPress?
- Are WordPress themes and plugins free?
- Can I make money from a free WordPress website?
Is WordPress free to use?
Yes, WordPress is free to use: the WordPress software is open source, so you can download, install and customise it without paying a licence fee. However, running a website may involve costs. With self-hosted WordPress from WordPress.org, you’ll usually pay for web hosting and a domain name, while themes, plugins and professional services may also cost extra. WordPress.com offers a free hosted plan, though it may have limits on features and customisation.
What is the difference between WordPress.org and WordPress.com?
WordPress.org provides free, open-source software that you install with a web-hosting provider, giving you greater control over your website, including its themes, plugins and settings; you’ll usually pay separately for hosting and a domain name. WordPress.com is a hosted service that takes care of the technical setup for you and offers a free plan as well as paid plans, but the features and customisation available depend on the plan you choose.
Can I create a website with WordPress for free?
Yes, you can create a website with WordPress for free. WordPress.com offers a free plan, while the WordPress software from WordPress.org is free to download and use. However, a self-hosted WordPress.org website usually requires paid web hosting and a domain name. Free plans may also have limits on customisation, features or branding, so check what is included before choosing.
Do I need to pay for hosting to use WordPress?
Not necessarily. If you use WordPress.com, hosting is included, and you can start with its free plan, though it may come with limitations. If you use the free WordPress software from WordPress.org, you’ll need a web host to make your website available online. Hosting usually costs money, although some providers offer free plans with restrictions.
Can I use a free domain name with WordPress?
Yes, you can use a free web address with WordPress.com, but it will usually be a subdomain, such as yourname.wordpress.com, rather than a custom domain like yourname.co.uk. A custom domain generally costs a yearly fee, although some WordPress.com paid plans or hosting providers may include one for a limited period. With self-hosted WordPress from WordPress.org, you’ll need to arrange your own domain and hosting; free domain offers may be available, but check their renewal costs and terms.
Are WordPress themes and plugins free?
Many WordPress themes and plugins are free, and you can find thousands in the official WordPress directory. Some also offer paid versions with extra features, support or updates, while premium themes and plugins require a purchase or subscription. Check the provider’s pricing, licence and update policy before installing, and use reputable sources to help keep your website secure.
Can I make money from a free WordPress website?
Yes, you can make money from a free WordPress website, although the options may be limited by the plan you use. You could earn through affiliate links, sponsored content or by promoting your own products and services, provided these activities comply with the platform’s current terms. Advertising and other monetisation tools may require an eligible plan, and a custom domain or paid features could help your site look more professional. Check the latest WordPress.com restrictions before choosing how to monetise your website.