Is WordPress Free? Understanding Costs and Features in 2025

Key highlights 

• Learn if WordPress is actually free and what are the hidden costs you should know about. 
• Understand the key differences between .org and .com version to choose the platform that best fits your needs.  
• Explore Bluehost’s affordable hosting to simplify WordPress setup and save on premium themes and plugins.  
• Know how to maintain a compliant WordPress site by understanding GPL licensing for themes, plugins and content.  

WordPress is a powerhouse in the world of content management systems (CMS), 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?    

This blog will answer all your questions. We’ll 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.  

Quick answer: Is WordPress free in 2025? 

Yes, WordPress is free to use, but you’ll need to pay for hosting and a domain, typically starting at $2.95/month. 

Platform	Software Cost	Hosting	Domain	Realistic Monthly Cost
WordPress.org	Free	$3-$10/mo	~$10/year	$3.95-$11/mo
WordPress.com (Free)	Free	Included	Subdomain only	Free (with ads)
WordPress.com (Paid)	Free	Included	Free first year	$4-$45/mo

Let’s take a detailed look into the entire WordPress ecosystem and how it is priced. 

WordPress.org vs WordPress .com 

When trying to understand WordPress pricing, it is important to distinguish between WordPress.org and WordPress.com. These are two distinctly different platforms, each serving unique needs.  

So, is WordPress free? Let’s learn the answer by taking a closer look at the WordPress platforms.  

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 core 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 WordPress 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 ecosystem encourages a vibrant community of developers to continuously enhance its capabilities through themes, plugins and self-hosted site.    

While WordPress 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 high-performing website with a robust WordPress dashboard. 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  

The tiered system of WordPress.com delivers something for 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 (example: [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, that need shipping options and premium integrations like Google Analytics    

WordPress.org vs WordPress.com differences 

Both .org and .com versions of WordPress are powered by WordPress CMS, but they’re designed to cater to different needs. Here’s a look at WordPress pricing comparison and the features of these two WordPress platforms.  

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

Thus, we can see that WordPress.org is the go-to for those seeking complete control and scalability. On the other hand, the key features of WordPress.com, with its user-friendly setup, suits beginners or small businesses that prioritize simplicity over flexibility.   

What are the extra costs associated with WordPress?

The extra costs associated with WordPress come from the additional requirements of running a website. These requirements range from paying for domain and hosting service to website development expenditures. 

Let us look at the additional expenditures that you might incur while building your website with WordPress.  

1. Domain name cost 

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 official directory then you’ll have to purchase a domain name from a domain registrar. Bluehost lets you choose from a wide variety of domain names with assistance from AI.  

With our domain name generator you can brainstorm the domain name of your choice and get it registered, all in one place. Moreover, with our WordPress hosting plans you get a domain free for one year. So, more savings for you! 

2. 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 has its own hosting account 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 not willing to spend money on WordPress web development, Bluehost is the right choice for you.    

3. Premium themes  

Themes dictate the visual layout and style of your website. While there are thousands of free counterparts, paid themes are often worth the investment for those looking to stand out.   

The good news is, with Bluehost, the need to spend dollars on premium themes is over. We provide WonderSuite, an AI website builder, which builds your dream WordPress website in one click.  

With Bluehost WonderSuite, gone are the days of spending hours in web design. Our plan includes a prompt-based website builder, drag and drop block editor and professionally designed themes. And the best part is it comes free with our WordPress hosting plans. This means even more savings from your end. Just pay for one plan and get everything you need!  

Know more:  Key Features of Bluehost WonderSuite   

4. 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. Especially, if you’re looking to build an eCommerce store or websites with advanced features.   

We understand that handpicking plugins for building your website can bear a burden on your wallet. So, fret not, Bluehost eCommerce Premium brings all the exclusive WordPress plugins you’ll need at an affordable price.  

What’s included with Bluehost eCommerce Premium ($2,500+ plugin value): 

• Reliable hosting: Our web hosting service ensures that your website doesn’t encounter any downtime. Your website will always be accessible to your audience and potential leads. 
• Free domain: We provide a domain name of your choice free for the first year, so that you don’t have to worry about added costs. 
• AI website builder: Our automatic website builder lets you create a website that matches your choice in minutes. No coding or design skills needed. 
• Payment processing: We provide PayPal and Stripe integration that allows you to receive payment from your clients without additional setup. 
• Email marketing assistance: With CreativeMail email marketing plugin, you’ll be able to automate emails and newsletters to your subscribers, saving you additional time. 

Our plan comes included with WordPress hosting, AI website builder and free domain for one year. This means Bluehost eCommerce Premium is all you’ll need to set up your business website within a budget.   

5. Premium Support  

Operating a WordPress website requires consistent attention to ensure its security, functionality and performance. Regular updates to the WordPress core are essential to maintain compatibility, fix bugs and patch potential security vulnerabilities.   

Security measures, such as two-factor authentication and malware scanning, are crucial to protect the site from cyber threats. Additionally, performance upgrades such as leveraging caching and minimizing code are necessary to ensure fast load times.  

Given the complexity and importance of these tasks, choosing a reliable WordPress support partner is often a good choice. We provide 24×7 on-demand WordPress support to help users all over the world manage WordPress websites effortlessly. With valuable insights gathered from deep industry experience, ours is the go-to choice of WordPress support for millions.  

Struggling with a WordPress issue? Get in touch with Bluehost WordPress Support Service and get it fixed right away!  

Is WordPress copyright free?    

WordPress is not copyright-free but is released under the General Public License (GPL). This allows its free use, modification and distribution of the WordPress software.  

Here are some important points to note about the nature of WordPress copyright:  

• WordPress contributions: Any derivative works, like modified code, themes or plugins are also required to be licensed under the GPL. Contributors to the WordPress codebase retain copyright over their changes, but the GPL ensures these remain freely shareable.   
• WordPress themes and plugins: Premium themes and plugins are generally GPL-licensed for their PHP and HTML components. Associated images, CSS or JavaScript may have separate licenses.   
• WordPress content: Content published on WordPress, such as articles or photos, is fully owned by the creator and not subject to the GPL. If it’s a derivative work, like code examples using WordPress functions, it’ll be licensed under the GPL.   
• WordPress brand assets: The WordPress name, logo and WordCamp are trademarks owned by the WordPress Foundation. These are separate from the software’s GPL license.  

To ensure compliance, always check the licensing terms of themes, plugins and any media you use. When in doubt, Bluehost WordPress Support can guide on maintaining a compliant site. 

Final thoughts     

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 an affordable and holistic solution that covers everything from domains to special plugins.   

Looking to build your WordPress website within a budget? Explore Bluehost eCommerce Premium solution and get started now!  

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