IS WORDPRESS FREE?

At Lillian Purge, we specialise in Ecommerce SEO Services and have developed comprehensive guidance on Is Wordpress Free?.

Yes, WordPress is free to use, but that doesn’t mean creating and maintaining a website comes without costs. There are two main versions of WordPress: WordPress.com and WordPress.org, and each has different features, pricing structures, and levels of control.

WordPress itself is open-source software, meaning anyone can download and use it for free. However, while the software costs nothing, you will need to pay for additional elements such as hosting, a domain name, premium themes, or plugins if you want a fully functional and professional website.

WordPress.com vs WordPress.org

The key to understanding WordPress pricing lies in the distinction between these two platforms.

1. WordPress.com
WordPress.com is a hosted platform that handles everything for you. You can sign up and create a website without worrying about separate hosting or maintenance. It offers a free plan, but it comes with limitations:

  • You get a subdomain (for example, yourbusiness.wordpress.com).

  • You cannot install custom themes or plugins.

  • WordPress places ads on your site that you cannot control.

  • Limited storage space and design flexibility.

To remove these restrictions and use your own domain name, you’ll need to upgrade to a paid plan. Paid plans start from a few pounds per month, depending on the level of features you need, such as eCommerce functionality or advanced customisation.

2. WordPress.org
WordPress.org is the self-hosted version of WordPress. The software itself is completely free to download and install, but you are responsible for hosting, domain registration, and website management. This version offers far greater control and flexibility, making it ideal for businesses, bloggers, and developers who want a custom site.

With WordPress.org, you can:

  • Choose your own hosting provider.

  • Install custom themes and plugins.

  • Add eCommerce functionality using tools like WooCommerce.

  • Monetise your site freely without platform restrictions.

While WordPress.org is technically free, most professional sites incur costs for web hosting and premium tools.

Costs to Consider When Using WordPress

Even though WordPress software is free, several additional expenses are typically involved in setting up and maintaining a website.

1. Domain Name
A domain name is your website’s address (for example, www.yourbusiness.co.uk). Domains usually cost between £10 and £20 per year, depending on the registrar and extension (.com, .co.uk, .net, etc.).

2. Web Hosting
If you choose WordPress.org, you’ll need a hosting provider to store your website’s files and make them accessible online. Shared hosting plans start at around £3 to £10 per month, while premium or managed WordPress hosting can cost £20 or more per month.

3. Themes
WordPress offers thousands of free themes, but many businesses prefer premium designs for better performance and unique branding. Premium themes typically cost between £30 and £100 as a one-off purchase.

4. Plugins
Plugins add functionality to your site, such as contact forms, SEO tools, or eCommerce systems. While many are free, premium plugins with advanced features may cost from £10 to £200 annually, depending on their purpose.

5. Maintenance and Security
Running a WordPress site requires regular updates, backups, and security monitoring. Some businesses handle this internally, while others hire professionals or use maintenance services, which can cost £20 to £100 per month.

Why WordPress Is Still Cost-Effective

Even with these additional costs, WordPress remains one of the most affordable and powerful website platforms available. Compared with proprietary website builders or custom-coded websites, it offers better scalability, more flexibility, and complete ownership of your site.

You can start small on a limited budget and expand later by adding plugins or upgrading hosting as your business grows. Unlike some paid platforms, there are no hidden fees or long-term contracts, giving you full control over what you spend.

Advantages of Using WordPress

WordPress continues to be the world’s most popular website platform, powering over 40 percent of all websites. Its popularity is driven by several key benefits:

  • Easy to use, even for beginners.

  • Thousands of themes and plugins available.

  • Excellent SEO compatibility with tools like Yoast SEO.

  • Strong community support and frequent updates.

  • Flexibility to build anything from blogs to online shops.

These features make it especially suitable for small businesses, online retailers, and professionals who want a flexible, scalable website without relying on developers for every change.

Common Misunderstandings About WordPress

Many new users assume WordPress is entirely free and fully managed, but this can lead to confusion later. The software itself is free, but costs arise from hosting, maintenance, and optional premium tools.

Another misconception is that WordPress.com and WordPress.org are the same. In reality, WordPress.com is more beginner-friendly but restrictive, while WordPress.org gives you complete freedom and control, making it the preferred choice for most businesses.

Choosing the Right Version for Your Needs

If you’re a hobby blogger or want to test the waters, WordPress.com’s free version may be enough to start. But if you’re running a business, selling products, or need advanced SEO and customisation, WordPress.org is the better choice.

With the self-hosted version, you can create a site that grows with your business and optimise it fully for search engines, speed, and conversions.

Final Thoughts

WordPress is free in the sense that the software costs nothing to use, but building a functional and professional website involves additional expenses such as hosting, domains, and premium tools. Even so, it remains one of the most cost-effective and flexible website platforms available.

Whether you use the hosted version for simplicity or the self-hosted version for control, WordPress gives you the foundation to build a website that looks great, performs well, and supports long-term business growth.

We have also written in depth articles on How to Edit Footer in Wordpress and Should I use Wordpress or Squarespace? as well as our Wordpress Hub to give you further guidance.