WordPress.com is a proprietary blog hosting service. It is important to note that WordPress.com is distinct from WordPress.org, the home of the widely-used open-source CMS software, WordPress.
Although the blog hosting service at WordPress.com is built on the WordPress platform, it comes with several restrictions. For instance, users of free WordPress.com sites cannot install plugins, one of the key advantages of using WordPress.
Many users have transitioned from WordPress.com to self-hosted WordPress.org sites to avoid these limitations.
Additionally, free WordPress.com plans do not permit the use of custom themes, and monetization options are restricted.
For example, you cannot utilize ad networks like Google AdSense on a free WordPress.com site; instead, WordPress.com will display ads on your site unless you opt for a paid plan.
Note that in recent years, WordPress.com has enabled plugin and custom theme installations, but this feature is only available through their Business plan, which costs $33 per month (or $25 per month with annual prepayment).
This is why many savvy business owners choose popular WordPress hosting providers like Bluehost or SiteGround. These services offer the full capabilities of WordPress without restrictions, often starting at just $3 per month, providing savings of 80% to 90%.
