Does WordPress Include Hosting?

Why are there two answers to this question?

People often use “WordPress” to describe two related services.

WordPress.org provides the open-source WordPress software. The software itself is free to download and use, but it needs somewhere to run. You purchase hosting from a provider, connect a domain and install WordPress there. This is commonly called self-hosted WordPress.

WordPress.com is a commercial hosted service built around WordPress. Hosting is included, and the platform manages the underlying infrastructure. Available customisation, plugins, storage and support depend on the plan you choose.

Neither approach is automatically right for everybody. The better choice depends on the control, convenience and functionality your website needs.

What do you get with self-hosted WordPress?

With self-hosted WordPress, you choose the hosting company and plan. That gives you flexibility to compare performance, backups, support, security, server location and price. You can also move the website to another compatible host later while keeping the same domain.

A hosting plan may include:

• Storage and processing resources for the website.
• An SSL certificate for HTTPS.
• Automatic website backups.
• Email accounts or DNS management.
• WordPress installation and caching tools.
• Migration assistance and technical support.

Inclusions vary. “WordPress hosting” can describe ordinary shared hosting configured for WordPress or a more actively managed service. Read what WordPress hosting includes before assuming the provider handles updates, security or plugin problems for you.

Is WordPress hosting the same as buying a domain?

No. The domain is the website address, such as yourbusiness.com.au. Hosting stores and delivers the website. WordPress is the software used to create and manage its content.

You need all three for a conventional self-hosted WordPress website: a domain, hosting and the WordPress software. They may come from one provider or several providers connected through DNS.

Register important services in accounts the business controls. Keep renewal information current and enable multi-factor authentication where available.

What does a WordPress website cost beyond hosting?

Self-hosted WordPress may also involve domain renewal, premium themes or plugins, business email, maintenance and professional development. Some businesses need booking, membership or ecommerce extensions with their own ongoing fees.

WordPress.com plans bundle hosting, but paid upgrades may be required for particular features, storage, plugins or commerce tools. Compare the complete setup you need rather than the cheapest starting price.

Our guide to WordPress hosting costs in Australia explains typical price ranges and the extras worth checking.

Should you choose hosted or self-hosted WordPress?

Choose based on the website you want to operate—not the terminology.

Self-hosted WordPress may suit you if: you want greater control over hosting and website configuration, need a broad selection of themes or plugins, or want the flexibility to move providers.

A hosted WordPress service may suit you if: you prefer one company to handle the infrastructure and the required features are available within an appropriate plan.

Before deciding, list your pages, forms, booking or store requirements, traffic, integrations and support needs. Then compare ongoing pricing, backups, security, migration options and realistic limits.

For a complete decision process, read how to choose WordPress hosting or compare WordPress hosting and general web hosting.

The simple way to remember it

WordPress is the system that runs the website. Hosting is the service that makes the website available online.

WordPress.org gives you the software and lets you choose the hosting. WordPress.com packages hosting into its service. Once that distinction is clear, you can stop untangling names and start comparing the result your business actually needs.