Let’s cut to the chase: yes, WordPress is free.
But there’s a catch—it depends on how you want to use it.
There are two versions of WordPress:
- WordPress.org (Free to use, but you need to pay for hosting and a domain)
- WordPress.com (You can start for free, but many features cost money)
So yeah, technically it’s free. But if you want to build a serious site—your own blog, business, or online store—you’ll end up spending some money. Don’t worry though, it’s still one of the cheapest ways to build a site that looks good and works.
Let’s break it down and make it simple.
WordPress Login
To log into your WordPress site, you need to know what version you’re using.
1. WordPress.com Login
If you signed up on WordPress.com:
- Go to wordpress.com/log-in
- Use your email and password to sign in
- Once you’re in, you can manage your blog or site from the dashboard
2. WordPress.org Login
If you installed WordPress on your own hosting:
- Visit
yourwebsite.com/wp-admin - Enter your username and password
- You’ll be taken to the WordPress dashboard (your site’s control center)
👉 Tip: Bookmark your login page so you don’t lose it.
Is WordPress Free for Students?
There’s no official student discount for WordPress from either .org or .com. But here’s the good news:
- WordPress.org is free for everyone, including students.
- Some hosting companies give student discounts (you just have to search for them or check with your school).
- WordPress.com has a free plan, which works fine for simple school blogs or portfolios.
Best options for students:
- Use WordPress.com free plan for class projects.
- Use WordPress.org + cheap hosting for full control and learning real-world web skills.
WordPress Download
If you want the free version that gives you full control, you’ll need to download WordPress from WordPress.org.
How to download:
- Go to wordpress.org/download
- Click “Download WordPress”
- You’ll get a ZIP file
- Upload it to your web host, or use one-click install if your host offers it
Most hosting companies like Bluehost, Hostinger, and SiteGround let you install WordPress in one click, no download needed.
WordPress Pricing
Here’s the deal: WordPress itself is free. But building a real site? Not always.
Let’s break it down.
WordPress.com Pricing
| Plan | Cost | Good For |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Basic blog |
| Personal | $4/month | Personal use |
| Premium | $8/month | Freelancers |
| Business | $25/month | Small biz |
| eCommerce | $45/month | Online stores |
WordPress.org (Self-Hosted) Costs
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| WordPress software | $0 | Always free |
| Domain name | ~$10–15/year | Your .com address |
| Hosting | ~$3–10/month | Bluehost, Hostinger, etc. |
| Themes | Free–$50+ | You can find many free ones |
| Plugins | Free–$100+ | Many are free, some cost money |
Summary: Free vs Paid WordPress
WordPress is free, but building a full site isn’t.
Here’s a quick view:
- ✅ WordPress.org is 100% free
- ⚠️ You’ll pay for hosting and domain
- 💡 WordPress.com has a free plan, but you’ll pay for upgrades
“While WordPress.org is free to download and use, the real cost often lies in hosting, themes, and plugins—freedom comes with flexibility, not zero cost.” — based on insights from WordPress experts
FAQs About WordPress Being Free
Is WordPress still free?
Yes. The WordPress software is free and open-source. You can download it, install it, use it, and even customize it without paying.
But remember:
- Hosting and domain cost money
- Some themes and plugins cost money
Does WordPress have a fee?
The software itself? No fee.
But there are fees for extras:
- Hosting
- Domain name
- Premium themes/plugins
- Upgraded plans (on WordPress.com)
So it’s not “completely free” in real-world use.
Is WordPress a one-time purchase?
Nope. WordPress is not something you buy once.
It’s free to use, but you’ll pay for:
- Hosting (monthly or yearly)
- Domain name (usually yearly)
- Any paid features (one-time or ongoing)
What is the cheapest website builder?
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Builder | Starting Price | Free Plan? |
|---|---|---|
| WordPress.org | ~$3/month (hosting) | ✅ |
| WordPress.com | Free / $4+ | ✅ |
| Wix | $16/month | ✅ |
| Squarespace | $16/month | ❌ |
| Weebly | Free / $6+ | ✅ |
👉 WordPress.org is the cheapest if you’re willing to set things up yourself.
Can I use WordPress without paying?
Yes, with limits.
Here’s how:
- Use WordPress.com’s free plan: Good for a personal blog or hobby site.
- Use WordPress.org + free hosting: Some companies offer free hosting, but it’s slow and has ads.
Best balance? Cheap hosting + free WordPress.org install.
It’ll cost a few bucks a month, but gives you full control.
Final Thoughts
WordPress is kind of like a free car. You can get it for $0, but you still need to pay for gas, insurance, and a parking spot.
Here’s the truth:
- WordPress.org is free software you can download and use any way you want.
- WordPress.com gives you a free plan, but you’ll need to upgrade for serious features.
- If you want your own website, blog, or store, expect to pay at least $3–10/month for hosting and a domain name.
Quick Recap:
- ✅ WordPress itself = free
- 💸 Hosting & domain = costs money
- 🎓 Students = no official discount, but still cheap
- 🔐 Login = either via WordPress.com or yoursite.com/wp-admin
- 📥 Download = Free from WordPress.org
If you’re just starting out, go with WordPress.com’s free plan or find cheap hosting and try WordPress.org. You’ll learn a lot, save money, and avoid paying for overpriced tools you don’t need.
Want help picking a theme or setting up WordPress the right way without getting scammed? Hit me up—I’ve seen the shady side of web design, and I’m here to keep you from wasting time or cash.
Let’s build something real.
Sahadat Hossen
