Is WordPress Really Free? A Beginner’s Guide + WordPress vs Wix, Hosting & More

If you’ve decided to build a website in 2025, you’ve likely asked, “Is WordPress free?” The answer is both yes and no — and this article will explain what that means. We’ll also break down WordPress vs Wix, compare popular hosting providers like GoDaddy WordPress and Hostinger WordPress, and explain when to invest in WordPress development services.

Is WordPress Free?

Yes, WordPress.org is 100% free to use. It’s an open-source platform, meaning you can download, install, and customize it without paying a dime. That said, running a WordPress site does come with some necessary expenses:

Domain name (approx. $10–$15/year)
Web hosting (e.g., GoDaddy WordPress, Hostinger WordPress)
Premium themes or plugins (optional)
WordPress development services (optional but recommended for custom features)

WordPress.com vs WordPress.org — Know the Difference

Feature	WordPress.com	WordPress.org
Cost	Free (with ads) or paid plans	Free to use
Hosting	Included	You choose your own host
Domain	yoursite.wordpress.com	Custom domain
Plugins	Limited to paid plans	Unlimited
Custom Code	Restricted	Full control
Monetization	Limited	Full control

For serious bloggers, business owners, or anyone looking to scale, WordPress.org is the preferred option.

Wix vs WordPress – Which One Should You Choose?

If you’re torn between the two platforms, here’s a breakdown of Wix vs WordPress:

Feature	Wix	WordPress
Ease of Use	Drag-and-drop builder, beginner-friendly	Learning curve but more flexible
Design	Limited templates, WYSIWYG editor	Thousands of themes (free and paid)
Plugins	App Market, but fewer apps	Over 59,000+ plugins
SEO	Basic SEO tools	Advanced SEO capabilities
Customization	Limited	Unlimited (with coding)
Ownership	Wix controls hosting	You own everything

Conclusion: WordPress wins if you want complete control and scalability. Wix is great for very simple websites and beginners who want a quick solution.

Hosting Options: GoDaddy WordPress vs Hostinger WordPress

Both GoDaddy and Hostinger offer managed WordPress hosting, but they cater to different needs.

🔹 GoDaddy WordPress:

Beginner-friendly
1-click WordPress install
Free domain for the first year
Daily backups
Slightly higher pricing for advanced plans

Hostinger WordPress:

Affordable pricing
Fast performance (LiteSpeed servers)
Free email & SSL
Ideal for budget-conscious users

If you’re a startup or solo blogger, Hostinger WordPress is a great value-for-money option. If you’re looking for brand trust and premium support, GoDaddy WordPress might be better.

Do You Need WordPress Development Services?

Yes, if:

You want a unique website tailored to your brand
You need to integrate advanced features or custom code
You want help managing the WordPress admin backend
You want your site optimized for SEO, speed, and mobile

A skilled WordPress developer can help with:

Theme customization
Plugin development
Troubleshooting and maintenance
SEO optimization

How to Start Your Blog on WordPress

Here’s your simple step-by-step guide:

Choose a domain and hosting provider (e.g., GoDaddy or Hostinger WordPress).
Install WordPress via the 1-click install option.
Log in to the WordPress admin dashboard.
Select and customize a theme. Add your WordPress logo and branding.
Install essential plugins (SEO, security, backup).
Start publishing posts!

Final Thoughts: Is WordPress Free?

Yes — WordPress is free, flexible, and future-ready. But like any tool, its power lies in how you use it. Whether you choose GoDaddy WordPress, Hostinger WordPress, or another host, you’ll need to budget for hosting and optional customization.

When comparing Wix vs WordPress, it’s clear that WordPress offers more long-term value and control for serious users. If you’re ready to create a dynamic, scalable website, WordPress development services can help turn your vision into reality.

Need Help?
Let us set up your blog or business site with full branding, SEO, and mobile optimization. Contact us for custom WordPress development services today!