Why do I need separate hosting if WordPress already has hosting?

I started using WooCommerce, and it requires WordPress, which is fine. But why does everyone say I need separate hosting when WordPress already provides hosting? I don’t get why I should use SiteGround or other hosting services if WordPress itself offers hosting. I already had to pay for the WordPress business plan just to install WooCommerce, so isn’t that enough?

WordPress.com is a hosting service managed by WordPress, while WordPress.org is the open-source version that you can install anywhere. The .com version is more restricted, while the .org version gives you full control. If you use a dedicated host, you get more flexibility, lower costs, and better performance.

@Uptime
WordPress.com and WordPress.org are completely different. One is a hosting service, the other is open-source software.

@Uptime
Got it. Thanks for explaining.

If you are using WordPress.com, you don’t need separate hosting. But if you want full control over your site, then using WordPress.org with your own hosting gives you more flexibility.

Mitchelle said:
If you are using WordPress.com, you don’t need separate hosting. But if you want full control over your site, then using WordPress.org with your own hosting gives you more flexibility.

Then why do people recommend SiteGround if WordPress already provides hosting?

@JakeWebb
WordPress.com is an all-in-one service, but it has limits. Hosting it yourself can be faster and cheaper in the long run.

@JakeWebb
With WordPress.org, you can install it on any web host, like SiteGround. It gives you more freedom compared to WordPress.com, which has stricter rules and higher costs.

WordPress does offer hosting, but their free plan is very limited. Either way, you’ll end up paying for something, whether it’s through WordPress.com’s plans or a separate hosting provider.

WordPress.com is a premium service built on WordPress. If you use it, you don’t need separate hosting.

You’re talking about WordPress.com, which is the company’s hosting service. WordPress.org is the open-source version that you can host anywhere. You could even install it on an old laptop if you wanted. The main difference is cost and control—WordPress.com has restrictions and costs more, while WordPress.org is free but requires a hosting provider like SiteGround.

Short answer: No, you don’t need separate hosting.

Long answer: WordPress.com is a managed hosting service for WordPress. You can also install WordPress.org on any hosting provider, which gives you more options and flexibility.

You can create a site on WordPress.com, but the free hosting is very limited. If you want an online store with advanced features, like custom plugins or payment options, you’ll probably need a separate hosting provider. You can also install WordPress locally on your computer to test things before committing to a host.