Starting a website in 2025 is easier than ever—but it still raises one big question: is WordPress free? The answer is both yes and no. While WordPress itself is open-source and available at no cost, building a fully functional and professional website can involve several other expenses.
In this detailed guide, we’ll break down WordPress pricing, core features, optional costs, and what to expect in 2025. If you want to business growth through smart loyalty, freelancer, or blogger, this article will help you make an informed decision.
What Does “Free” Mean in WordPress?
The Two Versions: WordPress.com vs WordPress.org
The confusion usually starts here. WordPress exists in two different versions:
- WordPress.com: A hosted service with limited free options but paid upgrades.
- WordPress.org: The open-source, downloadable CMS that’s technically free, but you host it yourself.
Let’s explore what each offers and what you might end up paying for.
Is WordPress.org Free?
Yes, WordPress.org is free to download, use, and modify. This is the version most professionals and businesses prefer. However, “free” here means the software itself. You still need:
- Domain name (₹800–₹1,200/year or $10–$15)
- Web hosting (₹2,000–₹10,000/year or $25–$120)
- Optional themes & plugins (some free, some paid)
So, while you can technically build a website without spending much, most users invest in tools that enhance appearance, speed, security, and SEO.
Exploring the Value of Top WordPress Themes in 2025
Why Themes Matter More Than Ever
In 2025, top WordPress themes do more than just make your site look good. They affect:
- Loading speed
- Mobile responsiveness
- User experience (UX)
- SEO optimization
- Customization options
Free vs Premium WordPress Themes
Here’s a quick comparison:
Feature Free Themes Premium Themes Price ₹0 ₹3,000–₹8,000 ($39–$99) one-time or yearly Support Limited or community-based Dedicated support Updates Infrequent Regular, reliable Customization Basic Advanced layouts, widgets, and styling Built-in Features Minimal Includes SEO, sliders, demos, etc.
Some of the top WordPress themes in 2025 include Astra, Kadence, Blocksy, Neve, and OceanWP, which offer both free and pro versions.
Hidden Costs You May Not Expect
Even with a free theme and hosting, there are often hidden or future costs involved in maintaining your website. Let’s break them down.
1. Domain Renewal Fees
While your first year might be free with some hosting plans, domain renewals often cost more in the second year.
2. Plugin Costs
Free plugins are abundant, but if your site requires:
- SEO tools (e.g., Rank Math Pro)
- Security suites (e.g., iThemes Security Pro)
- E-commerce features (e.g., WooCommerce extensions)
You might need to pay anywhere from ₹500 to ₹10,000/year per plugin.
3. Hosting Upgrades
As your traffic grows, basic shared hosting may not be enough. You might need to upgrade to:
- VPS Hosting
- Cloud Hosting
- Managed WordPress Hosting (like Kinsta or WP Engine)
These can cost ₹8,000–₹50,000+ per year.
Key Features You Get for Free in 2025
Despite the potential expenses, you still get an impressive array of features for free when using WordPress.org:
- Access to 50,000+ plugins
- 10,000+ free themes
- Full ownership of your content
- Complete design freedom
- Built-in blogging and SEO capabilities
- Gutenberg block editor for easy page building
It’s a DIY dream if you have the time and basic knowledge to learn.
The Real Costs of WordPress.com Plans
If you’re leaning towards WordPress.com, here’s how pricing works in 2025:
| Plan | Monthly Cost | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Free | ₹0 | Subdomain, basic design, ads by WordPress |
| Starter | ₹240/mo | Custom domain, no ads |
| Explorer | ₹480/mo | Premium themes, site monetization |
| Creator | ₹960/mo | Advanced design, payments, full customization |
| Entrepreneur | ₹1,800+/mo | Full business tools, eCommerce, marketing |
You’re paying for convenience—but with more limitations compared to self-hosted WordPress.org.
WordPress and E-Commerce: Is It Still Free?
If you’re building an online store in 2025, WooCommerce is the go-to plugin. It’s technically free and integrates with WordPress easily. But to create a polished store, you might need:
- Premium WooCommerce themes
- Payment gateway integrations
- Product add-ons
- Shipping modules
Expect to spend ₹10,000 to ₹50,000 ($125–$600+) annually for a functional online shop.
Comparing WordPress with Website Builders (2025)
You might wonder how WordPress stacks up against platforms like Wix, Shopify, or Squarespace in terms of pricing. Here’s a comparison:
| Feature | WordPress.org | Wix | Shopify | Squarespace |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Cost | Low | Free – ₹1,000/mo | ₹1,700+/mo | ₹1,200+/mo |
| Ownership | Full | Limited | Limited | Limited |
| Customization | High | Medium | Medium | Medium |
| Long-term Costs | Variable | Fixed | High | High |
WordPress offers the most flexibility and control, but requires more setup time and technical confidence.
How to Keep Your WordPress Website Low-Cost in 2025
You don’t need to spend a fortune to run a successful WordPress site. Here’s how to save smartly:
1. Use Free Yet Powerful Tools
- Themes: Astra, Blocksy, GeneratePress (Free versions)
- Plugins: Yoast SEO, WP Super Cache, UpdraftPlus
2. Choose Affordable Hosting
Providers like Hostinger, GreenGeeks, or Bluehost offer entry-level plans around ₹2,000/year with good reliability.
3. Avoid Unnecessary Purchases
Don’t overload your site with plugins. Only buy tools that solve a specific problem.
4. Consider Bundled Deals
Some marketplaces (like Envato Elements) offer all-in-one access to top WordPress themes, plugins, stock photos, and more for a single subscription.
Common Myths Around “Free WordPress”
Myth 1: You’ll Never Have to Pay Anything
Truth: Most serious users pay for at least one thing—hosting, theme, or plugin.
Myth 2: Free WordPress is Enough for E-Commerce
Truth: You’ll likely need premium extensions or themes to scale a professional store.
Myth 3: Paid tools always outperform free
Truth: Many free plugins and themes offer incredible value if configured properly.
FAQs – Is WordPress Free in 2025?
Q1. Is WordPress still open-source and free to use?
Yes, WordPress.org remains open-source and completely free to download, customize, and use.
Q2. What’s the total cost of running a WordPress site in 2025?
For a basic site: ₹3,000–₹5,000/year. For a business or e-commerce site: ₹10,000–₹50,000+/year.
Q3. Are free WordPress themes worth using?
Yes! Many top WordPress themes offer robust features even in their free versions.
Q4. Is WordPress cheaper than Wix or Shopify?
Long-term, WordPress can be more cost-effective but may require more setup and maintenance.
Q5. Can I switch from WordPress.com to WordPress.org later?
Absolutely. Many users start on WordPress.com and migrate to WordPress.org for full control.
Final Thoughts:
To wrap it up—yes, WordPress is free, but building and maintaining a functional, scalable website in 2025 comes with its own set of costs. From hosting to premium plugins and themes, the price varies depending on your needs.
However, the flexibility and value you get from WordPress—especially when using top WordPress themes—often outweigh the investment. Whether you’re building a blog, business site, or e-commerce store, WordPress remains a top-tier choice for web creators in 2025.
So, before launching your site, ask yourself not just “Is WordPress free?” but “What kind of site experience do I want to create?” That answer will help guide your budget and platform choice.
