WordPress.com - WordPress.com starts at $6/mo lower ($9/mo vs $15/mo), offers 5 tiers vs 3.
Shield vs WordPress.com: Quick Pricing Facts
Feature
Shield
WordPress.com
Starting Price
$15/mo
$9/mo
Number of Plans
3
5
Free Tier
Yes
No
Pricing Model
flat
freemium
Annual Discount
N/A
N/A
WordPress.com is the more affordable option, starting at $9/mo compared to Shield's $15/mo. Both are Other tools with 8 combined pricing plans and 193 features compared. At comparable tiers, the monthly price difference is $3.
Shield stands out with a free plan for getting started. Shield uses flat pricing while WordPress.com uses freemium pricing, which may affect your total cost at scale.
Review the detailed tier-by-tier comparison above to see exactly which features are included at each price point and find the best fit for your Other needs.
Frequently Asked Questions: Shield vs WordPress.com
Which is cheaper, Shield or WordPress.com?
As of July 2026, WordPress.com starts at a lower price point. Shield starts at $15/mo while WordPress.com starts at $9/mo. However, the best value depends on the features you need at each tier.
How many pricing plans does Shield have vs WordPress.com?
Shield offers 3 pricing plans, while WordPress.com offers 5 plans. More plans typically means more flexibility to match your exact needs and budget.
Does Shield or WordPress.com offer a free plan?
Shield offers a free plan, while WordPress.com does not. If budget is a concern, Shield lets you get started at no cost.
Can I save money by paying annually for Shield or WordPress.com?
Both Shield and WordPress.com offer annual billing options. Check each plan's yearly pricing for potential savings compared to monthly billing.
What is the most popular Shield plan?
The Pro plan is Shield's most popular tier, priced at $15/mo. Key features include Advanced features, Priority support, Custom integrations.
What is the most popular WordPress.com plan?
The Premium plan is WordPress.com's most popular tier, priced at $18/mo. Key features include 13 GB storage, Unlimited pages, posts, users, and visitors, Unlimited pages, posts, users, and visitors.
Does Shield or WordPress.com offer custom enterprise pricing?
Yes, both Shield and WordPress.com offer custom enterprise pricing tiers with quote-based pricing. Contact each vendor for a tailored quote.