How to Cancel WordPress.com in 2026

Updated February 2026 · Difficulty: Easy · $4-45/mo

📌 WordPress.com ≠ WordPress.org

WordPress.com is Automattic's hosted platform (subscription-based). WordPress.org is the free, open-source software you install on your own hosting. This guide covers canceling WordPress.com plans. If you self-host WordPress.org, cancel with your hosting provider instead.

Step 1: Export Your Content

✅ All content: Tools > Export > Export All (downloads XML file with posts, pages, comments)
✅ Media library: Not included in standard export — download images manually or use a plugin
✅ Theme customizations: Note your theme settings, CSS customizations, menu structure
✅ Subscriber list: If using WordPress.com newsletter, export subscribers separately

Step 2: Cancel Your Plan

Go to wordpress.com and log in
Navigate to Upgrades (or Manage > Purchases)
Find your active plan and click Manage Purchase
Click Cancel Plan
WordPress.com will offer to downgrade to a cheaper plan — decline if you want to fully cancel
Your site reverts to the free tier (yoursite.wordpress.com with ads)

Step 3: Close Your Site (Optional)

If you want to completely remove your site (not just downgrade to free): go to Settings > General > Delete Site. This is permanent — your content, domain mapping, and subdomain are gone. Only do this after exporting everything.

WordPress.com Pricing Tiers

Free: $0 (yoursite.wordpress.com, WordPress.com ads displayed)
Personal: $4/mo (custom domain, no WordPress.com ads)
Premium: $8/mo (advanced design, Google Analytics, VideoPress)
Business: $25/mo (plugins, themes, SFTP, SSH)
Commerce: $45/mo (WooCommerce, payment processing)

Refund Policy

WordPress.com offers refunds within specific windows depending on the plan type. Annual plans typically have a 14-day refund window. Monthly plans have a 7-day window. Domain registrations are usually non-refundable after 4 days. Check your specific purchase for exact terms in Manage > Purchases.

Better Alternatives

Self-hosted WordPress.org + cheap hosting ($3-10/mo): Same WordPress, full control, install any plugin. Hostinger, SiteGround, or Cloudways
Squarespace ($16-49/mo): Beautiful templates, easier than WordPress, all-in-one
Ghost ($9-25/mo self-hosted, $25+ managed): Best for blogs and newsletters. Clean, fast, modern
Substack (free): If you're primarily writing a newsletter/blog, Substack is free with optional paid subscriptions
Carrd ($9-19/yr): If you just need a simple landing page. Incredibly cheap

💡 WordPress.com Business vs. Self-Hosted

WordPress.com Business ($25/mo = $300/yr) gives you plugin access. Self-hosted WordPress on Hostinger ($3/mo = $36/yr) gives you the same plugin access for 88% less. The migration takes a few hours using the All-in-One WP Migration plugin. Unless you want zero server management, self-hosting is dramatically cheaper.

🔍 Find all your website-related charges

Upload your bank statement to JustCancel and we'll find WordPress, domain registrations, hosting fees, email services, and every other web-related subscription.