Domain vs. Hosting: What's the Difference?

In simple terms, your domain name is your website's address on the internet, while web hosting is the space where your website lives. You need both to launch a working website that people can reach online.

If you’re building a website, it’s essential to know the difference between a domain name and a web hosting provider. These are two different services that work together to get your site online.

Many providers, such as Bluehost and Hostinger, offer both services in a single package. Understanding how each one works will help you make smarter choices when picking between web hosting plans and providers, and we’ll show you how.

What is a domain name?

A domain name is a string of text, like allaboutcookies.org, that people can enter in a browser URL bar to find your site. It serves as your website's identity online. You can also use it to create a custom email for your business, like example@allaboutcookies.org.

Domains have two parts: the top-level domain (TLD) and the second-level domain (SLD).^[1] The SLD is the name you choose for your site, while the TLD is the suffix that follows it, such as .com, .org, or .net. Together, they create an address that's easier to remember and to type than the string of numbers (the IP address) that computers use.

To get a domain name, you’ll need to register it through a domain registrar. This is a company that is authorized to sell domain names. Popular registrars include GoDaddy, Namecheap, and Hostinger. When you purchase a domain, you claim that name for a set period, which is usually a year or more. You must first check whether your desired name is available, since each domain can have only one owner at a time.

Domain extensions vary in price and availability. While .com is the most common, you might also consider options like .net, .org, .co, or newer extensions like .tech or .online. Some extensions have specific uses or restrictions, but most generic top-level domains are open to anyone who wants to register them.

How does web hosting work?

A web host provides server space that keeps your site available to visitors 24/7. Web hosting stores all of your website's files, such as images, text, videos, and code. Without hosting, your website’s domain is just an address with no content.

When someone types your domain URL into a web browser (like Chrome or Firefox), the hosting server sends your website content to their device. DNS hosting, meanwhile, links your domain's DNS (Domain Name System) records and your hosting server's IP address, so visitors reach the correct server. DNS hosting and web hosting are two separate services, though many providers bundle them together.

Different types of web hosting meet different needs:

• Shared hosting places multiple websites on one server, making it a budget-friendly option.
• VPS (Virtual Private Server) hosting creates a virtual server within a physical server and offers more control and resources.
• Dedicated hosting gives you an entire server for your own use.
• Cloud hosting distributes computing and storage across multiple servers to improve performance and reliability.

When selecting a web hosting provider, consider factors like storage space, bandwidth, uptime guarantees, and customer support. Your hosting needs may change as your website grows, so consider scalability, too.

Do you have to buy a domain name and hosting together?

You don’t have to buy your domain and hosting from the same provider, but there are benefits to doing so: You’ll have a single account and one support team to contact, making it easier to manage the two services. In addition, you may save money by taking advantage of most hosts' bundled service discounts.

When you buy them together, you often get a free domain for the first year with your hosting plan. Many hosts will also automatically configure your domain to work with your hosting account, making the setup process fast and simple.

However, keeping your domain separate from your hosting has its own advantages: If you want to switch hosting providers, it’s simpler when your domain is registered elsewhere. You also won’t risk losing access to your domain if there’s a billing issue with your hosting provider.

The good news is that you’re not locked into one option. You can switch between domain registration services at any time. The process usually involves unlocking your domain, obtaining an authorization code (or EPP code), and initiating the transfer with your new provider. Remember that newly registered domains can’t be transferred for the first 60 days, though.^[2]

Web hosting services that include a free domain

Many web hosting service providers include free domain registration when you sign up for an annual plan. Here are some examples:

• Bluehost offers a free domain for the first year with most of its hosting plans, including popular extensions such as .com, .net, .org, and more. After the first year, you'll pay the standard rate.​
• Hostinger also provides a free domain when you purchase a 12-month web hosting plan. It includes free privacy protection for eligible domains, helping keep your personal information private.​
• DreamHost includes one free domain registration credit with the annual shared, VPS, and WordPress plans. All of these options also include unlimited free SSL certificates.

FAQs

Bottom line

Knowing the difference between a domain name and web hosting is important when setting up a website. Your domain name is the unique address for your website, while web hosting providers store your website's files. Together, they allow visitors to access your site. DNS hosting, meanwhile, ensures that visitors to your site reach the correct IP address and server.

You can buy these services separately, but purchasing them together from providers like Bluehost or Hostinger can save you money and simplify management. Many hosts also offer a free domain with their annual plans, making it even cheaper to get started.