Domain Name Guide →
Explore the next decision in your website plan.
Independent decision guide. Information and provider terms can change. Check the current plan and renewal terms with the provider before purchase.
The domain is your address
A domain such as example.com is registered through a registrar for a term and renewed to keep using it. Domain registration does not by itself create website files, email or a finished site. The registrar account and registrant details should be under your control.
Hosting serves the website
A web host provides the server environment that answers visitors' requests and serves your pages, images and applications. A hosting plan may bundle a domain offer, but the domain and hosting services can have different renewal dates, prices and cancellation rules.
DNS connects the two
DNS records point the domain toward the correct hosting service. Your registrar may run DNS, or you may use a separate DNS provider. When changing hosts, you can often keep the same domain and change its DNS records instead of transferring the registration. Changes may take time to appear everywhere, so plan a migration window.
Should you buy both together?
Buying together can simplify initial setup and billing. Keeping them separate can preserve flexibility if you change hosts. Whichever you choose, record the account owner, renewal date, DNS provider and recovery email. Read the domain guide and hosting guide before comparing providers.
Sources and checking notes
This guide uses primary sources for policies and current product descriptions. We do not claim firsthand speed or uptime tests.