Domain vs. hosting: what do you actually need?
One is your website’s address. The other serves its files. Here’s how the pieces fit together.
On this page
A domain name and web hosting do different jobs. You can buy them together, but they do not need to come from the same company.
Your domain is the address
A domain such as example.com is a human-readable name. You register it through a registrar and renew it to keep control of that registration. Registration alone does not necessarily include a working website or email inbox.
Hosting serves your website
Hosting stores and serves the files or application that visitors request. A static website can consist of HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and images. A dynamic application may also need a server runtime and database.
The right hosting depends on the software you actually run, not just the number of features in a pricing table.
DNS connects the pieces
DNS records direct services for your domain. Website records and email records are separate. Moving your website does not automatically move your email.
Before changing DNS, keep a copy of the existing records. Preserve mail-related records unless you deliberately change email providers.
Compare the full cost
Look at renewal pricing, backup access, storage and resource limits, SSL support, and cancellation terms. An introductory discount can differ substantially from the renewal price.
For a simple static blog, confirm the host supports custom HTML files and lets you download backups. For an application, check its runtime requirements separately.
Keep your ownership portable
Use an account and email address you control. Keep a local copy of your website source and media. Record where your domain is registered and when it renews.
Before purchasing, read the provider’s current plan details. Features and pricing change, and a familiar brand is not a substitute for checking requirements.