Key highlights
- Understand the difference between domain and hosting, know how both work together to build a successful website.
- Compare web hosting vs domain name, see how each plays a unique role in your site’s identity and performance.
- Simplify hosting vs domain, learn what separates storing your site’s data from giving it an online address.
- Explore web hosting vs domain hosting, discover how these services differ and complement each other.
- Learn the difference between domain name and web hosting, understand the process of domain registration vs hosting for smoother website setup.
- Manage your domain name and hosting together with Bluehost for a seamless and user-friendly website setup.
Ever wondered what really makes a website work?
For most beginners, terms like domain vs hosting or web hosting vs domain sound confusing. It’s easy to mix them up as after all, both are essential parts of a website.
Think of your domain name as your website’s address and web hosting as the actual home where your site lives. Understanding the difference between domain names and web hosting services helps you make smart choices when creating a website.
In this blog, we’ll break down web hosting vs domain name, how they work together and why both matter for your online success.
Domain vs hosting: Key differences
When you’re building a website, two terms you’ll hear often are domain and hosting. Although they work closely together, they serve completely different purposes.
The table below highlights the main differences between a domain name and web hosting, helping you understand how each one functions in the website-building process.
| Feature | Domain name | Web hosting |
| What it does | Acts as your website’s address on the internet | Stores your website’s files, data and content |
| Managed by | Domain registrar (e.g., Bluehost, ICANN-accredited companies) | Web hosting provider (e.g., Bluehost) |
| Purpose | Helps users locate and access your website | Makes your website content available online 24/7 |
| Example | [yourbrand].[com] | Bluehost WordPress hosting, shared hosting, VPS hosting |
| Technical role | Points a user browser to the correct hosting server through DNS | Retrieves and displays website data when a domain is accessed |
| Dependency | Cannot function alone & needs hosting to show content | Needs a domain to help users reach the website |
| Cost structure | Typically purchased yearly (renewal required) | Monthly or yearly hosting plans based on resources |
| Storage involved | No storage. Only a readable web address | Provides storage, RAM, bandwidth, CPU resources |
| Security involved | Domain privacy, DNS protection | SSL, firewall, malware protection, backups |
| Impact on branding | Represents your brand identity and online presence | Impacts your website speed, performance and user experience |
| Ownership | You reserve the right to use the name for a specific period | You rent server space, environment and resources |
Now that you know the difference between a domain and hosting. Let’s look deeper at what a domain name is, how it works and why it matters for your website.
What is domain name and domain registration?
Before your website can go live, it needs a name people can type into their browsers, that’s your domain name. It is the unique address that helps people find your website online.
Instead of remembering a complex IP address like 192.0.2.1, users simply type your domain such as [yourbrand].[com] into their web browser to reach your site.
A domain registered through a domain registrar, which reserves it for your use and connects it to your hosting server via the Domain Name System (DNS). This process is called domain registration and it’s usually renewed yearly.
You can register your domain with Bluehost. We offer both domain and hosting packages in one place making website creation simple and seamless.
Also read: What is a Domain Name? Beginner’s Guide for 2025
Domain name structure
A domain name isn’t just a random string of words; it follows a clear structure made up of different parts. Here’s how it breaks down:
| Part | Example | Description |
| Top-level domain (TLD) | .com, .org, .net | The last part of your domain. These are also called generic top-level domains (gTLDs) or sponsored top-level domains (sTLDs). |
| Second-level domain (SLD) | yourbrand | The unique name you choose for your site usually your brand or business name. |
| Subdomain | blog.[yourbrand].com | An optional prefix that helps organize sections of your website, like a blog or shop. |
Together, these elements form your complete domain name, such as www.bluehost.com.
When you register a custom domain, you’re essentially claiming that address for your website. It helps visitors and search engines recognize your brand easily.
How to register a domain name?
Registering a domain name is a quick and simple process but choosing the right one matters. Here’s how to do it:
1. Brainstorm your domain name first
Having a name that reflects your brand is easy to spell and memorable. Keep it short, avoid numbers or hyphens when possible.
2. Choose a domain name
Go to Bluehost domain search page and enter your desired domain name. (You can also generate a domain name with AI).
3. Check availability
Click on “SEARCH” button to check if your preferred domain name is available.
4. Finalize desired domain name
Confirm your domain name and then click “CONTINUE”. If it’s taken, try variations or different domain extensions like .net, .org, .store, .co or .tech.
5. Complete the registration
Add your domain to the cart. Then click on “CONTINUE TO CHECKOUT”. (We also provide “Domain Privacy + Protection” feature).
6. Make final purchase
Now, enter your details and click on “SUBMIT PAYMENT” to purchase it. Most domains are valid for one year, but you can register for multiple years upfront.
Once registered, your domain is officially yours. Now, it is ready to connect to your web hosting account and launch your site.
What do you mean by domain registrars and ICANN?
When you buy a domain, you’re not buying it forever. You’re reserving it through a domain registrar, a company authorized to manage domain name registrations.
All domain registrars are accredited by ICANN i.e. the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers. ICANN oversees the global Domain Name System (DNS), ensuring every domain name is unique and linked to the correct IP address.
Popular domain registrars and web hosting providers, like Bluehost, make it easy to register, renew or transfer your domain name without dealing directly with ICANN.
What is a domain name checker tool?
A domain name checker is an online tool that helps you instantly find out if your desired domain name is available for registration. It saves time and helps you explore alternatives before you finalize your choice.
When you enter a name into a domain checker, it scans the domain name system (DNS) and lists available domain extensions like .com, .org or .blog. Some checkers even suggest related names or creative options based on your input.
What are different types of domain extensions and their pricing?
When registering a domain name, you’ll notice different endings or extensions such as .com, .org or .net. These are called Top-Level Domains (TLDs) and they help define your website’s purpose and identity.
Here are the main types:
| Type | Example | Purpose |
| Generic top-level domains (gTLDs) | .com, .info, .biz | The most common and widely used extensions. Perfect for businesses and blogs. |
| Sponsored top-level domains (sTLDs) | .edu, .gov, .mil | Restricted to specific organizations or sectors. |
| Country-code TLDs (ccTLDs) | .in, .uk, .ca | Represent specific countries or regions. Great for local targeting. |
| New domain extensions | .store, .tech, .blog | Modern and creative options that reflect your niche or industry. |
Domain pricing depends on the extension, demand and registrar. Standard domains like .com often cost between $10–$15 per year, while premium or niche extensions may cost more.
Also read: The Ultimate List of Top Level Domains: What They Mean & How to Choose One
How to change website domain name?
You can change your website’s domain name by following the steps mentioned. When you change your domain, you’re basically moving your website’s address while keeping your website files and hosting setup intact.
Here’s how it typically works:
- Buy or register a new domain name with Bluehost.
- Update your DNS settings to connect the new domain to your web hosting account.
- Redirect your old domain to the new one to maintain SEO rankings and avoid broken links.
- Notify search engines through Google Search Console and update your site links.
If you host your site with Bluehost, you can easily update your domain through your Bluehost dashboard or cPanel. Alternatively, you can contact our technical support team for help.
How does your domain name impacts your business branding?
Your domain name is more than just a website address, it’s a key part of your brand identity. A memorable and relevant domain can instantly build trust and make your business stand out online.
Here’s how the right domain supports your branding:
- Creates a strong first impression: Your domain is often the first thing people see in search results or social media links.
- Improves credibility: A professional custom domain (like [yourbrand].[com]) looks more trustworthy than a free subdomain.
- Builds consistency: Matching your domain with your brand name helps customers easily remember and recognize you.
- Supports SEO and visibility: Including a keyword in your domain can make it easier for search engines and users to find you.
Above, we have discussed everything about domain names, their works and why it matters. Let’s explore about hosting, its type, pricing and how to choose the best hosting for your business.
What is hosting?
Once you’ve registered your domain name, you need a place to store your website files, images and data. That’s where web hosting comes in.
Web hosting is a service that allows your website to live on a physical server connected to the internet. This server is managed by a web hosting provider or hosting company, which keeps your site online 24/7 so visitors can access it through their web browsers.
In terms of domain registration vs hosting, if your domain name is your website’s address, web hosting is your website’s actual house, where everything from text to code to images is stored.
There are different types of hosting services such as shared hosting, VPS hosting, cloud hosting and dedicated hosting, each offering different levels of performance and control.
If you’re just starting out, a Bluehost hosting plan gives you reliable performance, dedicated resources and even a free domain to help you launch your site quickly.
What do hosts provide?
A web hosting provider does much more than just store your website files. It offers the technology, security and support needed to keep your website running smoothly.
Here’s what a reliable hosting company like Bluehost typically provides:
- Server space: Stores all your site files, images and databases on a secure web server.
- DNS management: Connects your domain name to your hosting server so your site can go live.
- Email hosting: Lets you create professional email addresses using your website’s domain (like [info]@[yourbrand].com).
- Technical support: Helps you with setup, performance and troubleshooting whenever needed.
- Security features: Includes SSL certificates, backups and malware protection to keep your website’s data safe.
- Scalability: Options to upgrade to VPS hosting, cloud hosting or dedicated hosting as your traffic grows.
How to choose the right hosting provider?
Choosing the right hosting provider can make or break your website’s performance. A good web hosting service provider keeps your site secure, fast and always online, while a poor one can lead to downtime and slow loading speeds.
Here’s what to consider before buying a hosting plan:
- Reliability and uptime: Look for a provider that guarantees at least 99.9% uptime.
- Speed and performance: Ensure the hosting server uses modern infrastructure and dedicated resources.
- Scalability: Choose a service that lets you upgrade from shared hosting to VPS hosting, cloud hosting or dedicated hosting as your site grows.
- Security: Features like SSL certificates, automatic backups and firewalls protect your website’s data.
- Customer support – Round-the-clock technical support helps resolve issues quickly.
What are the different types of hosting and pricing?
Not all web hosting services are the same. The right domain names and web hosting plan depends on your website’s size, traffic and technical needs. Here’s a breakdown of the main types of website hosting available:
| Hosting type | Best for | Description | Average price range |
| Shared hosting | Beginners & small websites | Multiple websites share one physical server, making it reliable and easy to manage. | $3.99–$9.99/mo |
| VPS hosting (Virtual private server) | Growing sites & eCommerce | Offers dedicated resources within a shared environment. More power and control than shared hosting. | $34.99–$74.99/mo |
| Dedicated hosting | Large, high-traffic websites | Your site gets its own dedicated server, ideal for performance and security. | $144.19 –$315.19 /mo |
| WooCommerce hosting | Online stores & eCommerce websites | eCommerce-ready hosting designed for WooCommerce sites, and online stores. | $9.99–$11.99/mo |
| Cloud hosting | Scalable projects | Your site runs on multiple virtual servers, ensuring uptime and flexibility. | $75–$250/mo |
Note: Pricing information is accurate as of November 2025. For the most up-to-date plans and offers, please visit Bluehost pricing page.
Each plan offers different performance levels depending on your needs.
1. Shared hosting
If you’re just getting started, Bluehost Shared Hosting is a reliable, beginner-friendly option. It makes website building simple with optimized performance, easy WordPress integration and powerful security features.
Features of shared hosting
- Ideal for beginners and small websites
- Easy to set up
- Multiple sites share one web server
- Free domain for the first year
- Includes cPanel and seamless WordPress install
2. VPS hosting
As your traffic grows, you can easily upgrade to Bluehost VPS hosting. This offers a significant upgrade, allocating a dedicated, isolated slice of server resources just for your website. Bluehost offers two types of VPS hosting to match your technical expertise and workflow:
Types of VPS hosting:
- VPS hosting (Self-managed)
Best for developers and technically experienced users who want full control.
Features of VPS hosting (Self-managed)
- Full root access to configure your server your way
- Install custom software, stacks and development tools
- High-performance NVMe SSD storage and dedicated vCPU/RAM
- Scale resources anytime as your traffic increases
- Ideal for SaaS apps, APIs, custom environments and complex workflows
b. Managed VPS hosting
Designed for users who want power without handling server maintenance.
Features of Managed VPS hosting
- Expert support handles OS updates, patches and monitoring
- Includes a familiar control panel (like cPanel/WHM) for easy management
- Strong performance with dedicated resources
- Enhanced security and automated backups
- Great for agencies, small businesses and growing eCommerce sites
3. Dedicated hosting
As you expand further, you can switch to Bluehost Dedicated Hosting without moving your website files or changing your domain name. It delivers the best performance, security and resource availability for large enterprises and high-traffic applications.
Features of dedicated hosting
- Entire physical server dedicated to your website
- Maximum performance, control and uptime
- Suitable for large enterprises and high-traffic sites
- Advanced security and dedicated IP address
- Managed support and server monitoring
4. WooCommerce hosting
If you are a store owner of having eCommerce business, then Bluehost WooCommerce hosting is suitable for you. It integrates seamlessly with WordPress, offering optimized speed, payment processing and store management tools.
Features of WooCommerce hosting
- Pre-installed WooCommerce and WordPress setup
- Optimized for online stores and product management
- Integrated payment gateways
- Secure checkout and SSL certificate included
- Designed for speed and scalability
5. Cloud hosting
Bluehost cloud hosting combines the power of cloud infrastructure with WordPress flexibility. It delivers faster load times, automatic scaling and better uptime for dynamic, content-heavy websites.
Feature of cloud hosting
- Combines cloud hosting reliability with WordPress ease
- Faster load times and improved uptime
- Automatic updates and backups
- On-demand scalability for traffic spikes
- Ideal for agencies having more than 300k visits/mo.
How Bluehost can be the ultimate platform to build your website?
When it comes to bringing your website idea to life, Bluehost offers everything you need under one roof. Whether you’re registering a domain name, setting up web hosting or managing your site files, Bluehost makes it simple, secure and beginner-friendly.
With Bluehost, you can:
- Register your domain with Bluehost and get a free domain for the first year with select hosting plans.
- Choose from shared hosting, VPS hosting or dedicated hosting. Each hosting is optimized for performance and reliability.
- Enjoy 24/7 technical support, automatic updates and a user-friendly control panel.
- Easily build and manage your site with WordPress hosting, trusted by millions worldwide.
- Scale anytime with cloud hosting and dedicated resources that grow with your business.
- We provide advance security features such as free SSL, free malware scanning, web application firewall, DDOS protection included and weekly website backups.
- Our services enriched with marketing tools like Yoast SEO (free plugin), pro email (free trial) and creative mail (email marketing).
Bluehost isn’t just a hosting provider, it’s your partner in creating, managing and growing a functioning website that stands out online.
Final thoughts
Understanding the difference between domain and hosting is the first step toward building your online presence. Your domain name gives your website its identity, the easy-to-remember address that users type in their web browsers.
Meanwhile, hosting services provide the storage, server resources and technology needed to make your website accessible to visitors worldwide.
When choosing where to start, go for an all-in-one platform that simplifies both domain registration and website hosting.
Launch your website today with Bluehost and get your domain, hosting and WordPress setup in just a few clicks.
FAQs
Yes, you do. A domain name is just your website’s address, it helps people find you online. But for your website to actually exist on the internet, you need web hosting. Hosting stores your website files, images and content on a web server, so visitors can access your site anytime they type your domain into their browser. Without hosting, your domain would just lead to a blank page.
Yes. Having web hosting without a domain name is like having a house with no address — no one will know how to reach it. Your domain name gives your site a professional identity and makes it easy for users to remember and visit. It’s best to get both a domain and hosting so your site looks complete and trustworthy.
Not necessarily, but it’s easier when you do. If you buy them from the same provider, your domain name and hosting account connect automatically, so you don’t have to deal with complicated DNS settings. Many companies, like Bluehost, even include a free domain for the first year when you buy a hosting plan, saving you time and money.
Yes. If your domain is registered with another provider, you can easily transfer it to Bluehost. The process is quick and secure — Bluehost guides you through each step and your website stays live during the domain transfer. Once it’s done, you can manage both your domain and hosting in one place.
Yes, moving your site to Bluehost is simple. Whether it’s WordPress hosting, shared hosting or VPS hosting, Bluehost offers seamless migration tools to help you transfer your website files, DNS settings and keep your functioning website live during the process.
Domain hosting manages your domain name and DNS settings, while web hosting stores your actual web pages and media on a server. The difference between domain name and web hosting is that one manages your address and the other manages your data.
All three offer unique levels of control and performance. VPS hosting divides a physical server into virtual spaces, giving you dedicated resources without the high cost. Cloud hosting distributes your site files across multiple servers for better uptime and scalability. Dedicated hosting, on the other hand, gives you an entire physical server for your website alone, ideal for large businesses or high-traffic websites.
Your domain name is like your site’s address, while web hosting is the place where all your site files live. When users enter your domain name into a browser, the hosting server retrieves those files and displays your website. In short, both names and web hosting work hand-in-hand to keep your website live and accessible.
Yes, depending on your hosting plan. Some plans allow multiple addon domains, while entry-level plans may allow only one.
Absolutely. You can register a domain now and build your website later.
DNS translates your domain name into an IP address so browsers can load your website.
WHOIS privacy hides your personal details (name, email, address) from public domain lookup.
Domain names are usually registered for 1 year but can be renewed for up to 10 years.
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