What is the difference between a domain name and web hosting?

What is a domain name?

A domain name is the human-readable address associated with a website.

It's what someone types into a browser to find your business.

Instead of remembering a complicated technical address, customers can use a name.

You register a domain through a domain registrar.

A registrar is a company that manages domain registrations.

The registration gives you the right to use the domain for a defined period, subject to the applicable terms and renewal requirements. ICANN, the group that oversees domain names, says a registration is subject to a registration agreement with an accredited registrar, and that a registration period is typically between one and ten years.

You don't permanently purchase every possible right to the name.

You maintain the registration.

That's why renewals matter.

If you stop renewing a domain, you may eventually lose control of it, subject to the applicable registration process. ICANN says registrars must send two renewal reminders before a domain expires. After an expired domain is deleted, there is a 30 day redemption period when it can still be restored, and after that it is released for anyone to register.

For a business, that can create serious problems.

What is web hosting?

Web hosting is the infrastructure that makes your website available to visitors.

The exact arrangement depends on how the website is built.

A traditional website may use a server that stores files and responds to browser requests.

A modern application may use several services for delivering pages, processing requests and storing data.

You don't need to understand every technical detail to operate a business website.

But you should know who provides the hosting.

You should also understand whether the hosting includes maintenance, backups and support.

Some website builders bundle hosting with their subscription. Wix, Squarespace and Shopify, for example, all say hosting is included.

Other websites use separate hosting providers.

The right arrangement depends on the website's requirements.

How do domains and hosting work together?

Think of the domain as the address customers use.

Hosting is where the website's content and functionality are delivered from.

The domain needs to be connected to the hosting environment.

That connection is managed through DNS.

DNS stands for Domain Name System.

It helps direct requests for a domain toward the appropriate services.

When someone visits your domain, DNS information helps their device find the systems responsible for the website.

You don't usually need to configure everything manually.

A website provider may guide you through the process.

But understanding the relationship is useful when changing hosting companies.

You can often keep the same domain while moving the website, which matters if you're asking can a Wix website be hosted elsewhere.

Can you buy a domain without hosting?

Yes.

You can register a domain before building a website.

That may make sense if you've chosen a business name and want to secure the corresponding address. For the name itself, see what domain name should I choose.

But registering the domain doesn't automatically create a functioning website.

You still need somewhere to publish the content.

Similarly, you can sometimes build and preview a website using a temporary address before connecting your own domain.

That can be useful during development.

We'd avoid rushing to connect the business domain before the website is ready.

Test the website first.

Then configure the domain and verify that everything works, including the secure connection we explain in does my website need SSL.

Can your domain and hosting use different companies?

Yes.

You don't have to purchase both services from the same provider.

For example, you might register a domain through one company and host the website through another.

That arrangement can provide flexibility.

But it also means you need to understand which account controls which service.

If the website stops working, the problem could involve hosting, DNS or another component.

Knowing who manages each part makes troubleshooting easier.

We'd keep clear records of your accounts.

Make sure the business controls the domain registration.

And avoid using an employee's or contractor's personal account as the only point of access.

How much do domains and hosting cost?

Domain prices vary by name, extension, registrar and renewal terms. GoDaddy puts a domain at about $10 to $20 or more per year, and we go deeper in domain name cost per year.

When we checked on 2026-11-15, Porkbun listed .com at $11.81 for both registration and renewal, and Squarespace's help center listed $20 per year.

Some names are sold at premium prices.

Others have relatively inexpensive standard registrations.

Hosting costs also vary widely. GoDaddy puts shared hosting at $5 to $15 per month and managed hosting at $20 to $150 or more, which we break down in how much does a website host cost.

A simple informational website may require modest resources.

A custom application with significant traffic or processing requirements may cost more.

We'd compare the full recurring expense.

That includes domain renewal, hosting, email, backups and any maintenance services.

Don't assume the lowest advertised hosting price includes everything.

And don't assume an expensive hosting plan is necessary for a small website.

Choose based on actual requirements.

Does business email use the same services?

Business email is related to your domain but doesn't have to use the same hosting provider.

For example, your website might be hosted by one company while email is managed through a separate email service, priced in how much does a business email address cost.

DNS settings help direct email to the appropriate provider.

That means changing website hosting doesn't necessarily require changing email.

But careless DNS changes can interrupt email delivery.

We'd make sure whoever manages a website migration understands the existing email configuration.

Before changing domain settings, identify the services that depend on them.

That includes email, website hosting and any other connected tools.

Who should own the accounts?

The business should retain control over its domain and essential website accounts, the same point behind who owns my website.

A developer can help configure them.

But the business shouldn't be locked out of its own online presence.

We'd use accounts associated with the business.

Keep recovery information current.

And make sure more than one authorized person can access critical services when appropriate.

If you hire a developer, ask which accounts they'll create.

Ask who will pay renewal fees.

And ask what access you'll receive when the project ends.

Those details should be clear before work begins.

At Veshtera, our Launch website package costs $3,500 and includes domain and hosting setup. Once the project is paid in full, the accounts, code and access are handed over. Our optional Website Care and Hosting Plan costs $199 to $499 a month.