Hosting Harbor
Independent hosting guidance

Domain vs hosting: what',s the difference?

A domain is the address people use to reach a site, hosting is the server environment where the website runs. You normally need both.

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The domain is the address

A domain name is the address people type or click to reach your website. It can be registered separately from the company that hosts the website.

Hosting is where the site runs

Web hosting provides the server environment for your website files, database, and applications. The domain points visitors toward that environment.

Why you usually need both

A public website normally needs a domain people can use and a hosting environment that serves the site. They work together, but they are separate services.

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How we approach hosting recommendations

We focus on the website, the hosting plan, and the tradeoffs that matter to the buyer. Hosting products and prices can change, so confirm current commercial details with the provider before purchasing.