- May 25
- 5 min read
Updated: May 26
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A domain registrar is where you purchase and register your domain name, sometimes known as your website name. A web host provides the server space where your website's files are stored and then made available online. Think of the domain name as your web address and the web host as the building where your website lives. Both are essential to making sure your website is live and accessible online.
Secure your perfect domain in just a few clicks with Wix. Get everything you need in one place: business email, reliable hosting, SSL protection and full privacy. With 24/7 support and no hidden fees, getting your site live is simple and worry-free.
TL;DR: Web host vs. domain registrar
A domain registrar is where you buy and manage the rights to a domain name. A web host stores the files that make up your actual website and serves them to visitors. You need both to run a site, but they don’t have to be the same company. Modern platforms like Wix bundle them together for simpler setup, while traditional setups keep them separate.
You’ll learn:
What a domain registrar actually does
What a web host actually does
Differences between domain hosting and web hosting
Pros and cons of bundling registrar and host
How to switch your registrar or host without downtime
When you might need a separate DNS host
What is a domain host? (and how it differs from a web host)
A domain host is responsible for storing your website's data and then making it accessible on the internet. It plays a crucial role in ensuring that your website remains live and functional. It does this by providing the web infrastructure needed to store and deliver your website files so that when someone types your domain name into their browser, they can access your site without any issues.
In a nutshell, domain hosting manages your website's address and its DNS records. Web hosting provides the actual web server space where your website's files, images and content are stored and served to visitors. Think of domain hosting as managing your address and web hosting as the physical storage space.
DNS hosting, on the other hand, manages the records that direct traffic to your site. Together, these types of hosting work together to make sure your site is always accessible.
What is a domain registrar?
A domain registrar is the entity responsible for registering and managing your domain name on your behalf.
Learn more about some of the best domain registrars out there.
A domain registrar is an organization accredited to sell and manage domain names. They help you secure a unique web address, which is important for the branding of your site and business.
When you register a domain, your registrar submits your chosen name to ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers), which oversees the management of domain names globally.
There are numerous registrars available, each offering various services. Companies like Wix, provide user-friendly interfaces and additional features such as privacy protection and email forwarding beyond just buying a domain name from them.
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When it comes to choosing a website builder to create your website, it's worth keeping in mind that many act as your domain host, web host and domain registrar. Website builders like Wix, provide the robust infrastructure to offer all of the services necessary to choose a domain name and host your website. This not only means peace of mind, it also means you don't need to shop around for individual domain and web hosting services or platforms.
"What often gets forgotten when talking about choosing a website builder is the capabilities of the infrastructure that’s promised to you, the reliability of the hosting, the level of security in place to protect your visitors’ data and, of course, your site's speed. Even if infrastructure is not the first thought that comes to mind when creating a website, if it’s not robust enough, it can cause major headaches for website owners when trying to scale a website later on." Esin D. Habif, Product Marketing Lead (outbound) at Wix
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Domain host vs registrar (and the main differences)
A domain host is responsible for storing your website's data and ensuring it is accessible on the internet. They provide the server space and technology needed to keep your site live.
A domain registrar, on the other hand, manages the reservation and registration of domain names. They handle the registration process, checking that your chosen domain name is unique and officially recognized.
Web and domain hosting terminology you should know
Domain name system (DNS)
The domain name system (DNS) acts like the internet's phonebook. It translates human-friendly domain names into IP addresses, which computers use to identify each other on the network. This process ensures that users can easily access websites by typing in domain names instead of complex numerical addresses.
Name servers
Name servers are specialized servers that store DNS records. They direct traffic to your website by linking your domain name to the correct IP address. This connection is vital so that visitors reach your site when they enter your domain name in their browser.
Email hosting
Email hosting is the management of email accounts associated with your domain. It allows you to create custom business email addresses (e.g., yourname@yourbusiness.com) in order to enforce your brand's professionalism and credibility.
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When selecting an email hosting provider, consider factors such as storage capacity, security features and integration capabilities. Many domain registrars and hosts, including Wix, offer integrated email hosting services. This integration simplifies management by allowing you to handle all aspects of your domain and email from a single platform in the name of simpler business management.
Domain registration with Wix
Wix offers more than 400 domain extensions, giving you flexibility to find a web address that fits your business, brand or target audience. As an ICANN-accredited domain registrar, Wix lets you search, register and manage domains ranging from classic options like .com and .net to newer industry-focused extensions, all in one place.
Beyond registration, Wix includes built-in tools for DNS management, domain security and private registration, along with a free SSL certificate to help protect your site and visitors. You can also create a custom business email, get a free one-year domain voucher with eligible annual plans and access 24/7 support whenever you need help managing your domain.
Ready to secure your domain? Search for your perfect name and register it in just a few clicks with Wix.
Learn more: Website builder vs web hosting
Web host vs. domain registrar FAQ
Can I use one company for my domain registrar and a different company for web hosting?
Yes. You register the domain with one provider, then point its DNS records to your web host’s servers. This is common when teams want a specialized registrar or are migrating gradually. The trade-off is more accounts to manage and more places to update if anything changes.
