Domain vs hosting: what's the difference?
By Leonardo Araújo, CEO of Leaven Marketing · Code verified at checkout on
A domain is your website's address, like example.com, and hosting is the server space where your website's files live. You need both to run a website. At Hostinger, many hosting plans include a free domain for the first year, and the coupon code JX9LEOSPEPWF takes 20% off the hosting for new customers.
Hostinger coupon code
JX9LEOSPEPWFPaste it in the coupon field at checkout. The “O” is a letter, not a zero.
Affiliate disclosure: the Hostinger links on this page are affiliate links. Leaven Marketing may earn a commission if you buy through them or with our referral code, at no extra cost to you.
Opens Hostinger with the code applied. Check for REFERRALDISCOUNT -20% in the order summary.
Domain vs hosting at a glance
| Domain | Hosting | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Your site’s address | The server space for your site’s files |
| Example | example.com | A plan with storage, email and a panel |
| Paid | Yearly | Monthly or for a term of 1 to 4 years |
| Can you have one without the other? | Yes, as a parked domain | Yes, but visitors need an address |
| Works with code JX9LEOSPEPWF | No | Yes, on eligible plans |
What a domain is
A domain is the name people type to reach your site. Behind the scenes, every server has a numeric IP address; the domain name system (DNS) translates your easy-to-remember name into that number. You register a domain through a registrar for a year or more, and you renew it to keep it.
What hosting is
Hosting is where the website itself lives: the pages, images, database and email. A hosting company rents you space on a server that is always online and keeps it secure and backed up. See what is web hosting for the full explanation.
How domain and hosting work together
Think of the domain as your street address and hosting as the house. When someone types your domain, DNS points them to your host’s server, and the server sends your website.
If both are at the same company, this connection is set up for you. If they’re at different companies, you change the domain’s nameservers or DNS records to point to your host.
Get a free domain with hosting and code JX9LEOSPEPWF
The simplest and usually cheapest way to start is a hosting plan that includes the domain:
- Choose a Hostinger plan with a free domain for the first year, such as Premium or Unlimited web hosting.
- Choose a 12-month or longer term: it’s needed for both the free domain and the coupon on these plans.
- Apply JX9LEOSPEPWF and check for REFERRALDISCOUNT -20% in the order summary.
- Claim your free domain after paying.
Domains bought on their own aren’t eligible for the coupon. The details are in the Hostinger domain coupon guide.
Sources
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FAQ
Can I have a domain without hosting?
Yes. You can register a domain and keep it parked. To show a website on it, you need hosting.
Can I have hosting without a domain?
Technically yes, but visitors would need a temporary address. For a real website, you need a domain.
Should I buy my domain and hosting from the same company?
It's simpler: one panel, no DNS changes and often a free domain for the first year. Keeping them separate also works if you're comfortable editing DNS.
Does the Hostinger coupon apply to domains?
No. Domain services aren't eligible for the referral discount. The coupon applies to hosting plans, many of which include a free domain for the first year.
Opens Hostinger with the code applied. Check for REFERRALDISCOUNT -20% in the order summary.