What is the difference between an Addon Domain and a Subdomain?

what is the difference between an addon domain and a subdomain? Let’s find out in this detailed guide. Addon domains and subdomains are both used to manage multiple domains or websites within a single hosting account, but they serve different purposes and have distinct characteristics.

What is Addon Domain?

An addon domain is essentially a completely separate domain that is hosted on the same account as your primary domain. It allows you to host multiple, distinct websites with their own domain names under a single web hosting account.

Key Characteristics of Addon Domains:

1. Fully Functional Domain: An addon domain is a separate, fully functional domain that you own (e.g., myaddon.com).
2. Separate Website: It can host a website that is completely independent of your primary domain. It has its own website files, which are usually stored in a separate directory in your hosting account.
3. Separate URLs: The URL of an addon domain is distinct and does not contain the name of the primary domain (e.g., http://www.myaddon.com).
4. Cost-Effective: It’s a cost-effective solution for managing multiple websites, as you don’t need to purchase separate hosting plans for each domain.
5. Shared Resources: Despite being a separate domain, it shares the resources (like bandwidth and disk space) of your primary hosting account.

What is A Subdomain?

A subdomain, on the other hand, is a subset or a secondary domain that is part of a primary domain. It is commonly used to organize or partition areas of a website, and it’s often used to create separate websites under the same domain name.

Key Characteristics of Subdomains:

1. Part of a Primary Domain: A subdomain is a subdivision of your main domain (e.g., blog.mydomain.com).
2. Specific Function or Section: Subdomains are often used to separate different sections or functions of a website. For example, a company might use a subdomain for their blog (blog.mydomain.com) or store (store.mydomain.com).
3. Shared Domain Registration: Unlike addon domains, there’s no need to register a subdomain as a separate domain name.
4. URL Structure: The URL of a subdomain incorporates the primary domain (e.g., subdomain.mydomain.com).
5. Resource Sharing: Subdomains share the same hosting resources as the primary domain.

Addon Domain Vs Subdomain (Differences at a Glance)

1. Domain Registration: Addon domains require separate domain registration, while subdomains do not.
2. Website Independence: Addon domains are treated as separate, independent websites, whereas subdomains are part of the main domain and are often considered as sections or branches of the primary website.
3. URL Structure: Addon domains have unique URLs (e.g., www.addondomain.com), whereas subdomains incorporate the main domain’s name (e.g., subdomain.maindomain.com).
4. Purpose: Addon domains are used to host different websites under one hosting account, while subdomains are typically used to organize or categorize content within the same website.
5. SEO Impact: Search engines generally treat addon domains as separate entities, each with the potential to rank in search results. Subdomains are more closely tied to the primary domain but can still be indexed and ranked separately.

In summary, addon domains are best used when you want to create entirely separate websites under one hosting account, each with its domain name. Subdomains are ideal for organizing and structuring different areas of a website under a single domain name.