Understanding the Difference Between www.example.com and example.com
1.0 Introduction
Many website owners notice that some websites use www.example.com, while others appear as example.com without the “www.” This often leads to confusion, especially when setting up domains, DNS, or SEO. This article explains the difference in a simple, practical way so you know which version to use and why.
2.0 The Core Difference
The truth is simple:
www.example.com and example.com both go to the same domain. They are just two different ways to access your website.
“www” is actually a subdomain, while the version without it is called the root domain.
Both can display the same website if configured correctly.
3.0 What Is www.example.com?
3.1 The “www” Subdomain
The “www” in front of a domain is a subdomain.
It was originally used to indicate that the domain is serving a World Wide Web service.
3.2 Common Use
Historically, websites used www to separate web traffic from other services like FTP or mail.
3.3 Example
- www.example.com = web server
- mail.example.com = email server
- ftp.example.com = file server
3.4 Today
Most websites still support www, but it is no longer required because modern servers and DNS can handle the root domain (example.com) directly without needing “www” in front.
Why is it no longer required?
- Modern servers can serve websites directly from the root domain. In the past, some hosting systems needed “www” for technical separation. Today, hosting platforms fully support example.com without needing “www.example.com`.
- DNS and CDN services are more flexible now. Cloudflare, AWS, Google Cloud, and modern DNS providers allow the root domain to work smoothly, even with advanced caching and traffic routing.
- Browsers automatically understand and complete the domain. Most users don’t type “www” anymore. Browsers like Chrome, Safari, and Firefox automatically detect the correct website.
- Branding and marketing prefer shorter names. Companies now choose clean and simple domains because they look better and are easier to say and type. For example: facebook.com, not www.facebook.com.
4.0 What Is example.com? (Non-www)
This is the root domain, also called:
- naked domain
- apex domain
- main domain
4.1 Modern Trend
Many modern websites remove “www” to look cleaner and more brand-friendly.
Examples:
- facebook.com
- youtube.com
- puchong.co
Both versions still work, but the non-www version is becoming more popular.
5.0 Should You Use www or Non-www?
Both options are correct. The key is consistency.
5.1 When to Use www.example.com
Use www if:
- Your site may receive heavy traffic (www can help with load balancing)
- You want traditional, familiar domain formatting
- You plan to run multiple subdomains (e.g., blog.example.com, shop.example.com)
5.2 When to Use example.com
Use the non-www version if:
- You prefer a clean, modern branding approach
- You want a shorter and simpler domain
- Your website has low traffic load and does not require load balancing
5.3 Important Rule
Whichever version you choose, redirect the other one to avoid duplicates.
Example:
- If you choose example.com, redirect www.example.com to example.com.
This avoids SEO issues and keeps your domain consistent.
6.0 DNS Perspective (Simple Explanation)
In DNS:
- www.example.com is a CNAME or A record
- example.com is usually an A record pointing to your server
Both can point to the same website. Cloudflare and most hosting providers support both versions easily.
7.0 Conclusion
There is no technical or SEO disadvantage in choosing either www.example.com or example.com. The difference is mostly about preference, branding, and consistency.
What matters most is:
- Choose one as your primary domain
- Redirect the other version to avoid duplication
- Keep your branding consistent everywhere
A clean and correctly configured domain setup helps users find your website easily, no matter which version they type.
8.0 References
9.0 Ready to Elevate Your Website?
Get a professional website built by Latitude Innovation.
WhatsApp Us: https://wa.me/60104348799/
Our Services: https://latitudeinnovation.com.my/web-design-service/