When compared to a more basic DNS service, Premium DNS guarantees improved security, maximum site availability, and faster performance. Workable with any domain name from any registrar in the globe, Namecheap Premium DNS is run out of redundant Anycast locations.
Comparison Between Namecheap Basic DNS vs Web Hosting DNS
Choosing the right DNS option for your Namecheap domain depends on your specific needs. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences:
| Feature | Basic DNS | Web Hosting DNS |
| Purpose | For domains not hosted with Namecheap or for basic website setups. | For domains hosted with Namecheap on their shared, reseller, VPS, or dedicated server plans. |
| DNS Servers | dns1.registrar-servers.com & dns2.registrar-servers.com | Specific servers based on your hosting plan. |
| DNS Management | Manual configuration through “Advanced DNS” interface. | Automatic synchronization with cPanel for common records. Manual configuration available for advanced records. |
| Supported Records | A, AAAA, CNAME, TXT, MX, SPF, SRV | Same as Basic DNS, plus CAA, DMARC, and more advanced records. |
| Record Limit | Up to 150 records | Up to 500 records (varies by plan) |
| Security Features | Basic DDoS protection | Advanced DDoS protection and email security features. |
| Cost | Free with domain registration and renewal | Included with hosting plan |
| Ease of Use | More technical knowledge required for manual configuration. | Easier to use for beginners due to automatic syncing with cPanel. |
| Best for | Simple websites, email forwarding, or using a third-party hosting provider. | Websites hosted with Namecheap, requiring advanced features, and wanting easy management. |
Basic DNS is suitable for basic domain management and email forwarding. If you don’t have a website or only need basic functionality, this is a good option. Web Hosting DNS is more powerful and integrated with Namecheap’s h
Here’s a breakdown of the key differences between Basic DNS and Web Hosting DNS:
Namecheap Basic DNS Overview
Namecheap Basic DNS is a free, built-in service for managing your domain’s Domain Name System (DNS) settings. It acts like an online phonebook, directing visitors to your website or email server by translating your domain name into an IP address.
Basic DNS is perfect for beginners or those with simple website setups. You can manage essential records like A records (pointing your domain to a website) and MX records (directing emails).
While it allows up to 150 records, it lacks advanced features like load balancing or DDoS protection. If you need more control or security, consider Namecheap’s Premium DNS, a paid service with added functionalities.
Remember, switching to Basic DNS requires manual configuration and might overwrite existing records. If you’re unsure, consult Namecheap’s support or consider their Web Hosting DNS if your domain is hosted with them for a more automated experience.
If you have a website hosted on Namecheap, this is the recommended option.
Here’s a summary of Namecheap Basic DNS:
Features of Namecheap Basic DNS:
- Free to use: No additional charges for basic DNS management.
- Easy to use: Simple interface for managing basic DNS records.
- Supports essential records: Create A, AAAA, CNAME, MX, TXT, and URL forwarding records.
- Up to 150 host records: Sufficient for simple websites and email setups.
- Basic security: Includes basic DDoS protection and two-factor authentication.
Pros
- Free
- Simple
- Reliable
- Basic features
- Up to 150 host records
- Flexible TTL
Cons
- Limited features
- Not ideal for complex setups
- Manual configuration
Overall, Namecheap Basic DNS is a solid free option for basic DNS management. However, if you need advanced features, performance monitoring, or more comprehensive support, you should consider a paid DNS service.
Web Hosting DNS Overview
Imagine the internet as a giant phonebook, where websites are names and web hosting companies are the addresses. To find a website’s address, you use its domain name (like <invalid URL removed>) which acts like a contact name.
But how does the internet translate this name to an actual address (IP address)? That’s where DNS (Domain Name System) comes in.
Think of DNS as the internet’s switchboard operator. When you type a domain name, your computer contacts a DNS server, which then looks up the corresponding IP address in a massive database.
This IP address is the unique numerical label assigned to each computer on the internet, allowing your device to connect to the website’s server and display its content.
Web hosting companies play a crucial role in this process. They store your website’s files and provide the server with the corresponding IP address. They also configure your domain name to point to that IP address, essentially telling the DNS system where to find your website.
So, when someone types your domain name, they’re seamlessly directed to your website hosted on the web hosting company’s server.
Web hosting provides the physical space for your website to live, while DNS acts as the translator, guiding users to your doorstep through your domain name. Both works together to ensure your website is accessible and discoverable on the vast internet.
DNS Records for Web Hosting:
Besides just domain-to-IP translation, DNS can do more for your website:
- Email hosting: Direct emails to your email server.
- Subdomains: Create subdomains like <invalid URL removed>.
- SSL certificates: Enable secure connections for your website.
- Load balancing: Distribute traffic across multiple servers for better performance.
Pros
- Often included with web hosting plan, reducing cost
- Managed by web hosting provider, requiring minimal user input
- Web hosting providers typically have robust infrastructure for high uptime
- Web hosting providers may optimize DNS for their network, potentially improving speed
- Web hosting providers may offer basic security features for DNS
- Limited control over DNS records and settings
- May not scale well for high-traffic websites with complex DNS requirements
Cons
- May require additional fees for advanced features or high traffic websites
- Limited customization options compared to dedicated DNS solutions
- Outages at the web hosting provider can affect your website’s DNS
- Performance may be impacted by shared resources on the server
- May lack advanced security features like DDoS protection or DNSSEC
- Less flexibility for specific configurations or filtering needs
- Dedicated DNS solutions offer more scalability options
The best choice for web hosting DNS depends on your individual needs and priorities. If you are a small business or individual with a simple website, web hosting DNS may be a cost-effective and convenient option.
However, if you require advanced features, security, or scalability, a dedicated DNS service may be a better choice.
You can switch between Basic DNS and Web Hosting DNS at any time. However, changing nameservers can take up to 24 hours to propagate, so plan accordingly.
Which type of DNS is right for you?
If you have a simple website and you don’t need any advanced features, then Basic DNS may be sufficient. However, if you have a more complex website or you want to take advantage of advanced features such as DNSSEC and email forwarding, then Web Hosting DNS is a better option.
Here are some additional factors to consider when choosing between Basic DNS and Web Hosting DNS:
- Your budget: If you are on a tight budget, then Basic DNS may be the best option. However, if you can afford it, then Web Hosting DNS is worth the extra cost.
- Your technical expertise: If you are comfortable with managing your own DNS settings, then Basic DNS may be a good option. However, if you are not comfortable with technical tasks, then Web Hosting DNS is a better option.
- Your website’s needs: If you have a simple website, then Basic DNS may be sufficient. However, if you have a more complex website or you need advanced features, then Web Hosting DNS is a better option.
I hope this information helps you choose the right type of DNS for your needs.
FAQS (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q#1: What’s the difference between Basic DNS and Web Hosting DNS?
Both manage your domain’s DNS records, but:
- Namecheap Basic DNS: Free service included with domain registration. Allows basic record management like A, CNAME, TXT. Good for simple websites or parking domains.
- Web Hosting DNS: Integrated with Namecheap web hosting plans. Offers automatic record creation for your website files, email, etc. Easier management, but requires paid hosting.
Q#2: Do I need to change nameservers if I use Namecheap hosting?
Usually yes. If you bought hosting with your domain, DNS gets set automatically to Web Hosting DNS. If you have an existing domain with Basic DNS, you need to switch nameservers manually.
Q#3: Can I use Basic DNS with other hosting providers?
Yes! Basic DNS works with any hosting, but you’ll need to manage records manually and won’t benefit from automatic syncing.
Q#4: Which DNS is more secure?
Both offer comparable security features. However, Web Hosting DNS might have additional security options depending on your hosting plan.
Q#5: When should I choose Basic DNS over Web Hosting DNS?
If you have a very simple website, park your domain, or use another DNS provider for advanced features, Basic DNS might suffice. Otherwise, Web Hosting DNS offers easier management and integration with your website files.
Q#6: Does Basic DNS offer any additional features?
Yes, it offers features like:
- Domain forwarding
- Email forwarding
- Masked URL forwarding
- DNSSEC (additional cost)
Remember, choosing the right DNS depends on your specific needs and website complexity.
