Understanding the Difference Between Addon, Parked, and Subdomains
When managing websites on your dotCanada.com hosting account, you'll encounter three types of domains: addon domains, parked domains, and subdomains. Each serves a different purpose and has unique characteristics. This guide explains the differences to help you choose the right option for your needs.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Addon Domain | Parked Domain | Subdomain |
|---|---|---|---|
| URL Format | newdomain.com | parkeddomain.com | sub.yourdomain.com |
| Requires Domain Registration | Yes | Yes | No |
| Unique Content/Website | Yes | No (mirrors primary domain) | Yes |
| Separate Directory | Yes | No | Yes |
| Email Accounts | Can have its own | Uses primary domain's | Uses primary domain's |
| Main Use Case | Hosting multiple websites | Domain forwarding or mirroring | Creating sections within a website |
Addon Domains: Complete Additional Websites
An addon domain is a completely separate domain that points to a subdirectory within your hosting account.
Key Characteristics:
- Requires purchasing and registering a separate domain name (e.g., newdomain.com)
- Functions as a completely independent website
- Has its own directory structure within your hosting account
- Can have its own email accounts, databases, and website files
- Shares server resources with your primary domain
- Can be managed from the same cPanel account
Best Used For:
- Hosting multiple websites with different domain names on one hosting account
- Creating separate websites for different businesses or projects
- Testing new website ideas before investing in a separate hosting account
Example Scenario: You have a primary website at yourmainsite.com and want to create a completely separate website for a different project at mynewproject.com. An addon domain allows both websites to exist on your single hosting account.
Parked Domains: Domain Aliases
A parked domain (alias domain) is an additional domain that points to the same content as your primary domain.
Key Characteristics:
- Requires purchasing and registering a separate domain name
- Shows the exact same content as your primary domain
- Doesn't have its own directory or separate files
- Any changes to your primary domain appear on the parked domain
- Can be configured to redirect to your primary domain (with or without preserving the URL)
- Cannot have its own unique email accounts
Best Used For:
- Capturing traffic from common misspellings of your domain
- Reserving variations of your domain name to protect your brand
- Owning multiple TLDs (.com, .ca, .org) that all show the same website
- Transitioning from an old domain to a new one
Example Scenario: Your primary website is at yourbusiness.com, but you also purchased yourbusiness.ca and yourbusiness.net to protect your brand. You can park these domains so they all show the same website content.
Subdomains: Sections of Your Main Domain
A subdomain is a prefix added to your existing domain that can point to a specific directory on your hosting account.
Key Characteristics:
- Does not require purchasing a new domain name
- Created from your existing domain (e.g., blog.yourdomain.com)
- Has its own directory and can have completely different content
- Can have its own CMS installation or web application
- Uses the same SSL certificate as your main domain (with wildcard SSL)
- Email addresses are typically handled through the primary domain
Best Used For:
- Creating sections of your website (blog, store, members area)
- Setting up development or testing environments (dev.yourdomain.com)
- Organizing content by category or function
- Creating mobile versions of your site (m.yourdomain.com)
- Setting up subfolders without needing a new domain name
Example Scenario: You have a main website at yourdomain.com and want to add a blog section. Instead of placing it at yourdomain.com/blog, you create blog.yourdomain.com for a cleaner separation.
How to Choose Between the Three Options
Consider these factors when deciding which type to use:
Choose an Addon Domain when:
- You need a completely separate website with a different domain name
- You want to establish a distinct brand identity
- You need separate email accounts with the new domain
- The content is unrelated to your primary website
Choose a Parked Domain when:
- You want multiple domain names to show the same website
- You're protecting your brand with multiple TLDs
- You're transitioning from one domain to another
- You want to capture traffic from common misspellings
Choose a Subdomain when:
- You're creating a section that's part of your main website
- You don't want to purchase a new domain
- You want to organize content under your existing brand
- You need a testing or development environment
Setting Up Each Type
For step-by-step instructions on setting up each type of domain:
- How to create addon domains in cPanel
- How to set up a parked domain
- How to create subdomains in cPanel
If you need assistance determining which domain type is best for your specific situation, please contact our support team for personalized advice.
