DNS A Record vs CNAME Record — What's the Difference?

An A record points a domain name directly to an IPv4 address; a CNAME record points a domain name to another domain name, which is then resolved separately.

Why they differ

• A records are used at the root of a domain and anywhere you want to map a name directly to a numeric IP address
• CNAME records are useful when the target's IP address might change, since only the target domain needs updating, not every record pointing to it

How to choose

• Use an A record when you have a stable IP address you want to point a domain at directly
• Use a CNAME for subdomains pointing at a service whose underlying IP can change, like a CDN or a hosting platform's edge network

FAQ

Can a domain's root (apex) use a CNAME?

Traditionally no — DNS rules disallow a CNAME at the zone apex alongside other required records, though some providers offer a similar-acting workaround (often called an ALIAS or ANAME record).