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Ever wondered what HTTPS and WWW at the beginning of a domain name mean? You’ve seen them numerous times, but maybe you’ve never really considered what they do. The truth is, they’re more important than they look. If you currently have a website or plan to start one, it’s a good idea to be familiar with these terms. They affect your site’s safety, how search engines view it, and what visitors feel about using it. In this guide, we explain the HTTPS vs WWW, how they differ, and why they matter. We’ll also discuss which is best for security, speed, and SEO, and how to set them up correctly on your site.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- HTTPS keeps your website secure by encrypting the data shared between your site and visitors.
- Google prefers HTTPS websites and may rank them higher in search results.
- WWW is a subdomain and part of your website’s address, but it doesn’t affect security.
- You can choose to use WWW or not. It’s more about preference and consistency.
- Both HTTPS and WWW can be used together in a web address.
- Always stick to one version of your domain (with or without WWW) to avoid SEO issues.
- Set up 301 redirects so visitors arrive at the correct version of your site.
- Update all internal links and your sitemap after choosing your preferred setup.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
What is HTTPS vs WWW in a URL?
HTTPS stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure. It’s the secure version of HTTP, which is the basic protocol your browser uses to load websites. When a website uses HTTPS, it means any information shared between your web browser and that site is protected.
This protection happens through encryption. That means the data, such as passwords, credit card numbers, or messages, is turned into a secret code so no one else can read it. Even when someone tries to see what you’re doing, they won’t be able to understand it.
Most modern websites use HTTPS because it ensures users’ safety. It’s also something search engines consider. If your site isn’t using HTTPS, browsers may display a Not Secure warning, which can deter users.
To get HTTPS working on a site, you need an SSL certificate. This is a small file added to your website that confirms its security. Many hosting companies, including Hosted.com®, offer free SSL certificates, and setting one up is quick.
WWW, short for World Wide Web, is a system of linked web pages and online content that you can easily access using your web browser. It operates over the internet using protocols, HTTP and HTTPS, allowing users to visit websites, read information, watch videos, and interact with various types of content.
Many people confuse the Web with the Internet, but they’re not the same. The Internet is a global network that connects computers, while the Web is a service that runs on it, built around web pages and hyperlinks.
In a website address, WWW acts as a subdomain. Using it in your URL (e.g., www.mywebsite.com) is optional. You can also use a non-WWW version (e.g., example.com), and both will work the same way if your server is set up correctly.
It doesn’t matter which one you select; it’s important to set up redirects from one version to the other. This ensures visitors always land on the right page and helps avoid duplicate content issues with search engines.
HTTPS vs WWW: Main Differences
HTTPS vs WWW are two parts of a website address, but each serves a different purpose.
HTTPS is all about security. It ensures that any data sent between your browser and the website is protected. This keeps information safe from hackers. HTTPS uses encryption, and it only works if the site has an SSL certificate installed.
WWW, on the other hand, is just a part of the website’s name (domain name). It’s a subdomain that was commonly used in the early days of the web. It doesn’t affect security or performance; it just helps identify your domain’s web version. You can choose to use it or not. For example, both https://www.myblog.com and https://myblog.com will take users to the same site.
Here’s a comparison table to understand the difference between WWW and HTTPS:
| FEATURE | HTTPS | WWW |
| Main Purpose | Secures the connection between the browser and server | Acts as a subdomain in a web address |
| Function | Encrypts data to protect user information | Helps identify the web version of a domain |
| Impact on Security | Yes, adds encryption and trust | No, doesn’t affect security |
| Needed for Website SEO? | Yes, Google prefers HTTPS-enabled sites | No, doesn’t directly affect SEO |
| Optional or Required | Required for security | Optional – based on user preference |
| How They Work Together | HTTPS secures the full address | WWW is used as part of the address |
Together, they form a complete web address. The HTTPS part handles the secure connection, and the WWW part is just a label. Knowing the difference helps you set up your domain correctly while keeping your site safe and easy to access. It’s also worth mentioning here that the latest browsers don’t show https:// and www in the address bar to make website addresses look clean and easy to read.
Benefits of HTTPS vs WWW
Knowing the role of either HTTPS vs WWW can help you make smarter choices for your website. Here’s a quick look at the benefits each one brings.
Using HTTPS – Benefits
Using HTTPS on your website comes with huge benefits. The most important one is security. HTTPS keeps the connection between your site and your visitors private. It protects sensitive data by turning that information into unreadable code using encryption. That way, hackers can’t see or steal it.
Search engines like Google also rank HTTPS websites higher, which means you have a better chance of showing up in search results. If your site isn’t using HTTPS, some browsers will show a warning, such as:
- Not Secure
- Your connection is not private
- This website may not be secure
- Secure Connection Failed
- Your connection is not secure.
It can also deter people. However, with HTTPS, users see a https:// in the website URL, which helps build trust. Additionally, many modern web browser features only work on HTTPS sites. This includes:
- Getting someone’s location
- Using camera or microphone features
- Running service workers for faster load times.
- Benefits of Using WWW
While HTTPS helps with safety, WWW can make it easier to manage large websites. Since WWW is a subdomain, it lets you control cookies and subdomains more easily. This can be particularly useful if your site has multiple sections or requires handling different tools.
Using the WWW also gives you more control over DNS settings, which can make things smoother if your site grows and uses different hosting servers.
Some people still prefer WWW because it feels traditional and familiar. It’s been used from the beginning of the Web, and some users expect to see it. That doesn’t mean you have to use it, but if you do, you must ensure your site redirects properly between the WWW and non-WWW versions.
You can use HTTPS and WWW together. A full web address can look like this:
https://www.example.comIn this case, HTTPS ensures the site’s security, and WWW is simply part of the domain name.
It’s fine to use both, or to use HTTPS with a non-WWW version, for example:
https://example.comThe key is to stay consistent. Choose one version, either with WWW or without it, and ensure all your pages and links use the same format. Set up redirects so visitors always land on the right version. This helps your SEO and makes your site easier to manage.
WWW vs HTTPS: Which does Google Prefer?
When it comes to website rankings, Google prefers HTTPS. It sees HTTPS as a sign that your website is safe and secure for visitors. If your site uses HTTPS, you receive a small boost in search engine results.
On the other hand, there’s no SEO difference between WWW and non-WWW. Google treats them the same way if your site is set up correctly. What matters most is choosing one version and sticking with it. This helps search engines understand which version to index and avoids duplicate content problems.
Choosing between HTTPS and HTTP? Select HTTPS for trust and rankings. When choosing between WWW and non-WWW, just be consistent.
Now you know the difference between HTTPS vs WWW, how they differ from one another, what benefits they provide, and which one is best suited for search engines. So, it’s time to find out if you can use both; let’s explore that below.
How to Set up HTTPS & WWW Correctly
To ensure your website is secure and operates correctly, you need to set up HTTPS and your preferred domain (with or without WWW) correctly. Here’s how:
First, get an SSL certificate and install it. We provide this for free with qualifying WordPress hosting plans. Once it’s installed, your site can load using HTTPS.
Next, choose your preferred domain, either with or without the WWW prefix. You can set this in your hosting dashboard or inside WordPress settings. Just pick one and stick with it to avoid confusion and other issues.
After that, set up 301 redirects. These tell browsers and search engines to always visit your chosen version. For example, if someone types in http://example.com, they’ll be redirected to https://www.example.com if that’s the version you selected.
Lastly, ensure you update the sitemap and all internal links within WordPress or your content management system. You want everything to point to the site’s correct version, so visitors and search engines don’t get mixed signals. This keeps your site clean, consistent, and trustworthy.
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FAQS
Should I use WWW or non-WWW for SEO?
For SEO, it doesn’t matter which one you use, WWW or non-WWW. What matters is choosing one and using it consistently across your entire site. This helps avoid duplicate content and keeps your SEO strong.
How can I change from HTTP to HTTPS?
To switch, you need to install an SSL certificate through your hosting provider. Then, update your site settings to use HTTPS, set up 301redirects from HTTP to HTTPS, and update all internal links and sitemaps accordingly.
Is WWW necessary for my website to work?
No, WWW isn’t required. Your site can work with or without it. Just ensure you pick one version and set up redirects so all visitors land on the correct one.
Can I use HTTPS without WWW?
Yes, you can use HTTPS with or without WWW. HTTPS handles your website’s security, while WWW is just part of the domain name. So, it doesn’t matter if you use WWW or not; you can still use HTTPS to have a secure site.
Does WWW make my website load faster or slower?
No, using WWW or non-WWW doesn’t affect your site’s speed. Page speed depends on the quality of hosting, caching, image sizes, and overall website optimization.
Other Blogs of Interest
– Demystifying Domains and Web Hosting
– Are Hyphens in Domain Names OK for Google?
– What Is A Business Domain & Do You Need One
– How To Change A Domain Name: A Step-by-Step Guide
– Domain Name Search Tips: How to Find a Domain Name
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
Chantél Venter is a creative writer, strategic thinker, and a serious gesticulator. She’s passionate about storytelling, small businesses and bringing color to the world – be it through her words or wardrobe.
She holds a four-year degree in Business and Mass Media Communication and Journalism. She’s been a copywriter and editor for the technology, insurance and architecture industries since 2007 and believes anybody can run a small business successfully. She therefore enjoys finding and sharing the best and most practical tips for this purpose.