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CNAME vs ALIAS Records

Understand the practical difference between CNAME and ALIAS records for domain routing.

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Core Difference

Both record types point traffic to another target, but they have different root-domain behavior.

Recommended workflow

  1. CNAME points one hostname to another hostname (for example, www).
  2. CNAME is typically not allowed at the root domain in standard DNS.
  3. ALIAS behaves like CNAME but can be used at root domain in supported DNS systems.
  4. Choose record type based on your DNS provider capabilities and target architecture.

When to Use CNAME

CNAME is ideal for subdomain aliasing.

Recommended workflow

  1. Use CNAME for www pointing to your primary app hostname.
  2. Use CNAME for service integrations that require canonical targets.
  3. Avoid using CNAME where your provider requires root A/ALIAS handling.

When to Use ALIAS

ALIAS is useful for root-domain target mapping when DNS provider supports it.

Recommended workflow

  1. Use ALIAS for apex/root domain routing to managed platforms.
  2. Validate provider support before replacing root A records.
  3. Retest SSL issuance and endpoint resolution after record change.