What is the difference between a registrar and a domain manager?

A domain name goes through two distinct steps: registration, which is obtaining the right to use the name (for example, mycompany.mc), and management, the set of technical settings that let you use it for a website, email addresses, or subdomains.

The registrar

This is the official body that lets you reserve your domain name with the registry (for example, the Monegasque authorities for .MC). Without a registrar, you cannot own a domain.

The domain manager

This is the interface that lets you configure and administer your domain:

• point your website,
• create custom email addresses,
• add subdomains,
• manage redirections.

In short: the registrar gives you the right to hold the name, the manager lets you use it day to day.