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Your domain name is undoubtedly one of the most important elements of your entire online presence and your website infrastructure. Not only does it act as the link between your audience and site, it also plays a crucial role in your branding and marketing efforts. And while you might put a lot of effort into brainstorming the best name to use for it, finding the best domain registrar to purchase it from, however, might prove to be slightly more challenging.
Not only are these platforms riddled with jargon and acronyms you’re most likely not familiar with, their offerings also appear incredibly similar on the surface. To help you succeed in this search, we’ve put together a curated list of the best domain registrar options to buy from in 2024, as well as a series of tips on how to find the perfect match for your unique needs.
Best domain registrars
01. Wix
Best for: Bundling with free web hosting and SSL certificate
If you need a free web hosting platform in addition to a domain name, then choosing Wix is a no-brainer. On top of a long list of templates and Wix features for building a professional online presence, you’ll get access to powerful domain management tools, such as privacy protection (WHOIS protection), easy transfer, subdomains and a business email address. Furthermore, Wix will also provide you with 24/7 security monitoring, HTTPS and SSL protection, which are essential when you're learning how to make a website.
The platform’s robust domain search tool helps you choose a domain name based on the availability of your name idea within hundreds of domain types. Any of these options can be registered as a free domain name for the first year with the purchase of a premium plan for your website. The pricing for each domain without a free voucher appears next to each option and depends on the type of domain extension, local currency and local tax laws. Afterward, you can extend your domain subscription for up to three years, with significant discounts applied for each additional year.
Key features:
Integrated WHOIS protection
24/7 customer support
Free domain name for a year with premium plan
Wix supports over 75 domain name extensions, some of the most popular include: .de domain , .xyz domain , .co domain , .ch domain , .be domain , .store domain , .info domain , .tv domain , .tech domain , .company domain , .digital domain , .ca domain , .fr domain , .nl domain , .email domain , .gifts domain , .group domain , .live domain , .me domain , .media domain , .net domain , .today domain , .top domain
Best for: Straightforward use, long-term registration
Domain.com is the best domain registrar choice for those looking to register a domain name for several years and who don’t require web hosting. The beginner-friendly platform offers the most popular top-level domain extensions as well as numerous country code top-level domains, all of which can be purchased for up to five years.
This registrar provides a wide array of domain management tools, including bulk registration, transfers, live chat support and DNS management, among other additional services. Pricing for a .com extension starts at $9.99/year, but you’ll need to pay an additional $8.99/year if you want to add WHOIS protection. The registration process is noticeably fast, taking just a couple of minutes overall.
Key features:
Fast, beginner-friendly registration process
Multi-year domain name purchase
Complete DNS control
03. Namecheap
Best for: Cheap domain name registration
As you might have guessed by its name, Namecheap stands out as one of the best domain registrar choices in terms of domain name cost. The platform provides a streamlined process that allows searching for individual domains or batches of up to 50. Furthermore, you’ll be able to see the WHOIS record of unavailable domains and make a bid for them through the site via DomainAgents.
In spite of this lower pricing, with .com domains starting at just $8.88/year, Namecheap’s service holds strong against other domain registrars. All registrations include WHOIS protection, a user-friendly management system and an account panel. Additionally, the platform offers a handful of upsells such as G Suite integration, customizable email and web hosting.
Key features:
Low-cost domain name registration
Free WHOIS privacy
Live chat support
04. Bluehost
Best for: Pairing with web hosting
As one of the leading web hosting platforms, Bluehost offers domain registrar services in order to allow website owners to manage all of their site’s elements within a single platform. This makes it an especially attractive choice for new site managers, as well as those who are not planning to buy additional domains over time.
This domain registrar offers hundreds of domain extensions, with pricing for .com domains starting at $12.99/year, andWHOIS privacy protection costing an additional $11.88/year. All domains can be registered for free in the first year when registering for one of Bluehosts’ web hosting plans. The platform includes access to a complete DNS control panel, domain locking, auto-renewal options and 24/7 customer support.
Key features:
Domain locking
High-value hosting pairing deal
Intuitive domain management platform
05. Google Domains
Best for: Integration with Google services
Google Domains’ interface is simple and beginner-friendly, providing a streamlined registration process without upsells or hidden fees. Needless to say, this is the best place to buy a domain name if Google integrations are a priority for you. By purchasing your domain on this platform, you’ll get WHOIS privacy protection, email forwarding, two-step verification and more.
While Google Domains offers the most TLDs (top-level domains). The pricing for .com domains is $12/year, which remains the same on renewal, and you can purchase several of them at once. Unfortunately, you can only buy a domain name from this platform if your billing address is set in one of the Google Domains’ supported countries, which currently lists only 19 names.
Key features:
2-step verification
Email forwarding services
WHOIS privacy protection included
06. HostGator
Best for: Old-school domain extensions
Primarily known for its web hosting services, HostGator also offers a substantial selection of domain extensions and management tools as part of its one-stop shop for website owners. This includes a powerful DNS management dashboard, web hosting bundles and optional WHOIS privacy protection for an additional fee.
Unlike other domain registrars on this list, HostGator focuses on 15 of the most traditional TLDs, such as .org .com and .net. With this in mind, you’ll need to search elsewhere if you’re looking for more out-of-the-box domain extensions. In terms of pricing, the registrar offers significant discounts when pairing a new domain with a web hosting plan: a .com domain starts at $12.95/year without hosting and costs as little as $2.99/year with a web hosting plan.
Key features:
Domain locking
One-stop shop for website owners
24/7 live chat and phone support
What is a domain registrar?
A domain registrar is a company that sells domain names. Domain names are the addresses of websites on the Internet. For example, the domain name of Google is google.com.
Domain registrars are accredited by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), which is the nonprofit organization that oversees the global Domain Name System (DNS). ICANN ensures that domain registrars follow certain rules and regulations, such as ensuring that domain names are unique and that they're registered to the correct people.
When you register a domain name with a domain registrar, you're leasing the domain name for a period of time, typically one year. You can renew your registration at the end of the lease term, but if you don't renew your registration, the domain name will become available for other people to register.
There are many different domain registrars available, and they offer a variety of services and features. Some domain registrars offer free domain names with the purchase of web hosting, while others charge a fee for domain registration. Some domain registrars also offer additional services, such as domain name privacy protection and domain name forwarding.
How to choose a domain registrar
As you come to understand what is a domain name and the nuances of choosing the perfect one for your site, you'll find yourself in front of an endless list of options to purchase. When it comes to choosing the best domain registrar, you need to understand the main differences that set them apart. Even though they might all seem the same at first, a closer look shows that not all domain registrars offer similar extensions, management tools or privacy features.
Now that we looked at the best domain registrar options of 2024 and their offerings, let's take a look at the main features you should keep an eye on:
Privacy: Some platforms include WHOIS privacy protection (meaning your private contact information is not publicly available) in their offering, while others require an additional purchase for this feature.
Add-ons: Check what additional products and services the domain registrar offers and pay attention to whether they’re trying to upsell you without your knowledge.
Bundling options: Purchasing a web hosting plan and a domain name from the same vendor will allow you to manage everything within a single platform, and likely result in a significantly lower cost.
Pricing: Each domain name registrar offers different prices depending on several factors, such as type of extension and registration duration.
Hidden fees: Many domain registrars offer aggressive pricing for first-time registrations that result in a much more expensive option upon renewal.
Customer support: For your peace of mind, aim for a platform that offers live customer support 24/7.
How much does a domain name cost?
The cost of a domain name varies depending on a number of factors, including the domain extension (e.g., .com, .net, .org), the popularity of the domain name and the registrar you choose.
In general, you can expect to pay between $10 and $20 per year for a new domain name with a popular extension, such as .com or .net. However, some domain names can be much more expensive, especially if they are short, memorable or relevant to a popular keyword. For example, the domain name cars.com sold for $872 million in 2014. And in 2021, the domain name insurance.com sold for $38.5 million.
Once you have registered a domain name, you'll need to renew your registration. Renewal prices are typically higher than the initial registration price.
If you're on a budget, there are a few ways to save money on domain names:
Choose a less popular domain extension, such as .net or .org.
Register your domain name for a longer period of time, such as two or three years.
Look for discounts and promotions from domain registrars.
There are also a few ways to get a domain name for free. For example, some web hosting providers offer a free domain name when you purchase a web hosting plan. And some domain registrars offer free domain names to students and non-profit organizations.
Does it matter who your domain registrar is?
Yes, it does matter who your domain registrar is. While all ICANN-accredited registrars can technically register your domain name, the choice of registrar can impact your overall experience, security and long-term costs. Here's why your domain registrar matters:
Pricing: Domain registrars vary in their pricing structures, renewal fees and additional services. Some registrars offer competitive pricing for the first year but increase the renewal rates significantly. Others may bundle domain registration with other services, which may or may not be beneficial for you.
Customer support: When domain-related issues arise, you need reliable and responsive customer support. Some registrars are known for their excellent customer service, while others may have limited support options or long wait times.
Security: Domain registrars play a crucial role in protecting your domain from unauthorized access or transfer. Choose a registrar with strong security measures, two-factor authentication and domain privacy protection options to safeguard your domain.
User interface: A user-friendly interface and intuitive domain management tools make it easier to manage your domain settings, DNS records and renewals. Some registrars offer advanced tools for bulk domain management or integration with third-party services.
Additional services: Some registrars offer additional services like email hosting, SSL certificates, website builders or marketing tools. Consider whether these services are relevant to your needs and whether they provide value for the cost.
How to choose a domain name
Choosing a domain name is a crucial step in establishing your online presence. A well-chosen domain name can enhance brand recognition, improve search engine rankings and attract visitors to your website. Here are some guidelines for selecting an effective domain name:
Keep it memorable: Aim for a domain name that is easy to remember and spell. Shorter domain names are generally more memorable and less prone to typos.
Reflect your brand: Choose a domain name that aligns with your brand identity and conveys the essence of your business or website. It should be relevant to your target audience and the type of content you offer.
Use relevant keywords: Consider incorporating relevant keywords into your domain name, but avoid keyword stuffing or forced phrases. Keywords can help improve search engine visibility and attract visitors who are searching for specific terms related to your website.
Check for availability: Use a domain registrar's search tool to check if your desired domain name is available. If not, consider alternative spellings, variations or different TLDs.
Avoid hyphens and numbers: While hyphens and numbers can sometimes be used strategically, it's generally better to avoid them in your domain name. They can make the name more difficult to remember and type and may appear less professional.
Be distinctive: Stand out from the crowd by choosing a domain name that is unique and memorable. Avoid using generic terms or names that are too similar to existing brands or websites.
Test for pronunciation and misspellings: Say your domain name out loud to ensure it's easy to pronounce and doesn't sound awkward. Also, check for common misspellings or homophones that could lead to confusion.
Consider future growth: Think about the long-term growth of your business or website. Choose a domain name that can accommodate expansion and doesn't limit you to a specific product or service.
Get feedback: Ask friends, colleagues or potential customers for feedback on your domain name options. Their insights can help you identify potential issues or discover a more suitable name.
Once you've chosen a domain name, register it with a reputable domain registrar and ensure it's properly configured for your website. Your domain name is your digital identity, so choose wisely and make it a memorable representation of your brand.
Domain registrars FAQ
What is the Domain Name System (DNS)?
The Domain Name System (DNS) is a system that translates domain names into IP addresses. IP addresses are the unique addresses that computers use to communicate with each other on the internet. When you type a domain name into your web browser, the DNS system looks up the IP address for that domain name and then directs your browser to the correct website.