Your domain name search starts here

Think of a domain name search tool as your starting point for getting a website address. It’s an online tool that lets you type in the domain name you want and instantly check its availability. If the exact name is taken, you’ll see suggestions and alternatives that could work just as well and that you might not have thought of. This is the very first step before buying a domain. The tool helps you check domain availability in real time. Once you find the right name, you can move on to our domain registration page to securely purchase it.

You can check domain availability in 3 short steps:

• Step 1: Open a domain availability checker—Wix’s version is a free tool. Enter the name you have in mind (you can include different extensions like .com, .net, .co and so on).

• Step 2: Get instant results. You’ll be able to see if the exact domain you want is available right now.

• Step 3: Choose the domain you want. If it’s not available, you’ll get suggested alternatives (with different spellings, keywords or extensions) if it’s taken.

That’s it—type, check, choose. Once you spot a match you love, you can proceed to register it before someone else does.

Don’t worry—it happens all the time and you still have plenty of options. You can try small variations of your idea (like adding a keyword or changing the spelling) or look at alternatives like picking a different domain extension (like .net, .co, .online, etc.) that still fits your brand’s vibe.

If you’ve got your heart set on that exact name, you can use a WHOIS lookup tool to see who owns it, when it expires and possibly contact the owner about buying. Many domains are also listed on the domain aftermarket, where owners sell names they no longer use. Another route is to place a backorder, which means you’ll have a chance to grab the name if it ever becomes available.

So, even if your first choice is taken, you’ve got multiple paths to find or secure a domain that works for you.

Yes—you can! Once you run a domain search through our domain checker and confirm availability, you’ll be able to buy it right away. The search tool connects you to a trusted domain registrar, where you can register immediately and lock in your name before anyone else does. Once availability is confirmed, it’s as simple as clicking to register and making it yours.

Domain prices can vary quite a bit. A standard domain name usually starts around $10–$20 per year, depending on the extension you choose (like .com, .net, or .co). Some names are considered premium domains—short, catchy, or high-demand words—and those can cost hundreds or even thousands.

Keep in mind there’s usually a renewal fee each year to keep your domain active and pricing can shift based on availability. The good news is that with Wix, you’ll always see the exact cost during your search, so there are no surprises when it’s time to buy.

Domain extensions are the little endings that come after your website name, like .com, .net, or .org. They’re also known as top-level domains (TLDs). Traditionally, .com is the most popular, while .net and .org are common for networks and organizations. Today, there are also hundreds of new TLDs—from .shop to .online and .ai—that let you get creative and more specific.

When you use a domain search tool, it doesn’t just check your name with one extension—it checks across multiple extensions so you can see all the options available in real time.

Think of your domain name as your online identity, so picking the right one matters. Here are some quick tips:

• Keep it short and memorable so people can recall it easily.

• Make it relevant to your brand and, if possible, include keywords related to what you do.

• Avoid hyphens and numbers—they’re harder to type and easy to forget.

• Choose something that reflects your brand’s personality and that is easy to spell.

The best domain names strike a balance: simple enough to remember but strong enough to stand out in search.

There are a few main categories of domain names, and knowing them helps you pick the right fit:

• Generic top-level domains (gTLDs): Common endings like .com, .net, .org used worldwide.

• Country-code top-level domains (ccTLDs): Two-letter codes for countries, like .uk for the United Kingdom or .de for Germany.

• New TLDs: Recently introduced options like .app, .shop and .online, giving you more creative freedom.

• Sponsored domains: Restricted to specific groups, such as .edu for accredited schools or .gov for government entities.

Each type serves a different purpose . Using Wix’s domain search tool you will be able to see availability across them so you can decide which one suits your website best.

No, you don’t need an LLC or any kind of formal business registration to buy a domain. Anyone can register a domain name, whether it’s for a business idea, a side project or even just for personal use. All you need to do is run the name through an availability tool  like Wix’s to see if it’s free, then register it.

That said, if you’re starting a business, forming an LLC later can give you extra legal and financial protection—but it’s not a requirement for owning a domain.

Once you’ve got an idea of what you want, you can go ahead and conduct a domain search. Simply type it into the search bar at the top of this page and our domain name checker will show you all the results regarding its availability. You’ll also get a bunch of domain name suggestions for similar domain names and different extensions that could also work for you. Once you find the one you love, verify and purchase it, before someone else does.

Yes—you can use a WHOIS domain lookup to see who owns a specific name. This type of search tool pulls up information from the registrar, such as the domain owner’s details, when the name was registered, when it expires and more.

Keep in mind, sometimes owners use privacy services, so not all contact info is public. A WHOIS lookup is separate from registering a domain—it’s just for checking ownership info. Reliable search tools for domain lookup make it easy to see what’s available and what’s already claimed.

When you choose an annual Wix plan, you get a free domain name for the first year. To conduct a domain search and see which are available for free, simply use the Wix domain search tool. Enter the domain you want into the domain name search bar and the tool will show you all of your available options. You can also explore all different kinds of domain extensions like .com, .net and even country codes. Once you find the domain that works for you, remember that it's free for the first year with your Wix plan. So you can easily manage your website, (free) hosting and domain, all under one roof.