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The Top Five Domain Registrars

Domain.com Logo

Domain.com

Best domain registrar

  • Variety of TLDs
  • Pre-registration option
  • 24/7 customer support

Summary

  • Starting price for.com domains
    • $9.99 for the first year
  • Free WHOIS privacy
    No
  • Additional products available
    Web hosting, website builder, email and marketing

Domain.com is a straightforward solution for purchasing domain names and developing your internet presence. The platform provides integrated services, making it one of the best domain registrars for various business applications. Its solutions are affordable and easy to use, providing various tools to safeguard yourself and your site's users using SSL certificates and enhanced domain privacy and protection.



I found over 300 new TLDs active on Domain.com, making it one of the best bets if you're looking for unique domain extensions. The platform was very simple to use and offered low-priced registration plans that could be tailored to my specific requirements with features like a free SSL certificate and optional domain privacy and protection.


Domain.com offers WHOIS domain privacy, which hides your personal information from search engine crawlers and provides you control over who has access. Its domain transfer lock adds extra security by preventing domain theft or transfer.


The platform's control panel is feature-rich and straightforward. I could easily jump on free consultation sessions with industry experts to discuss my specific goals and develop a plan that meets them. Sessions usually included a live demonstration of site management tools and a plan of marketing initiatives, as well as monthly follow-ups to ensure your satisfaction.


Who is Domain.com best for?


I recommend Domain.com to those looking for a simple, hassle-free domain purchasing process with plenty of unique extensions. The registrar is budget-friendly and reliable and offers the right analytics and management tools to help build your website from scratch.


Recent updates to Domain.com


Domain.com consistently raises the bar for user-friendliness and speed of response by updating its interface to improve clients' experience. The platform is constantly adding new services, such as enhanced email, instant messaging, and video chat options, to better serve its customers.


Domain.com pricing


Domain.com is competitively priced. For the first year, you can register a .com domain for as little as $9.99 and a .net domain for $12.99. A .me domain is available for $3.99 for the first year, while a .store one is the cheapest at just $1.99 per year.

Pros and cons of Domain.com

Pros

  • Extensive TLD options
  • Competitive pricing

Cons

  • High renewal cost
    Hostinger-logo

    Hostinger

    Best domain registrar for beginners

    • WordPress optimized
    • Custom dashboard

    Summary

    • Starting price for.com domains
      • $9.99 per year or free with hosting packages
    • Free WHOIS privacy
      Yes
    • Additional products available
      Web hosting, website builder, email

    Hostinger is a reputable Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN)-accredited domain registrar that provides one of the highest-quality web hosting services. As your business expands, Hostinger's many available plan upgrades may be an intelligent choice for novice and experienced users.



    I found Hostinger’s domain registration platform extremely straightforward and easy to understand. It requires no technical expertise and can be used immediately after creating an account. The domain registrar is recognized by ICANN and is utilized by millions worldwide.


    From a first-time web host’s point of view, I felt Hostinger’s rates were pretty fair. If you want to save money on your first year’s domain registration, consider choosing a hosting plan that includes a free domain registration for one year. Hostinger’s hosting packages also include plenty of space and bandwidth and extras like an SSL certificate, regular software updates, and business email accounts.


    Who is Hostinger best for?


    Hostinger's affordability and user-friendly interface make it a good choice for budding business owners. Considering it was built with beginners in mind, Hostinger is a breeze to operate. Host, domain, and SSL configurations are all handled by automated wizards.


    Recent updates to Hostinger


    Hostinger focuses on continuously offering new and ongoing promos. Furthermore, I noticed a recent increase in the number of TLDs it supports, and I expect that trend to continue growing in the coming months.


    Hostinger pricing


    Domain extensions such as .online, .shop, and .tech can be purchased at a starting price of $0.99 per year. In comparison, .info can be purchased for $3.99 per year, and .com is available for $9.99 per year. Or if you sign up for a new hosting package for your website, you can get your domain name registered for free for the first year.

    Pros and cons of Hostinger

    Pros

    • All-in-one website solution
    • Domains as low as $0.99 per year

    Cons

    • No phone support
      GoDaddy Green Logo

      GoDaddy

      Best domain registrar for privacy

      • Supports multiple payment options
      • WHOIS privacy
      • SEO ready

      Summary

      • Starting price for.com domains
        • $11.99 per year or free with hosting packages
      • Free WHOIS privacy
        Yes
      • Additional products available
        Web hosting, website builder, e-commerce, email and marketing

      GoDaddy is one of the most well-known names in the world of domain registrars, with millions of active websites on its servers. The domain provider consistently exceeds expectations at a reasonable price and adapts to meet the evolving demands of its clientele.



      With GoDaddy, you can choose from various domain extensions and create up to 500 subdomains. I found the domain search bar user-friendly, as I searched for up to 2,000 domains simultaneously.


      During registration, GoDaddy offered me additional services in site hosting, email marketing, e-commerce design, WordPress integration, and domain brokering. I liked seeing that the platform delivers continuous real-time monitoring to verify domains are always functioning properly. I also set up automatic renewal, which protects against data loss from an expired subscription.


      Another plus is that it provides essential WHOIS privacy protection to prevent domain hijackers, with premiums enabling more security. All the plans include defense against spam emails and fraudulent domain transfers. I found it reassuring that GoDaddy stretches domain renewal periods to prevent billing glitches and expired credit cards.


      Who is GoDaddy best for?


      GoDaddy is a solid domain registrar for complete newcomers and seasoned veterans alike. The affordable price, intuitive interfaces, and tools, such as SSLs and SEO readiness, make it a good option for starting or growing a website, blog, or online store.


      Recent updates to GoDaddy


      GoDaddy has just updated its user interface (UI) to improve the customer experience, setting a new standard for user-friendliness and responsive service. A new "Buy Now" landing page is one of the recent enhancements to GoDaddy's aftermarket domain sales experience.


      GoDaddy pricing


      GoDaddy domain registration prices depend on the name and extension, but you can register a .com for $11.99 per year, including a free website builder and basic domain privacy and protection. Further domain protection, email essentials, and other added features are available at additional cost.

      Pros and cons of GoDaddy

      Pros

      • Bulk domain search
      • Over 500 domain extensions
      • Efficient email marketing

      Cons

      • Renewals can be expensive
      • Lots of upselling
        Network Solutions Logo

        Network Solutions

        Best long-term domain registrations

        • Reliable
        • Registrations of up to 100 years available
        • Expert assistance

        Summary

        • Starting price for.com domains
          • $9.99 per year
        • Free WHOIS privacy
          Yes
        • Additional products available
          Web hosting, website builder, e-commerce, email and marketing, IT support

        Dubbed 'the Internet's domain provider' in the 90s, Network Solutions remains a frontrunner among the best registrars. In addition to registering and managing domain names, the platform provides other services, including a website builder, heightened security, and email and cloud hosting. Still, it often directs users to its parent company, Web.com.



        Network Solutions allowed me to register a domain for up to a century at $20 per year. This is a fantastic choice if you have a brand intending to stay in business for the long haul and are looking for ways to establish credibility.


        I didn’t find the platform’s UI the most innovative compared to the best domain registrars, but Network Solutions provided me with certainty after demonstrating it can survive the test of time — something essential if you're looking to establish the foundation of your company's online presence.


        Apart from domain names, I could easily purchase various tools for additional premiums, including hosting, SSL certificates, email, and marketing means. Network Solutions also has the backing of its operating site, Web.com, another highly valid reason to consider this registrar. Last but not least, I liked the company’s habit of providing the first month of many of its services for free as a trial to anybody still testing the waters.


        Who is Network Solutions best for?


        Network Solutions could be a good choice if you regard stability and durability as an investment in your website's future. With the most outstanding track record of any registrar, it is a safe bet this company will be around for a while, offering long-term domain registration options such as those valid for 100 years.


        Recent updates to Network Solutions


        Network Solutions launched professional services, including Pro Website, Pro Online Store, Pro SEO, and Pro Business Directories for customers who want advanced features for their business with guidance from trained experts. The Account Manager on the platform has recently been overhauled with modern features and a slick UI to make product management simpler than ever before.


        Network Solutions pricing


        Network Solutions offers popular domain extensions including .com, .net, and .org for $9.99 per year.

        Pros and cons of Network Solutions

        Pros

        • Free website builder
        • Informative help center
        • Long-term solution

        Cons

        • Numerous upsells
          Namecheap-Logo

          Namecheap

          Best independent domain registration

          • Budget-friendly
          • Quality support
          • Great uptime

          Summary

          • Starting price for.com domains
            • $5.98 per year
          • Free WHOIS privacy
            Yes
          • Additional products available
            Web hosting, email

          Namecheap is an ICANN-accredited independent domain registrar that has branched out to offer various related services, including hosting. It’s a well-established domain registrar with a long history of success and a solid reputation within the industry, mostly known for its founder-driven culture and transparency.



          Namecheap is compatible with a range of domain name extensions. The registrar enabled me to easily register and transfer existing domains to the company's platform while providing exceptional privacy protection for WHOIS registrations at no additional expense.


          I was able to use Beast Mode, which is a superpowered domain search. Namecheap’s Beast mode enabled me to enter up to 5,000 domains or keywords with a price range of $0 to $500,000 and more than 1,100 top-level domain extensions.


          Namecheap has one of the widest selections of TLDs available. Any domain name you can think of can be looked up on the site, and if it's for sale, you can buy it instantly. Domain registrations include free forever domain privacy.


          Who is Namecheap best for?


          I found Namecheap to be an ideal domain registrar for small to midsize businesses (SMBs) and large-scale companies. The service provider stands out in the market because of its free domain privacy, reasonable registration fees, and pocket-friendly renewal charges.


          Recent updates to Namecheap


          Regular domain availability checks, WHOIS improvements, and the introduction of brand-new features are some of the ways Namecheap has recently improved. Because of its often-updated domain administration system, you'll likely have no trouble quickly putting together a website for your business.


          Namecheap pricing


          As the company offers so many TLDs, domains on Namecheap come in all sorts of prices. A .com domain is available for $5.98 for the first year, while TLDs such as .xyz cost just $0.99 for the first year.

          Pros and cons of Namecheap

          Pros

          • Transparent pricing
          • Easy onboarding

          Cons

          • Complex UI
          • No phone support

            Compare the Best Domain Registrars

            Domain registrarStarting priceBest features
            Domain.com

            Domain.com Logo

            Best domain registrar

            Why it’s best overall: We chose Domain.com as the best domain registrar for its 24/7 support, web hosting features, and pre-registration options.

            $9.99 per year

            See pricing

            • Variety of top-level domains (TLDs)
            • Pre-registration option
            • 24/7 customer support
            Hostinger

            Hostinger Logo

            Best domain registrar for beginners

            Free with hosting

            See pricing

            • WordPress optimized
            • Custom dashboard
            GoDaddy

            GoDaddy Logo

            Best domain registrar for privacy

            Free with hosting

            See pricing

            • Supports multiple payment options
            • WHOIS privacy
            • SEO readiness
            Network Solutions

            Network Solutions Logo

            Best long-term domain registrations

            $9.99 per year

            See pricing

            • Reliable
            • Registration up to 100 years
            • Expert assistance
            Namecheap

            Namecheap Logo

            Best independent domain registration

            $5.98 per year

            See pricing

            • Budget-friendly
            • Quality support
            • Great uptime

            What You Need To Know About Domain Registrars

            What does a domain registrar do?

            A domain registrar reserves your domain name online and assigns an IP address to your domain name.

            Does it matter which domain registrar I use?

            Domain management and features vary between domain registrars. But once you register a domain, it doesn’t matter which domain registrar you purchased it from.

            Can you buy a domain name forever?

            It’s not possible to buy a domain name permanently, but you can register a domain for up to 100 years.

            Do I have to pay for my domain name every year?

            Domain names require annual renewal, but you can pay for domain registration for multiple years at a time.

            Can you get a free domain name?

            Many web hosting companies offer free domain registration for the first year when you sign up for a hosting plan.

            How I Tested the Best Domain Registrars

            I test each domain registrar by signing up and purchasing a plan to check out what each provider offers new users. I weigh the details and rank each domain registrar based on the quality of its features and how transparent the company is regarding its product.

            I visited each provider to test:

            • Value: What is the cost to register a domain, and do the included features offer a good value?
            • Ease of use: Is the dashboard easy to navigate?
            • Support: How fast can you get help when needed, and is support genuinely helpful?
            • Features: What features does the registrar offer, and how do they compare to similar competitors?
            • Security: Does the domain registrar offer SSL certificates, Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack protection, backup services, and scans for viruses and malware?
            • Recent improvements: What has the domain registrar done lately to update its technology and services?