Building websites for over a decade now has taught me lots of important lessons. One of the biggest has been that getting the right domain from a good registrar is super important! I’ve used Domain.com, Bluehost, and Hostinger for domains, and they’ve always worked well for me.
But I know there are lots more options out there, and you might be wondering why I like these three and not others.
The thing is, picking a domain registrar can be confusing. There are so many choices, each with different features and prices. Over the years, I’ve tried lots of registrars, faced some challenges, and learned what really matters when it comes to domains.
In this article, I’ll share what I’ve learned to help you choose a domain registrar, and my own personal picks for the best domain registrars. This way, you don’t have to spend hours researching and comparing different options.
Quick Pick: The Best Domain Registrars
If you prefer not to read my whole review, then you can check out my top picks for the best domain registrars below:
| Ranking | Domain Registrar | Best For |
| 🥇 | Domain.com | Unique and premium domain names |
| 🥈 | Bluehost | Affordable web hosting + domain name |
| 🥉 | Hostinger | Hosting + domain name + free privacy protection |
| 4 | Network Solutions | Niche domain names |
| 5 | GoDaddy | Domain brokerage service |
| 6 | Namecheap | Domain auction service |
| 7 | Dreamhost | Hosting + domain + custom webservers |
| 8 | HostGator | Easy domain registration |
How I Choose the Right Domain Registrar for My Websites
Ever since I started building websites over a decade ago, I’ve noticed that not all domain registrars are the same.
For example, not all domain registrars have the license to sell all domain name extensions. Some domain registrars can only sell domain names with country-specific extensions (like .io, .in, or .ly).
Each domain registrar may also give you different services along with the domain name registration. Some registrars may offer cheap domains as their promotional deals, while others may give free add-ons to attract customers.
Based on my extensive experience, here are the key factors I consider when selecting a domain registrar, along with some important red flags to watch out for:
- Pricing and registration period: Check both initial and renewal prices. I’ve found that some offer low first-year rates but higher renewal fees.
- Domain transfers: Make sure the registrar allows easy domain transfers without extra fees. Some may impose unreasonable restrictions on moving your domain.
- Expiration policies: I often look for registrars offering grace periods after expiration just in case I forget to renew my domain name.
- Add-on services: Consider what additional services they provide, such as domain privacy or WordPress hosting. I’ve found that some may even offer privacy protection for free.
- User experience: My personal rule of thumb is to avoid registrars with complicated interfaces that make domain management difficult.
- Hidden fees: Be wary of unexpected charges or pre-checked add-ons during checkout.
- Customer support: Quality support is important, especially for beginners. There were many times my website experienced domain-related errors, and having access to responsive customer support really helped me out.
- Reputation and reliability: Always research the registrar’s track record for security and uptime. I do this to make sure my domain name remains available at all times.
Why Trust My Recommendations?
With over a decade of experience in building WordPress sites and working with different domain registrars, I’ve developed a careful process for testing and reviewing tools for WPBeginner. My approach involves hands-on testing on real websites, cost-benefit analysis to see these tools’ value for money, and reading community feedback to gather more perspectives on each platform.
You can read more in the complete WPBeginner editorial process.
That being said, let’s look at my picks for the best domain name registrars and how they compare against each other.
1. Domain.com
Domain.com is one of the most popular domain name registrars on the planet and a great option if you’re looking for a unique or premium domain extension. I’ve used it to register all top-level domain name extensions (TLDs) and even dozens of country code top-level domains (ccTLDs).
Pros:
What I like about Domain.com is it has a quick domain search tool that you can use for your domain name research. Their search shows you premium domains as well.
You get access to all domain management tools that you would expect from a top domain registrar, including private registration, whois privacy protection, free whois, bulk registration, easy transfers, easy DNS management, email account, email forwarding, and other additional services. You can even purchase web hosting from them if you like.
Whenever I have questions, I can easily contact their helpful customer support team via phone support, live chat, or email. They also have an extensive knowledge base with helpful guides.
Cons:
Unfortunately, I’m not a fan of how domain privacy is a paid feature on Domain.com. It costs $8.99 per year.
That being said, Domain.com also offers WPBeginner readers a 25% discount on domain products. All you have to do is either click on the link from the WPBeginner website or use my Domain.com coupon code: nameboy
Why I chose Domain.com: If you only need to register a domain name without web hosting, then I highly recommend Domain.com. The domain management tool is easy to use and the customer support team is responsive.
However, if you are looking to start a blog or website, then option #2 might be better for you because you can get a free domain name.
2. Bluehost
Bluehost is a great domain registrar if you are looking for affordable web hosting that includes a free domain name. You will even get that domain free for the first year and can get significant discounts if you purchase registration for up to 5 years in advance, so it’s ideal for beginners and small business owners.
I’ve used Bluehost for both WordPress hosting and domain registration before, which you can read about in my Bluehost review.
With my Bluehost coupon code, WPBeginner users can get a free domain name, a free SSL certificate, and a discount on web hosting, which is a perfect deal for anyone looking to make a new website.
Basically, you can get started for $1.99 per month and get a free new domain name. What a steal!
Pros:
I have used Bluehost as a web hosting provider for several of my small websites. The reason why I keep coming back to Bluehost is it’s beginner-friendly, it has pre-installed WordPress, and its chat support is very helpful when needed.
They also have lots of features that website owners need, such as the ability to add unlimited subdomains, malware protection for websites, professional emails through Google Workspace (formerly Gsuite), SEO tools to improve your ranking, and more.
If you need help with anything, you can always contact them through live chat support or call their 24/7 phone number.
Cons:
While this wasn’t my experience, a lot of users have reported difficulties with domain transfers with Bluehost. Some also said their DNS management feature isn’t the easiest to use compared to other domain registrars or hosting providers.
Keep in mind that Bluehost also has pretty high domain renewal prices, so this is something you will want to consider after the first year.
Why I chose Bluehost: Considering its price, I think Bluehost offers excellent value, especially for those just starting out. They provide a free domain name with their hosting plans, which is a great deal for beginners.
3. Hostinger
Hostinger is similar to Bluehost because they also allow you to register a domain name for free when you sign up for one of their WordPress hosting packages. The main difference here is that Hostinger offers free domain privacy protection with many of their domains, so this can lead to bigger savings when you first start out.
In my detailed Hostinger review, you can learn how I have used Hostinger and found them to offer some of the fastest WordPress hosting and support.
Pros:
Aside from a free domain name, you also get access to a free business email address, a free SSL certificate to make your website secure, and other business growth tools.
You can use Hostinger to quickly create your website in just a few clicks by either using WordPress or their own website builder. I’ve found their site builder to be a great WordPress alternative for creating simple one-page sites or landing pages.
Also, Hostinger’s DNS management is one of the easiest I’ve tried. It’s pretty user-friendly, even if you’re new to changing your DNS settings.
This can be helpful when you need to set up custom email addresses, connect your domain to third-party services, or troubleshoot website issues.
Cons:
One thing I don’t like about Hostinger is domains are typically locked for 60 days after registration. This prevents users from easily moving their domains to another registrar if needed.
Why I chose Hostinger: Like Bluehost, Hostinger is a great domain registrar, hosting service, and website builder for newcomers to set up their websites. The only reason I’m not putting it higher than Bluehost is that your domain will be locked in for 60 days after registration.
If you want to use Hostinger, don’t forget to use WPBeginner’s Hostinger coupon to access exclusive savings.
4. Network Solutions
Network Solutions is one of the largest domain registrars out there, with over 7 million domains registered. This makes it a great option if you are looking for a niche TLD, although it also has many of the popular options like .com, .net, .org, .biz, .info, and more.
Pros:
Since Network Solutions is one of the biggest domain registrars, their services include web hosting, a website builder, website security tools, a business email address, online marketing, SEO services, and even IT support.
Basically, if you run a small business, they can be your one-stop shop for your online web presence.
Their platform comes with all the domain features that you’d expect, such as DNS management, private registration, WHOIS privacy, etc.
Cons:
There are several complaints about slow response times from support, which can be frustrating if your website is suddenly down and you cannot resume your business operations.
I’ve also found that its dashboard is not as user-friendly as Domain.com.
Why I chose Network Solutions: Despite some drawbacks, I appreciate Network Solutions for their comprehensive range of services, making them a one-stop shop for small businesses.
Network Solutions is offering my readers a 25% discount on domain names. You will need to use my link from their site and this Network Solutions coupon code: WPBEGINNER during the checkout.
Note: The promo coupon code is case-sensitive and all uppercase.
You can also get a free domain from Network Solutions when you purchase their WordPress hosting plans or other website / eCommerce hosting packages.
5. GoDaddy
GoDaddy is a great option if you are looking to buy an existing domain as they have a domain brokerage service. Plus, they offer domain registration for up to 10 years in advance, so this could be the way to go if you want to lock in your domain name over the long term.
GoDaddy is also one of the oldest and most popular domain registration companies, managing more than 84 million domain names for over 20 million customers.They offer a wide variety of popular domain name extensions to choose from.
Pros:
Their pricing is one of the most competitive options I’ve seen on the market, and you may even get a significant discount on the first year of your domain registration.
For professionals, GoDaddy offers a premium Domain club membership that has discounted domain pricing. This makes sense if you are registering or managing hundreds of domain names.
GoDaddy has a powerful, easy-to-use domain management interface that allows you to transfer your domain name, change name servers, update contact information, and so on.
Cons:
Unlike many entries on this list, an SSL certificate is not included by default.
And similar to Hostinger, GoDaddy has a 60-day lock on domain transfers after registration.
Why I chose GoDaddy: I’ve included GoDaddy on my list because of its longstanding reputation and robust feature set. Their competitive pricing, especially for the first year, makes them an attractive option for many users.
Related: See the best GoDaddy alternatives that are cheaper and more reliable.
6. Namecheap
Namecheap comes with a built-in auction tool that allows you to bid on premium domains, so it’s a great choice if you have your eye on an existing domain. They also have one of the most powerful domain search tools that helps you find the right domain name and makes suggestions when your preferred choice is not available.
Pros:
One thing I like about Namecheap is that they offer free whois privacy with all their domain purchases.
They also offer domain add-on services like domain privacy and premium DNS. Their domain management area is clean, but it’s not as user-friendly as GoDaddy’s new interface.
Cons:
I used to use Namecheap, but I ended up transferring a lot of my domains to other providers because I just had too many issues logging in to their domain management panel.
Also, I’ve heard way too many complaints about their managed WordPress hosting plan because it doesn’t support popular plugins like AIOSEO. In my opinion, the platform isn’t ready for scale despite what their support tells you.
Why I chose Namecheap: Despite some personal challenges I’ve faced with their platform, I included Namecheap on this list because they offer excellent value for many users. Their free WHOIS privacy on all domain purchases is a standout feature that lots of people appreciate.
7. DreamHost
DreamHost is another popular domain name registrar and web hosting service provider that comes with extra perks like free domain privacy protection, subdomains, and custom nameservers for your new domain.
They are also offering WPBeginner readers a free domain name with domain privacy included for anyone signing up for their Shared Unlimited hosting plan.
Pros:
You can register a domain name without buying hosting through them for $8.99 per year, which also includes free private registration. That’s pretty great value.
DreamHost also offers 400+ TLDs and comes with all the domain management tools that you can expect from a large domain provider like DreamHost.
Aside from shared hosting, Dreamhost also offers managed WordPress hosting called DreamPress, which is great for larger websites.
Cons:
DreamHost has a 60-day lock on domain transfers after registration.
Additionally, some users have reported delays in getting support.
Why I chose DreamHost: Overall, DreamHost offers a pretty good deal for domains, especially if you’re looking to buy one with a free private registration. Plus, there are a lot of TLDs to choose from.
8. HostGator
HostGator is another popular company offering website owners a one-stop shop for domain names and shared website hosting. While they don’t have the same range of domain extensions as large platforms like Domain.com, they do offer a very easy domain registration process, a nice selection of extensions, domain privacy, and easy-to-use DNS management tools.
Pros:
HostGator has an easy-to-use domain search tool that helps you quickly find a suitable domain name for your business. Their domain management area is beginner-friendly and well-documented, which makes it easy to transfer domains if you need to.
Aside from domain name and hosting, they have also introduced a brand new drag-and-drop website builder called Gator. They are offering a free domain name and hosting with all of their website builder plans.
Cons:
In the early days of WPBeginner, I used HostGator as my web host. The site was on their VPS hosting plans until it got much larger, so I had to switch to SiteGround. That’s something to keep in mind before choosing HostGator.
Why I chose HostGator: Its user-friendly tools make domain registration and management a breeze, especially for beginners. While they may not suit rapidly-growing sites, as I learned with WPBeginner, HostGator is still an excellent choice for small to medium-sized websites.
Bonus: BuyDomains (Premium Domains)
BuyDomains allows you to search for premium domain names matching your search terms. Premium domain names are domain names that are already registered but are available for sale from a third party.
These domains are often more memorable, shorter, and brandable, which is why they are more expensive. That said, I highly recommend them if you’re serious about starting an online business empire.
If you cannot find a suitable domain name and you have the budget, then you can use BuyDomains to search for a premium domain name.
What Is the Best Domain Registrar?
In my opinion, Domain.com is the best domain registrar on the market for small and large businesses. They offer the most reasonable pricing and have all the features.
If you are looking to build a website, then you can get a free domain name from both Bluehost and Hostinger when you sign up for their web hosting.
They are among the best web hosting companies on the planet, and they also offer step-by-step website setups for any type of website, including real estate, small business sites, online stores, and more.
Disclaimer: To help readers avoid choice paralysis, I only compared the best domain registrars, in my opinion. This list doesn’t include other domain registrars like Namesilo, Porkbun, Donuts, Name.com, Dynadot, Google Domains, Hover, Shopify, WordPress.com, Enom, Tucows, Netim, IONOS (formerly 1&1), Wix, Squarespace, etc., because I believe the solutions mentioned in this article are simply better.
Frequently Asked Questions About Domain Name Registrars
Having helped millions of users pick the best domain registrar, I have answered many questions. Here are some answers to the most frequently asked questions about domain name registrars and the domain registration process.
Does it matter which domain registrar I use?
Yes, it does because not all domain registrars are created equal. They may have different domain name extensions, features, prices, etc. Above all, though, you want to choose a domain registrar that has good support and offers a reliable network infrastructure.
Most business owners rely on their domain registrars for DNS, which basically helps route users to your website. If your domain registrar has network issues, then even if your web hosting server is online, your users will not be able to reach your website.
Furthermore, you want to ensure that domain registrars have good support and reputation because that comes in handy in case of emergencies.
This is why I recommend using Domain.com, Bluehost, or GoDaddy because they all have reliable infrastructure and security.
Also, I strongly recommend avoiding domain registrars like NameBright, who use deceptive business practices to lock users in from transferring domains away.
Which is the cheapest domain registrar?
When it comes to price, nothing beats free. So the cheapest domain registrar is Bluehost or Hostinger since they both offer you a free domain name with web hosting.
With that said, WPBeginner readers can use my Domain.com coupon code to get additional savings on Domain.com, which makes the prices very attractive.
What is a reasonable price for a domain name?
Domain name prices will vary based on the type of domain extension and registrar you choose, but a typical domain should cost between $9 and $14.99 per year.
I have a detailed guide discussing the costs of a domain name and how to evaluate premium domain value.
But as a quick guide, here is how much a new domain registration costs with different registrars:
- Bluehost – Free domain with hosting for $1.99 per month
- Hostinger – Free with hosting for $2.69 per month
- Domain.com – $7.45 for .com domain names with my coupon code
- Network Solutions – $7.49 for .com with my coupon code or FREE with their web hosting package..
- HostGator – Free domain with hosting for $2.52 per month
- GoDaddy – $11.99
- DreamHost – Free domain with hosting for $2.59 per month
Can I buy a domain name forever (permanently)?
No, you cannot buy a domain name permanently. Domain name registration is done every year. However, you can pre-pay for up to 10 years, which guarantees that you will have a domain name for ten years.
As long as you continue to pay the annual renewal fee, you can own the domain permanently, and no one can take it from you.
The folks at Unstoppable Domains are offering NFT domains for crypto wallets, and those you can buy permanently.
These Web3 domains currently do not work on all browsers natively, but I believe that with the evolution of blockchain, future businesses will likely be able to own their domains forever, even with the popular registrars above.
Why is domain renewal more expensive?
Often, domain registrars offer aggressive discounts on first-year domain registration fees, and the renewals happen at the regular price.
This is why, to maximize your savings, I recommend pre-paying the registration fee for 2-3 years, so you can lock in your domain registration discount.
Who is the safest domain registrar?
All domain registrars have to follow ICANN policies, so technically, they are all safe. However, there are additional steps you can take to protect your domain name from being stolen.
These include implementing Domain Lock, which prevents unauthorized domain transfers.
Furthermore, you want a domain registrar that offers two-factor authentication and security.
In my experience, both Bluehost and GoDaddy are the safest domain registrars.
If you are looking for enterprise solutions, then plenty of businesses trust Cloudflare Domains and MarkMonitor for safety.
Can someone steal my domain name?
Yes, domain name theft (also known as domain hijacking) is a common crime. Losing your domain can be devastating for small business owners. This is why it’s important that you choose a well-known domain registrar with a good reputation.
Hackers can steal your domain name by obtaining access to your domain registrar account. You must use a strong password and set up two-factor authentication.
I also recommend small business owners use an identity theft protection service to get near-real-time alerts of identity fraud because, generally, domain theft, domain hijacking, and domain ransomware are often a byproduct of another hack.
Can I use multiple domain registrars?
Yes, you can use multiple domain registrars if you like. I have different domains registered across various registrars, including Domain.com, Bluehost, GoDaddy, NameCheap, Name.com, and many more.
This is primarily because I buy/sell domains, and it’s just easier to transfer the domain from one account to another in the same registrar.
When you transfer domains to a different registrar, it can take up to 7 days.
Who determines if a domain is a premium domain?
Premium domains are often owned by an existing business/entrepreneur. That person or entity will determine the price of their premium domain.
Sometimes the domain registry will hold back some premium domains and only release them at premium prices. In this case, the prices are determined by their sales team.
For example, I acquired a two-letter am.co domain for my management company Awesome Motive, and this was a premium domain.
Which are the top 3 best domain registrars, in your opinion?
To recap, my top 3 choices for the best domain name registrar are:
- Domain.com – Best domain registrar overall. Bonus: Also offering special pricing for WPBeginner readers.
- Bluehost – Best domain registrar if you are looking for web hosting. Bonus: Domain name is free.
- Hostinger – Best domain registrar with a free domain and cheap web hosting.
No, this last question is not a joke. I seriously get this question even after referring people to this guide.
I hope this article helped you learn how to choose the best domain registrar for your business. You may also want to see my guide on how to get a free business email address and how to get a free business phone number for your website.
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Oyatogun Oluwaseun Samuel
I would say this is a highly opinionated arena, for me I consider a registrar that gives grace period for renewal with the most important of service reliability and great customer support as the best registrar. This is because i have some clients who are often late in the renewal of their domain name and such a registrar with grace period is highly desired.
THANKGOD JONATHAN
considering reputation and support team experience is also important when selecting your domain registrar.
when you choose the wrong company you may face challenges renewing your domain as some companies have little to zero customer tolerance. all they needed was your money.
Jiří Vaněk
Therefore, there is a simple test. Every proper registrar should have contact information. Email or phone. There is nothing better than writing or calling them to test how quickly their support will respond even when you are not yet their customer and not generating revenue for them. If they respond quickly and willingly, there is a high probability that they will behave the same in the future.
Uzair
I’d say Reputation and Reliability stand out as the most critical factor when choosing a domain registrar as mentioned in this article. The registrar’s track record and reliability can significantly impact the website’s accessibility and security, making it a fundamental consideration in the selection process.
Dayo Olobayo
Couldn’t have said it better! Reputation and reliability are crucial. Along with those, consider the registrar’s customer support. What happens if you have an issue with your domain… will they be there to help quickly and efficiently? Look for registrars with excellent customer service ratings.