- Judit Ruiz Ricart
- Oct 9
- 11 min read
The perfect domain is just a click away: claim your domain→
Looking for a domain registrar? Choosing the best domain registrar is key to securing your website’s address and creating your brand. With so many options that often look similar, it can be tricky to know where to start. To make it easier, we’ve rounded up the top domain registrars for 2025 and included tips to help you pick the right one for your needs.
Buy a domain today. Choose a name that fits your brand and get started with a trusted registrar.
TL;DR: best domain registrars
This guide covers the top registrars, highlighting their best features, pricing and who they’re ideal for. Whether you want a bundled website builder, affordable pricing or advanced management tools, this overview will help you pick the right partner for your business.
You’ll find a straightforward comparison table to quickly see which registrar fits your needs—making it easier to register, manage and protect your domain as your business grows.
Compare top domain registrars
Domain registrar | Best for | Key features |
Wix | Bundling with free web hosting and SSL certificate | Integrated WHOIS lookup and protection, 24/7 support, free domain with premium plan, supports over 75 domain extensions |
Name.com | Small businesses and solopreneurs | On-trend memorable domains, Google Workspace and Wix integrations, trusted customer support |
Domain.com | Straightforward use, long-term registration | Fast beginner-friendly registration, multi-year purchase, complete DNS control |
Namecheap | Cheap domain name registration | Low-cost domains, free WHOIS privacy, live chat support |
Bluehost | Pairing with web hosting | Domain locking, hosting bundle deals, intuitive management platform |
NameSilo | Affordable pricing and free extras | Free WHOIS privacy, transparent pricing, bulk discounts |
HostGator | Old-school domain extensions | Domain locking, hosting bundles, 24/7 live chat and phone support |
7 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.
Learn more about how to secure a domain name with our guide.
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 lookup and 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: .com domain, .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 , .org domain
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Best for: Small businesses and solopreneurs
Name.com helps you find domains that get you found. Launch your business online, all with tools that make every step simple. You can build a cohesive and memorable brand, drive qualified traffic to your site, and create a secure, stable foundation for your business.
Name.com’s platform is designed with solopreneurs and small teams in mind. You can find a short, memorable name that catches eyes and wins customers, develop your brand with trusted products like Wix and Google Workspace, and enjoy peace of mind as your business grows.
Key Features:
On-trend, memorable domains
Best-in-class add-on products and services like Google Workspace and Wix
Great customer support–Trust Pilot 4.3 rating
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
04. 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
05. 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, and WHOIS 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
It's common to ask can I buy a domain name permanently? We explain why that isn't an option and how to use a domain long term.
06. NameSilo
Best for: Affordable pricing and free extras
NameSilo offers a simple and straightforward platform, making it a great choice for those looking for affordable domain registration without hidden fees. This is a top option for anyone seeking budget-friendly pricing with valuable free perks. Every domain purchased through NameSilo includes free WHOIS privacy, domain management tools and email forwarding.
NameSilo’s pricing is competitive, with .com domains starting at $17.29/year. You can also register multiple domains at once and take advantage of bulk discounts. Another benefit is that NameSilo supports customers worldwide, with no restrictions based on billing address.
Key features:
Free WHOIS privacy protection
Transparent pricing
Bulk discounts for multiple domains
07. 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 helps you register and manage your website’s unique address like saleonlinets.top. They connect you to the organizations that manage domain extensions like .com or .org and handle reserving your name.
Registrars also make it easy to renew your domain, update contact information and connect it to your website or email. Choosing a reliable registrar keeps your domain secure and in your control.
How to choose a domain name registrar
When it comes to choosing the best domain registrar, you need to understand the main differences that set them apart. Now that we looked at the best domain registrar options of 2025 and their offerings, let's take a look at the main features you should keep an eye on:
Price: 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.
Domain privacy (Whois protection): Some platforms include privacy protection for free while others charge extra. Protect your personal information with a registrar that offers domain privacy, like Wix.
Ease of use: Look for a user-friendly interface that makes managing your domains, DNS and settings simple especially if you’re a beginner.
Add-ons and features: 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.
Security: Ensure the registrar has robust security measures including domain locking, SSL/HTTPS support and protection against attacks like domain hijacking, DNS spoofing, DDoS attacks, typosquatting, domain squatting and malware distribution.
Customer support: For your peace of mind, aim for a platform that offers live customer support 24/7.
Expiration grace periods: Renewing your domain within the grace period after expiration ensures you don’t lose it, protecting your traffic and brand authority while keeping your online presence secure.
ICANN accreditation: 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). Choose an ICANN-accredited registrar to ensure they meet industry standards and operate reliably.
Management tools: You need simple, reliable tools for DNS and settings to keep your site running smoothly.
Transfer policies: Check how easy it is to transfer your domain to another registrar if needed. Some registrars have restrictive or costly transfer policies.
Domain locking: Look for registrars that offer domain locking to prevent unauthorized transfers or changes to your domain.
Reputation and reviews: Research the registrar's reputation and read user reviews to ensure they have a history of reliability and good customer service.
Or ask yourself these questions:
What is your budget? Think beyond the first year. Renewal costs can add up, so make sure you understand the long-term pricing to avoid unexpected surprises.
Do you need other services? If you’re also looking for web hosting or a website builder, consider whether it’s easier to manage everything in one place. Bundling services can streamline setup and ongoing management.
How important is privacy? Protecting your personal information is key. Look for registrars that include WHOIS privacy protection at no extra cost so your contact details stay safe.
How much support will you need? Beginners often benefit from around-the-clock support. If you want guidance at any hour, check that the registrar offers 24/7 assistance through channels you’re comfortable with.
What is the registrar’s reputation? Reliability, security and customer service matter. Before making a decision, review feedback from other users to ensure the registrar has a strong track record.
Learn more:
Key features to compare to choose the best place to buy a domain name
Factor | What to consider |
Price | Look at the first-year price and renewal costs, as these can vary depending on the domain and registrar. |
Domain privacy (Whois guard) | Make sure the registrar offers privacy protection to keep your personal information safe. |
Ease of use | Choose a user-friendly interface, especially if you’re new to managing domains. |
Features | Consider whether you need a website builder, hosting, email or developer tools alongside your domain. |
Customer support | Reliable support is key if you run into any issues or need guidance. |
How much does a domain name cost?
Domain prices depend on the extension, popularity and registrar. Most new domains with common extensions like .com or .net cost $10–$20 per year, while premium names can sell for millions. For example, cars.com sold for $872 million and insurance.com sold for $38.5 million. Renewal fees are usually higher than the first registration.
You can save on domain pricing by choosing a less popular extension, registering for multiple years or taking advantage of promotions. Some web hosts and registrars also offer free domains for hosting plans, students or non-profits. For premium domains, a domain broker can help, though most businesses can register what they need directly.
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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.
Expert tip from Einat Shafir, Product Manager:
"While shorter domains can be easier to remember and type, it's not essential for your domain to be super short. What matters most is that your domain accurately represents your brand and is memorable."
Here are some guidelines for selecting an effective domain name:
Keep it memorable: Short, easy-to-spell names stick in people’s minds and reduce typos.
Reflect your brand: Your domain should match your brand identity and appeal to your audience.
Use relevant keywords: Include keywords naturally to help with search visibility, but avoid stuffing.
Pick the right TLD: .com is the most recognized, but other extensions like .co can work if they fit your brand.
Check availability: Use a domain name search tool to check if your desired domain name is available. If not, consider alternatives or explore other options with a domain name generator.
Once you’ve picked a name, register it with a reputable registrar and set it up for your website. Your domain is your digital identity, so make it memorable and true to your brand.
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Best domain name 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.
How long does domain registration take?
Domain registration usually takes a few minutes to complete. However, it can take up to 24 hours for the domain name to be fully propagated and available to the public.
Do I need a domain for a website?
Yes, you need a domain for a website. A domain name is the address of your website on the internet. Without a domain name, your website will not be accessible to the public.
Does it matter which domain registrar I use?
In most cases, it doesn't matter which domain registrar you use. However, there are some factors that you may want to consider, such as the price, the features offered and the customer service.
What is WHOIS privacy and do I need it?
WHOIS privacy hides your personal info from public WHOIS database and prevents
spam and identity theft. It's highly recommended and helps maintain domain ownership rights. Wix offers free WHOIS privacy.
Do all registrars offer the same TLDs (Top-Level Domains)?
No, TLD offerings vary although most offer the common TLDs (.com, .net, .org).
Some specialize in country-specific TLDs or new ones. Wix supports 80+ TLDs.
Do registrars offer additional services like SSL certificates?
Yes, many registrars offer additional services such as :
SSL certificates
Website builders
Email hosting
Domain privacy
DNS management
How secure are domain registrars?
Domain registrar security varies by provider. And might include two-factor authentication, domain locking and secure payments. Wix uses industry-standard security measures to protect its users domains.
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