Domain search is essential when setting up a website. Choosing the right domain registrar is very important because there are so many ways to get tricked.
Are you in the market for a new domain name but only want to work with the best domain registrar possible, then you’re in the right place.
But wait, aren’t all domain registrars the same? Does it even matter which one I use?
It depends a bit. While the domain that you walk out the door with is going to be the same no matter where you buy it, your experience can vary in a couple of key areas:
- Different pricing (for .com, .net and .org)
- Some may offer email hosting (or web hosting) additionally
Let’s get right to it
1. Domain.com
Started in 2000, Domain.com is one of the most popular registrars on the planet. They allow you to register all top-level domain name extensions (TLDs) and even dozens of country code top-level domains (ccTLDs).
Domain.com has a quick search tool that you can use for your name research. Their search also shows you premium domains as well.
You get access to all domain management tools that you would expect from a top 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.
If you have any questions, then you can contact their helpful customer support team via live chat or email. They also have an extensive knowledge base with helpful guides.
If you only need to register a domain name without web hosting, then we highly recommend Domain.com. However, if you’re 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 one of the largest hosting companies in the world, and they are an official WordPress hosting partner. As part of their web hosting service, they also offer domain name registration.
Basically, you can get started for $2.75 per month, and get a free new domain name.
Their interface is intuitive for beginners, it comes with WordPress pre-installed, and their chat support is very helpful when needed.
They also have many features that website owners need such as the ability to add unlimited subdomains, malware protection for websites, professional emails through G Suite (Google Workspace), and more.
3. GoDaddy
GoDaddy is the biggest domain registrar among all accredited companies, currently being home to more than 60 million domain names. This is nearly 18% of the domain name market as a whole. Interestingly, GoDaddy hosts six times more domain names than the second most popular domain registrar Tucows. If this doesn’t convince you to give them a try, we don’t know what will.
In GoDaddy’s offer, you’ll find not only domain names but also web hosting, email hosting, website building tools, WordPress hosting, website security services, and more.
When buying a domain name from GoDaddy, you can either get the domain on its own or bundle it with additional tools and services:
- Starter Plan bundle: one-page website and full domain privacy – $2.50/month
- Essentials Plan bundle: multi-page website, full domain privacy, SEO and marketing tools, one year of professional email – $9.50/month
- Ecommerce Plan bundle: online store, full domain privacy, SEO and marketing tools, one year of professional email – $20/month
You can also choose to register your domain name for one or more years upfront.
Upgrades and extra costs:
- Full domain privacy and protection: $9.99/year (includes protection against malicious transfers and domain hijacking)
- Ultimate domain protection and security: $14.99/year (includes everything above, plus automatic malware scans and security monitoring)
- Email hosting: from $1.99 to $8.99/month
- DNSSEC: from $2.99/month
- ICANN fee: $0.18/year
Free bonuses:
- WHOIS privacy
- Domain lock
4. Namecheap
Namecheap is another top domain registrar on the market. They have a powerful domain search tool that helps you find the right domain name and makes suggestions when your preferred domain name is not available.
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.
5. Google Domains
Even though domain name service is part of Google’s large portfolio, it has been on the market only since 2015. Still, it’s hard to call them a “newcomer” to the domain game.
The main thing that Google Domains has going for them is indeed Google’s huge infrastructure that’s behind this service, which makes it a very good domain registrar on its own. The pricing model is very clear as well, with the renewal prices being the same as the entry-level ones.
However, this doesn’t mean that every domain extension costs $12 with Google Domains. Some more exotic extensions will be more expensive. Google Domains is also a great place for buying domains in bulk since you don’t have to wonder what your renewal price is going to be.
There’s only one upgrade available when you buy your domain from Google, and that is their Google Workspace email service which starts from $6/user/month.
Free bonuses:
- WHOIS privacy
- Domain lock
- DNSSEC