|
|
You might be using an unsupported or outdated browser. To get the best possible experience please use the latest version of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Microsoft Edge to view this website. |
10 Best Domain Registrars Of 2024
Expert Reviewed
It can be surprisingly tricky to choose the best domain registrar. Many offer attractive introductory rates, buffered by high renewal rates, inclusions and contract lengths. To help take the guesswork out of the process and to avoid any surprises along the way, Forbes Advisor has rounded up the top domain registrars you should have on your radar.
The Best 10 Domain Name Registrars of 2024
- IONOS: Best for free domain name privacy
- DreamHost: Best for customer support
- Porkbun: Best value for price
- Namecheap: Best for user-friendly interface
- Hostinger: Best for hosting packages
- NameSilo: Best for security
- Dynadot: Best for low renewal rates
- Hover: Best for low-cost business email
- GoDaddy: Best for ultra-low intro rates
- Bluehost: Best for new WordPress users
Forbes Advisor Ratings
| Company | Forbes Advisor Rating | Starting price for .com | Renewal cost | Free WHOIS privacy | LEARN MORE | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IONOS |  |
4.9 |  |
$1 for your first year | $17 per year | No | Learn More | On IONOS' Website | |
| Dreamhost |  |
4.8 | |
$8.99 for your first year | $19.99 per year | Yes | Learn More | On DreamHost's Website | |
| Porkbun |  |
4.7 |  |
$6.99 for your first year | $10.37 per year | Yes | Learn More | Read Forbes' Review | |
| Namecheap |  |
4.7 | |
$5.98 for the first year | $13.98 per year | Yes | Learn More | On Namecheap's Website | |
| Hostinger |  |
4.5 | |
$4.99 for the first year | $15.99 per year | Yes | Learn More | On Hostinger's Website | |
| NameSilo |  |
4.5 | |
$13.95 per year | $13.95 per year | Yes | Learn More | Read Forbes' Review | |
| Dynadot |  |
4.4 | |
$10.19 per year | $10.19 per year | Yes | Learn More | On Dynadot's Website | |
| Hover |  |
4.2 |  |
$17.99 per year | $17.99 per year | Yes | Learn More | Read Forbes' Review | |
| GoDaddy |  |
4.2 | |
$0.01 for the first year (with three-year commitment) | $21.99 per year | No | Learn More | On GoDaddy's Website | |
| Bluehost |  |
3.9 |  |
$12.99 per year | $21.99 per year | No | Learn More | On Bluehost's Website |
What Is a Domain Registrar?
A domain registrar is authorized by ICANN or a national ccTLD authority to register domain names. These registrars rent out domain names to individuals, businesses or organizations, enabling them to create a distinct online identity.
When registering a domain name, you typically do so for a year, though you can renew it for up to 10 years. The ownership of a domain name is not permanent. You’re not actually owning it, but renting it for the length of your registration term. You must renew it once the term ends to continue using it.
Besides providing the basic service of domain name registration, many domain registrars offer web hosting, email accounts, website building tools and SSL certificates for website security. Some registrars provide extra features, such as privacy protection, that safeguard registration details (such as your name, phone number and address) from being publicly accessible in the WHOIS database.
As you consider which domain registrar to use, it’s essential to look at the total package of services, pricing, customer support and overall reputation. Some registrars may offer very low prices for initial registration but then have high renewal rates or charge extra for services that others include for free. Therefore, it’s crucial to research and compare several domain registrars before making a decision.
How To Choose the Best Domain Name Registrar
When choosing a domain name registrar, it’s vital to consider a variety of factors. For example, you not only want a registrar that offers the domain name extensions (e.g., .com or .biz) you’re looking for, but also offers competitively priced domains (for your first year and every year thereafter), and includes money-saving extras.
Here’s what to consider when choosing a domain registrar:
- Affordability: Most registrars offer discounted rates for the first year, making the initial purchase quite affordable. However, the renewal rates for subsequent years can sometimes be significantly higher. This increase can catch you by surprise, especially if a registrar doesn’t send a notification beforehand that you’ll be charged. Therefore, it’s essential to understand the full pricing structure, including both the introductory and renewal rates, before making a decision.
- Extensions: Most domain registrars will offer top-level domains (TLDs). For example, .com or .org. However, if you’re interested in a unique or specific extension such as .blog or .store or a country-specific one such as .us or .ca, you’ll need to ensure the registrar you choose supports it. Not all registrars offer these more unique extensions, so it’s an important factor to check if you have a specific TLD in mind.
- Ease of use: Leading domain registrars usually provide comprehensive help centers, including robust documentation and tutorials on how to connect your domain to popular content management systems such as WordPress or email hosting providers. The registrar’s user interface and management dashboard should also be intuitive and easy to navigate.
- Support: Even with the best planning, you may encounter issues or have questions that require help. When evaluating a domain registrar, consider the hours during which support is available and the channels it uses—phone, email, live chat, etc. Also, consider looking at user reviews to assess the registrar’s reputation for customer service. The best domain registrars provide timely, helpful support that can be invaluable when you’re managing your online presence.
- Registration period: Domains are typically registered on a yearly basis, but in rare instances, you may find domain registrars offering long-term registrations.
- Expiration policies: Every registrar has rules about what happens when your domain registration period ends. It’s kind of like what happens when your apartment lease runs out. Some give you a grace period to renew with no extra charges, while others might slap on a hefty late fee. And if you don’t renew in time? Your domain could end up back on the market or even on the auction block. So do yourself a favor and get familiar with your registrar’s expiration policies. It could save you a ton of headaches (and potentially, your domain) down the line.
- Additional services: Finally, many domain registrars offer more than just a domain name—they come with perks. These might include things such as web hosting, email services, website builders, privacy protection and more. It’s like the gym and pool in your apartment complex, adding convenience and value to your lease. But remember, not all perks are created equal. The quality, cost and usefulness of these services can vary from one registrar to another, so shop around. And if the extra services don’t fit your needs or your budget, you can always get them from another source.
What should I look for in a domain registrar?
Kelly Main
Staff Reviewer
Peter Garcia Leets
Digital marketer and web specialist, Advisory Board Member
Kiran Aditham
Deputy Editor
When choosing a domain registrar, consider long-term pricing. There are a number of registrars that lure in new customers with ultra-low introductory rates, only to quickly become a very expensive registrar in the years to follow.
Staff Reviewer
There are many good options out there to purchase a domain name, so it’s important to think for the long run and do some research before actually buying it. Ask yourself the following: “Which option best fits your current (and future) needs?” If you want fast customer service, then do some research about the best (and worst) rated, that should give you a pretty good idea of which ones to pick from. If you’re looking for privacy and security, search for the ones best rated, filter them according to your needs and choose one. It might occur that you can’t choose between one or the other, that usually means that both are pretty good options.
Digital marketer and web specialist, Advisory Board Member
Registering a domain name is key to establishing your brand. To do so, you need to find a domain registrar based on reputation, pricing, features and customer support.
Deputy Editor
Featured Partners
1
Domain.com
$8.99
$13.99
Use code "FORBES" for 25% off
2
Namecheap
$5.98
$14.58
Yes
3
Spaceship
$5.91
$9.55
Yes
5
Network Solutions
$5.99
$27.99
1 free month of starter hosting
How Much Does a Domain Name Cost?
The cost of a domain name can vary based on a variety of factors. The extension you choose (.com, .net, .org, etc.), the popularity of the name and the registrar you select all play a role in determining the price, though it averages $10 to $50 per year. However, domains can be significantly more expensive—in the thousands—for notable-sounding domains.
The pricing structure is often set up as an annual fee, although some registrars offer discounted rates if you register for multiple years upfront. This is the “lease” on your little piece of the internet, and it needs to be renewed when it expires, similar to a rental agreement.
Factors That Impact Pricing
- Domain extension: Some extensions are more popular and, therefore, more expensive. For example, .com domains are often pricier than .net or .org. There are also specialty extensions such as .tech or .design, which can command higher prices.
- Domain popularity: If a domain name is in high demand, it could be more expensive. This is especially true for short, simple and easy-to-remember names.
- Premium domains: Some domain names are considered “premium” and come with a higher price tag. These are often common words or popular phrases that are highly desirable.
- Registrar pricing: Each registrar sets its own prices for domain registration, so it’s a good idea to shop around. Some might offer lower prices but make up for it with higher renewal fees or additional charges for services such as domain transfers.
- Hidden fees: While the upfront cost of a domain name might seem straightforward, there can be hidden fees to watch out for. Some registrars charge extra for services that others include for free, such as privacy protection, which keeps your personal information out of the public WHOIS database. Other potential fees to watch out for include transfer fees, late renewal fees and charges for additional services such as email hosting or SSL certificates.
Why WHOIS Privacy Is Important
ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) is a nonprofit organization that requires anyone who registers a domain to provide accurate, identifiable contact information, including name, address, email and phone number, via the WHOIS database. Not everyone is comfortable with that information being public.
Domain registrars have found a way to keep your info safe and still provide ICANN the info they need. These domain privacy features replace your information with the registrar’s info, at least publicly. Anyone can look up who registered a domain name, so having domain privacy can reduce spam for you, and keep you safe.
How To Choose a Domain Name
Picking your domain name is a big decision that represents your business for years to come. You need to ensure that the name you choose for your online presence is easy to find, memorable and leaves the right impression. But that’s easier said than done when very few domain names are available.
Here are some top tips for choosing a domain name:
- Explore different extensions: If the .com version of your desired name is taken, consider an alternative extension. Just remember that some extensions may resonate better with your target audience than others, so take the time to find one that appropriately represents your business and your brand.
- Modify your name: If you’re set on a .com domain, play around with your business name. For example, businesses may add their state’s abbreviation if their business name is taken (e.g., ‘cornercafevt.com’).
- Consider hyphens: A well-placed hyphen could make all the difference. For example, “corner-cafe.com” could be a good alternative, but be careful with this approach. Hyphens can sometimes confuse users and make your domain harder to share verbally.
- Avoid long or complicated domains: Keep your domain name as short and simple as possible. If it’s too long or hard to spell, people will struggle to remember it or easily make a typo.
- Check trademarks: Before you register a domain name, make sure it’s not trademarked.
For more information, check out our complete guide on how to choose a domain name.
Methodology
| Decision Factor | Scoring Weight | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | 20% | The pricing evaluation takes into account factors such as introductory pricing for a TLD, price changes after the introductory period, renewal rates, long-term discounts and the degree of price increase after the introductory phase. |
| Key Features | 30% | This section examines the registrar’s offerings, such as unique domain extensions, domain privacy/WHOIS protection, email hosting, web hosting and the ability to purchase domain extensions for other countries. |
| Unique Features | 10% | Additional features contribute to the final score by analyzing elements such as domain lock features, automatic renewals, monetization tools, provision of a website builder, multifactor authentication, renewal grace period, the number of domains under the company’s management and whether the registrar provides alternative domain name suggestions. |
| Ratings and Reviews | 5% | To help ensure that our experience aligns with that of each registrar’s user base, we review how registrars stack up on major review sites such as Trustpilot and Capterra. |
| Expert Analysis | 30% | This portion of the evaluation accounts for our team’s first-hand experience using these registrars as well as quality, value for money, popularity and ease of use. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which is the best domain registration company?
IONOS, DreamHost and Porkbun are our top picks due to several distinct advantages:
- IONOS stands out because of its competitive pricing and excellent customer support, making it a great option for both novices and experienced users.
- DreamHost distinguishes itself with its variety of features and comprehensive hosting solutions, which provide users with a holistic suite of services, simplifying their web management journey.
- Porkbun has both transparency and affordability, offering a host of free services, such as domain privacy and SSL certificates, without hidden costs. All three demonstrate a compelling blend of cost-effectiveness, feature-richness and reliable customer support, making them excellent choices for domain registration.
What is the cheapest domain registrar?
The cheapest domain registrar can vary depending on different factors such as the domain name, extension and additional features you want. However, GoDaddy and NameCheap are consistently low-cost, especially for the first year. However, pay attention to renewal costs.
Can I get a domain name for free?
It is possible to get a domain name for free. Certain providers, such as Freenom, offer them, but usually only for certain extensions and often with limitations. Additionally, some hosting packages may include a free domain name as part of the service.
How long does domain registration take?
Domain registration usually happens almost instantaneously once payment is processed and the domain is available. It can take up to 48 hours for the new domain to propagate throughout the internet, which means it may not be accessible from everywhere immediately.
What is the Domain Name System (DNS)?
In simpler terms, DNS turns domain names into IP addresses. This allows humans to use easily understandable names, such as “forbes.com,” instead of numerical IP addresses when accessing websites on the internet.
How do I buy a domain name?
A domain registrar service will let you quickly search for available domains. Once you’ve chosen one that you like, the service will walk you through the checkout process and offer guidance on how to connect your domain to your site.
How do I look to see if a domain name is available?
Forbes Advisor adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. To the best of our knowledge, all content is accurate as of the date posted, though offers contained herein may no longer be available. The opinions expressed are the author’s alone and have not been provided, approved, or otherwise endorsed by our partners.
