Picking the perfect domain name is a crucial step in launching your online business. A great domain name is memorable, easy to type, and reflects your brand. Once you’ve got your business idea and a catchy name, you’ll need to purchase and register the domain through a registrar, then host your website on a server.
To simplify this process, we’ve compiled a list of the best domain registrars and tips on how to choose the right one for your business.
What is a domain registrar?
A domain registrar is a company that allows you to purchase and set up your domain. Your domain name is a unique web address that helps people find your site online. It’s always followed by a top-level domain (TLD) like “.com,” “.co,” or “.shop.” When you choose your domain name, you’ll also need to select a place to register your domain.
Do I need to use a domain registrar?
If you’re using a website platform like Shopify, you might not need a separate domain registrar at all. Simply enter your domain name ideas into Shopify’s domain name generator to see available options and pricing.
When you buy your domain through Shopify, you can manage your domain settings directly from your Shopify admin. You’ll also receive support for your domain from Shopify’s team—without having to deal with a third-party registrar. That means one less account to manage, simplifying your online business setup.
If you’re not using Shopify or want to secure a specific domain name before choosing a website builder or host, you might need to use separate domain registration services.
Best domain registrars
1. IONOS
Overview: IONOS, formerly known as 1&1, is Europe’s largest web hosting company. It offers a range of services including domains, hosting, and cloud computing. Its 24/7 customer service phone line is a standout feature for users.
Pricing: For the first year, .com domains start at $1, with renewal fees starting at $17. This price includes WHOIS privacy protection.
Features:
- Discounted hosting: When you purchase a .com domain from IONOS, you get 50% off WordPress hosting. This could be a great option if you’re planning to start a blog or need a basic website.
- Extensive TLD options: IONOS supports a wide range of top-level domains, from .ai to .zone. If you’re looking for a unique TLD, IONOS may have what you need.
- Automatic domain connection: IONOS is the only third-party domain registrar that allows you to automatically connect your domain to Shopify.
Customer support: IONOS has over 22,000 reviews on TrustPilot with a TrustScore of 4.6. Customers appreciate the 24/7 phone support, but some mention slow email response times challenges when canceling plans.
2. Namecheap
Overview: Namecheap offers affordable domain registration and budget-friendly web hosting bundles. It’s a solid choice if you’re looking for a reasonably priced package that includes WHOIS protection and hosting.
Pricing: Namecheap’s .com domains start at $5.98 per year, with renewal pricing starting at $15.88.
Features:
- Package hosting deal: Namecheap offers a bundle deal with domain registration and web hosting. You can also add email, security features (SSL, VPN, DNS), and WordPress hosting.
- Privacy included: WhoisGuard, which protects your personal information on the WHOIS directory, is free for all domains registered with Namecheap. It also offers additional security features like SSL certificates, VPN, and PremiumDNS as add-ons.
- Simple domain transfers: Transferring a domain from Namecheap is straightforward. You can transfer your domain as long as it’s more than 60 days old and hasn’t been transferred within the past 60 days. Transferring a domain to Namecheap usually takes between 30 minutes and six days, and is generally affordable.
Customer support: Namecheap has more than 16,000 reviews on TrustPilot with a TrustScore of 4.4. However, customer support may be a weak point, with no phone service, an outdated ticketing system, and reports of long wait times for live chat help.
3. Domain.com
Overview: Domain.com is known for its fast and reliable ecommerce hosting. It offers live chat support, which can be invaluable as you set up and manage your new website. Unlike some other services, domain privacy protection isn’t included as standard, but you can add it to your domain registration for a small additional cost.
Pricing: .com domains start at $11.99 per year, with a one-year minimum. Renewal rates for .com domains start at $21.99 per year.
Features:
- Flexible add-ons: You can purchase web hosting (starting at $3.75 per month), web design and marketing services, a website builder, business email, and website security like SSL. This flexibility allows you to build a package that suits your specific needs.
- Easy domain transfer: Domain transfers are straightforward with Domain.com. However, you’ll need to input the domain you want to transfer before seeing the cost. Be sure to compare prices with other services to ensure you’re getting a good deal.
Customer support: Domain.com has more than 3,000 TrustPilot reviews and a TrustScore of 4.3. Reviewers mention good customer support but note that the user interface can be clunky.
4. Dynadot
Overview: Dynadot stands out with its transparent pricing and straightforward website design. It’s notable for offering a wide variety of top-level domains (TLDs).
Pricing: Dynadot clearly lists both registration and renewal prices for every TLD it offers. Basic .com websites start at $10.19 for both registration and renewals, making Dynadot one of the more affordable platforms on this list. While Dynadot offers a website builder and other site features, web hosting isn’t included, so you’ll need to purchase that separately.
Features:
- Free website builder: Dynadot customers get access to a free website builder. They also receive a grace period for deletion, SSL security, and email hosting.
- Privacy included: WHOIS protection comes standard with your domain. Two-factor authentication is available for all accounts, adding an extra layer of security.
- Easy domain transfer: Domain transfers are simple and start at $8.99 for .com URLs.
Customer support: Dynadot has more than 1,000 reviews on TrustPilot and a TrustScore of 4.1. Customers appreciate the user-friendly interface and competitive prices. However, the lack of phone support may be a drawback for some users.
5. GoDaddy
Overview: GoDaddy is among the more expensive options among domain registrars, with higher renewal fees and privacy features available only as add-ons. However, if you’re looking for a well-known, established domain registrar, GoDaddy is a solid choice.
Pricing: Pricing for .com domains starts at $11.99 for the first year. Note that renewal costs aren’t listed on the website and can only be found in your account after you’ve registered a domain with GoDaddy.
Features:
- Multiple add-on services and tools: Website security, privacy protection, website builder, website hosting, email, and an online store builder are all available for an extra cost.
- Easy domain transfer: Transfers start at $7.99 for .com domains.
- Privacy as an add-on: WHOIS protection isn’t included with your domain. GoDaddy offers three levels of domain protection, all of which include WHOIS privacy. Pricing depends on your domain.
Customer support: GoDaddy is one of the few domain registrars offering 24/7 phone support, in addition to text and chat options. It has more than 100,000 reviews on TrustPilot and a TrustScore of 4.7.
6. Bluehost
Overview: Bluehost is an excellent choice for beginners starting their first website. If you purchase a website hosting plan, Bluehost provides a free domain for your first year. It also offers an intuitive site builder and 24/7 domain support.
Pricing: .com domains are priced at $12.99 per year, which includes a 30-day money-back guarantee and free SSL certification. However, WHOIS protection isn’t included in the basic plan.
Features:
- Hosting discount: If you choose to host with Bluehost, you pay $2.95 per month and get a free domain for the first year.
- Useful additional features: Bluehost offers domain privacy and protection, a website builder, 24/7 domain support, domain lock, and auto-renewal for domains.
- Easy domain transfer: Transfers cost $12.99.
Customer support: Bluehost has more than 14,000 reviews on TrustPilot and a TrustScore of 4.1. It’s one of the few domain registrars that offers phone support, which can be particularly helpful for newcomers to website building.
7. DreamHost
Overview: DreamHost is an excellent choice for corporate customers seeking top-notch cloud hosting alongside their domain registration. Its web hosting offers unlimited monthly data transfers, robust security features, and comprehensive domain management tools. Keep in mind that depending on your website platform, there may not be an automated DreamHost integration, which could make installation more complex.
Pricing: A .com domain starts at $8.99 for the first year, with subsequent years charged the regular rate of $19.99 per year. That includes free SSL certification, domain privacy, and subdomains.
Features:
- Comprehensive tool suite: Professional email account add-on, website builder, website hosting, optional domain locking, free custom nameservers, free DNS management, free domain forwarding, and 24/7 support.
- Privacy included: Free WHOIS privacy comes standard with domain purchases.
- Easy domain transfer: Transfers for .com domains are priced at $9.99.
Customer support: DreamHost has more than 6,000 reviews on TrustPilot and a TrustScore of 4.7. It claims response times of less than a minute and a 91% customer satisfaction rate on its website.
8. Network Solutions
Overview: Network Solutions stands out by offering the option to lock down your domain for up to 100 years. However, it’s important to note that you must pay upfront for the entire period you choose (whether it’s 20 years or 90), and Network Solutions doesn’t offer prorated refunds.
Pricing: Domains start at $9.99 per year. WHOIS privacy is not included in your domain purchase.
Features:
- Extensive range of services: Domain management, website builder, online payment acceptance, web hosting, email, SEO marketing tools, SSL certifications, trusted site seal, small business cybersecurity.
- Easy domain transfer: Move your domain for $9.99, which includes a free one-year extension.
Customer support: Network Solutions has more than 2,000 reviews on TrustPilot and a TrustScore of 4.4. Customer support is chat-based, which some reviewers found helpful and others didn’t.
9. Porkbun
Overview: Porkbun offers more than 500 different domain name extensions. You can choose from popular options like .com and .org, or opt for unique addresses such as .cooking, .monster, or .asia. Its interface is user-friendly, allowing you to buy and renew domains in one convenient place.
Pricing: Registration for a .com domain is $6.99, with renewal at $10.37.
Features:
- Various services available: Web hosting, email hosting, website builder, marketplace, static hosting, link shortening, WordPress hosting, and cPanel. Note that Porkbun’s web and email hosting plans can be pricier than other options on this list.
- Privacy included with most domains: WHOIS privacy comes standard with the purchase of most TLDs.
- Easy domain transfer: Moving a .com domain costs $9.13.
Customer support: Porkbun has over 13,000 reviews on TrustPilot and a TrustScore of 4.8. Some reviewers mentioned issues with a glitchy interface and lack of support for complex problems.
How to choose a domain registrar
Selecting the right domain registrar is an important decision, as you’ll likely keep the same domain for years. Here’s what to consider when choosing the best domain registrar for your needs:
Convenience
When creating a website, especially for ecommerce, convenience is crucial. You’ll need various tools and services, including:
- A domain registrar
- Web hosting services
- Website design tools
- Email functionality
- Customer support
While you can find individual tools for each task, managing multiple services can quickly become complicated. Shopify offers all these commerce and website tools in one place, simplifying the process. When you set up a website with Shopify, it’s immediately connected to your fully hosted online store, eliminating the need for third-party connections or complex technical setups.
Pricing
Most domain registrars require annual payments, with options for multiyear discounts. Keep in mind that the first-year rate is often lower than renewal rates. When comparing options, consider both initial and long-term costs to ensure the registrar fits your budget.
Privacy options
When you register a domain, your personal details (name, address, email) are recorded by WHOIS and managed by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). This information is publicly accessible unless you opt for privacy protection.
Many domain owners prefer to keep this information private. For instance, WHOIS privacy comes standard with Shopify domain purchases, though some international TLDs may not be eligible.
Domain transfer
Domain transfer allows you to move your domain between registrars. This can be useful if you find better renewal rates elsewhere or want to switch providers. Check the transfer process and associated costs for each registrar you’re considering.
Bundled and add-on services
Some registrars offer all-in-one packages including website hosting, email addresses, and multiple TLD registrations. These bundles can be cost-effective and simplify website setup. Consider what additional services each registrar offers to potentially save money and streamline management.
Review methodology
To identify the top domain registrars, we evaluated each platform based on:
- Core features: Availability of unique domain extensions, WHOIS privacy protection, and bundled website and email hosting.
- Pricing structure: Initial costs, renewal charges, and long-term customer discounts.
- Customer support: Availability of online help resources, live chat, and phone support.
- Additional services and tools: Extra features like domain locks, automatic renewals, website builders, and enhanced security options.
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Domain registrar FAQ
Which is the best domain name registrar?
The best registrar depends on your specific needs and budget. Check out the list above to find the option that suits you best.
Does it matter which domain registrar I use?
Yes, it does matter. If you want to build a website quickly, choose a registrar that offers both domain hosting and domain purchases. Shopify provides both services for business owners.
What is the best way to buy a domain name?
Visit a domain registrar and use its search tool to find available domain names. For ecommerce websites, you can quickly find and register a domain through Shopify in minutes.
