Picking the perfect domain name—and securing it through the best domain registrar—are key steps in launching your online business.
A custom domain gives your business a professional web address. A great domain name is memorable, easy to type, and reflects your brand. Once you’ve got your unique 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, here’s 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 desired domain name, you’ll also need to select a place to register your domain.
Why you need a domain registrar
Once you know how to register a domain, you’ll need to choose a registrar. Different registrars support different domain extensions, from .com to .shop.
Your choice must be an ICANN accredited registrar, which means they’re approved to buy and sell domains according to strict technical and security standards throughout the domain life cycle. This includes domain name registration, renewals, expiration, and deletion.
A domain registrar differs from a domain registry. The registrar is the company that sells domains to customers, while the registry manages the back-end infrastructure and master database.
💡Your domain is the foundation of your online brand—learn how to build a brand that stands out.
Do I need to use a domain registrar?
If you’re using a website platform like Shopify, you don’t need to use a separate domain registrar. Enter your domain name ideas into Shopify’s domain name generator to see domain prices and availability.
In 2024, Google Domains shut down and transferred millions of domains to Squarespace, reminding businesses that registrar stability and ownership matter. Choosing a reliable registrar—or an all-in-one platform like Shopify—ensures stability. No one’s got time to be forced to migrate unexpectedly.
When you buy your domain through Shopify, it’s easy to 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 fewer accounts to manage, simplifying your online business setup.
If you’re not using Shopify and want to find out who owns a domain, you can still use the WHOIS lookup tool. If you choose to secure a specific domain name before deciding on a website builder or web hosting service, you might need to use separate domain registration services.
💡For a full walkthrough on how to buy a domain through Shopify or a third-party registrar, see this step-by-step guide.
Best domain registrars
1. IONOS
Best for bundled hosting and 24/7 phone support.
What is this domain registrar?
IONOS, formerly known as 1&1, is Europe’s largest web hosting provider. 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 $20. Eligible TLDs include WHOIS privacy protection.
Features
- Bundled hosting. Web hosting plans through IONOS and WordPress enjoy discounts for the first year and include a free domain name.
- Extensive TLD options. IONOS supports a wide range of specialized top-level domains, including options like .ai and .zone.
- Automatic domain connection. IONOS users can automatically connect their domains to Shopify.
What users say
IONOS has more than 36,000 reviews on TrustPilot, with a TrustScore of 4.7*. Customers appreciate the 24/7 phone support, but some mention slow email response times and challenges when canceling plans.
*4.5+ is considered excellent in the hosting/registrar industry.
2. Namecheap
Best for budget-conscious buyers.
What is this domain registrar?
Namecheap offers affordable domain registration and budget-friendly web hosting bundles that include WHOIS protection and hosting.
Pricing
Namecheap’s .com domains start at $6.49 per year, with renewal pricing starting at $18.48.
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. Withheld for Privacy, which protects your personal information on the WHOIS directory, is free when you register domain names with Namecheap. It also offers robust security features like SSL certificates, VPN, and PremiumDNS as add-ons.
- Simple domain transfers. Transferring your domain from Namecheap is straightforward, 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 is generally affordable and takes between 30 minutes and six days.
What users say
Namecheap has more than 19,000 reviews on TrustPilot, with a TrustScore of 4.3. Customers praise Namecheap’s upfront pricing but customer support may be a weak point, with no phone service and reports of long wait times for live chat help.
3. Cloudflare
Best for at-cost pricing and built-in security.
What is this domain registrar?
Cloudflare sells domains at at-cost pricing, which means no markup on registrations or domain renewals, and integrates with Cloudflare’s DNS/CDN/SSL stack. One could argue it’s the cheapest domain registrar long term because there are no hidden fees. It also supports more than 390 TLDs and includes WHOIS redaction where permitted.
Pricing
You can buy and renew domains through Cloudflare at a cost. You pay only what is charged by registries and the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN).
Features
- Built-in security. One-click, free DNSSEC and native integration with Cloudflare security/performance services.
- Easily transfer domains. Transfer, manage, and renew existing domains automatically through the Cloudflare dashboard.
- Defense against domain hacking. High-touch verification and advanced registrar security protect domains from hijacking and cyberattacks.
- Nameserver requirement. Domains at Cloudflare Registrar must use Cloudflare-assigned nameservers, and you cannot switch to third-party nameservers while registered there.
What users say
Cloudflare has more than 550 reviews on G2, with a score of 4.5 out of 5 stars. It’s rated highly for ease of use and setup, but many reports mention support and access issues.
4. Network Solutions
Best for legacy users and straightforward transfers.
What is this domain registrar?
Network Solutions, one of the internet’s original registrars, now serves former Domain.com customers under the same parent company. It offers domains, hosting, email, an AI-assisted website builder, and ecommerce tools.
Pricing
For .com, public rates currently range from around $12.19 for first-year registration to about $29.19 for renewal (promotions vary by time and account). If you are a Domain.com customer, your existing pricing will remain in place after the move.
Features
- Privacy (add-on). Domain Privacy + Protection is available but not included by default.
- Hosting and website builder. Shared hosting plans and an easy website builder are now available.
- Easy domain transfer. Domain transfers are straightforward with Network Solutions. Transfer your domain for $9.99 for most TLDs and get a free one-year extension.
What users say
Domain.com has more than 12,000 TrustPilot reviews and a TrustScore of 4.5. Reviewers mention fair and reliable customer support, but talk about high renewal rates and expensive add-ons for better services.
5. Dynadot
Best for transparent renewal pricing.
What is this domain registrar?
Dynadot has transparent pricing and straightforward website design. It’s notable for offering a wide variety of TLDs.
Pricing
Dynadot lists both registration and renewal prices for every TLD it offers. Basic .com websites start at $10.88 for both registration and renewals, making Dynadot one of the more affordable platforms on this list. Full web hosting is separate, but every domain includes a free one-page website builder with hosting.
Features
- Free website builder. Dynadot customers get access to a free website builder and receive a grace period for deletion, SSL security, and email hosting.
- Privacy included. WHOIS protection comes standard with your domain plus two-factor authentication is available for all accounts, adding an extra layer of security.
- Easy domain transfer. Domain transfers are simple and start at $10.86 for .com URLs.
What users say
Dynadot has more than 3,500 reviews on TrustPilot and a TrustScore of 4.5. Customers appreciate the user-friendly interface and competitive prices. However, the lack of phone support may be a drawback for some users.
6. GoDaddy
Best for brand recognition and 24/7 support.
What is this domain registrar?
GoDaddy is a well-known, established domain registrar with higher than average renewal fees. Basic domain privacy is included on eligible domains, and advanced Domain Protection tiers are paid add-ons.
Pricing
Pricing for .com domains starts at 1¢ for the first year with a three-year commitment. Additional years start at $21.99.
Features
- Multiple domain add-on services. 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 $11.99 for .com domains.
- Privacy as an add-on. WHOIS protection isn’t included with your domain but GoDaddy offers three levels of domain protection, all of which include WHOIS privacy (pricing depends on your domain).
What users say
GoDaddy is one of the few domain registrars offering 24/7 phone support, in addition to text and chat options. It has more than 129,000 reviews on TrustPilot and a TrustScore of 4.5, but some reviewers note difficulty resolving problems when they contact support.
7. Bluehost
Best for WordPress users.
What is this domain registrar?
Bluehost provides a free domain for your first year on eligible TLDs with 12- or 36-month hosting terms. It also offers an intuitive site builder through WonderSuite and 24/7 domain support.
Pricing
Pricing for .com domains starts at $12.99 per year, which includes a 30-day money-back guarantee (for hosting fees; domain registration fees are non-refundable) and free SSL certificates. However, WHOIS protection isn’t included in the basic plan.
Features
- Hosting discount. If you choose to host with Bluehost, you can pay as little as $1.99 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.
What users say
Bluehost has more than 26,000 reviews on TrustPilot and a TrustScore of 4.6. It’s one of the few domain registrars that offers phone support, which can be helpful for newcomers to website building.
8. DreamHost
Best for cloud hosting and corporate customers.
What is this domain registrar?
DreamHost is often used by corporate customers seeking cloud hosting alongside domain registration. Its web hosting offers unlimited monthly data transfers, security features, and domain management tools.
Pricing
A .com domain starts at $4.99 for the first year, afterward, the regular rate of $19.99 per year applies. That includes free SSL certification with hosting, 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 protection comes standard for eligible TLDs.
- Easy domain transfer. Transfers for .com domains cost $9.99.
What users say
DreamHost has more than 7,500 reviews on TrustPilot and a TrustScore of 4.7. It claims response times of less than a minute and a high customer satisfaction rate on its website.
9. Porkbun
Best for unique TLDs and user-friendly interface.
What is this domain registrar?
Porkbun offers more than 500 different domain name extensions. 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 and renewals for a .com domain start at $11.08.
Features
- Various services available. Web hosting, email hosting, website builder, marketplace, static hosting, link shortening, WordPress hosting, and cPanel
- Privacy included with most domains. Porkbun advertises free WHOIS privacy with every domain you register or transfer
- Easy domain transfer. Moving a .com domain costs $11.08 and can take between one and eight days
Note that Porkbun’s web and email hosting plans can be pricier than other options on this list.
What users say
Porkbun has more than 20,000 reviews on TrustPilot and a TrustScore of 4.8. While it does offer a range of TLDs, 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 quickly becomes complicated. Shopify offers all these commerce and website tools in one place, simplifying the registration process with easy domain management.
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. Frequently, the first-year rate is lower than renewal rates. When comparing options, consider both initial and long-term costs to ensure the registrar fits your budget.
For the cheapest domain registrar, compare renewal rates—not just first-year promos. Cloudflare and Dynadot offer the most transparent long-term pricing, so many entrepreneurs regard them as some of the best domain registrars for long-term projects.
Privacy options
When you register a domain, your personal details (name, address, email) are recorded by WHOIS and managed by 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 be ineligible.
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, terms, and associated costs for each registrar you consider.
Be aware of transfer lock policies that prevent you from migrating the domain within a certain period. ICANN rules state you can’t transfer a domain within 60 days of buying it or making a previous transfer to protect against unauthorized migrations, regardless of the registrar you choose.
Also think about expiration grace periods, which is how long you have to renew the domain before somebody else claims it if you miss the renewal date. This is usually 30 to 45 days after purchase and gives extra peace of mind if your auto-renew or manual reminder fails.
If you think that’s unlikely, consider the time Google—yes, Google, briefly lost ownership of its domain in 2015.
Bundled and add-on domain registrar services
Consider what additional services each of the best domain registrars offer to potentially save money and streamline management.
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. Your domain choice also impacts domain SEO, so pick a registrar that lets you set up redirects and manage DNS easily.
Methodology for best domain registrars
To identify the top domain registrars, this article evaluated each platform based-based on the following factors:
- 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. Extra features like domain locks, automatic renewals, website builders, and enhanced security options.
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Best domain registrar FAQ
Which is the best domain name registrar?
The best registrar depends on your specific needs and budget. Top options include IONOS, GoDaddy, Namecheap, and Porkbun.
Does it matter which domain registrar I use?
Yes, 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 find and register a domain through Shopify in minutes.
Can I transfer my domain between registrars?
You can transfer your domain between registrars. To do this, contact the new registrar and ask them to begin the process using an authorization code from your existing registrar. Note that you can’t transfer a domain within the first 60 days of your contract or a previous transfer. Each domain registrar charges their own domain transfer fees; some offer a free service.
What is WHOIS privacy and do I need it?
WHOIS privacy hides your personal information—including your name, address, and phone number—from the public WHOIS database by replacing it with your registrar’s details. It’s recommended for most users who want to prevent spam and protect their online identity.
