There are two main ways to get a domain name—bundle it with web hosting or register it through a dedicated domain registrar.
Bundling with hosting is simpler for first-timers. Using a standalone registrar is typically cheaper over the long haul, makes managing multiple domains easier, and keeps things clean if you ever switch web hosts.
The Best Domain Registrar Companies in 2025
GoDaddy and Hostinger both include a free domain for the first year when you purchase qualifying hosting. Hostinger is generally the cheaper entry point, while GoDaddy layers in robust marketing, website, and payments tools.
If you don’t want to bundle hosting and a domain, our top standalone picks are:
- Domain.com — 25% off with the code ‘QUICKSPROUT’
- Network Solutions — Best for long-term domain registrations
- Namecheap — Cheap promo rates + free WHOIS privacy protection
- NameSilo — Best for buying domains in bulk
All reputable registrars will sell you a domain and let you manage DNS, but the details matter: renewal pricing, privacy protection (free vs. paid), security features, transfer policies, bulk tools, and overall user experience. The recommendations below call out where each provider stands out.
GoDaddy — Hosting, Business Tools, and a Free Domain
GoDaddy began as a domain registrar and now offers hosting, a website builder, email, and marketing tools. If you sign up for its hosting or website builder, you’ll get a domain free for the first year—plus everything required to launch a site quickly.
You can also register domains à la carte at competitive rates. GoDaddy supports hundreds of extensions (well over 500) and includes security options to protect your portfolio and personal info.
Privacy protection is now free for eligible TLDs, masking your personal WHOIS details by default.
Beyond that, GoDaddy offers paid Domain Protection upgrades. The standard plan alerts you to critical changes and helps block unauthorized transfers, while identity verification adds another layer before sensitive updates go through.
The Ultimate Protection tier adds a 90-day renewal grace window if you accidentally let a domain lapse—giving you a cushion before it can be snapped up by someone else.
A standout extra is Pay Links and “payable domains.” You can connect a GoDaddy domain to a branded payment link and accept payments without a full website—handy for invoices, deposits, and quick checkouts.
And read our full GoDaddy Review to get more information.
Hostinger — Affordable, User-Friendly Hosting with a Free Domain
Hostinger is our favorite budget-friendly host for new sites. Plans start around $2.99/month and include a free domain for the first year. The setup flow is beginner-proof: choose a plan, pick your domain, and Hostinger walks you through DNS and core settings step-by-step.
You don’t need prior experience to get online. The interface is clean, onboarding is guided, and support is responsive when you hit questions.
Hostinger also includes free WHOIS privacy on eligible TLDs, which many registrars still charge for.
Plans come with free SSL, a drag-and-drop site builder, email, one-click WordPress, AI-assisted tools, and solid security features. It’s an easy way to keep costs low without feeling like you’re compromising on usability.
For domains, Hostinger offers a wide selection of popular extensions—covering everything most sites will ever need.
Check out our Hostinger review to learn more about it.
Domain.com — Save 25% with the Code ‘QUICKSPROUT’
Domain.com stands out for its straightforward checkout, reliable management tools, and broad TLD selection at fair first-year pricing.
.com domains often start around $11.99 for the first year, and you can prepay up to five years to avoid renewal surprises.
Use code ‘QUICKSPROUT’ at checkout to save 25%. You’ll save the most by paying for multiple years up front.
That discount applies whether you buy one domain or several—useful if you’re securing variations or future projects.
Note: Domain privacy isn’t free here. It typically runs about $12.99/year per domain, but it bundles extras like malware scanning, blacklist monitoring, and change alerts—more than basic masking alone.
Get 25% off with coupon code QUICKSPROUT.
Network Solutions — Best for Long-term Domain Registrations
Network Solutions is unique for its long-term options. For select extensions (.COM, .NET, .ORG, .BIZ, .US, .INFO, .NAME) it offers a “100-Year Domain” service that keeps your domain renewed for up to a century—effectively auto-renewing so you never miss a payment window.
Even if you prefer shorter terms, its 10- and 20-year options are convenient. To guard against a missed renewal, you can also add Expiration Protection, which keeps your domain from being released for up to a year if a payment fails.
Beyond registration, Network Solutions supports backorders, certified offers on already-registered names, premium reseller inventory, and bulk search tools—handy for investors and brand protection.
Use code ‘QUICKSPROUT’ to get 25% off your purchase—even on extended terms.
Namecheap — Cheap Promo Rates + Free WHOIS Privacy Protection
True to the name, Namecheap delivers excellent first-year pricing and includes free WhoisGuard privacy on eligible TLDs—for life.
The checkout is fast and transparent. In a couple of minutes you can register your domain without being pushed into unnecessary add-ons.
If upsells appear, you can safely skip them. Most users only need the domain itself; Namecheap already shields your contact details by default.
Privacy stays free forever on supported extensions, so you won’t be surprised by a new fee at renewal time.
Bottom line: it’s one of the simplest, most affordable ways to register a domain.
NameSilo — Best for Buying Domains in Bulk
NameSilo grows fast with investors and agencies because bulk search, bulk checkout, and portfolio tools are dead simple.
You can search hundreds of options at once and buy in batches. A discount program lowers your per-domain price as your active portfolio grows, so large buyers save more.
Pricing for .coms is typically in the low-teens per year, and you’ll get free WHOIS privacy.
Another nice touch: you can link to a website builder or add custom name servers right from checkout, so setup moves faster.
NameSilo also includes strong anti-spam and security protections—small details that matter when you manage a lot of domains.
How to Choose the Best Domain Registrar for You
All registrars sell domains and provide DNS controls. The differences are in the fine print. Compare first-year pricing vs. renewals, whether privacy is included, security extras (2FA, transfer locks, change alerts), grace periods if you forget to renew, and how easy bulk management feels.
Transferring a domain later is straightforward, so don’t overthink it. If you get a free first-year domain through a host, you can transfer to a registrar later to consolidate management or reduce renewal costs.
Bottom line: pick a reputable provider with transparent renewals and free privacy (if you want it), then get your name before someone else does.
A Note on Bundling Domains With Web Hosting
Bundling hosting + domain is ideal for your first site or a single-domain project—you’ll usually get the domain free for year one and a guided setup that removes guesswork.
After that first year, you can renew the domain where it is or transfer it to a registrar. Transfers don’t affect your website; they just change who bills you for the domain.
If you manage multiple domains or expect to switch web hosts, keeping registration separate from hosting simplifies life and often reduces renewals. It also makes migrations cleaner because your DNS and domain stay put while hosting changes.
Separating services can also improve support quality—specialized registrars tend to have better tools for bulk edits, security, and portfolio tracking.
Our Domain Registrar Review Methodology
We evaluated registrars on real-world factors that affect day-to-day management: transparent pricing and renewals, whether privacy is included by default, security options, transfer policies, bulk tools, and overall usability. We also considered the health of each provider’s ecosystem (email, SSL, builder, marketplace) and the quality of support.
Free vs. Paid Domain Protection
When you register a domain, your contact info can appear in public records (WHOIS/RDAP). Privacy protection replaces your details with proxy info to reduce spam and protect your identity.
Many registrars now include basic WHOIS privacy for free on eligible TLDs. Others charge annually. Beyond privacy, some offer paid “domain protection” bundles with change alerts, transfer locks, and extended renewal grace periods. Decide whether you just want your contact info hidden or you also want extra safeguards against hijacking and accidental lapses.
If you’re registering on behalf of a business, public contact info may be fine. If you’re using personal details, privacy protection is worth it.
Quick and Easy Domain Transfers
Good registrars make transfers simple and transparent. Expect to unlock the domain, get an authorization code, and approve the move by email. Transfers typically add a year to your term. Note that brand-new registrations and recent transfers can’t be moved again for the first 60 days.
All picks here support clear, documented transfer steps without nasty surprises.
Bulk Domain Purchasing
If you only need one domain, skip this. But if you buy in volume for brand protection or investment, look for bulk search, bulk cart, tiered discounts, portfolio tagging, and export tools. NameSilo is excellent here; others offer bulk features but with fewer discounts.
Also check whether privacy is included for free across your whole portfolio—those fees add up quickly on hundreds of domains.
Renewal Process
Promotional first-year prices are common; renewals are what matter. Enable auto-renew, keep a backup payment method on file, and set calendar reminders. If a domain lapses, most registrars offer a grace period, followed by a redemption period with an extra fee—don’t rely on it.
We favored providers with clear renewal pricing, optional expiration protection, and multi-year prepay options (10+ years in some cases). If you’re nervous about missing a notice, add a protection plan or prepay multiple years so you never lose a critical domain.