Once you’ve chosen the right domain name along with the top level domain name extension (TLD), the next step is to buy and register it. There are many registrars you can choose from, each with their own pros and cons.
Here we’ll share with you five different domain name registrars to help in your search to find the best one for you.
Domain.com
One of the most popular domain name contenders, offering all TLDs and a variety of extra services with a primary focus on selling domains. It’s known for having a relatively simple and easy checkout process but with some additional up-sells such as G Suite, web hosting services, and many more. You can buy domain names for up to five-years, which will make renewing an easier process.
Pricing for popular TLDs (for the first year):
.com: $9.99
.net: $12.99
.org: $8.99
GoDaddy
As one of the oldest and well-known domain name registrars, GoDaddy offers a variety of TLDs, extensions, and services. One service they offer is a domain auction, where you can buy existing names that were registered by others in the past. They also offer web hosting, website building, email matching, and much more, which can get a bit overwhelming when heading to the check-out process. Another highlight is that GoDaddy offers you to purchase domain names in bulk, a plus side when looking to register more names.
Pricing for popular TLDs (for the first year):
.com: $11.99
.net: $14.99
.org: $9.99
Bluehost
Bluehost is an industry leader when it comes to web hosting, but offers a very strong domain name registrars as well. As a WordPress hosting partner, they offer WPBeginner users a free domain name, a free SSL certificate, and a discount on web hosting, making it have less add-on upsells than other registrars. If you’re looking for a place to host your website as well as register your domain, Bluehost might be for you as hosting plans can start off as low as $2.75 a month (for the first month), which again include the free domain name.
Pricing for popular TLDs (for the first year):
.com: $12.99
.net: $14.99
.org: $9.99
Namecheap
Namecheap has grown to become another top domain registrar on the market. They are one of the best registrars when it comes to balancing price and support (24/7 live chat help and a 2-hour ticket response time), adding in WhoisGuard privacy protection for free into their registry bundle as well. With an extremely easy checkout process and even less upsells, you can get in and out in less than two minutes with a domain name under your belt.
Pricing for popular TLDs (for the first year):
.com: $8.88
.net: $10.98
.org: $9.18
Network Solutions
Competing with the other domain registrars is Network Solutions, popular for offering other services like web hosting, website builders, website security, business emails, IT support, and many more, it can be your one-stop shop for the long haul. They offer plans ranging from one year to 100 years, where you can keep the longevity of your brand for decades (if that’s what you’re looking for). Network Solutions also offers options to bid on expired or held domains, browse premium reseller domains, and much more. If you’re looking to hold your place in the future, Network Solutions might be the option for you.
Pricing for popular TLDs (for the first year):
.com: $12.99
.net: $14.99
.org: $9.99
There are over a hundred domain registrars in the market, most offering primarily the same services, so it can be a daunting task to choose. Most offer you reasonable prices and features (some with more upsells than others), but depending on what you’re looking for each can offer you more of what you need.
Domain.com offers reasonable pricing and a ton of features and add-ons you’d want, but if you’re looking more into web hosting, Bluehost might be the best option for you as it includes a free domain name when buying web hosting bundles, or GoDaddy, which offers purchasing domain names in bulk, with a downside of upsells around every corner. If you’re trying to checkout quickly with not too much upsell, you can turn to Namecheap which also includes free privacy protection as a plus. if the long-term is what you’re looking for, Network Solutions has very solid options for you to invest in.
