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It can be surprisingly tricky to choose the best domain name 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, we’ve rounded up the registrars you should have on your radar.
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Featured Partners
1
NameCheap
Starting price
INR 82.06 ($0.98) per year*
Renewal cost
INR 668.18 ($7.98) per year*
Free WHOIS privacy
Yes
On Namecheap’s Website
2
Spaceship
Price Starting From
INR 82.06 ($0.98)/year*
Renewal Cost Starting From
INR 519.98 ($6.21)/year*
Inclusions
Free domain privacy
On Spaceship’s secure website
3
Domain.com
Introductory Price
INR 82.89 ($0.99) per year*
Renewal cost
INR 500.72 ($5.98) per year*
Free WHOIS privacy
No
On Domain.com’s secure website
4
IONOS Domain
Price Starting From
INR 66.99 ($0.80) per year*
Renewal cost
INR 1,411 per year*
Benefits
Free Wildcard SSL and Free 2 GB email account
On IONOS’ secure website
Best 10 Domain Name Registrars of 2024
- IONOS: Best for Comprehensive Hosting Packages
- DreamHost: Best for Customer Support
- Porkbun: Best for Creative Domain Extensions
- Namecheap: Best for User-Friendly Interface
- NameSilo: Best for Privacy Protection Features
- Dynadot: Best for Auction Services
- Google Domains: Best Value for Price
- Hover: Best for Bulk Discounts
- GoDaddy: Best for Ultra-Low Intro Rates
- HostGator: Best for Low-Cost Hosting with a Free Domain
- Hostinger: Best for Hosting Packages
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BEST FOR COMPREHENSIVE HOSTING PACKAGES
IONOS Domain
4.9
Our ratings take into account a product's cost, features, ease of use, customer service and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Price Starting From
INR 66.99 ($0.80) per year*
Renewal cost
INR 1,411 per year*
Benefits
Free Wildcard SSL and Free 2 GB email account
On IONOS' secure website
Price Starting From
INR 66.99 ($0.80) per year*
Renewal cost
INR 1,411 per year*
Benefits
Free Wildcard SSL and Free 2 GB email account
Why We Picked It
With IONOS’ compelling package, one can get more than just a domain name. It goes beyond the basics to offer a suite of features that accommodate your business needs. Notably, its inexpensive pricing for the first year of domain registration stands out, particularly for .com domains, which are known for their credibility and recognition. Its introductory pricing is just around INR 83.05 for your first year. Or if you buy a hosting package, your first year is free.
If you get a hosting package, IONOS enhances the value proposition with additional inclusions such as a professional email address linked to your domain, wildcard SSL security for protecting your visitors and boosting your Google rank, the capacity to create up to 10,000 subdomains and a one-click activation process. All these are backed by round-the-clock customer support. The package stands out for its considerable offerings that cater to a holistic digital experience, not just domain registration.
Who Should Use It:
Businesses seeking a comprehensive web hosting package with an emphasis on security and support.
Pros & Cons
- Affordable first-year pricing for .com domains
- 24/7 customer support
- Can have up to 10,000 subdomains (such as help.yoursitename.com, blog.yoursitename.com)
- Charges extra to protect your domain and DNS data
FEATURED PARTNER OFFER
BEST FOR CUSTOMER SUPPORT
Dreamhost
4.8
Our ratings take into account a product's cost, features, ease of use, customer service and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Starting price
Around INR 656 per year
Renewal cost
Around INR 1,478 per year
Free WHOIS privacy
Yes
On DreamHost's secure website
Starting price
Around INR 656 per year
Renewal cost
Around INR 1,478 per year
Free WHOIS privacy
Yes
Why We Picked It
The price for a .com domain with Dreamhost is around INR 656 per year for your first year, then around INR 1,478 per year upon renewal. Dreamhost is better known as a web host, so it’s no surprise to see an upsell in the checkout process to get hosting. However, if you have an existing web hosting plan with Dreamhost you may get additional discounts on domains.
Domain name privacy comes standard, keeping your personal information private. However, one downside compared to the other best domain name registrars is that there are no options to add on DDoS protection.
Who Should Use It:
Dreamhost offers low-cost domain registration for the first year, but renewals are pricey. However, it could be an attractive option if you also plan on using Dreamhost for your web hosting or for beginners who might need extra assistance from support.
Pros & Cons
- Low-cost intro rates starting at around INR 656 per year
- Free domain name privacy included
- Competitive pricing for .io extensions
- Low-cost email hosting plans available
- Free domain with the purchase of a web hosting plan (starts at around INR 242 per month)
- Pricey renewals
- Only allows up to three years’ registration
- No DDoS add-on
FEATURED PARTNER OFFER
BEST FOR CREATIVE DOMAIN EXTENSIONS
Porkbun
4.7
Our ratings take into account a product's cost, features, ease of use, customer service and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Starting price
$9.73 Around INR 808 per year
Renewal cost
$9.73 Around INR 808 per year
Free WHOIS privacy
Yes
Starting price
$9.73 Around INR 808 per year
Renewal cost
$9.73 Around INR 808 per year
Free WHOIS privacy
Yes
Why We Picked It
Porkbun steps into the spotlight with a standout offering in creative domain extensions. It supports an assortment of unique top-level domains (TLDs), such as .wiki, .work, .email and .voyage, presenting a myriad of opportunities for businesses and individuals to find a domain name that truly suits their unique identity. As the self-proclaimed registrar with the lowest registration and renewal prices, Porkbun offers competitive rates that benefit budget-conscious users, though they aren’t the lowest we’ve seen. What it does offer, though, is the same renewal rate as your introductory rate.
Besides affordability, Porkbun provides free value-added services including WHOIS privacy, Let’s Encrypt SSL certificates, URL and email forwarding—all contributing to a package that gives customers more bang for their buck. Customer support availability via phone, email, chat and a comprehensive knowledge base underline its efforts to ensure customer satisfaction.
Who Should Use It:
Individuals or businesses seeking unique and creatively extended domains at cost-effective rates.
Pros & Cons
- Extensive customer support through various channels
- Renewal rate is the same rate you pay today
- Includes trials for web hosting, site builder and email hosting
- Email costs an extra around INR 1,993 per year
- Premium domain extensions can be pricey
FEATURED PARTNER OFFER
Best Domain Registrar With Huge Domain Varities
Namecheap Domain
4.7
Our ratings take into account a product's cost, features, ease of use, customer service and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Starting price
INR 82.06 ($0.98) per year*
Renewal cost
INR 668.18 ($7.98) per year*
Free WHOIS privacy
Yes
On Namecheap's Website
Starting price
INR 82.06 ($0.98) per year*
Renewal cost
INR 668.18 ($7.98) per year*
Free WHOIS privacy
Yes
Why We Picked It
NameCheap is one of the best domain name registrars because it offers low registration prices for top-level domain names (TLD). The popular .com extension costs as low as around INR 496.65 per year for your first term and renews at around INR 1,148.62 per year (with discounts for multiple-year renewals). Other TLDs are a bit pricer: Around INR 901.98 for .net and .org, and around INR 3,283.95 for .io.
Every domain registration gets free WHOIS privacy for as long as you use NameCheap as your registrar. NameCheap charges for a few extras, including DDoS protection and SSL certificates. It offers web hosting, VPNs, and email at a cost, also.
Who Should Use It:
NameCheap is an ideal domain registrar for anyone who needs domain names. Its free domain privacy, fair registration fees and low renewal costs are why NameCheap is one of the best domain registrars.
Pros & Cons
- Low registration prices
- Fair renewal prices
- Free Whois privacy
- Hosting available
- Low cost for SSL certificates
- 24/7 support via live chat
- No phone support
- DDoS protection costs extra
- Expensive for .io extensions
- Pricing increases upon renewal
FEATURED PARTNER OFFER
BEST FOR PRIVACY PROTECTION FEATURES
NameSilo
4.5
Our ratings take into account a product's cost, features, ease of use, customer service and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Starting price
Around INR 909
Renewal cost
Around INR 909
Free WHOIS privacy
Yes
Starting price
Around INR 909
Renewal cost
Around INR 909
Free WHOIS privacy
Yes
Why We Picked It
In a sea of domain registrars, NameSilo stands out for its emphasis on privacy protection. Every domain registered with NameSilo includes WHOIS privacy features as part of the package. This means your personal information, often susceptible to data breaches and malicious intent, is guarded and kept confidential. This added layer of privacy proves invaluable for many website owners, who prefer to keep their data discrete.
While NameSilo excels in privacy protection, additional features such as domain protection and SSL certificates come with an extra fee. This means you might end up paying more if you require these added services. Despite this, NameSilo’s straightforward approach to pricing, coupled with a focus on privacy, sets it apart in the competitive landscape of domain registrars.
Who Should Use It:
Ideal for users who value privacy and transparency in pricing.
Pros & Cons
- Renewal rate is the same price you pay today
- WHOIS privacy is free
- Transparent pricing without hidden fees
- It’s extra to protect your domain
- SSL certificate not included in the base price
FEATURED PARTNER OFFER
BEST FOR AUCTION SERVICES
Dynadot
4.4
Our ratings take into account a product's cost, features, ease of use, customer service and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Domains starting from
INR 166.56 ($1.99)
Renewal cost
Around INR 912 per year
Free WHOIS privacy
Yes
On Dynadot's secure website
Domains starting from
INR 166.56 ($1.99)
Renewal cost
Around INR 912 per year
Free WHOIS privacy
Why We Picked It
Dynadot distinguishes itself among the many domain registrars with an impressive offering for auction services. Its User Auctions feature stands as an effective tool, enabling its customers to list domains for auction with the eventual highest bidder receiving the domain in their Dynadot account.
For those seeking an alternative to direct domain sales, this approach presents an enticing proposition. It removes the need for direct negotiation with potential buyers and the complexity of setting a fixed price. Instead, sellers simply list their domain, set a minimum bid amount and wait for the auction’s progression. The seven-day auction window ensures ample time for interested parties to place their bids.
The auction process has been designed for simplicity and fairness. Bids can be made at any time within the seven-day period, and auctions are extended by five minutes if a bid is placed in the final moments. This prevents last-second bidding wars and allows every interested party a fair chance. However, be prepared to pay extra for additional features, such as domain protection and SSL certificates.
Who Should Use It:
Ideal for individuals looking to leverage auction services for domain sales.
Pros & Cons
- Has tools in place to prevent last-moment bidding unfairness
- Simplified bidding process without the need for direct negotiation
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
- Additional fees for domain protection and SSL certificates
FEATURED PARTNER OFFER
BEST VALUE FOR PRICE
Google Domains
4.4
Our ratings take into account a product's cost, features, ease of use, customer service and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Starting price
INR 860 per year
Renewal cost
INR 860 per year
Free WHOIS privacy
Yes
Starting price
INR 860 per year
Renewal cost
INR 860 per year
Free WHOIS privacy
Yes
Why We Picked It
Google Domains is a straightforward domain registrar. Pricing is transparent and fair, and you can see how much you’ll pay before even going to your cart. Most popular extensions are INR 860 per year (.com, .net, .org, .dev), but .co is pricier at INR 2,150 per year. You get domain privacy for free, but there are no options for DDoS protection. In fact, the only other add-on is for Google’s Workspace suite. Also, Google Domains doesn’t offer nearly as many extensions as other registrars.
We like that Google Domains offers insights about your domain choice. For example, we chose a .com with the word “castle” in it, and Google Domains pointed out people might hear “kassel” and type it incorrectly. Registering a domain with Google Domains is simple and there are few upsells.
Who Should Use It:
Google Domains is strictly a domain registrar (okay, email registrar, too), so this is best to use if you already know which web host you want to use.
Pros & Cons
- Pricing does not increase upon renewal
- Easy to use
- Backed by advanced security features
- Built-in email forwarding
- Workspace addon available
- Limited number of domain extensions available
- No DDoS protection
- .co extension is pricey
FEATURED PARTNER OFFER
BEST FOR BULK DISCOUNTS
Hover
4.2
Our ratings take into account a product's cost, features, ease of use, customer service and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Starting price
Around INR 1,231 per year
Renewal cost
Around INR 1,395 per year
Free WHOIS privacy
Yes
Starting price
Around INR 1,231 per year
Renewal cost
Around INR 1,395 per year
Free WHOIS privacy
Yes
Why We Picked It
Hover is first and foremost a domain registrar, but it also offers email. If you choose Hover for your domain registration, you’ll have to find a separate web host. Hover’s pricing is slightly above average for the industry, but it does offer free domain privacy. A .com extension costs around INR 1,231, around INR 1,149 for a .org, around INR 1,272 for a .net and around INR 2,874 for a .io. Renewal prices are the same.
Hover offers sales often on specific extensions, so you may be able to get a deal at regular prices. You can register a domain for up to 10 years, but there’s no discount for multiple years. Hover discounts bulk domain renewals, though. So, if you need multiple domains, you can save on 10 or more domains when you renew after the first year (discounts also apply to multi-year plans). For example, if you register 10 domains for two years each, the second year for each domain gets a discount.
Who Should Use It:
Hover is a great choice for anyone who needs multiple domains, thanks to its discount for bulk domains.
Pros & Cons
- Transparent pricing
- Free domain privacy
- Email available as an add-on
- Phone and live chat support
- Slightly expensive domains
- No hosting available
- The .io extension is expensive
FEATURED PARTNER OFFER
BEST FOR ULTRA-LOW INTRO RATES
GoDaddy
4.2
Our ratings take into account a product's cost, features, ease of use, customer service and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Starting price
As low as around INR 248 for your first year
Renewal cost
Around INR 1,826 per year
Free WHOIS privacy
Yes
Starting price
As low as around INR 248 for your first year
Renewal cost
Around INR 1,826 per year
Free WHOIS privacy
Yes
Why We Picked It
GoDaddy is one of the first big names in domains, so there’s an expectation for it to be one of the best domain name registrars. Over the years, it’s become more than it once was—now it offers web hosting, email, marketing tools and a website builder. It’s a one-stop shop for web services.
Despite its cheap introductory pricing, its renewal pricing is expensive compared to competitors. Upon renewal, a .com costs around INR 1,806 per year, .net and .org are around INR 1,909, and .io is around INR 5,174 per year. When you search for a domain name, GoDaddy shows you the results along with insights about your choice. And then you get to the upsells—and there are a lot with GoDaddy.
Who Should Use It:
The best use case for GoDaddy is when you need an all-in-one domain registrar, web host and site builder. You’ll get a deep discount on your first term, but to make the best of it, you’ll have to commit to a long-term contract.
Pros & Cons
- Deep discounts for first term
- All-in-one web services shop
- 24/7 live chat and phone support
- Free domain with web hosting plans (starting at around INR 492 per month)
- Expensive renewal pricing
FEATURED PARTNER OFFER
BEST FOR LOW-COST HOSTING WITH A FREE DOMAIN
HostGator
4.2
Our ratings take into account a product's cost, features, ease of use, customer service and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Starting price
Around INR 1,063 per year
Renewal cost
Around INR 1,642 per year
Free WHOIS privacy
No
On HostGator's secure website
Starting price
Around INR 1,063 per year
Renewal cost
Around INR 1,642 per year
Free WHOIS privacy
No
Why We Picked It
HostGator is primarily a web host that also offers domain registration. In fact, as a domain registrar, it focuses on TLDs, such as .com, .store, .biz and .org. HostGator doesn’t offer premium domain extensions, like .io.
Introductory pricing is on the high end–especially when it renews at around INR 1,642 per year and does not include domain privacy. Meanwhile, providers such as Google Domains offer domains for INR 860 per year and the pricing does not increase upon renewal. It does, however, offer web hosting plans, which include a free domain name and costs as little as around INR 225 per month.
Who Should Use It:
If you plan on sticking to the most popular domain name extensions and you need a web host, HostGator could be a good pick for you, but it is a bit expensive.
Pros & Cons
- Web service bundles available
- Discounts on first-year domain registration
- 24/7 phone and live chat support
- Free domain with web hosting plans (starting at around INR 225 per month)
- Limited domain extensions
- Expensive domain privacy
- Above-average domain registration prices
FEATURED PARTNER OFFER
BEST FOR HOSTING PACKAGES
Hostinger
3.3
Our ratings take into account a product's cost, features, ease of use, customer service and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Starting price
INR 75 for your first year
Renewal cost
Around INR 1,244 per year
Free WHOIS privacy
Yes
On Hostinger's secure website
Starting price
INR 75 for your first year
Renewal cost
Around INR 1,244 per year
Free WHOIS privacy
Yes
Why We Picked It
In a world where businesses are constantly on the lookout for streamlined online solutions, Hostinger stands out. The platform offers a clever blend of domain registration and hosting services, creating convenience for time-strapped businesses. By putting these services together, Hostinger alleviates the need for you to divide your attention between multiple platforms. This offers a significant advantage, especially for businesses that are trying to establish their digital presence with as little friction as possible.
Hostinger takes privacy seriously, a feature that can’t be underscored enough in our increasingly digital age. By automatically including WHOIS privacy protection at no additional charge, your personal data receives a critical layer of security. This type of privacy protection is often an overlooked aspect of domain registration, and many domain registrars charge for this.
With its bundled services, it offers considerable savings compared to the route of separate providers for domain registration and hosting. Those with budgetary constraints will find Hostinger’s proposition attractive, without having to compromise on service quality and features.
Who Should Use It:
Hostinger is perfect for businesses or individuals looking for a one-stop shop for domain registration and hosting.
Pros & Cons
- Convenient mix of hosting and domain registration services
- WHOIS privacy protection is free of charge
- 24/7 customer support
- It costs more at renewal
Forbes Advisor Ratings
| Company | Company – Logo | Forbes Advisor India Rating | Forbes Advisor Rating | Starting price | Renewal cost | Free WHOIS privacy | Learn More CTA text | Learn more CTA below text | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IONOS |  | 4.9 |  | Around INR 83.05 for your first year | Around INR 1,411 per year | No | View More | ||
| DreamHost |  | 4.8 |  | Around INR 656 per year | Around INR 1,478 per year | Yes | View More | ||
| Porkbun |  | 4.7 |  | $9.73 Around INR 808 per year | $9.73 Around INR 808 per year | Yes | View More | ||
| NameCheap |  | 4.7 |  | Around INR 496.65 for the first year | Around INR 1,148.62 per year | Yes | Learn More | On Namecheap’s Website | |
| NameSilo |  | 4.5 | | Around INR 909 | Around INR 909 | Yes | View More | ||
| Dynadot |  | 4.4 | | Around INR 912 per year | Around INR 912 per year | Yes | View More | ||
| Google Domains |  | 4.4 | | INR 860 per year | INR 860 per year | Yes | View More | ||
| Hover |  | 4.2 |  | Around INR 1,231 per year | Around INR 1,395 per year | Yes | View More | ||
| GoDaddy |  | 4.2 | | As low as around INR 248 for your first year | Around INR 1,826 per year | Yes | View More | ||
| HostGator |  | 4.2 | | Around INR 1,063 per year | Around INR 1,642 per year | No | View More | ||
| Hostinger |  | 3.3 |  | INR 75 for your first year | Around INR 1,244 per year | Yes | View More |
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 a 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 name:
- Affordability: Domain registrars commonly offer discounted introductory rates for your first year. While this helps reduce your upfront cost, be sure to check the renewal rates as many jump in price greatly.
- Extensions: All of the leading domain registrars offer top-level domain extensions (i.e., .com or .org). However, if you’re interested in a unique extension, then be sure to opt for a registrar that offers additional extensions as not all do.
- Ease of use: After purchasing a domain, you then need to connect it to your web hosting provider or email host, so it’s important that the registrar makes this process as easy as possible. For example, many offer comprehensive help centers with robust documentation on how to connect a domain to the leading content management systems and email hosts.
- 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: Think of registering a domain name as a bit like signing a lease on a new apartment. The registration period is your lease term, often starting with a one-year commitment. But, you have options. You can choose to lock down your digital address for up to 10 years. This longer commitment can be a smart move, financially and practically, securing your spot on the web and often saving you a bit of money over time. Just remember, as with any lease, it’s up to you to renew it when the term ends if you want to keep your spot!
- Domain Transferability: If you ever spot a better deal or want to switch for other reasons, you should be able to take your domain name with you. This is what we call domain transferability. But, similar to moving houses, it can come with a bit of legwork (and sometimes, extra costs). So before you sign up, get to know your registrar’s policies. How long after your initial registration can you move? Is there a fee? Is it difficult to switch?
- 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.
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
- The 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
Without going too in-depth to what ICANN and WHOIS are, suffice to say it’s the nonprofit corporation that is responsible for keeping the internet secure and the naming structure of websites as it is. It requires anyone who registers a domain to provide accurate identifiable contact information, including name, address, email and phone number. Not everyone is comfortable with that information being public.
Domain registrars have found a way to keep your info safe and still provide ICANN with 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 like naming your first kid—it’s a huge decision and it’ll be around for a while. You need to ensure that the name you choose for your online presence is easy to find, memorable and leaves the right impression.
Domain Name Best Practices
Discovering the perfect .com can be a bit of a challenge. If your first-choice domain is taken, don’t despair—there are plenty of ways to get creative.
- Explore Different Extensions: If the .com version of your desired name is taken, why not consider other extensions? You’ve got .info, .store, .shop and hundreds more to choose from. Just remember that some extensions may resonate better with your target audience than others.
- Modify Your Name: If you’re set on a .com domain, play around with your business name. Add an article like “the,” “a” or “an”—“theghostlycastle.com” has a certain ring to it, doesn’t it? You could also tack on another word—ghostlycastleadventures.com” or “myghostlycastle.com” could work beautifully.
- Consider Hyphens: A well-placed hyphen could make all the difference. For example, “ghostly-castle.com” or “the-ghostly-castle.com” can be great alternatives, but be careful with this approach. Hyphens can sometimes confuse users and make your domain harder to share verbally.
.com vs. Other Domain Extensions
Sure, .com is king when it comes to domain extensions, but it’s not the only player in the game. There’s .net, .org, .edu, .gov and a slew of others. And while .com is memorable, less popular extensions can be less expensive—though there are exceptions, such as the increasingly trendy .io and .co.
Bear in mind that some extensions have restrictions. For instance, you can’t snag a .edu or .gov unless you meet specific requirements. But at the end of the day, all extensions work the same way. Choose one that fits your brand and audience.
Common Domain Name Mistakes
When it comes to domain names, a few common mistakes can have lasting effects:
- Too Long or Complicated: 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 might misspell it.
- Forgetting About Branding: Your domain name should reflect your brand. Avoid generic names and aim for something unique and memorable. To make it simpler for local customers to find you, consider including your city or state in your domain name if your business is local.
- Not Checking Trademarks: Before you register a domain name, make sure it’s not trademarked. The last thing you want is a legal problem down the road, such as a certified letter from a friendly lawyer at a multibillion-dollar corporation about that domain name you just purchased.
Featured Partners
1
NameCheap
Starting price
INR 82.06 ($0.98) per year*
Renewal cost
INR 668.18 ($7.98) per year*
Free WHOIS privacy
Yes
On Namecheap’s Website
2
Spaceship
Price Starting From
INR 82.06 ($0.98)/year*
Renewal Cost Starting From
INR 519.98 ($6.21)/year*
Inclusions
Free domain privacy
On Spaceship’s secure website
3
Domain.com
Introductory Price
INR 82.89 ($0.99) per year*
Renewal cost
INR 500.72 ($5.98) per year*
Free WHOIS privacy
No
On Domain.com’s secure website
4
IONOS Domain
Price Starting From
INR 66.99 ($0.80) per year*
Renewal cost
INR 1,411 per year*
Benefits
Free Wildcard SSL and Free 2 GB email account
On IONOS’ secure website
Methodology
To identify the best domain registrars, we employed a comprehensive methodology that scrutinized a broad range of registrars against a weighted set of categories. Each domain registrar was scored in each category, contributing to an overall product rating, with a maximum score of five stars attainable.
- Expert Score (30%): This portion of the evaluation considers standout features, value for money, popularity and ease of use of the domain registrar.
- Pricing (20%): The pricing evaluation takes into account factors including 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.
- Service and Support (10%): Service and support components assess the availability of live chat, phone and email contact, self-help knowledge bases and community forums.
- General 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.
- Additional 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.
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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.
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