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If you are not confident about building your own website or choosing a blogging platform, then you will have to pay for a web developer. Then there’s web hosting and domain registration to worry about.
Depending on the size and functionality of your website, your website costs may start to add up very quickly.
One way you can save on overhead costs is by purchasing an inexpensive domain name.
A domain name is one of the most important parts of your website. Whether it’s a personal blog, company website, or e-commerce site, it’s how people access your digital space, and it reflects your overall brand.
For most things, a lower price tag indicates lower quality.
This is definitely not the case with domain names.
Top 4 Cheapest Domain Name Registrars
#1 – Domain.com – 25% Off Domain and Hosting with Coupon Code Sitehub ($7.49 for .com Domains)
#2 – Namecheap.com – Get .com for $8.88
#3 – Bluehost.com – Free domain name when you buy hosting
#4 – Namesilo – Domain pricing starts at a very cheap $0.99
Some of the best domain registrars offer affordable domain names. There are also web hosting providers that handle the registration process for you and offer a year of free domain registration.
In this guide, we’ll take a look at some of the best cheap domain names.
Before we do that, it’s important to understand the basics of what a domain is and what a registrar can do for you.
Where can I buy cheap domain names?
Whether you choose a dedicated domain registrar or a company that offers both domain names and hosting services, finding an affordable domain name isn’t difficult.
The following domain name registration companies offer a wealth of options that won’t break the bank.
What we consider to be “cheap domain names”.
We consider a domain name “cheap” or “budget” when the price is between $0.99 and $12. While researching cheap domain name providers for this guide, we looked at over 20 different domain name registrars that fall in that price range and then evaluated the services and features you get with buying a domain name.
Domain.com
Domains.com is a company focused on being the world’s number one domain name registrar. They also offer web hosting services and website builders, mostly for low traffic sites, but domain services are what they are best known for.
The company has been in business since 2000 and has a very reliable 24/7 support team. They are part of the EIG group of companies .
When it comes to price, Domain.com has a lot of options. Their extensive collection of available TLDs gives you a variety of options to save on registration costs.
Domain.com – Domain Pricing Table ( use code SiteHub to get 25% off all domains)
| TLD | . and | . net | .org | . Place | . shop | . I | . online |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| to register | $9.99 | $12.99 | $8.99 | $2.19 | $9.99 | $3.99 | $3.99 |
| renew | $13.99 | $15.99 | $14.99 | $19.98 | $49.99 | $19.99 | $29.99 |
| . That | .co.uk | . space | . us | .tech | .co | .xyz |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $47.99 | $13.98 (2 years) | $2.99 | $8.99 | $4.99 | $27.99 | $2.99 |
| $60.99 | $21.98 (2 years) | $19.99 | $12.99 | $44.99 | $29.99 | $14.99 |
| free | free | free | free | free | free | free |
.com – $9.99 for the first year, $13.99 annually for renewals
Each domain name has the following characteristics:
- Transport Lock Security – TLS
- Free SSL Certificate
- Email and URL Forwarding
- Complete DNS Control
- 24/7/365 customer support
- Extensive Knowledge Base Resources
NameCheap.com
NameCheap is a heavyweight in the domain name industry. The company has a pretty solid reputation and offers a ton of different domain extensions. Premium domains are available, but there’s no shortage of cheaper generic TLDs.
NameCheap also offers a free privacy feature called WHOIS Guard. Other Site Services are also available. These include WordPress hosting, SSL certificates, and more. You also get a free integrated email account with every domain name.
Namecheap also offers a wide range of payment options including Apple Pay, PayPal, credit cards (Visa, AMEX, and Mastercard), and the ability to pay for your domain name with Bitcoin.
Namecheap.com – Domain Name Pricing Table
| TLD | . and | . net | .org | . Place | . shop | . I | . online |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| to register | $8.98 | $9.98 | $8.98 | $2.19 | $1.79 | $4.98 | $2.88 |
| renew | $13.98 | $14.98 | $14.98 | $19.98 | $27.98 | $18.98 | $24.98 |
| privacy | free | free | free | free | free | free | free |
| TLD | . That | .co.uk | . space | . us | .tech | .co | .xyz |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| to register | $36.98 | $6.98 | $1.88 | $2.48 | $8.88 | $4.48 | $2 |
| renew | $40.98 | $9.48 | $16.98 | $10.48 | $34.98 | $25.98 | $12.98 |
| privacy | free | free | free | free | free | free | free |
Namecheap.com – cheap domain name pricing.com
– first year $8.98, renews $13.98 per year.net
– first year $9.98, renews $14.98 per
year.co.uk – first year $6.98, renews $9.48
.xyz – $2 first year $12.98
Bluehost.com
As one of the largest hosting providers, it’s only natural that Bluehost offers domain registration services. There are many cheap domain name options available here.
One thing we like about Bluehost is that if you buy their hosting plan, they give you a free domain name for the first year. With the low cost of its shared hosting packages, you can get your website up and running without breaking the bank.
It’s an easy solution for bloggers and small business owners, with an all-in-one package where you get an inexpensive domain (for free) along with web hosting and a free email account.
Bluehost.com – Domain Pricing Table
| TLD | . and | . net | .org | . Place | . shop | . I | . online |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| to register | $12.99 | $14.99 | $9.99 | $2.99 | $12.99 | $17.99 | $4.99 |
| renew | $18.99 | $18.99 | $17.99 | $12.99 | $34.99 | $17.99 | $12.99 |
| privacy | $15 | $15 | $15 | $15 | $15 | $15 | $15 |
| TLD | . That | .co.uk | . space | . us | .tech | .co | .xyz |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| to register | $11.99 | $27.99 | $1.99 | $5.99 | $4.99 | $14.99 | $14.99 |
| renew | $60.99 | $29.99 | $12.99 | $15.99 | $19.99 | $24.99 | $19.99 |
| privacy | $15 | $15 | $15 | $15 | $15 | $15 | $15 |
All domain registrations with Bluehost come with the following standard features:
- Easy-to-use domain management dashboard
- Domain Lock (protects your domain from thieves)
- Free SSL certificate (not available with all registrars)
- auto-renew
- Complete DNS Control
- 24/7 Expert Support
- Self-Service Knowledge Base
HostGator.com
HostGator offers flexible hosting plans to suit anyone’s needs. New members can take advantage of introductory pricing and get a free domain name for the first year.
Even if you go to HostGator alone for domain registration, you can save a lot of money with their cheaper options. The company can also transfer domain names, automatically renew your domain names, and offers privacy protection.
Hostgator.com – Domain Name Pricing Table
| TLD | . and | . net | .org | . Place | . shop | . I | . online |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| to register | $12.95 | $12.95 | $12.95 | $0.95 | $12.99 | $15.00 | $1.95 |
| renew | $18.99 | $18.99 | $18.99 | $15.00 | $34.99 | $19.95 | $15.00 |
| privacy | $14.95 | $14.95 | $14.95 | $14.95 | $14.95 | $14.95 | $14.95 |
| TLD | .club _ | .website _ | . space | . host | .tech | .co | .we _ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| to register | $9.95 | $0.95 | $0.95 | $6.95 | $3.95 | $12.95 | $12.95 |
| renew | $15.00 | $15.00 | $15.00 | $45.00 | $30.00 | $35.00 | $18.99 |
| privacy | $14.95 | $14.95 | $14.95 | $14.95 | $14.95 | $14.95 | $14.95 |
GoDaddy.com
GoDaddy is perhaps one of the most popular registrars in the industry. The company currently manages more than 78 million domains. While they do try to aggressively upsell you on add-on services, the base domain is pretty cheap.
Plus, they’re discounted for your first year. You can set up domain renewals and perform domain transfers.
One thing to keep in mind is the renewal price. Godaddy has high renewal prices, especially for domain extensions like .io, .store, and .shop.
GoDaddy.com – Domain Name Pricing Table
| TLD | . and | . net | .org | .design _ | . shop | .shop _ | . online |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| to register | $11.99 | $14.99 | $12.95 | $9.99 | $9.99 | $2.99 | $0.99 |
| renew | $17.99 | $19.99 | $18.99 | $20.99 | $69.99 | $79.99 | $49.99 |
| privacy | free | free | free | free | free | free | free |
| TLD | .this _ | .co.uk _ | of _ | .ru _ | . it | .co | . XYZ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| to register | $53.99 | $0.99 | $9.99 | $14.99 | $12.99 | $11.99 | $0.99 |
| renew | $59.99 | $11.99 | $9.99 | $14.99 | $14.99 | $34.99 | $14.99 |
| privacy | free | free | free | free | free | free | free |
Hover.com
With hundreds of domains available, you’ll have no problem finding an affordable option at Hover. The registration site is designed to enhance the user experience. You can easily search for individual and bulk domain name pricing. The company doesn’t offer as many extra features as its competitors. However, if you’re just looking for cheap domain names, Hover is a great registrar.
There are hardly any upsells during the checkout process, which is refreshing. They also accept a variety of payment methods including credit cards, PayPal, AMEX, and Apple Pay.
Hover.com – Domain Pricing Table
| TLD | . and | . net | .org | . us | . shop | . I | . online |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| to register | $13.99 | $15.49 | $13.99 | $14.99 | $12.99 | $9.99 | $4.99 |
| renew | $15.99 | $17.49 | $15.99 | $14.99 | $34.99 | $19.99 | $34.99 |
| privacy | free | free | free | free | free | free | free |
| TLD | .co.uk _ | .that _ | .Information _ | . That | .tech | .co | . XYZ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| to register | $10.99 | $15.99 | $4.99 | $34.99 | $4.99 | $25.99 | $11.99 |
| renew | $10.99 | $15.99 | $17.99 | $49.99 | $49.99 | $25.99 | $14.99 |
| privacy | free | free | free | free | free | free | free |
name silo
I have used NameSilo for many years and always rate their service and prices. They are one of the true experts in the domain name registration market as they mainly focus on domain names.
In addition to cheap domain extensions, they also offer other services such as web hosting, SSL certificates, and Google Workspace email.
Their domain names start at $0.99, which is pretty cheap, making them one of the cheapest domain registrars on the market.
The control panel is a bit outdated, but it’s simple to use. It looks a bit like 2005, but Domain Services is more than just a pretty user interface.
NameSilo has a no-nonsense pricing structure, with useful features added to each package. These useful add-ons include full access to DNS management, free WHOIS privacy, free email forwarding service, domain protection, and domain parking.
NameSilo – Domain Name Pricing Table
| TLD | . and | . net | .org | . us | .club _ | . I | . online |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| to register | $9.95 | $11.79 | $10.79 | $2.99 | $3.59 | $7.49 | $2.99 |
| renew | $9.95 | $11.79 | $10.79 | $7.99 | $11.99 | $16.99 | $26.99 |
| privacy | free | free | free | free | free | free | free |
| TLD | .UK _ | .that _ | .Information _ | .life _ | .location _ | .co | . xyz |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| to register | $6.49 | $15.99 | $3.79 | $2.99 | $2.99 | $9.99 | $2.39 |
| renew | $6.49 | $15.99 | $17.49 | $23.99 | $23.99 | $22.69 | $9.95 |
| privacy | free | free | free | free | free | free | free |
Domain FAQ
What is a domain name?
Simply put, a domain is the identifiable name you use to access a site. Behind the scenes, the internet works on a series of numbers. Every computer, mobile device and website has a unique IP address . An IP address, also known as an Internet Protocol address, is the address a device uses to access web servers and download data for display on the screen.
IP addresses are long and hard to remember. Therefore, domains were developed to make things easier for the average Internet user. Domain names are registered to IP addresses. Every time a visitor types your domain into a browser’s address bar, the computer quickly scans Domain Name System servers, which is like a giant Internet phone book. The server tells the computer the IP address the domain is attached to and takes the browser to that digital space.
All of this happens within seconds.
While it sounds complicated, the process is relatively simple. At the end of the day, domain names make the internet more accessible. Instead of memorizing a bunch of random numbers, you can use a memorable domain name to access your favorite websites.
A good domain name can benefit every aspect of your website marketing. Search engine optimization, email marketing, and the rest of your online presence may depend on the branding of your website.
What about domain extensions?
Domain suffixes are the letters after the domain name in the URL. They are also called top-level domains or TLDs. Some examples include “.com” or “.gov”. Domain extensions have many different uses. They are mainly used to identify the mission or geographic location of the site. For example, “.com” is used for commercial websites, while “.gov” is used for government-related websites.
Extensions are coordinated and overseen by the International Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, commonly known as ICANN. This organization is responsible for proposing new top-level domains.
While everyone is familiar with the “.org” and “.net” domain extensions, there are actually over 1,000 to choose from. ICANN’s new gTLD program adds a host of unique extensions to help your website stand out.
Extensions are an important part of your domain because that’s what you’re paying for. You can register almost any domain name you want, as long as it doesn’t infringe someone else’s rights or is already taken.
However, the domain extensions you can use are limited. In most cases, the popularity of the extension determines the registration and renewal fees.
I already have a website. Which domain registrar is best for me?
If you already have a website and just want to point a new custom domain to your hosting, then Namecheap or Namesilo are your best options.
Not only are they one of the cheapest domain registrars around, but they have low renewal fees, free WHOIS protection, and advanced security features.
I don’t have a website or domain name. Which domain registrar is best for me?
If you are planning to build your website from scratch, I recommend buying a domain name and hosting from Bluehost. By doing this, you can make the process easier and more cost-effective for yourself.
Plus, you get high-quality hosting from one of the most trusted domain registrars on the web.
With Bluehost, you get:
- Free domain name for the first year
- Free SSL certificate included
- One-click WordPress installation
- 24/7 support
Is the domain name the same as the host?
New website owners often confuse domains with hosting. While they both play an important role in getting your website viewed by the masses, they are two completely different things and each has different costs. A domain name is used to direct visitors to your website.
Hosting is where your website is actually stored. Visitors go through the domain to access the hosting server, where all of your website’s content and data reside.
Many web hosting providers also offer registrar services, which is often a source of confusion. However, you don’t have to register your domain with a hosting provider.
There are several companies and services you can use. Registering a domain with a hosting provider does offer some benefits, though. For one thing, you’re only billed by one company.
This can help you stay organized and keep track of expenses more easily. Second, if you are a new member, many providers will give you a free domain name for your first year.
What is a Domain Name Registrar?
The registrar is the company that handles all the assigned duties for your new domain. They will register your domain name and assign it to your website’s IP address.
Registration and renewal fees cover these services. These companies must be accredited by ICANN to officially become registrars.
It’s important to remember that when you buy a domain name, you are paying for the registration service. Once you pay these fees, the domain name is yours. The registrar does not own the domain or domain extensions.
If you are not satisfied with the service you receive, you can transfer your domain to another company at any time. As long as you keep up with renewal costs, you don’t have to choose a new domain name when you change companies. The domain you choose is yours for as long as you want.
How much do domains typically cost?
The price of a domain name is influenced by many different factors. The biggest is the popularity and overall availability of domain extensions. For an inexpensive domain name, you’ll pay around $10.00 per year.
Prices can be as low as $0.99 for your first year. Many registrars and hosting companies offer attractive referral fees to attract new clients.
After the first year, you must renew your domain every year to keep it active. At this point, you’ll be paying the regular price, with cheap domain names typically running between $10.00 and $20.00.
Some registrars also allow you to register domain names for years at once, which is a great option if you don’t want to worry about forgetting to pay for renewals.
These prices now reflect the average cost of cheap domain names. If you want to invest in a popular domain name, you may need to spend a fortune.
Popular extensions can cost hundreds of dollars per year. If you want to buy an existing domain name, the price will be higher. Some .com domains have sold for millions of dollars. Domain names are a hot commodity in our digital world, so some of the best and most recognizable domain names come at a hefty price tag.
What does the domain name price include?
The price you pay for your domain should include all the basic services a registrar has to offer. This includes registering your new domain and assigning it an IP address.
Registration and renewal prices shall also include ICANN fees. ICANN charges a very low annual fee for each domain on the network. There is also a fee for transfers. Currently, ICANN fees are only $0.18.
Some registrars also offer additional services. The most popular is Domain Privacy, which helps keep some of your personal information private in the WHOIS database.
This is at an additional cost. You may also encounter hidden fees. Just be sure to read the fine print to make sure your chosen registrar doesn’t charge unnecessary fees.
How to choose a good domain name
Your domain is very important when it comes to your website’s brand identity and internet presence. This is the first thing a visitor encounters when they visit your website. Before you buy a domain name service, take the time to come up with a great idea that you can stick with. Here are some tips to help you choose the best domain name when setting up a website or starting a blog.
represent your site
The domain name should always represent the site. It should give visitors a clear idea of what to expect before they click. The most popular way to choose a domain name is to use your personal or business name. You can also include your location, market niche, or any other identifier.
make it easy to remember
Domain names are meant to be memorable. Avoid hyphens or random numbers. The fewer characters, the better. You don’t want to confuse your visitors or send them accidentally to a site that doesn’t belong to you. Try saying your domain name out loud. If it’s easy to pronounce, it’s easier to remember.
Make sure it’s legal and available
Before trying to buy a domain, you need to make sure it’s available. Do a quick Google search and check out the WHOIS database. This database includes every registered domain. If you find that the name you want is already taken, you can also use the database to look up some contact details for the owner.
Another thing to consider is the legality of the name. After paying for a domain name, the last thing you want to do is deal with lawsuits. Make sure the name does not contain any trademarks.
Use a domain name generator
If all else fails, you can use a domain name generator. The advanced generator can help you come up with an awesome domain name in minutes. They use basic information about your website to create relevant and memorable options.
Consider domain hacking
Domain hacking is a fun way to make your domain name stand out. It involves using domains and extensions to create memorable words or phrases. Some examples include “Burri. to” or “fun. zone”. Just use your imagination and get creative. Hacked domain names are easy to remember and can be used for marketing.
What to Look for in a domain registrar
When looking for the right domain name service, there’s a lot to look for besides low prices. Not all registrars work the same. To save you from some troubles in the future, keep the following factors in mind.
Proper certification and a good reputation
We mentioned earlier that registrars need to be accredited by ICANN. It is important to look for this certification. There are a lot of unscrupulous entities pretending to be reputable registrars and trying to take your money. To receive ICANN’s seal of approval, a company must meet a number of requirements. This helps keep the industry regulated and honest.
For your convenience, ICANN maintains a list of accredited registrars. It can be used to quickly determine which companies to work with. However, when it comes to reputation, you need to do more research yourself. Best to check with the Better Business Bureau to see how long the business has been in business. A good service record is always a good sign.
good customer support
The domain registrar you choose should have a good support team that you can contact in case of problems. Browse their website to see if there is a knowledge database or FAQ section. Also, check out the available contact options. Having a live chat feature, phone number and ticketing system will make it easier to get help when you need it.
optional features
Finally, look for other features you want to invest in. Private domain features like NameCheap’s WHOIS Guard are great for keeping your contact information private. They do cost extra, but they also keep your email inbox free of junk and prevent random strangers from contacting you.
Domain Registration Scams and Pitfalls
Unfortunately, during your search for the lowest price on a domain name, you will come across companies who care more about money than providing great service. There are several scams and pitfalls that novice website owners encounter. These issues can end up costing you more money in the long run, so you need to be careful. As if that wasn’t enough, some of these traps are perfectly legal thanks to the fine print.
Some of the most common questions come from the WHOIS database. Some companies will charge you to change your personal information in their database after the registration process is complete. Even if the error is through no fault of your own, you must pay the additional fee.
Some registrars also do shady things if you buy a private domain name. Instead of registering your private information, they attach a domain name to the business. So if you try to transfer your domain to another service or have any legal issues involved, the paperwork will say they own your domain.
Registrar locks can also cause problems. Locks were developed to reduce the risk of domain slamming, a fraudulent attempt to get you to accidentally transfer your domain name to a more expensive registrar. Unfortunately, that lock can also prevent you from legally transferring your domain to another registrar without paying a hefty fee.
Usually, the registrar has your best interests in mind. However, it only takes one bad egg to ruin the whole experience. To avoid these pitfalls, be sure to read the fine print of your contract. If there are any problems, please refer to another company.
in conclusion
You don’t have to break the bank to create a website. Whether you have an online business or a personal blog, cheap domain names can help you save on operating costs while getting a name that stands out.
Many registrars offer deep discounts, introductory offers, or a free domain name to help you get started. Remember, your domain name is just one of the costs you have to pay to run your website.
By getting cheap on domains, you can spend your money on better hosting or development services.
