Best Domain Registrars — every ranking, by use case and budget
Every registrar here was used with our own card: register a .com, set DNS, turn on privacy, renew, transfer out. Prices show the first year and the renewal. Scores are locked before any affiliate link is added.
By use case indexed
By price page 1 indexedpage 2+ noindex
In-depth domain registrars reviews
Porkbun
The cheapest full-service registrar we tested: free privacy, free SSL, free email forwarding and a renewal price that matches the first year
Read Porkbun ReviewCloudflare Registrar
Domains at wholesale cost with no markup, ever — if you are happy to use Cloudflare DNS
Read Cloudflare Registrar ReviewNamecheap
The mainstream registrar that got privacy right: free forever, a good DNS panel, and 24/7 chat that answered in two minutes
Read Namecheap ReviewSquarespace Domains
The former Google Domains: one flat price, privacy and DNSSEC on by default, and no upsells — but $20 for a .com
Read Squarespace Domains ReviewName.com
A solid mid-price registrar with free privacy, a good API and reliable support; renewals are higher than the leaders
Read Name.com ReviewGoDaddy
The largest registrar with 24/7 phone support in every language you can name, and the most expensive .com renewal here
Read GoDaddy ReviewDomain.com
A cheap first year that becomes one of the more expensive registrars once privacy and renewal are added
Read Domain.com ReviewNetwork Solutions
The original .com registrar, still trading on the name: the highest prices we recorded and privacy as a paid extra
Read Network Solutions ReviewGuides that send readers to these rankings
How to Transfer a Domain to a Cheaper Registrar
The unlock-code-and-wait process, what it costs, and the 60-day rules that trip people up.
How to Buy a Domain Name Without Overpaying
Six steps, from checking the renewal price to turning on the three settings that stop your domain being stolen.