Cheapest Domain Registrars for Affordable Domain Names
When people hear the word “cheap,” they often associate it with low quality. But that’s not always the case—especially with domain names. In fact, it’s possible to get a reliable, professional domain at a budget-friendly price. You just need to know where to look and what to watch out for.
In this article, we’ll introduce you to some of the best affordable domain registrars, and share a few essential tips to help you avoid common mistakes that could cost you in the long run.
How domains are priced
Domains are priced based on a variety of criteria such as the domain extension you choose, the length of registration, and add-ons from the registrar you choose.
You also have to take into consideration whether your desired domain name is considered a premium domain. Premium domains meet multiple valuable criteria, such as being short, memorable, or keyword-rich, so they often come with higher initial purchase prices.
Let’s explore some of the the costs of buying a domain:
Top-level (TLD) or domain extension
Top-level domain (TLD) play a crucial role in pricing. Domain prices vary according to the extension and are influenced by numerous factors like its expected use case, audience, and the registry regulating their prices.
The .com extension is usually in the mid-range prices along with .net and .org; their prices are more stable as they are known and widely used thus, they are heavily regulated. In contrast, novel TLDs like .cafe and .company have a wider range of pricing that can be very cheap or very expensive as they are more niched and not often used.
Domain length
Domains that are short and memorable are considered to be valuable and expensive. A one-word or two-word domain may cost significantly more than longer, more complex domains.
Length of registration
Depending on the registrar, domain names can be purchased for up to five to ten years. Longer registrations lower the annual cost compared to one-year registrations. And since most registrars offer discounted prices upon registration, it’s more cost-effective to register the domain for as many years as possible.
Registrars
Different domain registrars may offer varying prices for the same domain. Pricing may depend on factors like promotions, add-on services (such as domain expiration protection), or the registrar’s reputation.
Where to find cheap domain names
Buying cheap domains starts with choosing a good domain registrar. Domain registrars let you own the domain through registration, and some allow you to build and host your site on their servers. While you can purchase a domain through auctions or brokers, the domains usually available via these means are very expensive.
To help you find the best deals, we’ve rounded up some of the top registrars that sell cheap domain names, including popular extensions like .com, .net, and .org.
When deciding on a registrar, be sure to pay attention to the first-year price (the initial discount many registrars offer) and the renewal price (the cost you’ll pay annually after your first year). Most of the domain providers offer attractive first-year rates, but these rates often increase when it’s time to renew your domain.
Note: Prices are accurate as of our publication date, but these can change over time. Be sure to confirm final prices with your chosen registrar.
The Most Affordable Domain Registrars
Domain.com
When it comes to finding an affordable domain registrar, Domain.com is a solid option worth considering. With over 300 domain extensions available, Domain.com gives you plenty of choices, whether you’re after a classic .com or something more niche like .tech, .co, .io, or .store.
Their .com domains are priced at only $11.99 for the first year, while .net domains are priced at $14.99. Some domain extensions, like .site and .store, can be registered for as low as $1.99 in the first year. Plus, Domain.com offers a free .online domain that matches every ordered .com, .org, .net, .info, .biz, or .us domain name.
On top of that, they offer valuable features like SSL certificates, Domain Privacy + Protection, and Domain Expiration Protection at reasonable rates.
If you choose to host your website with them, you can get a free domain for the first year, which adds even more value if you’re starting a new site or looking for an affordable way to bundle hosting and domain registration.
| Domain extension | First year price | Annual renewal price |
| .com | $11.99 | $23.99 |
| .net | $14.99 | $22.99 |
| .org | $14.99 | $22.99 |
Features:
- Low-cost introductory rates
- Wide range of domain extensions available
- Easy DNS management
- Variety of other products and services, such as web hosting and a website builder
- 24/7 chat support
Bluehost
Bluehost is primarily recognized as a web hosting provider, but it also offers domain registration services at competitive prices. A .com domain is priced at $12.99 for the first year, while other extensions like .store and .online can be registered for as low as $2.99 in the first year.
Known for its comprehensive hosting packages, Bluehost often includes a free domain for the first year when you purchase hosting. This makes it a popular choice for new website owners looking for both a domain and reliable hosting under one roof.
| Domain extension | First year price | Annual renewal price |
| .com | $12.99 | $23.99 |
| .net | $18.99 | $19.99 |
| .org | $14.99 | $18.99 |
Features:
- Easy DNS management
- Domain lock that prevents unauthorized transfers
- Free domain for the first year with a hosting plan purchase
- WordPress hosting has pre-installed WordPress site
- 24/7 phone and chat support
Namecheap
Namecheap is another option for those looking for an affordable domain registrar. They offer competitive introductory pricing, starting at $11.28 for the first year for a top-level domain like .com, and provide a good selection of unique domain extensions to choose from. Along with domain registration, they offer hosting and SSL certificates at reasonable rates.
| Domain extension | First year price | Annual renewal price |
| .com | $11.28 | $16.98 |
| .net | $12.98 | $16.98 |
| .org | $7.48 | $14.98 |
Features:
- Free Whois Privacy
- Free domain for the first year with a hosting plan purchase
- 24/7 email support
GoDaddy
GoDaddy is another option for affordable domain registration, with popular TLDs like .com available starting at just $0.19 for the first year with a 3-year purchase. They also offer niche domains like .tech ($78.99) and .io ($76.99), though these tend to be on the pricier side.
Aside from domains, GoDaddy offers a suite of services, including hosting, email, and website-building tools.
| Domain extension | First year price | Annual renewal price |
| .com | $14.66 (3-year term) | $21.99 |
| .net | $16.66 (3-year term) | $24.99 |
| .org | $9.99 | $22.99 |
Features:
- Wide range of domain extensions available
- Easy DNS management
- 24/7 phone and chat support
Ionos
Ionos, formerly known as 1&1 Ionos, offers affordable domain registration with a wide variety of domain extensions to choose from. Their .com domains start at $1 for the first year.
Ionos is also known for flexible pricing and frequent discounts, particularly for new customers. Beyond domains, they offer a range of useful tools for small businesses, including hosting, email, and website creation services.
| Domain extension | First year price | Annual renewal price |
| .com | $1.00 | $17.00 |
| .net | $1.00 | $20.00 |
| .org | $1.00 | $20.00 |
Features:
- Free SSL wildcard
- Free one email account with 2GB storage
- Free Domain Privacy
4 common mistakes to avoid when choosing a domain registrar
While there are providers that sell low-cost domain that have great value, it still pays to be careful when choosing the right domain registrar.
Before you hit checkout, be sure to review your cart carefully. Pay attention to the renewal price, as well as any extra add-ons that might sneak in, because they can add up over time. Also, be sure to check if your subscription is on auto-renewal. Most providers auto-renew the domain registration for convenience, but some give you the option to turn it off.
Not recognizing the following pitfalls may just end up costing you more than what you saved buying a cheap domain and hosting:
Ignoring the registrar’s reputation
Sure, there are other registrars that may offer cheaper domains than we listed above, however, a lot of them may not be recognized by organizations regulating domains and registrars.
Only choose a registrar that’s accredited and well-regulated by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). Reputable registrars offer better security, support, and reliability compared to unaccredited and unestablished ones who may lack customer support or could even disappear, leaving your domain in limbo. The list of accredited registrars is found on ICANN’s web page.
Choosing a domain with a bad reputation
Before buying your chosen domain name, check if it has a good reputation. Domains with bad reputations will have their websites blocked or have all their emails considered spam, so they mostly end up in the recipient’s Spam or Junk folders.
Missing the fine print on renewal costs
If you have browsed a hosting provider’s webpage, the first thing you’ll most likely notice is the cheap first-year prices of the popular TLDs. Make sure to look closer at the renewal prices, as they’re mostly way higher than the introductory price. Knowing this beforehand allows you to make more informed decisions and better choices.
Apart from this, although first year prices are usually discounted, it’s still better to examine them thoroughly. There are domains that are only cheap if paired with a hosting plan, otherwise they are more expensive than their competitors. If you already have a hosting plan from another service provider, then buying another one just for the discount may not be worth it.
Skipping WHOIS Privacy Protection
While most providers may not offer it for free, purchasing the Domain Privacy Protection alongside the domain is valuable in the long run. Without privacy protection, your personal information can be publicly accessible leading to spam and other fraudulent activities.
Not checking for trademark issues
While you’re too focused on checking the domain’s price, you may have overlooked its association with established brands. Trademark domains are legally protected for their association with distinct and highly recognized brand names. Buying a trademarked domain name can lead to legal issues and confusion with other brands. A cheap domain isn’t worth it if you have to deal with rebranding or legal fees down the line. You can check your domain name with lookups such as USPTO to see if they’re already trademarked.
Find the right balance between price and quality
Finding the right domain name for your brand on a limited budget is achievable. As technology has advanced, the quality of domain services and the features that come with it have improved while remaining affordable. You just need to find the right registrar that will give you the right resources according to your needs.
However, while budget-friendly options exist, not all cheap domains provide the best long-term value. Striking the right balance between affordability and quality is essential.
Domain.com has the essential services a startup or a beginner needs to build their first website—all at competitive prices. Plus, with a hosting purchase, you can get a free domain for the first year, making it an even more cost-effective choice.
