The Cheapest Place to Buy Domain Names in 2023

Are you looking for the cheapest place to buy domain names this year?

We’ve analyzed the prices of over 40 of the best domain registrars and resellers. We dug deep and gathered data for their first-year costs, renewal costs, transfer costs, and discounted costs too.

Not only have we looked at prices for the .com domain extension, but we’ve also analyzed their prices for over 1,780 other top-level domain (TLD) extensions too!

These include new TLD (nTLD) extensions, general TLD (gTLD) extensions, and country-code (ccTLD) extensions.

In short, this guide has you covered for all your cheap domain registration needs. 

What is a Domain Registrar?

A domain registrar leases the domain from the registries that own specific extensions. They also are licensed to sell these domains to people.

When looking to buy a cheap domain, it’s important to know the differences between a domain name registrar, a registry, and a reseller.

• Domain Registry

  – Domain registrars own all the domains of a particular extension. For instance, Verisign owns the .com and .net extensions.

• Domain Resellers

  – Unlicensed vendors who also sell domains. They must go through an approved registrar and often bundle domains with

  web hosting services

  .

Domain registrars have the option to sell domains for the lowest cost, given that resellers usually add additional markup. In saying this, they don’t always offer the best deals.

But, since most resellers tend to be web hosting companies, you can find some pretty sweet hosting and google domains from these guys!

It’s quite common for resellers to use a loss leader pricing strategy where they lose money in the initial year of domain registration. However, they often include conditions and upsell offers that ensure they’ll recover their costs down the track.

A common example comes from web hosting companies that offer a discounted (or even free google domain) in the first year but only when you sign up for a hosting package too.

What We Consider to Be Cheap Domain Registration

It’s all well and good to find a web hosting company that offers you the best deal ever on your first-year costs of a domain name. Heck, many web hosting services even offer a free domain name!

But we always like to consider if there’s a catch.

For instance, the cheapest offers from domain registrars often come with strings attached. Whether that’s a locked-in renewal period, more expensive renewals, and/or the condition that you buy other services as well.

You have to look beyond the initial prices advertised to know if you’re getting a good long-term deal.

That’s why we considered the best deals for first-year registration and the best domain registrars to stick with over the long run. 

Cheapest Domain Name Extensions

The other thing to consider when it comes to cheap domains is the TLD extension. This relates to the end of your domain name, with the most popular domain extensions being:

Domain Extension% Usage .com53.7% .ru5.2% .org4.4% .net3.2%

So let’s take a quick look at which extensions are worth looking at if budget is your biggest concern. Not all top-level domains come equal. For instance, some TLDs are completely free, whereas others can cost up to $30,000 per year!

Free Domains

You can usually score a free domain name when purchasing web hosting as well. In saying this, the domain will only be free for the first year and will typically renew at a fairly high rate.

When you do the math, this doesn’t add up to a good deal in the long term.

So the only top-level domains we truly consider to be free are those that don’t have any renewal costs. These include:

• .tk
• .ml
• .ga
• .cf
• .gq

Of these, the most popular extension is .tk, with over 27.5 million websites using it. 

However, despite these domains being available for free, we wouldn’t recommend using them to build a business. They’re awesome for side projects or anything you don’t really intend on promoting.

The Hidden Costs of .tk and Other Free Domains

Not only are .tk and other no-cost domains attractive to spammers, but there are also some critical restrictions in place. For instance, a .tk domain presents the following restrictions:

• No Legal Ownership

  – The domain registry retains ownership of a free .tk domain.

• Renewal Restrictions

  – Failure to renew will mean instant cancellation of your domain.

• No Transfers

  – You cannot transfer a free .tk domain.

• Usage Requirement

  – You must generate at least 25 unique visitors within the first 90 days of registration otherwise the domain is canceled.

As you can see, these conditions are quite restrictive and unfavorable for business owners and affiliate marketers alike. 

Add to it the fact that many websites refuse to link out to .tk domains (among other free extensions), and you’ll run into additional problems trying to promote your website. 

Cheapest Top-Level Domains

Let’s look at the cheapest TLD extensions. Across the 40 companies we assessed, here are the cheapest domain extensions on average:

TLD ExtensionAve. Registration CostPopularity .ovh$3.12<0.1% .sbs$4.19<0.1% .monster$5.90<0.1% .icu$6.56<0.1% .xyz$6.700.3% .link$8.59<0.1% .uk$8.671.6% .click$8.91<0.1% .art$9.86<0.1% .au$9.991.8% .moscow$10.10<0.1% .co.in$10.22<0.1%

If we factor in renewal costs, these are the cheapest domain extensions for long-term usage:

TLD ExtensionRegistration Avg (1st Year)Renewal Avg Per Year2-year costs3-year costs5-year costs0-year costs .ovh$3.12$3.67$6.78$10.45$17.78$36.10 .sbs$4.19$9.39$13.58$22.97$41.75$88.70 .icu$6.56$9.33$15.88$25.21$43.86$90.49 .monster$5.90$13.06$18.96$32.03$58.16$123.48 .uk$8.67$10.35$19.02$29.37$50.07$101.83 .xyz$6.70$12.99$19.68$32.67$58.64$123.56 .link$8.59$11.40$20.00$31.40$54.20$111.22 .click$8.91$11.21$20.12$31.32$53.74$109.78 .moscow$10.10$10.10$20.19$30.29$50.48$100.95 .co.in$10.22$11.38$21.60$32.98$55.74$112.64 .work$10.28$11.35$21.63$32.98$55.69$112.46 .au$9.99$11.99$21.98$33.97$57.95$117.90 .name$11.62$12.11$23.73$35.85$60.08$120.65 .contact$10.85$12.97$23.83$36.80$62.75$127.61 .one$11.84$12.02$23.86$35.87$59.90$119.98 .us$10.45$13.51$23.96$37.48$64.50$132.07

A quick word about premium domains is needed here. Premium domain names are brandable and considered more popular; hence they carry a pretty big price tag regardless of the domain registrar.

The data we’re presenting here are averages that exclude premium domains. A quick word about premium domains is needed here. Premium domain names are brandable and considered more popular; hence they carry a pretty big price with all domain registrars.

Cheapest Places to Buy .com, .org and .net Domain Names

Being among the world’s most popular TLD extensions, .com, .org and .net are often more expensive than the TLDs in the above list. 

However, you can score some awesome deals on these if you know where to look!

Cheapest .com Domain Registration and Renewal Costs

*Green = below average, red = above average

If we consider the lowest cost over two years, Ionos and Cloudflare are in the lead for .com domains. 

Cheapest .net Domain Registration and Renewal Costs

*Green = below average, red = above average

If you’re after a .net domain, Freenom and Dynadot are good places to start.

Cheapest .org Domain Registration and Renewal Costs

*Green = below average, red = above average

For .org domains, Dynadot, Name.com, and Freenom come out on top. 

Ionos is also a worthy contender when considering the costs over the first two years. However, with their renewal rate higher than the average, there are more economical options for the long term.

Cheapest Places to Buy a Domain Name

If price is your only concern, the above lists give you an idea of the best domain extensions to go for. Now let’s look at the best low cost domain name registration services across the board.

1. Freenom

Are you interested in those somewhat sketchy but zero-cost domain name extensions? Freenom is the best place to look if so!

You can access Freenom’s complete price chart here.

Not only do they offer free TLD extensions, but their cost prices for some of the most popular extensions are lower than average. 

RegistrationRenewal / Year .com$8.38$8.38 .org$9.58$9.58 .net$6.71$6.71 .site$20.53$20.53 .store$40.53$40.53 .me$12.57$12.57 .online$25.53$25.53 .space$6.53$6.53 .tech$35.53$35.53 .biz$13.16$13.16 .xyz$8.53$8.53

*Green = below average, red = above average

Freenom’s Domain Name Features

All domains purchased through Freenom come with:

• Free URL forwarding

• Free email forwarding

• Free DNS service

• Free ID shield

Freenom does not offer free SSL certificates for its domains.

We have also found that the availability of .com, .net, and .org domains is questionable while testing Freenom.

We tested out specific names we know are available on some of the best domain registrars, but they all came up as unavailable on Freenom.

 

2. GoDaddy

Hosting over 84 million domain names and with 15.39% market share on new domains, GoDaddy is the most popular domain name registrar.

As a prime example of loss leader pricing in action, GoDaddy makes available some domain names for as little as $0.05.

Hands down, this is the lowest definitive cost for a reputable domain name that we have tried.

Heck, even .com domains are available for as little as $0.29. As far as initial registration costs go, these are by far the cheapest on the market.

RegistrationRenewal / Year .com$0.30$18.99 .org$9.99$20.99 .net$14.99$19.99 .site$0.99$39.99 .biz$7.99$24.99
.store$1.99$79.99 .me$4.99$21.99 .online$0.99$49.99 .io$34.99$62.99 .space$1.99$29.99 .tech$9.99$69.99 .co$0.30$34.99 .xyz$0.99$15.99

*Green = below average, red = above average

But, to secure these low domain rates, there are often conditions attached which ultimately can make it more expensive in the long run. 

In the above table, note how GoDaddy’s renewal rates are consistently higher than average regardless of the extension.

GoDaddy’s Cheap Domain Name Features

Despite being the most popular web hosting and domain registration company, GoDaddy is known for its tendency to hit customers with hidden costs for standard features. For instance:

• Domain Privacy & Protection:

  Starts at $13.15/domain/year

• Professional Email Address:

  Starts at $3.95/month

• Free SSL Certificate:

  Only available with web hosting services, otherwise from $94.95/year

There’s also a distinct lack of transparency on their website about what features are included with each domain name registration.

When it comes to GoDaddy, we suggest triple-checking your math to make sure your domain is really going to work out cheaper in the long run.

 

3. Namecheap

Another worthy contender for the cheapest domain names is Namecheap. Despite their brand being a pretty clear indication, we were surprised at how cheap Namecheap’s domains were when we decided to test them.

As far as first-year registration costs go, Namecheap offers over 97 different domain extensions for less than $5/year. This firmly places them at the top of our list of the best domain registrars offering cheap domain names. 

But what about renewal costs?

On Namecheap, over 100 TLD extensions renew for less than $15 a year. We also liked that Namecheap offers discounts on their renewal pricing, and their pricing is consistently below average in all our tests. 

You can check out our detailed Namecheap review to learn more.

RegistrationRenewal / Year .com$5.68$13.48 .org$8.88$14.98 .net$10.98$14.98 .site$1.88$19.88 .biz$4.88$16.98 .store$1.79$25.88 .me$5.88$18.98 .online$1.88$21.88 .io$32.98$34.98 .co$2.98$9.48 .space$1.88$14.98 .tech$8.88$34.88 .co.uk$7.98$25.98 .xyz$1$12.98

*Green = below average, red = above average

Namecheap’s Domain Name Features

Namecheap includes free features with every domain purchase and offers reasonable rates for any additional features you may like.

• Free security on all domains

• Free email address trial (but renews at only $0.84/month after the trial)

• Free SSL certificate on all shared hosting plans, otherwise from $10/year

• Good customer support

 

4. NameSilo

NameSilo is another web hosting provider and domain registrar that impressed us with its low rates. In particular, NameSilo offers first-year registrations for less than $5 on over 80 domain extensions.

We also liked that a tiered pricing structure is applied to reward people who buy in bulk. I mean, surely we’re not the only ones who own a bunch of domains?

If you’re anything like us and tend to buy a new domain name for every entrepreneurial idea that crosses your mind, NameSilo will reward you for that with lower fees. 

As far as renewals go, NameSilo offered us second-year renewals for less than $15 on 57 different extensions, and its prices are also consistently below average. 

RegistrationRenewal / Year .com$9.95$9.95 .org$10.79$10.79 .net$11.79$11.79 .site$3.79$23.99 .biz$6.49$14.49 .store$4.99$43.99 .me$7.49$16.99 .online$2.99$26.99 .io$33.99$49.99 .space$3.99$17.99 .tech$8.29$39.99 .co$9.99$22.69
.xyz$0.99$9.95

*Green = below average, red = above average

NameSilo’s Cheap Domain Name Features

• Free WHOIS Privacy

• Free domain parking

• Free email forwarding

• Free domain privacy & security

• Free DNS management

• Bulk discounts

• Free API for developers

Something worth noting is that NameSilo does not provide a free SSL certificate. However, you can get an SSL certificate for as little as $9.59/year.

 

5. Cloudflare

Many people know Cloudflare for its state-of-the-art CDN service. But did you know that Cloudflare is also an ICANN-accredited domain registrar?

Compared to all the other players in the market, Cloudflare offers the most transparent pricing model in our experience. All domain names are available at cost, with no hidden fees or markups. 

This often means that a Cloudflare domain is more expensive in the first year but becomes significantly cheaper in the long term since no markups are added.

RegistrationRenewal / Year .com$8.03
$8.03 .org$10.11$10.11 .net$9.95$9.95 .site$20.18$20.18 .store$40.18$40.18 .info$11.02$11.02 .online$25.18$25.18 .io$45$45 .space$15.18$15.18 .tech$35.18$35.18 .xyz$8.18$8.18

*Green = below average, red = above average

Cloudflare’s Domain Name Features

• Wholesale pricing for all domains

• No hidden fees or markup costs

• No add-on services required

• DNS, CDN, and SSL services

• Advanced security and performance

• Developer-friendly API

 

6. Dynadot

Dynadot is another one of the ICANN-accredited domain registrars and web hosting companies with some great offers on domain names.

Only slightly behind Namecheap, Dynadot offers first-year domain name registrations for under $5 on 75 different TLD extensions. Renewal fees are lower than $15 on 105 extensions.

The best bit is that Dynadot also offers tiered pricing for bulk domain orders. 

RegistrationRenewal / Year .com$7.99$9.99 .org$8.99$10.88 .net$5.99$10.99 .site$1.49$25.99 .biz$5.99$14.99 .store$2.08$49.99 .me$5.88$15.99 .online$1.99$29.99 .io$29.99$31.99 .co.uk$2.49$6.99 .space$1.88$22.99 .tech$8.88$49.99 .co$10.99$22.99 .xyz$0.99$9.99

*Green = below average, red = above average

Dynadot’s Domain Name Features

• Free account lock

• Free two-factor authentication

• Free privacy protection

• Free email protection

• A Grace period that allows you to return a domain name

• Domain API for developers

• Bulk pricing available

 

Things To Look For in a Domain Registrar

Choosing the right domain registrar can be daunting, but with the right information, you can make an informed decision. Here are the essential elements to consider when selecting a domain registrar. 

Cost

When choosing a domain registrar, the cost is an important factor to consider. Different registrars offer various packages and prices depending on the domain extension. So, it’s important to research and find the best budget fit.

Be sure to look at the total cost of the package, including any hidden fees or additional charges. Additionally, compare the prices of different packages to ensure you’re getting the most value for your money.

Ease of Use

A user-friendly interface is crucial when selecting a domain registrar. Look for a registrar that offers features such as an easy-to-navigate dashboard, intuitive navigation menus, and helpful customer support. 

Additionally, consider whether the registrar offers features such as domain name search and suggestions to make selecting a domain name easier. This will ensure that you choose a domain registrar that provides the tools necessary to make the domain registration process smooth.

Privacy

When deciding on a registrar domain, evaluating the amount of secrecy they provide should be an essential factor. Look for a registrar with a secure domain registration platform with two-factor authentication and encryption features to protect your data. 

Additionally, check to see if the registrar has a privacy policy outlining how they will use your personal information. Finally, ensure the registrar complies with data protection laws and regulations.

Associated Services

A domain registrar for your needs should offer associated services in addition to registration. These include web hosting, email hosting, website design, and more. Access to these services from the same provider can be convenient and cost-effective. 

Some registrars offer additional features such as marketing and SEO tools, automated backups, and analytics. It is important to research the services a registrar provides to ensure that they meet your needs and budget. Furthermore, make sure the provider offers reliable customer service and technical support. 

Support

Quality customer support can provide guidance and assistance for any questions or issues. Look for domain registrars that offer 24/7 access to customer service representatives through email, phone, or live chat. 

You can also check if the domain registrar offers a knowledge base or FAQ section that can provide helpful information and troubleshooting tips. So, research their support options to ensure you have access to proper help when needed. 

Gotchas

“Gotchas” are important to consider when choosing a domain registrar. This is important because Gotchas can significantly affect the overall experience. 

“Gotchas” are hidden fees or terms that are not always obvious and can cause unexpected costs or complications. For example, some domain registrars may charge a fee for domain transfers or require a certain amount of time to complete the transfer. 

Additionally, some registrars may have a limit on the number of domains that they can register with them. Others may have restrictions on domain name length. So, researching the terms and conditions of a domain registrar before signing up is important. This will ensure you don’t have any hidden “gotchas,” resulting in unexpected costs or complications in the future.

Final Thoughts on Cheapest Place to Buy Domain Names

When it comes to low-cost domain name registration, it’s quite tricky to name a single domain registrar or reseller as the best option.

With such a variety of domain services available and various deals on the market, it really is a case of honing in on your needs. Then you can find the domain name registrars that offer the cheapest domain name for your needs.

In general, we suggest checking out Namecheap’s deals on new domains and renewals. Dynadot, Cloudflare, and NameSilo are also worthy contenders. 

It’s just a matter of what extension you’re after, how long you intend on keeping the domain, and how many domains you intend on buying in total.

 

Article by

Matt Diggity

Matt is the founder of Diggity Marketing, LeadSpring, The Search Initiative, The Affiliate Lab, and the Chiang Mai SEO Conference. He actually does SEO too.