So you have this brilliant idea. It’s going to be the next big thing, or maybe just a cool personal blog.
You need a website. And before you get a website you need a name for it an address on the internet.
That’s a domain name. Simple enough, right? Then you go to buy one and suddenly you’re hit with a wall of options.
Dozens of companies all screaming they’re the best the cheapest the easiest. It’s a lot.
Finding the best place to buy a domain name in 2025 feels like a chore. But it doesn’t have to be.
We’re going to break it down, no fluff. Just the real info you need to pick a place, get your name, and move on with your big idea.
What to Actually Look for When You Buy a Domain Name
Before we even name names, you need to know what makes a domain registrar good or bad. It’s not just the price you see on the front page.
Most people get tripped up by that. They see a 99-cent deal and jump on it without thinking.
The biggest thing is renewal pricing. That super cheap first-year price is just a hook to get you in the door.
A year later, that same domain might cost you $20 or more to renew. You have to check the renewal cost, it’s really important.
Then there’s WHOIS privacy. When you register a domain, your personal info like your name and address goes into a public database called WHOIS.
Spammers love this. Free WHOIS privacy, which some registrars offer, hides your info and replaces it with theirs. You want this.
Finally, think about how easy the whole thing is to use. The control panel or dashboard is where you’ll manage your domain settings.
Some of them look like they were designed in 1998. A clean simple interface can save you a lot of headaches down the road.
Top Contenders: Where to Actually Buy Your Domain in 2025
Okay, let’s get to the good stuff. After looking at a bunch of options, a few names keep coming up for being solid choices.
These aren’t the only ones out there, but they’re a great starting point for most people.
We’re talking about places like Namecheap, Porkbun, and now Squarespace Domains, which swallowed up Google Domains.
Each one has its own personality and its own good and bad points. It is your choice that will depend on what you care about most.
Is it the absolute lowest price? Is it the easiest possible setup? Or do you want something a bit more tech-focused?
A Closer Look at the Best Domain Registrars
Let’s get into the details of these places. No company is perfect, so it’s about picking the one whose flaws you can live with.
Namecheap: The All-Around Budget King
Namecheap has been around forever. It is normally considered to be the go-to for people who want a fair price without a lot of nonsense.
They’re not always the absolute rock-bottom cheapest for the first year, but their renewal prices are consistently good. That’s a huge plus.
What’s Good:
They give you WHOIS privacy for free, forever. This is a big deal.
Their prices for both new domains and renewals are very competitive.
The checkout process is pretty straightforward without too many annoying upsells.
What’s Not So Good:
The user dashboard can feel a little cluttered and dated. It works, but it’s not pretty.
Customer support is okay, but sometimes you might have to wait a bit for a helpful answer.
Porkbun: The Fun and Fair Challenger
Porkbun is kind of the cool, modern alternative. Their branding is quirky, with a pig mascot and all that.
But behind the fun exterior is a really solid company. They have some of the best prices in the business, period.
Their whole thing is being transparent and easy to use. A lot of web developers and tech-savvy people really like them.
What’s Good:
Fantastic pricing across the board, for new domains and renewals.
Free WHOIS privacy is included, just like with Namecheap.
Their interface is super clean and modern. It’s just a pleasure to use.
What’s Not So Good:
They’re a smaller company, so their name recognition isn’t as high.
The playful branding might not feel “professional” enough for some business users, which is a silly reason but a real one.
Squarespace Domains (Formerly Google Domains)
This one is in a weird spot. Google Domains was amazing because it was so simple and clean. Then Google sold it to Squarespace in 2023.
Now, it’s becoming Squarespace Domains. The good part is the interface is still super simple. The bad part is it’s now part of the Squarespace world.
If you already use Squarespace for your website builder, this is a no-brainer. It will all work together perfectly.
If you don’t, it might feel a little strange. The pricing is also not the cheapest you’ll find. You’re paying for convenience.
What’s Good:
The user interface is probably the cleanest and simplest out there.
It connects perfectly with Squarespace’s other tools.
Free WHOIS privacy is included.
What’s Not So Good:
Domain prices are generally a few dollars more than at Namecheap or Porkbun.
It feels like they really want you to use their website builder, which you might not want.
Stuff to Watch Out For – The Sneaky Traps
When you’re buying a domain, some companies try to trick you into spending more money. It’s a common thing.
The biggest one is the upsell page. After you pick your domain, they’ll show you a page with a dozen checkboxes for things you probably don’t need.
They’ll try to sell you web hosting, a “professional” email address, website builders, SEO tools, and all sorts of other stuff.
Normally, you can just say no to all of it. You can get hosting and email somewhere else, often for a better price.
Another thing is difficult transfer policies. Make sure the registrar you choose doesn’t make it a huge pain to move your domain away from them if you decide to leave later.
It should be a straightforward process. If they hide the transfer options deep in their settings it’s a bad sign.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the best place to buy a domain name?
For most people, Namecheap is a great all-around choice because of its fair renewal prices and free privacy. Porkbun is another excellent option, often with even better prices and a more modern feel.
2. Can I get a domain name for free?
Kind of. Many web hosting companies will give you a “free” domain for the first year when you buy a hosting plan. You’re still paying for the hosting, and you’ll have to pay to renew the domain after the first year.
3. What’s the difference between a domain registrar and web hosting?
A domain registrar is where you buy and manage your domain name (the address). Web hosting is where you store your website’s files (the house). You need both, but you can buy them from different companies.
4. Is GoDaddy a good place to buy a domain?
GoDaddy is the biggest registrar, but they aren’t always the best choice. They are known for aggressive upselling and having very high renewal prices compared to their low introductory offers. Many people prefer alternatives.
5. Can I move my domain to another company later?
Yes, you should be able to. The process is called a domain transfer. Good registrars make this easy, while some others can make it a bit of a hassle. You typically have to wait 60 days after first registering a domain before you can transfer it.
Key Takeaways
Alright, that was a lot of information. If you’re just skimming, here’s what you really need to know.
Renewal Price is Key: Don’t be fooled by a $1 first-year offer. Always, always check how much it will cost to renew the domain in year two and beyond. This is where companies make their money.
Get Free WHOIS Privacy: There’s no reason to pay for this in 2025. Pick a registrar like Namecheap or Porkbun that includes it for free to protect your personal information.
Simple is Better: You don’t need a million confusing features. A clean, easy-to-use dashboard will make your life much easier when you need to change a setting.
You Can Say No: You don’t need to buy hosting, email, or a website builder from the same place you buy your domain. It’s often better to keep them separate. Just skip the upsells.
Your Best Bets: For a balance of price and reliability, Namecheap is a safe bet. For the best prices and a modern experience, Porkbun is fantastic. For ultimate simplicity (at a slightly higher cost), Squarespace Domains is a decent option.
