Domain name registrars are the companies that are in charge of registering and managing the domain names for all of the websites around the world.
And while they are often mistaken for web hosting solutions, domain registrars are slightly different – although many companies offer both services as a package deal.
Choosing the right domain name registrar is extremely important and there are plenty of different ways you can get tricked into choosing the wrong one. Knowing this, we have compiled a list showing you how to choose the best domain name registrars available to you.
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What Are Domain Registrars?
A domain registrar is a company that allows you to purchase and register domain names. For this, all domain name registrars have to be accredited by ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Number) – a non-profit organization in charge of managing domain names.
Domain names make the internet easy for everyone – without them, we would have to enter long IP addresses for every website we want to visit. Domain names solve this by simply giving us an address that we can easily remember, for example, “google.com”.
To make domain names available to everyone, ICANN gives permission for companies to apply for accreditation in order to become a domain registrar. These companies compete with each other for the license to sell a domain name. This gives you the opportunity to buy a domain name that comes with extra perks, tools, and services. More on that later.
What Do Domain Registrars Do?
The records of all domain names are stored in a database, called a registry. A domain name has to be added to that database with all its related information in order to be recognized.
A domain name registrar is given permission by the ICANN to make changes to a domain name information on your behalf. They also provide tools to make those changes using your browser.
Having said that, let’s look at the four main criteria when choosing the best domain registrar for your website.
Choosing The Right Domain Registrar
As you might expect, not all domain registrars have the license to sell all possible domain name extensions. For example, some domain registrars are country-specific and can only sell domain names with a ‘co.uk’ or ‘in’ for example.
In addition, each domain registrar usually offers different services along with the name registration. Some registrars will offer cheap domains as a promotional offer, whereas others will give free add-ons to attract customers.
But, when choosing the best domain name registrar, we tend to look at four criteria.
1. Price and Registration Period
The first thing you will want to check is the domain name prices. Google domains pricing will be considerably higher than a domain name that no one has heard of.
Not only that, but you will also want to check for deals – some domain registrars will offer lower prices for the first year. However, their renewal prices can be different and much higher than the competition.
Most domain names have to be registered for a minimum of 1 year, but some require a minimum of 2 years. The maximum period you can register a domain name is for 10 years.
2. Domain Transfers
You can move domain names from one registrar to another. Usually, that won’t be necessary, but if you really need/want to, then the option will be easily available.
But, keep in mind that you are unable to transfer a domain name within the first 60 days. This is decided by ICANN. After that, you have free reign to engage in as many domain transfers as you wish.
Some registrars will charge you though, so ensure that you review the domain transfer policy before buying a domain name from a registrar.
3. Domain Expiration Policies
As we mentioned earlier, domain names are registered for a specific amount of time. You can renew it before it expires, but if you forget, it expires and anyone can register it.
Therefore if you are a business, it makes sense to have automatic renewals enabled for your domain name. Still, it’s wise to check your domain registrar expiration policy.
4. Add-On Services
Check out what other services your domain registrar offers. Although you might not need them now, it’s good to know that they’re there if you ever do need them.
Examples of add-on services include domain parking, domain privacy, extended expiration protection, and many more. Some domain registrars even sell WordPress hosting services, email hosting, website builders, and more.
What To Be Aware Of When Choosing A Domain Name Registrar
Because of the high competition within the domain registration industry, you will find that companies will give you very attractive offers. While they look good on the surface, there may be some downsides. Here’s what to look out for.
1. Add-On Pricing
Some domain name registrars sneakily pre-check add-on services when you want to purchase a domain name. If you don’t uncheck these add-ons, you will have to pay much much more. If a ‘.com’ domain costs you more than $14.99/year, it may be wise to check that they haven’t included add-ons automatically.
2. Bad User Experience
To keep you as a customer, most domain registrars will make their website incredibly easy to use. But, some do the opposite.
For example, they will make it difficult for you to transfer a domain to a new host, or a new domain registrar so you end up being stuck with them.
The best way to overcome this is to simply check the reviews online, and check them thoroughly. Don’t fall victim to a bad domain registrar.
3. Hidden Fees
As with add-on pricing, look out for hidden costs and fees. Some domain registrars have cheap domain names for first-time registrations, but then they hike up the renewal cost.
All good domain registrars make it easy to transfer domain names, but some will add additional costs. Be mindful of this.
Now that that’s all out of the way, let’s dive into the best domain name registrars out there to buy your domain name from.
Best Domain Name Registrar
Choosing the best domain name registrar possible will save you from future problems. Based on the criteria we discussed, the following are the best domain name registrars available.
Note: Since most of these domain name registrars are equal in terms of domain name registration, naturally the focus on this comparison has been on their add-on services and other extras.
1. Bluehost
Bluehost is one of the largest hosting companies in the world, and they are also an official hosting partner of WordPress.
Included in their web hosting service is also a free domain name registration for a year, an SSL certificate, and hosting for one website. Not to mention, CodeGuard Basic, $200 Marketing credit, and 24/7 customer support if something goes wrong.
Bluehost also boasts an average of 99.99% uptime and an average of 405ms loading time. That is incredibly impressive. So whether you’re building a blog or if you’re a large business owner, Bluehost is a perfect solution.
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2. Domain.com
Domain.com is one of the most popular domain name registrars out there. You have the possibility to register all top-level domain name extensions (TLDs) and also country code top-level domains (CCTLDs).
With Domain.com you get access to all domain management tools that you would expect from a top domain registrar such as whois privacy protection, free whois, private registration, easy transfers, bulk registration, easy DNS management, and many more services. You can also purchase a web builder or web hosting from them if you like.
3. HostGator
HostGator is another company that is popular for providing domain name registrations and website hosting, but also website building.
They have a plethora of extensions such as easy to use DNS management tools and domain privacy. Their domain search tool is also incredibly easy to use and their domain management area is beginner-friendly. Everything is well documented which means if you want to transfer domains, it’s a walk in the park.
In addition to domain name and hosting, they have a new website builder called Gator that utilizes the drag and drop method. And to top it off, they offer free web hosting and a domain name with their website builder plans.
In terms of performance, HostGator performs strongly. Their average loading speed is 369ms and an average of 99.99% uptime, just like Bluehost. However, in comparison to Bluehost, their prices are slightly higher.
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4. DreamHost
DreamHost is another web hosting service and domain name registrar. They offer 400+ TLDs and come with all of the usual domain management tools that you can expect from a large domain registrar.
WordPress collaborates with thousands and thousands of web hosting companies. But, they only recommend three. Along with Bluehost, DreamHost is one of those three.
DreamHost comes with a free SSL certificate, their own WordPress website builder, automated WordPress migrations, 24/7 support, and a 97-day moneyback guarantee. It has a good uptime rate of 99.92%, but it’s loading time is slightly slower than the others with an average of 569ms.
5. GoDaddy
GoDaddy is one of the oldest domain name registrars out there, having been on the market since 1997, and is one of the most popular ones available. They manage over 77 million domain names for more than 18 million customers.
Their services start at a discounted rate compared to the others. The basic plan comes with a free domain if you choose a one-year commitment, and also includes free 30gb storage, one-click backups, and business email for that year.
The downside with GoDaddy is that the basic plan doesn’t include free SSL which adds to the extra cost, and GoDaddy WordPress hosting plans only cover one website, unfortunately. Also, eCommerce is not part of the WordPress plans, instead offering a separate eCommerce hosting plan – which is not cheap.
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6. NameCheap
NameCheap is another top domain name registrar available on the market. It has a powerful search tool for domains which ensure you find the correct domain name, and if your preferred domain name is not available, it makes suggestions.
They also offer the usual add-on services like premium DNS and domain privacy. Their domain management tools are easy to use, however, not as user-friendly as GoDaddy’s.
A key feature of NameCheap is that with all their domain names, they offer free domain privacy.
SiteGround
SiteGround is one of the highest-rated WordPress hosting solutions and thus makes up the last of the three recommended WordPress hosting solutions out there. They have excellent customer support and it’s often regarded as their best quality.
SitGround also provides numerous security-oriented services such as anti-hack systems, unique account isolation, anti-spam solutions, and more.
In terms of performance, SiteGround averages a solid 99.97% uptime rate but its loading time lags behind Bluehost and HostGator, coming in at 629ms. Also, their services come at a higher price, but there are discounts to be had.
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Final Thoughts
That’s the end of our best domain name registrars list. We could have included so many more but these are the best and most secure ones available to you.
If you’re looking for primarily a domain name registrar, you can’t go wrong with Domain.com. At a reasonable price, it also includes all the features you would need.
If you’re in the market to build a website, then Bluehost or HostGator may be your go-to as they offer a free domain name when you sign up for their web hosting solution.
We hope this article was informative in helping you choose the best domain name registrar for you and your needs.
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