Best Domain Registrars Compared (2025)

Quick Answer

Table of Contents

How We Evaluated Registrars

We analyzed domain registrars based on criteria that actually matter to domain owners:

Evaluation Criteria

What We Tested

• Registered .com, .org, and .net domains at each registrar
• Tested DNS propagation speeds
• Evaluated control panel usability
• Contacted customer support with questions
• Reviewed pricing for 1-year, 2-year, and renewal scenarios
• Checked for hidden fees and upsells during checkout

Quick Comparison Table

.COM Domain Pricing (December 2025)

Key Insight: Cloudflare and Dynadot offer the most consistent pricing where registration equals renewal. Namecheap and GoDaddy have significant renewal price increases.

Overall Ratings

Detailed Registrar Reviews

Cloudflare Registrar

Best for: Developers, budget-conscious users, security-focused buyers

Cloudflare Registrar launched in 2018 with a revolutionary promise: at-cost domain registration with zero markup. They charge exactly what the registry charges, plus ICANN fees.

Pricing (December 2025)

Note: Cloudflare supports 392+ TLDs with identical registration and renewal pricing for most extensions.

Pros

• True at-cost pricing - No markup on registry fees
• Free WHOIS privacy - Always included
• Enterprise-grade security - Automatic DNSSEC
• Excellent DNS - Industry-leading DNS infrastructure
• No upsells - Clean checkout process
• API access - Programmatic domain management

Cons

• Requires Cloudflare account - Can't use with other DNS providers easily
• No domain-only registration - Must add website to Cloudflare first
• Limited customer support - Community forums for free tier
• No new domain registration - Transfer-only initially (changed, but some restrictions remain)
• Minimal portfolio tools - Not designed for large portfolios

Best Use Cases

• Developers building web applications
• Small businesses wanting affordable domains
• Security-conscious users wanting DNSSEC by default
• Cost-conscious buyers wanting predictable pricing

Verdict

Cloudflare is the clear winner for pure value if you're comfortable using their ecosystem. The at-cost pricing means you'll never pay registrar markup, and their DNS infrastructure is world-class. However, it's not ideal for domain investors or those who need domains with other DNS providers.

Porkbun

Best for: Beginners, small businesses, anyone wanting great UX

Porkbun has emerged as a favorite among domain enthusiasts for its combination of competitive pricing, excellent interface, and quirky branding.

Pricing (December 2025)

Note: Porkbun's promotional first-year pricing is among the lowest in the industry, with reasonable renewal rates.

Pros

• Excellent first-year pricing - Often lowest in industry
• Free WHOIS privacy - Included for life on eligible domains
• Free SSL certificates - Let's Encrypt with auto-renewal
• Intuitive interface - Clean, modern design
• Great support - Responsive and knowledgeable team
• URL forwarding included - Free with all domains
• DNS management - Full-featured and easy to use

Cons

• Renewal price increase - $4+ more than initial registration on .com
• Smaller company - Less name recognition
• Limited bulk tools - Not ideal for 500+ domain portfolios
• Some TLDs excluded from privacy - Registry restrictions on certain ccTLDs

Best Use Cases

• First-time buyers registering personal domains
• Small businesses needing 1-20 domains
• Bloggers and creatives wanting affordable presence
• Anyone frustrated with other registrar interfaces

Verdict

Porkbun offers the best overall experience for most users. The interface is delightful, pricing is transparent (if slightly higher on renewal), and they include features others charge for. The support team genuinely helps rather than trying to upsell.

Namecheap

Best for: Balance of features, price, and reliability

Namecheap is one of the largest independent registrars, managing over 17 million domains. They've built a reputation for competitive pricing and strong privacy advocacy.

Pricing (December 2025)

Note: Prices shown include ICANN's mandatory $0.20 fee. Promotional codes can reduce prices further.

Pros

• Free privacy for life - WhoisGuard included
• Competitive initial pricing - Often lowest for first year
• Strong privacy advocacy - Won't share data unnecessarily
• Feature-rich control panel - Everything you need
• Good hosting integration - Shared hosting, VPS options
• Active promotions - Regular coupon codes available
• Live chat support - 24/7 availability

Cons

• Significant renewal increase - .com jumps $8.50+ at renewal
• Occasional upsells - Suggested add-ons during checkout
• Control panel complexity - Can overwhelm beginners
• Premium domain pricing - High fees for aftermarket domains

Best Use Cases

• Established users who know what they need
• Multi-domain owners (10-100 domains)
• Privacy-focused buyers
• Budget hunters willing to use coupon codes

Verdict

Namecheap remains a solid choice with good overall value, especially if you catch promotional pricing. The renewal jump is disappointing but common in the industry. Their privacy stance and feature set make them a reliable long-term registrar.

Dynadot

Best for: Domain investors, consistent pricing, bulk management

Dynadot is an ICANN-accredited registrar based in San Mateo, California. They're known for transparent, consistent pricing and excellent tools for domain investors.

Pricing (December 2025)

Note: Dynadot's registration and renewal prices are identical, providing predictable costs.

Pros

• Identical registration/renewal - No price surprises
• Free WHOIS privacy - On eligible domains
• Bulk pricing tiers - $500+/year unlocks discounts
• Domain marketplace - Built-in aftermarket
• API access - Full automation capabilities
• No hidden fees - Transparent all-inclusive pricing
• Good portfolio tools - Designed for larger holdings

Cons

• Dated interface - Functional but not modern
• Customer support - Can be slow to respond
• Limited hosting - Basic options only
• Price changes coming - 233 TLDs changing prices in October 2025

Best Use Cases

• Domain investors managing portfolios
• Consistent-price seekers wanting predictable budgets
• API users automating domain management
• Value buyers prioritizing price over polish

Verdict

Dynadot excels for users who want predictable pricing and don't mind a less polished interface. Their identical registration/renewal pricing is rare in the industry and valuable for budget planning. Bulk account tiers make them attractive for investors.

NameSilo

Best for: Domain investors, bulk portfolios, no-frills management

NameSilo has positioned itself as the "no-nonsense" registrar for domain investors. They focus entirely on low prices and bulk management rather than bells and whistles.

Pricing (December 2025)

Note: Account funds and discount programs can reduce pricing. Standard .com pricing has increased to $13.95.

Pros

• Free everything - WHOIS privacy, email forwarding, DNS, Domain Defender
• Portfolio management - Built for 1,000+ domains
• Consistent pricing - Registration equals renewal
• Discount program - Volume-based savings
• No upsells - Clean checkout, no tricks
• Bulk operations - Manage hundreds of domains efficiently
• Low transfer prices - Often cheapest for transfers

Cons

• Outdated interface - Functional but clunky
• Basic support - Ticket-based only
• No live chat - Can be frustrating for urgent issues
• Learning curve - Not intuitive for beginners
• Recent price increase - .com went from $10.99 to $13.95

Best Use Cases

• Domain investors with 100+ domains
• Bulk buyers needing efficient portfolio tools
• Price-focused users who don't need hand-holding
• Automation users leveraging their API

Verdict

NameSilo is the go-to choice for serious domain investors managing large portfolios. The interface is dated, but the tools are powerful and the pricing is honest. Not recommended for beginners or those needing responsive support.

Squarespace Domains

Best for: Squarespace website users, former Google Domains customers

Squarespace acquired Google Domains in 2023 and completed migration of all domains by September 2024. Domains now renew at Squarespace's standard rates.

Pricing (December 2025)

Note: All-inclusive pricing includes privacy, taxes, and ICANN fees.

Pros

• All-inclusive pricing - No hidden fees or surprise charges
• Free privacy - Always included
• Clean interface - Modern, easy to use
• Good support - Responsive customer service
• No upsells - Price shown is price paid
• Website integration - Seamless with Squarespace sites

Cons

• Premium pricing - $20/year for .com is high
• Price increase from Google - Was $12/year, now $20
• Limited TLDs - Fewer options than competitors
• Basic DNS - Not as full-featured as others
• Not for portfolios - No bulk management tools

Best Use Cases

• Squarespace website users wanting integration
• Simplicity seekers who want no surprises
• Former Google Domains customers who stayed
• Non-technical users wanting easy management

Verdict

Squarespace is overpriced compared to alternatives but offers a clean, simple experience with genuine all-inclusive pricing. Best suited for those already using Squarespace for their website or those who prioritize simplicity over savings.

GoDaddy

Best for: Brand recognition, bundled services, phone support

GoDaddy is the world's largest domain registrar, managing over 80 million domains. They're known for aggressive marketing and frequent promotions.

Pricing (December 2025)

Note: First-year promotional pricing requires 2-3 year commitment. Renewal prices are significantly higher.

Pros

• Brand recognition - Clients may trust the name
• Phone support - Actual humans available
• Bundled services - Hosting, email, website builder
• Marketing tools - Built-in business features
• Large TLD selection - Most extensions available
• 24/7 support - Always someone to call

Cons

• Aggressive upselling - Constant add-on pressure
• High renewal prices - $18.99+ for .com renewal
• Privacy costs extra - $9.99-$14.99/year
• Confusing checkout - Multiple upsells to decline
• Redemption fee - $80 to recover expired domain
• Bait-and-switch pricing - Promotional first year, expensive renewals

Best Use Cases

• Phone support needs - Want to talk to someone
• Brand trust - Clients expect "real" company
• Bundled services - Need everything in one place
• Gift certificates - Someone gave you GoDaddy credit

Verdict

GoDaddy has improved over the years but remains overpriced with aggressive upselling tactics. The significant gap between promotional and renewal pricing makes long-term costs higher than alternatives. Consider only if you specifically need their phone support or bundled services.

Pricing Deep Dive

Understanding Domain Pricing

Domain pricing has several components that explain why costs vary between registrars:

The Cost Stack

Final Price = Registry Fee + ICANN Fee + Registrar Markup + Extras

Registry Fee: Set by the registry (Verisign for .com = $10.26 wholesale)

ICANN Fee: $0.20 per domain per year (increased July 2025)

Registrar Markup: Varies widely ($0 at Cloudflare to $10+ at GoDaddy)

Extras: WHOIS privacy, SSL, email forwarding (often free)

Why Cloudflare is Cheapest

Cloudflare charges $10.46 for .com, which breaks down to:

• Registry fee: $10.26
• ICANN fee: $0.20
• Markup: $0.00

They make money from their other services (CDN, security, hosting), not domains.

The First-Year vs Renewal Trap

Many registrars use promotional first-year pricing to acquire customers, then charge significantly more at renewal:

Strategy: For domains you'll keep long-term, prioritize low renewal costs over low first-year prices.

Multi-Year Pricing Considerations

Some registrars offer discounts for multi-year registration:

GoDaddy:

• 1 year: $11.99 first, $18.99 renewal
• 2 years: $20.17 total ($10.08/year average)
• 5 years: ~$18.29/year average

Namecheap:

• Multi-year renewals often have coupon code opportunities
• Pre-pay before price increases

Recommendation: If you're certain about keeping a domain, 2-3 year registration can provide savings and protection against registry price increases.

Feature Comparison

WHOIS Privacy

Note: Some ccTLDs (.uk, .de, .ca, .au, .us, .eu) don't support WHOIS privacy due to registry requirements.

DNS Management

Security Features

Hidden Fees to Watch For

Common Hidden Charges

Red Flags During Checkout

Watch for these upsell tactics:

Pre-checked add-ons:

• Domain privacy (should be free)
• SSL certificates (free at Cloudflare, Porkbun)
• Email hosting
• Website builder trials
• SEO tools

Confusing pricing:

• "Was $50, now $10" (artificial discount)
• Monthly pricing displayed prominently (annual total hidden)
• First-year only pricing (renewal hidden)

Pressure tactics:

• "Only 2 left at this price!"
• "Someone else is looking at this domain"
• Timer countdowns

True Cost Calculation

When comparing registrars, calculate 3-year and 5-year total costs:

Example: .com domain for 5 years

Recommendations by Use Case

For Beginners

Winner: Porkbun

Why:

• Intuitive interface won't overwhelm you
• Helpful support team that actually helps
• Competitive pricing with free privacy
• Clear documentation and tutorials
• No aggressive upselling

Runner-up: Namecheap (more features, steeper learning curve)

For Developers

Winner: Cloudflare Registrar

Why:

• At-cost pricing saves money on every domain
• World-class DNS infrastructure
• Automatic DNSSEC
• Full API access
• Integrates with Cloudflare CDN, Workers, Pages
• No markup means predictable costs

Runner-up: Dynadot (better standalone DNS, good API)

For Small Businesses

Winner: Porkbun or Namecheap

Why:

• Free privacy protects business owner identity
• Good support when you need help
• Professional features without complexity
• Reasonable pricing for 1-20 domains
• Email forwarding included

Consideration: If using Squarespace for website, their domains integrate seamlessly despite higher cost.

For Domain Investors

Winner: NameSilo or Dynadot

Why:

• Bulk management tools designed for portfolios
• Consistent registration = renewal pricing
• API access for automation
• Volume discount programs
• Low transfer prices for acquisitions
• Built-in marketplace features

NameSilo for 500+ domains, Dynadot for 50-500 with better interface.

For Enterprise/Large Business

Winner: Cloudflare Enterprise or CSC Global

Why:

• Account management support
• Registry-level security (Registry Lock)
• Legal protection services
• Brand protection tools
• SLA guarantees
• Dedicated support team

Note: CSC Global, MarkMonitor, and similar enterprise registrars aren't covered here but are worth investigating for Fortune 500 needs.

Summary Table

How to Transfer Your Domain

If you're currently with an expensive or unsatisfactory registrar, transferring is straightforward:

Transfer Requirements

1. Domain must be 60+ days old (ICANN rule)
2. Domain unlocked at current registrar
3. Authorization/EPP code from current registrar
4. Valid email on domain record (for confirmation)
5. Payment for one-year renewal (included with transfer)

Step-by-Step Transfer Process

Step 1: Prepare at Current Registrar

• Disable domain lock
• Disable WHOIS privacy (temporarily)
• Request authorization/EPP code
• Update contact email if needed

Step 2: Initiate at New Registrar

• Enter domain name
• Enter authorization code
• Pay transfer fee (includes 1-year renewal)

Step 3: Confirm Transfer

• Click confirmation link in email
• Wait for current registrar to release (up to 5 days)
• Verify domain appears at new registrar

Transfer Pricing Comparison

Pro tip: Transfer is often the cheapest way to renew an expensive domain. A GoDaddy .com renewal costs $18.99, but transferring to Cloudflare costs $10.46 and includes one year.

Best Practices

Choosing Your Registrar

Do:

• Calculate 3-5 year total costs, not just first year
• Verify WHOIS privacy is free and automatic
• Test the control panel before committing (if possible)
• Read recent reviews about support quality
• Check TLD availability if you need specific extensions

Don't:

• Chase the cheapest first-year price without checking renewal
• Use a registrar just because they're well-known
• Ignore security features (2FA, domain lock)
• Register important domains at multiple registrars (complicates management)
• Fall for "domain privacy protection" upsells when it should be free

Managing Your Domains

Security:

• Enable 2FA immediately after registration
• Use a unique, strong password
• Keep contact email current and secure
• Enable domain lock/transfer lock
• Consider Registry Lock for high-value domains

Organization:

• Set renewal reminders 60 days before expiration
• Enable auto-renewal for critical domains
• Keep authorization codes accessible (but secure)
• Document which domains are where

Cost Control:

• Review domains annually for ones to drop
• Transfer expensive domains to cheaper registrars
• Watch for registry price increase announcements
• Consider multi-year registration before price hikes

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

What is the best domain registrar overall?

There's no single "best" registrar for everyone. Cloudflare offers the best pricing with no markup. Porkbun provides the best user experience. NameSilo is best for large portfolios. Choose based on your specific needs rather than looking for a universal winner.

Is GoDaddy a good domain registrar?

GoDaddy is the largest registrar but not the best value. Their promotional prices are competitive, but renewal rates ($18.99+ for .com) are among the highest. They also charge separately for WHOIS privacy ($9.99-$14.99/year) that other registrars include free. Consider GoDaddy only if you need their phone support or bundled services.

What happened to Google Domains?

Google sold Google Domains to Squarespace in 2023. All domains were migrated by September 2024 and now renew at Squarespace's rates ($20/year for .com vs Google's $12). If you were a Google Domains customer, consider transferring to a cheaper registrar like Cloudflare or Porkbun.

Can I transfer my domain to a different registrar?

Yes, you can transfer domains after they're 60 days old. You'll need to unlock the domain, get an authorization code from your current registrar, and pay a transfer fee (which includes one year of renewal). The process typically takes 5-7 days.

Pricing Questions

Why do domain prices vary so much between registrars?

All registrars pay the same wholesale price to registries (e.g., $10.26 for .com to Verisign). The difference is markup. Cloudflare charges $0 markup, while GoDaddy might add $8-10 in markup. Registrars also subsidize first-year pricing to acquire customers, then increase prices at renewal.

Are there any hidden fees I should know about?

Common hidden fees include:

• WHOIS privacy ($10-15/year at GoDaddy)
• Redemption/recovery fees ($80+ if domain expires)
• Premium DNS ($5-50/year)
• SSL certificates ($10-100/year, free elsewhere)
• Late renewal fees (varies)

Always check checkout carefully and calculate total annual costs.

Should I register for multiple years?

Multi-year registration makes sense if:

• You're certain you'll keep the domain
• Registry price increases are expected
• You want to avoid annual renewal management

However, it ties up funds that could be transferred to a cheaper registrar later.

Technical Questions

Which registrar has the best DNS?

Cloudflare has the fastest, most reliable DNS infrastructure as it's their core business. They use their global CDN network for DNS resolution. For standalone DNS without Cloudflare services, Dynadot and Namecheap offer robust free DNS management.

Do I need to buy SSL separately?

No. Free SSL certificates from Let's Encrypt work with any registrar. Porkbun and Cloudflare include automatic SSL. For most websites, paid SSL certificates provide no additional security benefit.

What is DNSSEC and do I need it?

DNSSEC adds cryptographic signatures to DNS records, preventing certain attacks. Cloudflare enables it automatically. Other registrars offer it as an option. It's recommended for business and financial websites but not critical for personal sites.

Key Takeaways

1. Cloudflare offers the best value with at-cost pricing ($10.46/year for .com) and zero markup, though you must use their DNS infrastructure.

2. Porkbun provides the best user experience with competitive pricing ($11.08 renewal), free privacy, and excellent support - ideal for beginners and small businesses.

3. Watch for renewal traps - Many registrars advertise low first-year prices but charge significantly more at renewal (Namecheap: $10.18 -> $18.68, GoDaddy: $11.99 -> $18.99).

4. Free WHOIS privacy is standard - Don't pay for privacy protection. Cloudflare, Porkbun, Namecheap, Dynadot, and NameSilo all include it free.

5. Calculate 5-year costs when comparing registrars, not just first-year promotional prices.

6. Domain investors should use NameSilo or Dynadot for bulk management tools and consistent pricing.

7. GoDaddy is generally overpriced with aggressive upselling. Transfer existing GoDaddy domains to save money.

Next Steps

Immediate Actions

1. Audit your current domains - Check what registrar you're using and upcoming renewal costs
2. Calculate potential savings - Use our pricing tables to see if transferring makes sense
3. Enable security features - Ensure 2FA and domain lock are active
4. Review privacy settings - Verify WHOIS privacy is enabled

Related Resources

• What is a Domain Registrar? - Understand how registrars work
• How Much Does a Domain Name Cost? - Complete pricing breakdown
• How to Transfer Your Domain - Step-by-step transfer guide
• Domain Registration Guide - Complete registration process

Use DomainDetails for Research

Before registering with any provider:

• Check domain availability using our WHOIS/RDAP lookup
• Research domain history to avoid problematic domains
• Monitor domain changes with DomainDetails Pro

Research Sources

This article was compiled using current pricing and feature information from:

• Cloudflare Registrar Pricing
• Cloudflare Domain Pricing Database
• Porkbun Domain Pricing
• Namecheap Domain Pricing
• Dynadot Domain Pricing
• NameSilo Domain Pricing
• Squarespace Domains
• GoDaddy Pricing
• ICANN .COM Fee Schedule
• TLD-List Price Comparison

Pricing verified December 2025. Prices may change; always verify current rates at registrar websites before purchasing.