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TL;DR: My Quick Recommendations
- Best Overall: Cloudflare Registrar (at-cost pricing, no upsells)
- Best for Beginners: Namecheap (easy interface, great support)
- Cheapest: Porkbun (consistently low prices)
- Best for Portfolios: Dynadot (bulk management tools)
- Avoid: GoDaddy for long-term (high renewals, aggressive upselling)
Full Comparison Table
| Registrar | .com Price | Renewal | WHOIS Privacy | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cloudflare | $9.77 | $9.77 | Free | |
| Porkbun | $9.73 | $10.23 | Free | |
| Namecheap | $9.98 | $14.98 | Free | |
| Dynadot | $10.99 | $10.99 | Free | |
| Google Domains* | $12.00 | $12.00 | Free | |
| GoDaddy | $12.99* | $22.99 | $9.99/yr |
*Google Domains now managed by Squarespace. GoDaddy first-year promos often lower, but renewals are high.
Individual Reviews
Cloudflare Registrar
Best OverallCloudflare sells domains at wholesale cost with zero markup. No upsells, no hidden fees, no price increases on renewal. The catch? You need to use their (free) DNS/CDN services, and the interface is more technical.
Pros
- Lowest possible prices
- Free WHOIS privacy
- No renewal markup
- Excellent security
- Free CDN included
Cons
- Must use Cloudflare DNS
- Technical interface
- Limited TLD options
- No domain auctions
Best for: Anyone comfortable with tech who wants the lowest long-term cost.
Porkbun
CheapestThe quirky underdog with consistently great prices. Don't let the playful branding fool you—Porkbun is a serious registrar with excellent service and transparent pricing.
Pros
- Rock-bottom prices
- Free WHOIS privacy
- Clean, fun interface
- Great customer support
- Wide TLD selection
Cons
- Smaller company
- Limited add-on services
- Brand may seem unprofessional
Best for: Budget-conscious buyers who want simplicity without sacrificing features.
Namecheap
Best for BeginnersThe most beginner-friendly option with a clean interface, helpful documentation, and responsive support. Slightly higher renewal prices but still very competitive.
Pros
- Excellent user interface
- 24/7 live chat support
- Free WHOIS privacy
- Marketplace for buying/selling
- Hosting bundles available
Cons
- Higher renewal ($14.98)
- Some upselling during checkout
- DNS management less powerful
Best for: First-time domain buyers who value support and ease of use.
GoDaddy
CautionThe biggest name in domains, but that size comes with aggressive marketing and high renewal fees. First-year promos look cheap, but you'll pay significantly more long-term.
Pros
- Huge domain selection
- Good auction platform
- 24/7 phone support
- All-in-one services
Cons
- High renewal prices
- Aggressive upselling
- WHOIS privacy costs extra
- Confusing pricing
- Cluttered interface
Best for: Auction buying only. Transfer domains elsewhere after purchase.
Insider Tips for Choosing
1. Calculate Total Cost of Ownership
Don't just look at first-year price. A $0.99 first year with $22 renewals costs more over 5 years than a consistent $10/year registrar.
2. WHOIS Privacy Should Be Free
Any registrar charging for WHOIS privacy in 2025 is behind the times. This protects your personal information and should be standard.
3. Consider Transfer Costs
If you're moving domains from another registrar, factor in transfer fees. Some registrars offer free or discounted transfers.
4. Don't Bundle Everything
Keep domains at a registrar, hosting elsewhere, and email with a dedicated provider. This gives you flexibility and often better pricing.
5. Enable Two-Factor Authentication
Your domains are valuable. Any registrar you choose should offer 2FA—enable it immediately.
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View Premium DomainsLast updated: December 2025 | Prices subject to change. Always verify current pricing.