Your domain name is your company - it's how many people will think of you and how all your marketing has to direct people to. If there is a problem with that registration, your business could suffer. Having trouble with a domain name registrar could close your business down.
This list includes some popular domain registrars, how much they charge for common TLDs, and other information to help you decide which registrar is best for you and your business. Last updated 16 September 2009.
1. NameCheap.com
- Cost: .com = $9.69/year, .net = $9.69/year, and .org = $9.69/year
- Some discounts for longer terms
- Very simple 3 step sign up process
- Offers hosting and SSL as well
NameCheap, despite the name, is not the cheapest domain registrar on the block, but they are easy to use and set up. They do some upselling, but most of the sales process is focused on getting you your domain quickly.
2. GoDaddy
- Cost: .com = $10.69/year, .net $8.99/year, and .org = $14.99/year
- Many discounts available
- A lot of upselling: How to Buy a Domain Name with GoDaddy
- Many other services offered
The problem I have with GoDaddy is they are a very hard sell, and they push a lot of unnecessary products on you while you're trying to buy the domain. It's challenging to get through their sales process and only buy a domain. Some people their advertising offensive as well.
3. RegFly
- Cost: .com = $9.99/year, .net = $9.99/year, .org = $9.99/year
- No obvious discounts, but there are some coupons listed on the site
- Will suggest domain names for you with their "Name Spinner"
- Offers free privacy protection, locking, forwarding, and other features
RegFly can be very pushy in its marketing and upselling. But they make it easy to buy and sell domains.
4. Network Solutions
- Cost: .com = $34.99/year, .net = $34.99/year, and .org = $34.99/year
- Some discounts for longer terms
- Easy to set up: How to Buy a Domain Name with Network Solutions
- Many other services offered including free domains with hosting service
Network Solutions is one of the oldest domain registrars. They have been around a long time and many companies prefer them simply because their business model is not aiming at the lowest cost market. They are very expensive, however.
5. 1and1
- Cost: .com = $8.99/year, .net = $8.99/year, and .org = $8.99/year
- Discounts for some TLDs and if you buy hosting packages
- 3 step sign up process, but with a lot of upselling
- Offers email, hosting, and other features
1and1 is a hosting provider and domain registrar. They don't get high marks for hosting, but they have features that make their domain registration appealing.
