Here’s Where to Buy a Domain in 2025: My Top 5 Picks (The Real Deal)
You get that flash of brilliance. The perfect idea for a new website, a blog, a business. It’s a feeling that’s pretty great.
And then you hit the first real, tangible step that isn’t just dreaming in your notebook, buying the domain name.
Suddenly it gets a little complicated. There are dozens of places all screaming they have the best prices. It can be a real headache.
I’ve been through this process more times than I can count. So I’m putting together this list for 2025.
This is a rundown of the best domain buying sites. No crazy technical talk, just what you need to know.
What Really Matters When You Buy a Domain Name?
Before we just list a bunch of websites, what are we even looking for? It’s not always about the absolute cheapest price you see on the front page.
It is the other stuff that often gets people. You have to think about a few things.
Generally you want a place that doesn’t make things a pain. You just want to buy your name and get on with building your thing.
Pricing: Don’t Get Fooled
The first price you see is almost never the price you’ll pay forever. That super low $2.99 price tag is usually just for the first year.
The real number to look at is the renewal price. Some companies hook you with a cheap first year and then the price jumps up a lot.
Also, look for WHOIS privacy. This service hides your personal info like your address and phone number from a public database. Some places give it for free, others charge for it.
User Experience and Support
You don’t want to spend an hour clicking through menus just to change a simple setting. A clean, easy-to-use dashboard is a big deal.
And what happens when something goes wrong? You want to know you can get help. Good customer support, whether it’s through chat or phone, is something you hope you never need but are glad to have when you do.
The Big List: Top 5 Domain Buying Sites for 2025
Okay, let’s get to the main event. Here are my top five picks for where you should be buying your domain name this year.
1. Namecheap
Namecheap is pretty much the go-to for a lot of people for a reason. Their name says it all, they are normally quite cheap.
Their whole approach is about giving you what you need without a lot of fuss. It’s considered to be a very solid choice.
The dashboard is simple. You can find what you need without a map. They aren’t constantly trying to sell you a million things you don’t need.
Good Stuff:
Consistently low prices, for both the first year and renewals.
Free WHOIS privacy protection for life. This is a big one.
The control panel is clean and easy to figure out.
Not-So-Good Stuff:
Their web hosting isn’t always seen as the best on the market.
Support can sometimes be a little slow during busy times.
2. Porkbun
Porkbun is a bit of a cult favorite. They have a fun, slightly weird vibe, but underneath it all, they are a really good domain registrar.
Their whole thing is being cheap and not annoying. The pricing is super clear, what you see is what you get.
The dashboard while simple some might find it a little too basic if they are used to more. But for just managing a domain it’s perfect.
Good Stuff:
Extremely competitive pricing, often beating Namecheap.
Free WHOIS privacy is included with your domain.
The user interface is really clean, maybe one of the best.
Not-So-Good Stuff:
Not as well-known, which can make some people nervous.
Their support is good, but they are a smaller team.
3. GoDaddy
You can’t have a list like this without mentioning GoDaddy. GoDaddy is like the Walmart of domains they have absolutely everything.
They are the biggest name in the game and because of that they have tons of services. From domains to hosting to website builders to marketing tools.
The main thing with them is you have to watch out for the constant upsells, I mean they really try to sell you everything.
Good Stuff:
Huge company with 24/7 phone support which is rare now.
Often have great sales and promos for first-year registrations.
A massive set of tools if you want everything in one place.
Not-So-Good Stuff:
Renewal prices can be much higher than the competition.
The upsells during checkout can be super aggressive.
The control panel can feel cluttered with all their other services.
4. Squarespace Domains (Formerly Google Domains)
So, yeah, Google Domains is now Squarespace Domains. Google sold their whole domain business to Squarespace in 2023.
For 2025, things have settled down. The simple interface people liked is still there, for the most part, Squarespace is running things now.
The pricing is very straightforward, no weird games. It’s a solid, reliable choice especially if you plan on using Squarespace to build your website anyway.
Good Stuff:
Very clean, minimalist interface. No clutter.
Transparent, flat-rate pricing.
Free WHOIS privacy is included.
Not-So-Good Stuff:
Their pricing isn’t the absolute cheapest you can find.
Now tied into the Squarespace ecosystem, which might not be for everyone.
5. Bluehost
This is a bit different because they are mainly a web host that also sells domains. I’m including them because a lot of beginners start here.
Typically they offer a free domain for the first year when you buy one of their hosting plans. This is a great deal for someone starting from scratch.
Just be aware of the renewal prices for both the hosting and the domain after that first year is up.
Good Stuff:
Free domain for the first year with a hosting plan.
Super convenient to have your hosting and domain in one spot.
They are officially recommended by WordPress.org.
Not-So-Good Stuff:
Domain renewal prices can be higher than dedicated registrars.
If you decide to leave their hosting, moving the domain can be a bit of a process.
You have to buy hosting to get the free domain deal.
A Quick Look at Price: First Year vs. Renewal
This is super important. Here’s a rough idea of what you might pay for a standard `.com` domain. Prices change, so check them yourself.
Namecheap: ~$10 for the first year, renews around $14.
Porkbun: ~$10 for the first year, renews around $10.
GoDaddy: ~$5-12 for the first year (with a promo), renews around $22.
Squarespace Domains: ~$12 flat rate for registration and renewal.
Bluehost: Free for the first year (with hosting), renews around $20.
See the difference? GoDaddy’s renewal price is double some of the others. That adds up over time.
Got Questions? I’ve Got Some Answers
Here are some quick answers to questions people usually ask about these top 5 domain buying sites.
1. What is the absolute cheapest place to buy a domain?
For the first year, you can often find a crazy promo at GoDaddy. For long-term value, Porkbun and Namecheap are typically the cheapest when you factor in renewal costs.
2. Do I really need domain privacy (WHOIS)?
Yes, you really do. Without it, your name, address, email, and phone number are publicly listed online. This leads to a lot of spam and unwanted calls. Always get it, and try to use a registrar that gives it for free.
3. Can I move my domain from one site to another?
Yep. It’s called a domain transfer. There are rules, like you can’t transfer a domain within 60 days of registering it. It can be a little technical, but all these sites have guides to help you do it.
4. Is it better to buy my domain and hosting together?
It’s easier, for sure. That’s the main benefit of a place like Bluehost. But keeping them separate (like buying a domain at Namecheap and hosting somewhere else) gives you more freedom to switch hosts later if you’re unhappy.
5. Is GoDaddy bad? I hear mixed things.
GoDaddy isn’t “bad,” they are just very corporate. Their phone support is good and they are reliable. Their business model is just built on upselling and higher renewal rates. If you can navigate that and just buy the domain, you’ll be fine.
Key Takeaways
Alright, that was a lot of words. If you just want the short version, here it is.
Always, always check the renewal price, not just the first-year price.
Namecheap and Porkbun are the best choices for most people looking for a good price and no nonsense.
GoDaddy is fine if you can get a good promo and don’t mind saying “no” to a lot of extras.
Squarespace Domains is a great choice for simplicity, especially if you like the Squarespace platform.
Bluehost makes sense if you’re a total beginner and want the convenience of a free domain with your hosting.
Choosing where to buy a domain isn’t a life-or-death decision. The most important thing is to just get one and start building your idea. Any of these sites will get the job done, you just have to pick the one that feels right for you.
