- GoDaddy
- Why it’s popular: Largest registrar globally, managing over 84 million domains. Offers auctions, hosting, and a user-friendly platform.
- TLDs: .com, .net, .org, plus hundreds more (e.g., .co, .shop).
- Pricing: ~$11.99/year for .com (first year, renewal higher).
- Extras: Domain auctions, WHOIS privacy, website builder.
- Namecheap
- Why it’s popular: Affordable pricing, free WHOIS privacy, and a clean interface. Strong in .ai and niche TLDs.
- TLDs: .com, .ai, .io, .xyz, and more.
- Pricing: ~$8.88/year for .com (first year).
- Extras: Marketplace for expired domains, stellar support.
- Google Domains (Now part of Squarespace Domains)
- Why it’s popular: Simple integration with Google services, now under Squarespace post-2023 acquisition.
- TLDs: .com, .org, .co, plus modern TLDs like .dev.
- Pricing: ~$12/year for .com, transparent renewals.
- Extras: Free privacy, Squarespace site-building tools.
- Dynadot
- Why it’s popular: Competitive pricing and bulk domain tools, great for domainers.
- TLDs: Over 500, including .com, .club, .online.
- Pricing: ~$9.99/year for .com.
- Extras: Aftermarket auctions, backordering.
- NameSilo
- Why it’s popular: Cheap renewals and free WHOIS privacy forever. No upselling gimmicks.
- TLDs: .com, .net, .info, plus obscure ones.
- Pricing: ~$8.99/year for .com.
- Extras: Bulk discounts, API for developers.
- Porkbun
- Why it’s popular: Low prices, quirky branding, and freebies like SSL certificates.
- TLDs: .com, .app, .dev, .site, and more.
- Pricing: ~$8.56/year for .com (first year).
- Extras: Free privacy, email forwarding.
- IONOS
- Why it’s popular: Bundles domains with robust hosting plans, big in Europe.
- TLDs: .com, .eu, .uk, and specialty TLDs.
- Pricing: ~$1/year for .com (promo), then $15/year.
- Extras: Hosting, email, site builder.
- Hover
- Why it’s popular: Clean, no-nonsense experience with free WHOIS privacy.
- TLDs: .com, .co, .me, .design, etc.
- Pricing: ~$12.99/year for .com.
- Extras: Email services, straightforward transfers.
- Gandi.net
- Why it’s popular: Ethical focus, supports niche TLDs, and offers corporate solutions.
- TLDs: Over 700, including .fr, .tech, .art.
- Pricing: ~$15/year for .com.
- Extras: Free SSL, two-factor auth, API.
- Cloudflare Registrar
- Why it’s popular: At-cost pricing (no markup) and top-tier security features.
- TLDs: .com, .org, .net, select others.
- Pricing: ~$10.11/year for .com (wholesale + ICANN fee).
- Extras: DNSSEC, free DNS services.
Specialized or Niche Registrars
- Epik
- Why it’s popular: Focus on domain investors, with auctions and escrow services.
- TLDs: .com, .info, plus rare TLDs.
- Pricing: ~$9.99/year for .com.
- Extras: Domain marketplace, hosting.
- Moniker
- Why it’s popular: Targets domainers with daily drop lists and portfolio management.
- TLDs: .com, .net, .biz, etc.
- Pricing: ~$10–$15/year for .com.
- Extras: Bulk tools, drop-catching.
- 101domain
- Why it’s popular: Specializes in international ccTLDs (e.g., .cn, .ru, .br).
- TLDs: Over 2,000, heavy on ccTLDs.
- Pricing: Varies by TLD; .com ~$14/year.
- Extras: Trademark protection, global focus.
- Register.com
- Why it’s popular: Longstanding player with small-business bundles.
- TLDs: .com, .org, .shop, etc.
- Pricing: ~$10/year for .com (promo).
- Extras: Website tools, email hosting.
- Tucows Domains (via OpenSRS)**
- Why it’s popular: Powers many resellers (e.g., Hover), wholesale focus.
- TLDs: .com, .ca, .co.uk, etc.
- Pricing: Reseller-dependent; ~$10–$12/year retail.
- Extras: API for resellers, white-label options.
Backorder and Drop-Catching Registrars
These overlap with platforms for buying dropping domains but also act as registrars: 16. DropCatch
- Why it’s popular: Catches dropping domains at release.
- TLDs: .com, .net, .org, etc.
- Pricing: $59/backorder; auctions vary.
- Extras: Discount club for frequent buyers.
- SnapNames
- Why it’s popular: Backorders and auctions for expiring names.
- TLDs: Broad range, including .com, .co.
- Pricing: $79/backorder.
- Extras: Pre-registration tools.
- NameJet
- Why it’s popular: Auctions expired and dropping domains, often premium.
- TLDs: .com, .net, .info, etc.
- Pricing: $69/backorder; auctions vary.
- Extras: Partnered with major registries.
Key Notes
- ICANN Accreditation: All listed are ICANN-accredited (or authorized for ccTLDs), ensuring legitimacy. Check ICANN’s list for lesser-known registrars.
- Pricing Traps: First-year discounts are common (e.g., GoDaddy, IONOS), but renewals often jump—read the fine print.
- WHOIS Privacy: Free with Namecheap, Porkbun, and Cloudflare; others may charge ($2–$5/year).
- For Dropping Domains: Pair these with tools like ExpiredDomains.net for discovery, then use DropCatch or NameJet to snag them.
