Domain Name Registrar
A domain name registrar is a company that enables the user to purchase and register domain names. All domain name registrars are accredited by ICANN which stands for Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, which is a non-profit organization responsible for managing domain names.
With help of domain names, it is easy to use the internet. If you don’t register a domain name, then you’ll have to enter a long string of numbers known as IP addresses to view any websites
Apart from this, Domain names allow websites to choose addresses that are easy to remember words, for example, wpbeginner.com or google.com.
What is the purpose of Domain Registrars?
The registry is centralized where all domain name records are stored. To identify the domain, it has to be added to that database along with every information about it. Any changes made to the domain name’s information are also done by the domain name registrar as authorized by ICANN. A domain name registrar has easy-to-use tools for the user to make those changes using the web browser.
Choosing the Right Domain Registrar
Each domain registrar has different services along with the domain name registration. One must look into the following criteria while choosing the domain registrar:
1) Pricing and Registration Period
Do check the domain name prices. Like, some domain registrars might offer low prices for the first-year registration, but their renewal prices can be higher.
Also, some companies may have an option for a higher registration period like 2 years minimum. In case, if you are looking to buy a new web address, then registering a domain name for 1 year is recommended.
2) Domain Transfers
Domain names can be transferred from one domain registrar to another. The first rule is transferring a domain name during the first 60 days of the registration is not allowed. This initial period is decided by ICANN.
Many of the domain registrars provide an easy transfer of domain names without any extra cost. While on the other hand, some might charge an extra fee.
3) Domain Expiration Policies
Domain names are registered for a specific period. There is an option for renewal of the domain registration before it expires. However, if you forgot to renew your domain name, then it expires and anyone can register it.
Even if choose the automatic renewal feature, it is important to check the domain registrar’s expiration policy. Certain domain registrars offer a grace period even after a domain expires. This grace period enables the user to renew their expired domain name.
Top Domain Registrars to choose from while Buying a Domain Name
Select the right domain registrar to make your future secure. It helps in protecting the brand name but also allows easy transfer of your website to a new host or service provider.
Below are the top domain registrars that can buy your domain name.
1) Domain.com
Domain.com was started in 20000 and is the leading and popular domain name registrar. It enables users to register top-level domain name extensions (TLDs) and many countries code top-level domains (ccTLDs).
It gives you access to all domain management tools along with private registration, whois privacy protection, free whois, bulk registration, easy transfers, easy DNS management, email account, email forwarding, and other additional services.
Domain.com offers WPBeginner readers a 25% off discount on domain products. To register a domain name without web hosting, Domain.com is highly recommended.
2) Bluehost
Bluehost is known as an official WordPress hosting partner, they offer domain name registration.
Bluehost offers WPBeginner users a free domain name, free SSL certificate, and a discount on web hosting making it a perfect deal for buyers to make a website.
The price range starts at $2.75 per month, and collect a free new domain name.
Bluehost is popularly used for web hosting for several small websites. As it has an intuitive interface for beginners, it has pre-installed WordPress, and its chat support is quite helpful.
It also offers unlimited subdomains, malware protection for websites, professional emails through G Suite (Google Workspace), and more.
3) Network Solutions
Network Solutions is the largest domain registrar with over 7 million domains have been registered. A wide variety of domain register with domain extensions that includes the popular .com, .net, .org, .biz, .info.
Network Solutions is the biggest domain registrar, their services include web hosting, website builder, website security tools, business email address, online marketing, SEO services, and IT support. They are best suited for small businesses.
The domain features offered by them are DNS management, private registration, WHOIS privacy, etc.
4) HostGator
HostGator is the domain registrar company that offers website owners domain names and shared website hosting. They have a wide range of extensions, domain privacy, and DNS management tools that are easy to use.
They have a domain search tool that helps in the quick finding of a suitable domain name that users want for their business. They are also known to introduce a brand-new drag & drop website builder called Gator. They offer free domain names and hosting with all of their website builder plans.
5) GoDaddy
GoDaddy is one of the oldest domain registration companies. They have more than 77 million domain names for over 18 million users.
They offer a wide range of domain name extensions and the prices offered are highly competitive, on which you can get a significant discount on the first year of the domain’s registration.
The most powerful feature of GoDaddy is the domain management interface that enables domain name transfer, changing name servers, updating contact information, managing bulk domain renewals, and customizing various other domain settings.
6) Namecheap
Namecheap consists of a powerful domain search tool that gives its customers ease to find the right domain name and makes suggestions when the recommended domain name is not available.
They also provide domain add-on services such as domain privacy and premium DNS. The domain management area is great, but its user interface is not good when compared to GoDaddy’s new interface.
One of the best things about NameCheap is that they offer free whois privacy with all their domain names.
7) DreamHost
DreamHost is both a domain name registrar and web hosting service provider. They offer customers a free domain name with domain privacy included in the Shared Unlimited hosting plan.
There is also an option to register a domain name without purchasing hosting through them for $8.99 / year. DreamHost gives 400+ TLDs along with domain management tools.
They also provide managed WordPress hosting known as DreamPress which is a great option for larger websites.
8) BuyDomains
BuyDomains enables customers to find premium domain names matching the search terms. Premium domain names are defined as domain names that are already registered but are on sale from a third party. These domains are more memorable, shorter, and well brandable due to which they are more costly.
If you are unable to search a suitable domain name, on a decided budget, then you can opt for BuyDomains to find for a premium domain name.