How much does a domain name cost in 2025 + can i get one for free

The average domain name cost is around $10-20/year. That said, domain name prices vary depending on factors such as the chosen registrar, registration period, and additional features. You can also get free domains through various methods.

Premium domains usually cost more. These names are short, easy to remember, brandable, or include popular keywords. Since they’re in high demand, they often come with a higher price tag. Still, many people see the value in securing a domain that reflects their brand and goals, since a custom domain builds trust and increases credibility.

So, how much does a domain name cost per year? Whether you’re running a business or launching a personal project, knowing the answer to this question helps you budget better.

Here’s a quick look at starting prices for popular domain extensions at Hostinger, all of which are free for the first year when you purchase any of our annual hosting plans.

Domain extension (TLD)	Best for	First‑year starting price
.com	Universal commercial and personal projects	$2.99
.net	Tech or network-related projects	$11.99
.org	Non‑profits and communities	$7.99
.online	Global digital or service presence	$0.99
.blog	Personal blogging or content sites	$1.99
.shop	Ecommerce and online stores	$0.99
.tech	Tech-related startups or projects	$5.99
.xyz	Innovators and modern brands	$1.99
.site	General websites and portfolios	$0.99
.co	Innovative startups or company websites	$27.99
.space	Creative or niche-themed websites	$0.99

How much should you pay for a domain

It depends on the type of domain you choose. For most popular domain extensions like .com, .net, or .org, prices usually cost between $10-20/year. Newer options, such as .online, .shop, or .xyz, can start even lower with promotional first-year rates, though renewals might be higher.

In some cases, you don’t need to pay at all. Many hosting providers, including Hostinger, offer a free domain for the first year when you purchase an annual web hosting plan. This is a great option if you’re just starting a website and want to keep costs low.

Domain pricing varies by TLD and other factors, which we’ll explore next.

What affects domain pricing

Let’s explore the six factors affecting these prices. Keep in mind that we’re only focusing on non-premium custom domains, which are readily available to purchase on domain registrars like Hostinger.

1. Domain extension (TLD)

Also known as top-level domains (TLDs), domain extensions are the last part of a domain name. For example, in google.com, “google” is the address and .com is the extension.

There are three main types of TLDs:

• Generic (gTLD). Available for anyone without any geographical restrictions. .com, .net, .org, .shop, and .tech are common examples of this type of TLD.
• Sponsored (sTLD). Since they belong to a certain entity, only eligible users can register sponsored TLDs. For example, .gov is the official extension for US-based government agencies, while educational institutions reserve .edu.
• Country-code (ccTLD). .us, .uk, .in, .fr, and .jp are examples of ccTLDs representing specific regions. Users need a registered address to buy one.

gTLDs are usually the most expensive across registrars due to their global recognition, strong demand, and a reputation for trust and credibility. If you’re researching .com domain prices or other popular extensions, you’ll likely find them higher than less common alternatives for similar reasons.

That’s why settling for newer extensions like .xyz, .cloud, or .pro can be a more affordable alternative, especially if your website or project doesn’t require a specific TLD.

2. Domain registrar fees

Domain registrars have different fee structures. Some offer significant discounts on first-year registrations to attract new users, while others stick to fixed pricing with a higher starting cost.

One way to cut your domain registration cost is by choosing a hosting plan that includes a free domain name. Hostinger’s annual hosting plans come with this perk, helping you save on initial costs while keeping your website management in one place.

For credibility and security, always register your domain through an ICANN-accredited registrar. Hostinger is listed as one of the accredited registrars, so you can rest easy knowing your purchase is in good hands.

3. Domain privacy protection

When registering a domain, WHOIS stores your personal details like phone number, home address, domain name, IP address, and expiration date. As the information is public, your site will be vulnerable to identity theft, email phishing, and spam.

Domain privacy protection keeps your data hidden in the WHOIS directory, making it a vital feature to get when buying a domain. It usually costs between $10-20/year, but you can get it for free with Hostinger’s hosting plans and eligible domains.

Here’s how to activate domain privacy protection at Hostinger:

1. Access Domains → Domain portfolio from your hPanel dashboard.
2. Click Manage next to your domain name.

3. Toggle on the Privacy Protection option.

Run your domain name through the WHOIS domain lookup to ensure your contact details aren’t public.

Keep in mind that certain domain extensions, such as .us and .uk, have privacy protection limitations due to regional regulations or registry policies. EU citizens also have their personal data redacted for all TLDs by default, thanks to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

4. Domain registration duration

Most domain registrars offer a minimum registration period of one year. However, a longer duration often comes with discounts and protects you from yearly price hikes.

For example, Hostinger gives a significant discount for the first year when you register a .com domain for three years. Discounts vary based on the TLDs.

5. Domain transfer fees

Domain transfer refers to the process of migrating a domain name to another registrar, usually for better support, cheaper renewal pricing, and simpler management.

Before transferring a domain, compare the transfer fees and requirements as well as the renewal costs. Some providers offer free domain transfers but charge for setup and renewal for the first year. In some cases, the transfer fees are extremely low, but they don’t cover renewal costs.

Consider any additional services you need, such as WHOIS domain privacy and email services, as they can impact the overall cost.

6. Custom email accounts

A custom email address that represents your business name helps boost brand recognition. For instance, using name@yourdomain.com over name@gmail.com will make you appear more professional.

Creating a professional email account via a domain registrar or email service provider requires additional fees. Luckily, some web hosts like Hostinger bundle free custom email with hosting plans.

If you need more storage or multiple addresses for your team, you can always upgrade to one of Hostinger’s business email services to support your growth.

How to get a free domain name

There are a few reliable ways to register a domain name for free:

• Choose a hosting plan that includes a free domain, like Hostinger’s annual hosting packages.
• Use a website builder that bundles free domain registration with its plan.
• Look for registrar promotions that offer free registration for specific TLDs.
• Use a subdomain (for example, yourname.wordpress.com) if you only need a basic, no-cost option.

That said, be cautious with free lifetime domain offers. They usually come with limited security features, little to no support, and can make your website look unprofessional.

Instead, pick the option that works best for you. If you’re launching a full website, a hosting or website builder plan with a free domain is probably your best bet. But if it’s just something temporary, a subdomain might do the trick.

Need help? Check our tutorial on how to register a domain for free for more tips.

Are there any hidden costs associated with owning a domain name?

Yes. Besides the initial registration, there are a few extra costs you should plan for:

• Renewal fees. Domains are billed annually, and the renewal price tends to be higher than the first-year promo rate.
• Domain privacy protection. Not all registrars offer this essential service for free, unfortunately.
• Premium add-ons. Depending on your registrar, you can get email hosting, SSL certificates, or advanced DNS management for an extra cost.

Not all of these services are necessary, but it’s worth keeping them in mind when budgeting to avoid any surprises.

Why your website needs a unique domain name

Your website needs a unique domain name because it’s the foundation of your online identity. A custom domain makes your site easier to find, builds trust with visitors, and sets you apart from competitors still relying on free subdomains.

A unique domain also makes your brand more memorable, especially when paired with a TLD that matches your niche or intention. For example, using a .store domain for an online shop signals its purpose instantly, while choosing .org for a non-profit highlights credibility and mission.

When deciding how to choose the right domain name, aim for one that’s simple, relevant, and aligned with your goals. This turns your domain into a long-term asset that strengthens your brand and builds recognition over time.

Why you should register multiple domains

You can launch a website with just one domain, but registering multiple domains helps protect your brand identity. By claiming domain names and TLDs similar to your main one, you reduce the risk of cybersquatting and phishing attacks.

For example, Hostinger uses hostinger.com as the main web address. However, we also claim our name with other ccTLDs like hostinger.in and hostinger.fr to reach users in specific regions. Think of it as an investment in expanding your online presence and safeguarding your brand.

This practice also helps you capture misspellings or variations of your domain, so you don’t lose potential traffic. Let’s say your site is business.com. Owning busines.com makes sure visitors still land on your page even with a typo.

Hostinger makes it easy to secure multiple domains by bundling three popular TLDs when you check for availability. Choosing the bundle can save you money upfront and lets you manage all your domains conveniently under a single account.

How to buy a domain name

Registering a new domain follows similar steps across most registrars. First, check if your desired domain name is available using the registrar’s search tool and consider variations if your first choice is taken.

Once you’ve found an available name, select the registration period, add any optional services like hosting or email, and provide accurate billing information. After completing payment, you’ll get a confirmation email and may need to verify your contact details to comply with ICANN rules.

The process of securing an already registered domain can be more involved and often requires backordering or negotiating with the current owner. The same goes for redeeming an expired domain, which comes with time limits and additional fees during the redemption period.

How to buy a registered domain

Buying a registered domain means purchasing a web address that’s already owned by someone else. Start by checking what the domain is currently used for. If it points to an active website, the owner may not be willing to sell. Unused or parked domains are your best bet, often listed through domain resellers or marketplaces.

Once you’ve identified a potential domain, research its value by comparing prices of similar domains on marketplaces like Sedo and Flippa. Then, find the owner’s contact information using a WHOIS lookup tool or the site’s contact details and reach out to negotiate a price.

For a deeper dive, our guide on buying a registered domain offers tips on scouting high-value domains, contacting owners, and negotiating purchases.

How to redeem an expired domain name

When a domain name expires, the owner might need to pay additional fees to redeem it. The amount depends on the domain’s lifecycle and TLD.

Most generic domains have a renewal grace period of up to 30 days after expiration. During this time, you can usually renew the domain at the standard renewal fee.

Once the grace period ends, the domain enters a 30-day redemption period, though the duration varies by TLD. If you fail to renew the domain during this period, a redemption fee will apply on top of the renewal cost to reclaim it.

Beyond that timeframe, the domain goes into pending delete for about five days, during which no changes or redemptions are possible. After that, the domain becomes available for anyone to register on a first-come, first-served basis.

To avoid losing your domain, activate the auto-renewal feature. Hostinger users can enable auto-renewal for each registered domain directly from hPanel.

How to get the best deal

The best way to secure a domain without overspending is to plan ahead. Here are some tips to help you find a good domain name at the right price:

• Compare registrars as prices vary between them.
• Take advantage of hosting bundles and save yourself the registration cost for the first year.
• Use a domain name generator like the one Hostinger offers to help you brainstorm unique, available names.
• Consider alternative TLDs if popular options are out of your budget. They can be more affordable while still fitting your brand.
• Watch for first-year promotions that many registrars run.

A domain name is a great way to invest in your online presence, and it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. By comparing options, using smart tools, and choosing the right plan, you can register a domain relevant to your brand and target audience while keeping expenses under control.

Can I negotiate the price of a domain name?

You can only negotiate a domain’s price if you’re buying it directly from its current owner. This applies to premium domains already registered and listed for resale on marketplaces or by brokers. In these cases, the final price usually depends on demand, domain length, and keyword relevance.

Domain registrars, on the other hand, offer fixed prices for standard TLDs and services like privacy protection, leaving no room for negotiation.

Can I buy a domain name for a one-time fee?

Domain names are leased, so you have to pay to register and renew them periodically. Most registrars let you register a domain for 1-10 years at a time. As long as you keep up with renewal fees, you can maintain ownership indefinitely.

Enable auto-renewal from the start so you don’t risk losing your domain. Also, check renewal fees before committing, since they may increase over time.

Some hosting providers advertise lifetime domains, but these usually just bundle renewals with a hosting plan. Keep in mind these offers usually have restrictions and aren’t permanent.

All of the tutorial content on this website is subject to Hostinger's rigorous editorial standards and values.