See All Domain Name Registration

Your web hosting service

*Est. $15 per year
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Your web hosting service

Best alternative domain registration

Pros
  • Simpler
  • Apt to be stable
  • Sometimes free with hosting
Cons
  • Often price is higher
  • You may want to change web hosts

There's some disagreement in reviews about whether you should register your domain name via your web host. It can be simpler to deal just with one company, and web hosts are more apt to stay in business for years than domain registrars. However, prices vary. Sometimes web hosts provide free domain registration as part of the web hosting bundle, but other web hosts charge more for registration than a budget-priced registrar. If you find that your preferred web host does charge more, reviews recommend Namecheap.com (*est. $8.88 per year).

We found advice on choosing a domain registrar at CNet.com and LinuxReviews.org. These discuss domain registration in general and offer tips and considerations on choosing a company.

Our Sources

1. CNET

This reassuring article explains how ICANN.org and second-tier registrars work, noting that the median price for registration has dropped to $15 per year. CNet.com's editors recommend just choosing a company that's been in business a while, but not overpaying.

Review: Pick a Registrar, Any Registrar -- Even a Cheap One, Matt Lake, Aug. 16, 2004

2. LinuxReviews.org

This brief article explains terms and procedures used in registering a domain name. Editors don't recommend any particular service or company; rather they say it's just best to act quickly once you think of a good name or someone else will snap it up.

Review: What You Should Know about Domain Names, Editors of LinuxReviews.org

3. iGoldRush.com

This article in question-and-answer format is a good introduction to domain name registration, including a list of extra services you might want to look for.

Review: Domain Name Frequently Asked Questions, Editors of iGoldRush.com

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