How to Get a Free Domain Name: 3 Proven Methods

How to Get a Free Domain Name: 3 Proven Methods

Even though the usual cost of a domain name is around $14.99 per year, we’ll introduce you to the best free domain name registrars and show you how to occasionally bypass those fees, at least for the first year.

In this article, you’ll learn how to get a free domain name using three proven methods.

We’ll teach you how to get a free domain name with web hosting, without hosting, or through an all-in-one website builder.

Best Free Domain Hosting Choices
User Rating
4.9
5.0
4.6
Promo Offers
Free Trial
45-Day Money-Back Guarantee
30-Day Money-Back Guarantee

Learn when and why you might need a free domain and what to expect after registration.

Takeaways
  • Discover multiple ways to get your free domain name, either with a web host or without one
  • Learn about hosting providers that offer free domain name registration alongside reliable web hosting services
  • Explore free domain registrars and their personal use options
  • Understand the typical cost of your desired domain name and how you can sometimes get it for free, at least for the first year
  • Gain insights into when and why you should register a free domain name for your online presence

How to Get a Free Domain Name with Hosting

Getting a free domain name when you buy a hosting plan is a good way to start your website without spending too much. Many hosting companies give you this cheap choice, so it’s easy to get your website going.

This part will tell you how this deal works and give a list of good hosting companies that offer free or really cheap domain names when you get a hosting plan.

Why Do Hosting Providers Offer Free Domains?

Before looking at the list of web hosting plans and picking one, it’s important to know why some give free website names.

Hosting companies often do this to get more people to sign up. Giving a free domain with their hosting deal makes it more attractive to people and businesses.

This makes setting up a website easier, which is great for newbies.

Hosting Providers Offering Free or Affordable Domain Registration

1. Hostinger

Features:

    • Affordable hosting starts at just INR 246 a month for the first year
    • Free domain registration
    • 99.9% uptime guarantee
    • Easy website builder
    • 24/7 live chat support
    • 30-day money-back guarantee

Read the full review: Hostinger review

Hostinger
Boost your website’s performance with Hostinger’s ultra-fast hosting solutions at unbeatable price. Offering everything from Shared, Managed WordPress, Managed WooCommerce, Cloud, VPS to Game Server Hosting, Hostinger ensures maximum uptime and premium security.
Visit Hostinger

2. HostArmada

Features:

    • Free domain and domain name, domain transfer and migration
    • Free SSL for all domains and subdomains
    • Outstanding WordPress Hosting
    • cPanel included
    • 99.9% uptime
    • 1-click installer and easy to use client area

Read the full review: HostArmada review

HostArmada
HostArmada provides bespoke hosting journeys for all, from beginners to seasoned enterprises, highlighting their top-tier web hosting solutions for optimized web management.
Visit HostArmada

3. ChemiCloud

Features:

    • Free domain for life
    • Free daily backups with each plan
    • Free SSL Certificates and domain name
    • 99.99% uptime guarantee
    • 45-day money-back guarantee
    • Advanced security features

Read the full review: ChemiCloud review

ChemiCloud
Experience the future of hosting with Chemicloud. Tailored for peak performance and backed by robust infrastructure, their specialized plans, particularly for WordPress, ensure your site stands out. Dive into a seamless web journey with Chemicloud today.
Visit ChemiCloud

4. FastComet

Features:

    • All plans include a free domain name registration
    • Daily backups, cPanel, free domain transfer and migration
    • Cloudflare CDN
    • In-house Website Builder
    • Multiple server locations
    • 100% satisfaction or a money-back guarantee

Read the full review: FastComet review

FastComet
FastComet offers tailored hosting experiences for every user, from novices to established businesses, showcasing their premier shared and cloud hosting packages for streamlined website operations.
Visit FastComet

5. HostGator

Features:

    • Free domain included
    • One-click WordPress installation
    • Unmetered bandwidth
    • Free SSL certificate
    • 45-day money-back guarantee
    • 24/7/365 customer support

Read the full review: HostGator review

HostGator
HostGator’s hosting reputation is undisputed. Their array of shared, private, and powerful website builders is why so many people select them. Their global reach and cutting-edge tools ensure organizations and people get the finest performance and scalability.
Visit HostGator

These hosting companies give free website names and other cool stuff, so it’s a cheap way to make a website.

When picking a company, think about what you need:

  • What kind of website you want, if it’s for business or for personal use
  • How much money you want to spend
  • How much you know about tech

How to Get a Free Domain Without Web Hosting

Next, we’ll see how to get a free website name without buying a hosting service. This can be good for personal things or if you want more control over your website name.

Some companies give out free website names without making you get a hosting deal.

Here are some good options:

CompanyFeaturesWebsite
Freenom DNS Service
  • Offers free new domain name extensions like .TK, .ML, .GA, .CF, and .GQ
  • Provides a user-friendly domain search and registration process
  • Offers DNS management options
  • Suitable for personal projects and experimentation
Freenom DNS Service
GetFreeDomain.Name
  • Provides free domains with DNS support for personal use
  • Offers a selection of domain extensions
  • Features a simple registration process
  • Ideal for personal blogs, portfolios, or testing ideas
GetFreeDomain.Name
Dot TK
  • Offers some free features, like TK domain extensions
  • Provides a user-friendly interface for domain registration
  • Suitable for personal websites and minor projects
  • Provides domain management tools
Dot TK
Namecheap
  • Offers a free domain with hosting packages, and they also have affordable domain registration rates
Namecheap
Domain.com
  • Known for being easy to use and has tools for managing website names
  • Often has deals where you get a free website name when you buy a hosting plan
Domain.com
Google Domains
  • Google’s domain registration service provides simplicity and reliability, although free domain offers may vary
Google Domains

Free website name places often update their deals and rules on their sites. Remember that what’s free can change, so it’s smart to check often.

Next, we’ll look at getting a free website name with a tool that does everything, making it easy for anyone wanting a simple way to make a website.

How to Get a Free Domain Name with an All-In-One Website Builder

If you’re looking for a hassle-free way to get a free domain name for your website, think about using an all-in-one website builder.

Platforms like Wix, IONOS, and Squarespace often include a free website domain for the first year of use, making it convenient and cost-effective. Here’s how it works:

1. Wix Website Builder

Features:

  • User-friendly drag-and-drop site builder
  • Free domain for the first year with a premium plan
  • A wide variety of customizable templates
  • Hosting included
  • Additional features like SEO tools and e-commerce capabilities

Read the full review: Wix Website Builder review

Wix Website Builder
Discover unprecedented creative freedom. Templates are customizable with its editor. Wix’s eCommerce connectors and wealth of features help every vision, big or little, come true online.
Visit Wix Website Builder

2. IONOS Website Builder

Features:

  • Intuitive website builder
  • Free domain for one year with a starter plan for $1 per month
  • Easy-to-use tools and mobile responsive templates
  • Comprehensive analytics
  • 99.99% uptime guarantee

Read the full review: IONOS Website Builder review

IONOS
Unlock your website’s full potential with IONOS hosting, featuring high scalability, 99.9% uptime guarantee, and a range of plans to suit your needs – from shared hosting to dedicated servers. Experience lightning speed and top-notch security.
Visit IONOS

3. Squarespace Website Builder

Features:

  • Elegant and visually appealing website designs
  • Free domain for the first year with an annual plan
  • Integrated blogging and social media tools
  • Hosting and SSL included
  • Artistically focused templates
Squarespace
Squarespace makes beautiful, professional websites easy. The platform offers limitless storage, bandwidth, and eCommerce on most levels. Squarespace’s mobile app, amazing third-party connectors, and free SSL certificate make it beautiful and smart.
Visit Squarespace

Read the full review: Squarespace review

These website tools are great for people and small businesses who want a pro-looking website without needing to code.

Getting a free website name for the first year makes their offer even better.

How Much Does a Domain Name Cost?

You can often get a free website name for the first year with website tools or hosting companies. But it’s good to know the usual prices for website names.

Usually, website names cost about $14.99 every year. However, some hosting deals or website tools give you a free website name as part of their offer.

Remember, even if it’s free at first, you might have to pay later when you renew it. Here are the three most popular registrars and what they charge:

Registrar.com.org.us
GoDaddy$2.99 for the first month, thereafter, $8.99$22.99/year (first year purchase is required)$1.99 for the first year, thereafter $21.99/year
MailChimp$12.99/year$18.99/year$9.99/year
Semrush$12.99/year$18.99/year$9.99/year

Keep in mind that the cost to renew can change, so ask your company about the price.

Now that you know how to get a free website name, let’s learn when to get one and what happens after you get it.

When Do You Need to Register a Free Domain Name?

Getting a domain name for free is attractive, but timing is key. Knowing when to secure your domain name can make all the difference. So, when should you consider registering a free domain name?

  • Right at Your Project’s Outset: Starting a new website or project? It’s wise to secure a free domain name early on. This lets you lock in your preferred web address so others can’t claim it.
  • Prior to Branding and Promotion: Establish your online identity by securing a free domain before introducing your brand to the world. This ensures your online name remains consistent and eliminates the need to change your site’s address later.
  • Once Your Vision Is Clear: Settle on a domain only after you’ve mapped out a clear vision for your website or online venture. Knowing your audience, content, and strategy can guide you to a domain name that truly fits.
  • Before Someone Else Does: Don’t delay in securing your desired website name. If you procrastinate, someone else might snap up your perfect domain. Remember, “The early bird gets the worm.”
  • As You Prepare to Build Your Site: Once you’ve secured your free domain, you’re set to begin your website’s creation journey. Owning that domain might just be the spark you need to embark on your online adventure.
  • When Privacy Matters Most: Consider using WHOIS privacy protection when registering your domain. Offered by most providers, this feature safeguards your personal details from spam, identity theft, and unsolicited offers. By getting your website name at the right time for free, you can start your online adventure safely and positively.

Conclusion

Now that you have learned how to get a free domain name, knowing the best domain name generators can be a great help.

You will also want to explore domain name management, parked and AWS domains, and possibly even trademarking your existing domain name.

You may also need a free subdomain or domain extension. We provide links to this valuable information in the following section.

As you progress towards web development, navigating through numerous websites offering information on these topics, especially if you’re not tech-savvy, can be overwhelming. Finding reliable sources can be challenging, which is where we come in to assist you.

Next Steps: What Now?

  • Start by designing your website. You can use an easy website builder like WordPress to customize it.
  • After your basic website is set up, fill it with SEO content writing.
  • Once you have valuable content on your website, optimize it for search engines like Google.
  • Share it on social media, through emails, and other methods to create brand awareness by getting the word out.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to get a free domain name for a lifetime

While it’s possible to get a free custom domain name for a limited time, up to a year, it’s uncommon to get a free domain forever.

You can explore options from domain registrars and web hosting providers to find offers, but long-term free domains are rare.

Are there free internet domains?

There are free internet domains, but they often have limitations and conditions.

These might include a limited time to use the domain name (i.e. a year) or selective hosting, limited free business email address, and website plans that last only a few months.

Are GoDaddy domains free?

No, GoDaddy domains are not free as a stand-alone feature. However, purchasing an annual Web Hosting or Managed WordPress plan with GoDaddy can get one for free as an add-on feature.

Are Google site domains free?

No, Google site domains are not free. Although Google Sites does not charge you for a custom domain, you must commit to the initial purchase.

This typically costs around $9-$12 per year for a .com domain name if you use a cheap domain registrar. Hosting your website on cloud hosting services comes with separate costs.

Which free domain is best?

There is no correct answer to this question. Your specific needs will determine which free domain is best for you.

Popular choices include services like Freenom, InfinityFree, and AwardSpace, but consider factors like domain extensions, ease of use, and domain-specific limitations or conditions.

Rafi Salber
Edited By:
Rafi Salber
Content Editor
Rafi is the editor of HostAdvice.com, an online publication that covers the latest developments in the web hosting industry. With a background in content development and a passion for all things tech-related, Rafi has a keen eye for spotting trends and a talent for researching and explaining complex ideas in a way that is accessible to readers.

10 Best VPS Hosting on Reddit: Most Recommended Providers 2024

Reddit is a popular source for hosting recommendations, including VPS hosting. With multiple conversations on choosing a service and dozens o…
4 min read
Ela Gal-Kfir
Ela Gal-Kfir
Digital Marketing Specialist

HostAdvice Speaks to ScalaHosting: An Interview with Chris Rusev

HostAdvice had the opportunity to speak with Chris Rusev, the CEO and co-founder of , a web hosting company that offers shared, cloud VPS, and res…
8 min read
Eddie Segal
Eddie Segal
Digital Marketing Specialist

Email Deliverability: What Is It, Key Factors & Best Practices

What is Email Deliverability? Think of it like mailing a letter and making sure it lands right in the recipient’s hands, not lost or thrown…
17 min read
Ela Gal-Kfir
Ela Gal-Kfir
Digital Marketing Specialist

Email Marketing vs. Social Media: Which is More Effective?

What is Email Marketing? Email marketing is a  that involves companies reaching out to potential and existing customers via email&nbsp…;
10 min read
Ela Gal-Kfir
Ela Gal-Kfir
Digital Marketing Specialist
HostAdvice.com provides professional web hosting reviews fully independent of any other entity. Our reviews are unbiased, honest, and apply the same evaluation standards to all those reviewed. While monetary compensation is received from a few of the companies listed on this site, compensation of services and products have no influence on the direction or conclusions of our reviews. Nor does the compensation influence our rankings for certain host companies. This compensation covers account purchasing costs, testing costs and royalties paid to reviewers.
Click to go to the top of the page
Go To Top