Starting a WordPress website begins with one crucial decision: choosing the right domain name and registrar.
I’ve been helping people build WordPress sites for over a decade, and I can tell you that this choice affects everything from your site’s performance to your long-term costs.
The domain registrar market is flooded with options, each promising the best deals and features. Some focus on rock-bottom prices, others on premium services, and many fall somewhere in between.
What makes this decision tricky is that switching domain registrars later, while possible, can be a headache you’d rather avoid.
After testing dozens of domain registrars over the years and managing hundreds of domains across different platforms, I’ve identified the ones that truly deliver value for WordPress site owners. The registrars I recommend here have proven themselves through real-world use, reliable performance, and genuine customer support when things go wrong.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best domain registrars specifically for WordPress sites, based on my hands-on experience with each platform. You’ll learn what to look for, common pitfalls to avoid, and which registrar matches your specific needs and budget.
How I Test and Review Domain Registrars for WordPress
I don’t just sign up for accounts and browse features – over the years, I’ve registered domains with different registrars and built websites. Aside from that, I also do research amongst my teammates and clients to get insights into their experience as well.
Here’s my testing approach:
- Real domain registrations: I register actual domains to test the complete process from search to setup
- DNS management evaluation: Testing how easy it is to point domains to WordPress hosting
- Customer support response: Contacting support with real questions to gauge response time and quality
- Renewal pricing transparency: Checking what happens when promotional pricing expires
- Transfer process: Testing how smoothly domains can be moved in and out
- WordPress-specific features: Evaluating one-click WordPress installs and hosting integrations
- Long-term cost analysis: Calculating true costs over 3-5 years, not just first-year pricing
My focus is always on real-world usability for WordPress site owners, not just feature checklists or promotional materials.
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What to Look For in a Domain Registrar for WordPress
Before diving into specific recommendations, let me share what actually matters when choosing a domain registrar for your WordPress site. These factors come from years of managing domains and helping others avoid costly mistakes.
🔍 Transparent Pricing Structure
Many registrars hook you with incredibly low first-year prices, then hit you with renewal rates that are 3-4 times higher. I always calculate the 5-year total cost when evaluating registrars. A domain that costs $2 the first year but $18 annually afterward is more expensive than one that costs $12 consistently.
🌐 DNS Management Quality
Your domain’s DNS (Domain Name System) settings control where your website actually loads. Poor DNS management can mean slow site loading, downtime, or complicated setup processes. I test how quickly DNS changes propagate and how user-friendly the management interface is.
🛠️ Customer Support That Actually Helps
Domain issues often happen at the worst possible times. I’ve tested support by asking technical questions about DNS configuration, domain transfers, and WordPress-specific setup scenarios. The best registrars have knowledgeable support teams available when you need them.
🔒 Security Features
Domain hijacking is a real threat. Look for registrars that offer two-factor authentication, domain locking, and WHOIS privacy protection as standard features, not expensive add-ons.
🔗 Integration with WordPress Hosting
Some registrars make it incredibly easy to connect your domain to popular WordPress hosting providers. Others require manual DNS configuration that can be confusing for beginners.
Let’s dive in to the list of the best places to register your domain name today.
Best Domain Registrars for WordPress Sites
1. Bluehost
Best for: WordPress users who want domain and hosting from the same provider with seamless integration.
Bluehost is my #1 choice when it comes to domain and hosting. Let me tell you why.
Bluehost is one of the most affordable hosts out there starting at $1.99 per month. With their hosting plan, you’ll get a free domain name for 1 year. Added to this, you’ll also get a number of other things that you need when you run a website. This includes a free SSL certificate, CDN, AI site creation tool, migration tools, managed WordPress updates, malware scanning, firewall, backups, caching – I could go on and on.
Another feature you need is a 1-click WordPress installation, and Bluehost has it!
With other providers, you would have to pay for all these things separately. So while you think you’re getting a domain name for cheap, you end up with a much bigger bill once you go shopping around for all these other things that you need.
I’ve set up countless WordPress sites using Bluehost domains and hosting together, and the integration eliminates many common configuration headaches.
When you register a domain through Bluehost and use their hosting, your WordPress site is automatically configured – no manual DNS setup required. This seamless integration has saved me hours of troubleshooting technical configurations.
Their domain management panel is WordPress-focused, with one-click options for common WordPress configurations.
Need to set up a staging subdomain? It’s built into their interface. Want to redirect your domain to a different WordPress installation? The process is streamlined and documented specifically for WordPress users.
What I would recommend considering is that Bluehost’s domain pricing is competitive when bundled with hosting, but slightly higher if you only need domain registration. Their strength lies in the integrated experience rather than standalone domain pricing.
Bluehost Support
I’ve found Bluehost’s domain support team particularly knowledgeable about WordPress-specific issues. When my WordPress site wasn’t loading properly after a domain transfer, their support team quickly identified a WordPress-specific DNS configuration issue and resolved it within minutes.
Pricing: .com domains start at $11.99/year (often free with hosting plans starting at just $1.99 per month)
2. Hostinger
Best for: Budget-conscious WordPress users who want quality domain registration at the lowest prices.
Hostinger consistently offers some of the most competitive domain pricing I’ve encountered, but what sets them apart is maintaining that affordability without sacrificing essential features.
Their domain search tool is surprisingly fast and includes helpful suggestions when your preferred domain isn’t available. I appreciate that they show real availability status rather than holding domains in cart to create artificial urgency – a practice that annoys me with some competitors.
The DNS management interface is clean and functional. While it doesn’t have all the advanced features of premium registrars, it includes everything most WordPress users need. I’ve successfully pointed Hostinger domains to various WordPress hosting providers without issues, and their DNS changes propagate quickly.
One standout feature is their transparent renewal pricing. Unlike registrars that drastically increase prices after the first year, Hostinger’s renewal rates remain reasonable. This makes them an excellent choice for long-term domain ownership.
My concern is that Hostinger’s domain-only service doesn’t include some premium features like advanced DNS management or extensive domain marketplace tools. However, for standard WordPress use cases, their service is more than adequate.
Hostinger Support
Hostinger’s customer support for domain issues has been responsive in my experience. When I needed help transferring a domain to another registrar, their support team provided the necessary authorization codes promptly and walked me through the process without trying to prevent the transfer.
Pricing: .com domains start at $9.99/year (Get a domain (1-year) with a web hosting plan at $2.99 per month)
Register Your Domain with Hostinger »
3. Network Solutions
Best for: Established businesses and WordPress professionals who prioritize reliability and enterprise-grade features.
Network Solutions has been registering domains since the internet’s early days, and their experience shows in reliable and stable service. As an original domain registrar, they focus on security and uptime – crucial for professional WordPress sites.
What sets them apart is their business-grade domain management. Their DNS infrastructure is strong, with fast propagation times and excellent uptime.
Their domain management interface is comprehensive and feature-rich, though less streamlined than newer competitors. For WordPress pros handling multiple client domains, their bulk tools and advanced DNS features offer the needed control for complex setups.
The main consideration is their premium pricing. A .com domain costs more than budget options, but you’re paying for solid infrastructure and top-tier support.
Their security features include advanced domain locking, WHOIS privacy protection, and two-factor authentication. For WordPress sites handling sensitive data or needing maximum uptime, these security measures offer peace of mind.
Network Solutions also provides integrated services like SSL certificates, email hosting, and website monitoring that can complement WordPress hosting, though these come at higher prices.
Network Solutions Support
Network Solutions stands out in customer support for business users. Their team has deep technical knowledge and understands enterprise WordPress needs. When I’ve needed help with complex DNS setups or domain transfers for high-traffic WordPress sites, their support was thorough and reliable.
Pricing: .com domains start at $11.99/year (premium pricing with enterprise features)
Register with Network Solutions »
4. Namecheap
Best for: WordPress developers and power users who need advanced DNS features and excellent customer support.
Namecheap has earned a reputation as a developer-friendly registrar. Their DNS management tools are comprehensive without being overwhelming, making them ideal for WordPress users who need more control.
Their Advanced DNS feature is particularly valuable for WordPress sites with complex requirements. I’ve used it to set up custom subdomains for staging sites, configure email routing, and implement CDN connections seamlessly. The interface provides granular control while remaining accessible to non-experts.
Namecheap’s domain transfer process is smooth and well-documented. I’ve transferred a few domains both to and from Namecheap, and they make the process straightforward with clear status updates throughout.
Their pricing is competitive, especially considering the included features. Free WHOIS privacy protection is standard, and their renewal rates are clearly displayed and reasonable. I’ve never encountered surprise fees or hidden charges with Namecheap.
The domain search tool includes helpful features like bulk domain checking and alternative suggestion algorithms that actually provide useful options rather than just trying to sell premium domains.
Additionally, Namecheap offers:
- The Softaculous app installer, simplifying the installation of WordPress and other applications.
- A built-in SSL installer for certificates purchased from Namecheap, making security easy to manage.
- A Backup Wizard that helps protect your data with regular backups.
- Easy DNS record management, ensuring you maintain control over your domain settings effortlessly.
Namecheap Support
I’ve contacted them multiple times with complex DNS questions related to WordPress setups, and their support team consistently demonstrates genuine technical knowledge. They understand how domain configuration affects WordPress performance.
Pricing: .com domains start at $6.49/year (includes free WHOIS privacy)
5. GoDaddy
Best for: WordPress users who want extensive additional services and don’t mind aggressive upselling.
GoDaddy is the domain registration giant that many people love to hate, but I’ve found their core domain services to be solid despite their reputation for aggressive marketing. Over the years, I’ve learnt to separate the marketing noise from the actual service quality.
Their domain management interface has improved significantly in recent years. The DNS editor is functional and includes templates for popular WordPress hosting providers, making initial setup easier for beginners. I’ve successfully connected GoDaddy domains to various WordPress hosts without technical difficulties.
Where GoDaddy excels is in its extensive ecosystem of additional services. If you need domain registration, hosting, email, SSL certificates, and website building tools all in one place, GoDaddy provides that convenience. This can be valuable for WordPress users who prefer managing everything through a single provider.
The main drawback for me is that you’ll have to pay for additional services like full domain protection. You may not needed many of these services, or you could get them included in your web hosting package with other web hosts like Bluehost. Their renewal prices can also be significantly higher than promotional rates, so budget accordingly.
Despite these concerns, GoDaddy’s domain registration service itself is reliable. Their infrastructure is robust, DNS changes propagate quickly, and domain transfers work as expected.
GoDaddy Support
Their customer support is hit-or-miss in my experience. Phone support is readily available, but the quality varies significantly depending on who you reach. I’ve had both excellent technical help and frustrating experiences where support seemed more focused on selling additional services than solving problems.
Pricing: .com domains can start as low as $0.99/year (first year only, renews at $19.99/year)
Check Domain Availability at GoDaddy »
6. HostGator
Best for: WordPress users who want affordable domain registration with strong hosting integration options.
HostGator’s domain registration service works particularly well when combined with their WordPress hosting offerings. As a popular hosting provider, they’ve optimized their domain services specifically for WordPress users who want everything managed in one place.
When you register a domain and host with HostGator, your WordPress site configuration is automatically handled – no manual DNS setup required. This integration has saved me significant time on setting up my site.
Their domain management interface is user-friendly and includes WordPress-specific features. Setting up subdomains for staging sites, configuring redirects, and managing email forwarding are all straightforward processes. The interface may not be as advanced as some specialized registrars, but it covers everything most WordPress users need.
Pricing is competitive, especially when bundled with hosting services. HostGator frequently offers promotional deals that include free domain registration with hosting plans, making them an attractive option for new WordPress sites. Their renewal rates are reasonable and clearly displayed.
The domain search tool is functional and includes helpful suggestions for alternative domains when your first choice isn’t available. They don’t employ aggressive upselling tactics during the registration process, which I appreciate compared to some competitors.
The main limitation is that HostGator’s domain services are optimized for their hosting ecosystem. If you plan to use different hosting providers, you might find more specialized registrars offer better standalone domain management features.
HostGator Support
HostGator’s customer support for domain issues has been reliable in my experience. Their support team understands WordPress hosting requirements and can help troubleshoot DNS configuration issues that affect WordPress sites. Support is available 24/7, which is valuable when domain issues arise outside business hours.
Pricing: .com domains start at $12.95/year (often free with hosting plans)
Register Your Domain with HostGator »
That’s the list of the best domain registrars. There are many more domain registrars out there, but I would recommend choosing a reliable and popular one.
Below, is a checklist for you of things to consider before you register your domain name.
Domain Registration Checklist for WordPress Sites
Before registering your domain, consider these factors that specifically affect WordPress websites:
- Choose a memorable, brandable name: Avoid hyphens, numbers, or confusing spellings that make it hard for visitors to find your WordPress site
- Consider your long-term costs: Calculate 3-5 year costs including renewals, not just promotional pricing
- Verify included features: Ensure WHOIS privacy protection is included or affordable
- Check DNS management capabilities: Confirm the registrar supports the DNS configurations your WordPress hosting requires
- Research transfer policies: Understand the process for moving your domain if you change your mind
- Plan for multiple domains: Consider whether you’ll need additional domains for testing, redirects, or expansion
- Evaluate customer support: Check support availability during your typical working hours
Tools to Find the Right Domain Name
When it comes to finding the right domain name for your website, using a domain name generator can be incredibly helpful. Here are three top domain name generators:
1. Nameboy – The Original Domain Name Generator
Nameboy is one of the oldest and most well-known domain name generators. It has been helping people generate creative and available domain names for years.
Simply input one or two keywords to find suitable domain names.
The tool offers suggestions based on those keywords, availability, and popular domain extensions like .com, .net, etc.
2. IsItWP Domain Name Generator
IsItWP offers a domain name generator specifically for those wanting an easy way to find domain names, particularly catering to those using WordPress.
It lets you enter a base keyword to generate a list of domain name ideas. You’ll get a variety of domain extension options.
BlogTyrant Domain Name Generator
BlogTyrant’s generator is targeted at those interested in starting a blog or an online business, providing ideas that align with your niche.
These tools can greatly assist in brainstorming and securing a unique and effective domain name for your online presence.
Common Domain Registration Mistakes to Avoid
I’ve seen WordPress users make these costly mistakes when registering domains:
Falling for Extremely Low Promotional Pricing
That $1 domain might cost $25 to renew next year. Always check renewal pricing before committing to a registrar.
Skipping WHOIS Privacy Protection
Without privacy protection, your personal information becomes publicly searchable and you’ll receive spam calls and emails. Pay for privacy protection or choose a registrar that includes it free.
Registering Through Your Hosting Provider Without Research
While convenient, some hosting providers charge premium prices for domains or make transfers difficult if you change hosts later.
Not Understanding Transfer Lock Periods
New domain registrations are locked for 60 days before they can be transferred. Plan accordingly if you think you might want to change registrars.
Choosing Complex Domain Names
Domains with hyphens, numbers, or unusual spellings create confusion and make it harder for people to find your WordPress site.
Next Steps: Getting Your WordPress Site Online
Once you’ve registered your domain, you’ll need to connect it to a WordPress hosting provider. The process varies slightly depending on which registrar and hosting provider you choose, but the basic steps remain consistent.
If you’re new to WordPress, I recommend starting with a hosting provider like Bluehost that offers one-click WordPress installation and includes clear documentation for domain connection.
To learn how to use WordPress, we’ve created easy step-by-step video tutorials to teach you all the basics in under 2 hours.
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Next, I’ll answer frequently asked questions to clear up any doubts you may have.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I register my domain through my hosting provider or separately?
Both approaches have advantages. Registering through your hosting provider simplifies management and often includes integration features. Make sure your host has an easy domain migration and transfer process.
However, keeping your domain separate provides more flexibility if you want to change hosting providers later.
How important is the domain extension (.com, .org, .net) for WordPress sites?
.com remains the most trusted and memorable extension for most WordPress sites. While newer extensions like .online or .store are available, .com domains tend to perform better in search results and user trust. I recommend .com unless you have a specific reason to choose otherwise.
Can I change domain registrars after registration?
Yes, you can transfer domains between registrars, but the process takes 5-7 days and has some restrictions. Domains must be unlocked, you need an authorization code from your current registrar, and domains can’t be transferred within 60 days of initial registration or previous transfer.
Do I need to buy hosting and domain from the same company?
No, you can register your domain with one provider and host your WordPress site with another. This separation provides flexibility but requires manual DNS configuration. Many WordPress users prefer this approach for the freedom it provides.
What happened to Google Domains and what should I do?
Google Domains shut down in 2023, and all domains were transferred to Squarespace Domains. If you were a Google Domains customer, your domain is now managed by Squarespace with the same functionality. You can continue using Squarespace or transfer to another registrar if preferred.
How long should I register my domain for?
I typically recommend registering domains for 2-3 years initially. This provides stability for your WordPress site, often includes cost savings, and demonstrates commitment to search engines. Avoid 10+ year registrations unless you’re certain about your long-term plans.
Can I use multiple domains for one WordPress site?
Yes, you can point multiple domains to the same WordPress site or set up redirects from additional domains to your main domain. This strategy can protect your brand and capture traffic from common misspellings of your main domain.
That’s it! We’re at the end of this guide.
Choosing the right domain registrar is your first step toward building a successful WordPress website. The registrars I’ve recommended here have proven themselves through real-world use and provide the reliability and features that WordPress site owners actually need.
Remember that your domain registrar choice affects more than just your initial costs – it impacts your site’s long-term management, security, and flexibility. Take time to evaluate your specific needs and choose a registrar that aligns with your WordPress goals.
Whether you’re building your first WordPress site or managing multiple domains for clients, having a reliable domain registrar provides the foundation for everything else you’ll build online.
For comprehensive guidance on building your WordPress site from domain registration through launch, check out our complete WordPress training resources.
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