Best Domain Registrars for WordPress Sites: A Comprehensive Guide for 2025

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Discovering the perfect domain name for your website: Top domain registrars to consider in 2025. Posted on June 10th, 202

The first step in creating a WordPress website is deciding on the perfect domain name and selecting a registrar.

For more than ten years, I have been assisting individuals in creating WordPress websites, and I can say that the decision to use this platform has a significant impact on various aspects, such as the performance of your site and the expenses you may incur in the long run.

There are many options available in the domain registrar market, each offering different deals and features. Some prioritize low prices, while others offer premium services, with many falling somewhere in the middle.

The decision can be difficult because changing domain registrars later on can be a hassle that you would prefer to steer clear of.

Through years of experience testing various domain registrars and managing numerous domains on different platforms, I have found a select few that consistently provide value for WordPress site owners. These recommended registrars have demonstrated their reliability, performance, and quality customer support in real-world situations.

In this article, I will guide you on choosing the best domain registrars for WordPress websites, drawing from my personal experience with each one. I will help you understand what factors to consider, mistakes to steer clear of, and which registrar aligns with your unique requirements and financial constraints.

My process for testing and reviewing domain registrars for WordPress goes beyond just signing up for accounts and looking at features. I have actively registered domains with various registrars and created websites to truly understand their services. Additionally, I gather feedback from my colleagues and clients to gain a broader perspective on their experiences.

This is how I plan to conduct my testing:

I prioritize practical usability for WordPress site owners, rather than just focusing on feature lists or promotional content.

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When selecting a domain registrar for your WordPress site, it is important to consider certain factors that have been learned through experience in managing domains and assisting others in avoiding expensive errors. These factors are crucial in making an informed decision.

🔍 Clear Pricing System

Some domain registrars may lure you in with very low prices for the first year, only to increase the renewal rates by 3-4 times. It is important to consider the total cost over a 5-year period when choosing a registrar. A domain that costs $2 for the first year but $18 annually after that may end up being more expensive than one that consistently costs $12 per year.

🌐 Quality of DNS Management

The settings for your domain's DNS (Domain Name System) determine where your website loads. Inadequate DNS management can result in slow loading times, periods of website downtime, or difficult setup procedures. I assess the speed at which DNS changes are implemented and evaluate the user-friendliness of the management interface.

🛠️ Helpful Customer Support for Domain Issues

It's common for domain problems to arise at inconvenient times. I've evaluated customer support by inquiring about technical matters like DNS configuration, domain transfers, and setting up WordPress. The top registrars have expert support teams ready to assist you when you encounter issues.

🔒 Ways to Protect Your Domain

It is important to be aware of the risk of domain hijacking. When choosing a registrar for your domain, make sure they provide two-factor authentication, domain locking, and WHOIS privacy protection at no extra cost, rather than as additional expensive options.

🔗 Connecting your domain to WordPress hosting is made simple by some registrars, while others may require manual DNS configuration which can be challenging for those new to the process.

Today, let's explore some of the top options for registering your domain name.

Top domain registrars for WordPress websites

1. Bluehost

Ideal for individuals using WordPress who prefer to have their domain and hosting services from a single provider with smooth integration.

I prefer Bluehost above all others for my domain and hosting needs. Let me explain why.

Bluehost is a cost-effective hosting provider that offers plans starting at $1.99 per month. When you sign up for their hosting service, you will receive a free domain name for one year. In addition, Bluehost also provides a variety of essential features for running a website, such as a free SSL certificate, CDN, AI site creation tool, migration tools, managed WordPress updates, malware scanning, firewall, backups, and caching. The list of benefits goes on.

One important feature to have is the ability to easily install WordPress with just one click, which Bluehost offers.

When using other service providers, you would have to pay for each individual item separately. This means that even if you find a cheap domain name, you will end up with a higher total cost once you start looking for and purchasing all the additional services and items you need.

I have created numerous WordPress websites using Bluehost domains and hosting in combination, and the integration helps to avoid many typical setup difficulties.

By registering a domain with Bluehost and using their hosting services, your WordPress site will be set up automatically without the need for manual DNS configuration. This smooth integration has helped me save a lot of time that would have been spent troubleshooting technical setups.

Their control panel for managing domains is specifically designed for WordPress users, offering easy one-click solutions for setting up common WordPress configurations.

If you need to create a staging subdomain, you can easily do so using their interface. If you want to redirect your domain to another WordPress installation, the steps are clear and detailed, designed specifically for WordPress users.

I suggest taking into account that Bluehost offers competitive pricing for domains when purchased with hosting, but it can be slightly more expensive if you only require domain registration. Their main advantage is the seamless integration of services rather than just offering domain registration on its own.

Customer service provided by

I have had a positive experience with Bluehost's domain support team when it comes to resolving WordPress-related issues. They were able to quickly identify and fix a DNS configuration issue that was causing my WordPress site to not load properly after a domain transfer.

The cost for a .com domain is $11.99 per year, however it is sometimes included for free with hosting packages that start at $1.99 per month.

Purchase your domain through Bluehost.

2. Hostinger is a

Ideal for WordPress users on a budget looking for affordable domain registration without compromising on quality.

Hostinger is known for offering very competitive prices for domain names, while also ensuring that they still provide all the necessary features without compromising on affordability.

The domain search tool they offer is impressively quick and provides useful suggestions in case your desired domain is already taken. I like that they display the real availability status of domains instead of artificially creating urgency by holding them in the cart. This is something that bothers me when other competitors do it.

The interface for managing DNS is user-friendly and efficient. Although it may not have all the advanced features found in premium registrars, it has everything necessary for most WordPress users. I have been able to easily direct Hostinger domains to different WordPress hosting providers without any problems, and the changes to DNS happen quickly.

A unique feature of Hostinger is their transparent pricing for renewals. Unlike other registrars that significantly raise prices after the initial year, Hostinger keeps their renewal rates affordable. This makes them a great option for those looking to own a domain for a long period of time.

I am worried that Hostinger's domain-only service lacks certain premium features such as advanced DNS management and comprehensive domain marketplace tools. Nonetheless, for typical WordPress needs, their service is sufficient.

Hostinger Customer Service

In my personal experience, Hostinger's customer support has been quick to respond to domain-related issues. When I needed assistance transferring a domain to a different registrar, their support team promptly supplied the authorization codes needed and guided me through the process without any resistance.

Cost: You can purchase a .com domain for a starting price of $9.99 per year. If you sign up for a web hosting plan, you can also get a domain for one year at a rate of $2.99 per month.

Sign up for a domain name through Hostinger.

3. Networking Solutions

Ideal for: Companies that are already established and professionals who work with WordPress and value reliability and advanced features.

With a history dating back to the early days of the internet, Network Solutions has been registering domains for a long time. Their expertise is evident in their dependable and consistent service. As one of the first domain registrars, they prioritize security and uptime, which are essential for maintaining professional WordPress sites.

Their distinguishing feature is their professional domain management services for businesses. They have a robust DNS infrastructure that ensures quick propagation times and reliable uptime.

The interface for managing domains provided by this company is thorough and offers a wide range of features, but it may not be as user-friendly as newer competitors. It is particularly useful for WordPress experts who manage multiple client domains, as it provides bulk tools and advanced DNS features for controlling complex setups.

The most important factor to consider is the higher price of a .com domain compared to cheaper alternatives. However, this cost is justified by the reliable infrastructure and high-quality support that comes with it.

The security measures they offer include advanced domain locking, WHOIS privacy protection, and two-factor authentication. These features provide peace of mind for WordPress sites that deal with sensitive information or require high uptime.

Network Solutions offers additional services such as SSL certificates, email hosting, and website monitoring that can enhance WordPress hosting. However, these services are priced higher.

Assistance provided by

Network Solutions is known for providing exceptional customer support to business users. Their team is highly knowledgeable in technical aspects and specialized in meeting the needs of enterprise WordPress users. I have found their support to be thorough and reliable, especially when seeking assistance with intricate DNS configurations or transferring domains for high-traffic WordPress websites.

The cost for a .com domain starts at $11.99 per year and there is an option for premium pricing with additional enterprise features.

Sign up with Network Solutions to create

4. Namecheap is a company

Ideal for individuals with expertise in WordPress development and advanced DNS requirements, as well as those who value high-quality customer support.

Namecheap is well-known for being a registrar that is favored by developers. Their DNS management tools are thorough and user-friendly, catering to WordPress users who require a higher level of control without feeling overwhelmed.

The Advanced DNS feature offered by them is very useful for WordPress websites that have specific needs. I have utilized it to create custom subdomains for staging sites, set up email routing, and establish CDN connections without any issues. The interface allows for detailed control, yet is still user-friendly for those who may not be experts in the field.

The process of transferring domains with Namecheap is easy to follow and has clear instructions. I have transferred multiple domains to and from Namecheap, and they provide clear updates on the status of the transfer.

Namecheap offers competitive pricing with a range of features included. They provide free WHOIS privacy protection as a standard feature, and their renewal rates are clearly stated and fair. I have never experienced unexpected fees or hidden charges with Namecheap.

The domain search tool offers useful features such as bulk domain checking and alternative suggestion algorithms that offer practical options, rather than just pushing premium domain sales.

Moreover, Namecheap provides:

Customer service provided by Namecheap.

I have reached out to them several times with difficult DNS inquiries regarding WordPress configurations, and each time their support team has shown a strong grasp of technical knowledge. They are well-versed in how domain settings can impact the performance of WordPress websites.

Cost: Domain names ending in ".com" are available starting at $6.49 per year, and this price includes free WHOIS privacy protection.

Sign up with Namecheap »

5. GoDaddy is

Ideal for WordPress users looking for a wide range of extra services and are comfortable with the idea of being persuaded to purchase additional products.

GoDaddy is a well-known company that many people have mixed feelings about when it comes to domain registration. However, I have personally found their main domain services to be reliable, even though they are known for their strong marketing tactics. I have learned to focus on the quality of their services rather than getting caught up in their marketing strategies.

The platform for managing domains has shown great improvements in the past few years. The DNS editor works well and offers templates for commonly used WordPress hosting services, which helps simplify the initial setup process for beginners. I have been able to link GoDaddy domains to different WordPress hosts without encountering any technical issues.

GoDaddy stands out for its wide range of extra services available. If you're looking for a one-stop shop for domain registration, hosting, email, SSL certificates, and website building tools, GoDaddy offers all of these services in one place for added convenience. This can be particularly beneficial for WordPress users who prefer having everything managed by a single provider.

One downside is that you will have to pay extra for services such as full domain protection. Some of these services may not be necessary for you, or you could find them included in your web hosting plan with other providers like Bluehost. Keep in mind that the renewal prices could be much higher than the initial promotional rates, so make sure to budget accordingly.

Even though there are some worries, GoDaddy's domain registration service is dependable. Their system is strong, DNS updates happen quickly, and domain transfers go smoothly.

Assistance from Go

In my opinion, the customer support at this company can be inconsistent. While you can easily reach them by phone, the level of service you receive can vary greatly depending on who you speak to. I have encountered both helpful technical assistance and frustrating situations where the focus seemed to be more on upselling additional services rather than resolving issues.

Cost: The price of a .com domain can begin at $0.99 per year for the first year only, and then renews at $19.99 per year.

You can verify if a domain is available for registration

6. A web hosting company called

Ideal for individuals using WordPress who are looking for budget-friendly domain registration services that offer seamless integration with hosting options.

HostGator's domain registration service is best utilized when paired with their WordPress hosting options. They have tailored their domain services to cater specifically to WordPress users who prefer to have everything managed in one centralized location.

By registering a domain and hosting with HostGator, the configuration of your WordPress site is done automatically, so you don't need to set up DNS manually. This feature has helped me save a lot of time when setting up my site.

The interface for managing domains is easy to use and includes features specifically designed for WordPress websites. It is simple to set up subdomains for staging sites, set up redirects, and manage email forwarding. While not as advanced as other registrars that specialize in domain management, this interface provides all the necessary functions for most WordPress users.

The prices at HostGator are competitive, especially when you purchase hosting services as a bundle. HostGator often has special deals that include a free domain registration when you sign up for a hosting plan, which can be appealing for those starting new WordPress sites. Their renewal rates are fair and easy to see.

The domain search tool is effective and provides useful recommendations for other domain options if your preferred choice is not available. They do not use pushy sales tactics when you register a domain, which I find preferable to some other competitors.

One downside is that HostGator's domain services work best with their own hosting system. If you intend to use a different hosting provider, you may discover that other domain registrars with more specialized features for managing domains independently are a better option.

Assistance provided by HostG

In my personal experience, HostGator has proven to have dependable customer support for domain-related problems. Their support team is knowledgeable about the requirements for hosting WordPress websites and can assist in resolving any DNS configuration issues that may impact WordPress sites. It is beneficial that their support is accessible round the clock, especially for addressing domain issues that may occur outside of regular business hours.

Cost: You can purchase a .com domain for as low as $12.95 per year, and it is sometimes included for free with hosting packages.

Sign up for a domain name through HostGator.

Here is a compilation of highly recommended domain registrars. Although there are numerous options available, it is advised to select a reputable and well-known registrar.

Here is a list of important factors to think about before you choose and register your domain name.

Checklist for Registering a Domain for Your WordPress Website

Before you register a domain for your WordPress website, make sure to take into account these factors that are important

Methods for Discovering the Perfect Domain Name

When looking for the ideal domain name for your website, utilizing a domain name generator can be very beneficial. Here are three popular domain name generators:

1. Nameboy is a domain name generator that has been around since the

Nameboy is a widely recognized domain name generator that has been assisting individuals in creating unique and unused domain names for many years.

Just type in a few keywords to search for domain names that match.

The tool provides recommendations using the keywords, domain availability, and common domain extensions such as .com, .net, and others.

2. IsItWP's tool for generating domain names.

IsItWP provides a domain name generator for individuals who are looking for a simple and convenient way to search for domain names, with a focus on those who use WordPress.

You can input a main keyword to receive a selection of potential domain names. The tool will provide you with different options for domain extensions.

BlogTyrant's Domain Name Generator

The BlogTyrant generator is designed for individuals who are looking to launch a blog or an online business, offering suggestions that are tailored to their specific niche.

Utilizing these resources can be very helpful when coming up with ideas and choosing a distinct and successful domain name for your website.

Mistakes to Avoid When Registering a Domain

There are common mistakes that WordPress users often make when registering a domain, which can end up being costly.

Beware of being lured in by very low promotional prices. A domain that costs $1 initially could end up costing $25 to renew the following year. Make sure to review the renewal pricing before choosing a registrar.

Opting out of WHOIS Privacy Protection means that your personal information will be easily accessible to the public, leading to an increase in unwanted spam calls and emails. It is recommended to either pay for privacy protection or select a registrar that offers it for free.

Signing up for web hosting through your hosting provider without doing any research can be convenient, but it may end up costing you more money. Some hosting providers may charge high prices for domain names or make it difficult to transfer your website to

Confused about Transfer Lock Periods

When you register a new domain, it is locked for 60 days before it can be transferred to a different registrar. Be sure to consider this if you are thinking about switching registrars.

Selecting intricate domain names with hyphens, numbers, or unconventional spellings can lead to confusion and difficulty in locating your WordPress website.

Sign up for your own unique domain

After you have chosen and registered your domain name, the next step is to link it to a hosting provider that supports WordPress. The specific steps may differ based on the registrar and hosting provider you select, but the general process remains the same.

If you are just starting out with WordPress, I suggest using a hosting provider such as Bluehost that makes it easy to install WordPress with just one click and provides helpful instructions for connecting your domain.

We have developed simple video tutorials that will guide you through the basics of using WordPress in less than 2 hours.

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Afterwards, I will address common questions that are often asked in order to address any uncertainties you may have.

Commonly asked questions

Is it better to register my domain through the same company that hosts my website, or should I do

There are benefits to both methods. Signing up for a domain through your hosting provider can make management easier and may come with integration options. It is important to ensure that your hosting provider offers a simple process for migrating and transferring domains.

On the other hand, having your domain separate allows for greater flexibility in case you decide to switch hosting services in the future.

What level of significance does the domain extension (.com, .org, .net) hold for WordPress websites?

The .com extension continues to be the preferred and easily remembered choice for the majority of WordPress websites. Although newer extensions such as .online or .store are now an option, .com domains typically achieve higher rankings in search engine results and are more trusted by users. I suggest choosing a .com domain unless you have a specific reason to opt for something different.

Is it possible to switch to a different domain registrar after registering a domain?

It is possible to move domains from one registrar to another, but it typically takes 5-7 days and comes with certain limitations. To transfer a domain, it must first be unlocked and you will need to obtain an authorization code from your current registrar. Additionally, domains cannot be transferred within 60 days of being initially registered or transferred previously.

Is it necessary to purchase both hosting and a domain from the same company?

Yes, it is possible to register your domain with one company and host your WordPress site with another. While this allows for more flexibility, it does require setting up DNS manually. Some users of WordPress choose this method because it gives them more freedom.

What is the current status of Google Domains and what actions should I take?

In 2023, Google Domains closed down and all domain names were moved to Squarespace Domains. If you were a customer of Google Domains, your domain is now being handled by Squarespace with the same features. You have the option to keep using Squarespace or switch to a different domain registrar if you choose.

What is the optimal duration for registering a domain name?

In general, it is a good idea to register domains for 2-3 years at first. This can help to stabilize your WordPress site, save you money, and show search engines that you are committed. It is best to avoid registering a domain for more than 10 years unless you are absolutely sure about your long-term goals.

Is it possible to use more than one domain for a single WordPress site?

Certainly, it is possible to link multiple domain names to a single WordPress website or create redirects from other domains to your primary one. This approach can help safeguard your brand and attract visitors who may mistype your main domain.

And with that, we have reached the conclusion of this guide.

Selecting the correct domain registrar is the initial step in creating a prosperous WordPress website. The registrars suggested here have demonstrated their effectiveness in practical usage and offer the dependability and functions necessary for WordPress site owners.

It is important to keep in mind that the domain registrar you choose will have a lasting impact on various aspects of your website, such as management, security, and adaptability. Therefore, it is crucial to carefully assess your individual requirements and select a registrar that is in line with your goals for your WordPress site.

If you are creating a WordPress website for the first time or handling various domains for clients, it is important to have a trustworthy domain registrar as the starting point for all your online endeavors.

If you need help with every step of creating a WordPress site, including registering a domain and launching it, take a look at our extensive WordPress training materials.

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Category: Blog post discussing Bluehost, domain registration, and Nameboy.

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