How To Get a Free Domain Name in 2025

A domain name is like a mailing address that directs visitors to your site. It's the front door of your online presence. You may receive a custom domain name with your web hosting service, or you may need to buy one. Some businesses also choose to lease their domain name as an alternative.

Learn how to get a free (or pretty affordable) domain name and how to connect it to your site.

What is a domain name?

A domain name is an address that leads to a website. Without domain names, people would use complex and numerical IP addresses to access websites. It's a lot easier to remember websites (like www.domain.com) than IP addresses (like 191.1.2.3).

Domain names are human-friendly, but they also serve other purposes, like:

• Building brand awareness
• Establishing professionalism
• Increasing trustworthiness
• Creating professional email addresses

Free domain names usually have limitations. Since the site owner doesn't control the domain, the address might include the hosting provider's branding. The domain name could look like www.domain.hostingprovider.com. Unclear ownership can make the site appear suspicious. Free domain names also create issues with credibility, control, and brand awareness.

If you’re willing to spend a little money, another option is domain leasing. Owners can rent domain names, which is usually more affordable than buying it. However, the lack of ownership makes it unappealing in the long term.

Paid domain names give the owner full control over the address. It will have the typical address: www.domain.com. You’ll need to renew your domain name every 1-3 years to maintain ownership.

Domain names can range from $8 to $93 per year, but pricing varies by demand, registration period, and top-level domain (e.g., .com, .ai, .org).

How to get a free domain name in 2025

There are a few ways to get a free domain name if you aren't ready to make a full commitment. Each method has pros and cons. The best option depends on your business needs.

• Web hosting plan: Many web hosting providers include free features, like an SSL certificate or domain name for the first year. These features can help site owners save money on the initial website setup. However, you will need to pay the renewal fee to keep ownership of the domain name.
• Free subdomain: Some web hosting providers offer a free subdomain instead of a domain name. The free web address includes the provider's domain name. It makes it easier to set up a website, but it's not ideal for branding purposes.
• Domain provider promotions: Domain name registrars may have limited-time offers to help reduce website maintenance costs. During major seasonal sales — like Cyber Monday, for example — Namecheap and Hostinger offered impressive promotions, like 99% off domains, or domain name sales for as little as a penny. If you have time to shop around and wait for a good deal, it's a great option.

How to claim and set up a free domain registration

The exact process to set up your domain will vary by provider, but here's a general step-by-step guide to help you set up a free domain registration:

1. Choose your preferred domain name. Pick a domain name that is simple, short, and memorable. Besides your business name, you can also include keywords relevant to your brand. Your domain name is the cornerstone of your branding, so choose wisely.
2. Register your domain name. Register your domain name with the web hosting provider or domain registrar. It will ask for basic contact details and a payment method.
3. Connect your domain to your site. Add the domain to the website. The web hosting provider can help with this step. You may need to verify ownership of the domain name, so make sure you have access to the Domain Name System (DNS) records.
4. Read the fine print. A domain name is not a one-and-done purchase. It renews every 1-3 years. Set up autopay to avoid losing ownership rights. You may also want to look at whether the provider offers WHOIS privacy protection to hide your contact details from public view.

FAQs

Bottom line

Many web hosting providers offer a free custom domain for the first year of service. If they don't, domain registrars like Namecheap often have promotions for affordable domain names. These are the best options if you want a custom domain name. Regular domain pricing ranges from $8 to $93 per year, but you could find lower or higher prices.

For a free web address, you could use your hosting provider's subdomain. It's a complementary service, and you don't have to spend extra money for a custom domain name. However, you may want to upgrade your domain to increase brand recognition, professionalism, and credibility.

The best web hosting providers offer free domain names, usually for the first year. Take a look at Hostinger, DreamHost, or Bluehost for custom domains and dependable hosting.