Domain registrars are entities that lease domain registries to end-user registrants. Domains are essentially human-readable web addresses that map to IP addresses. When you type a web address in the browser URL box, it is a domain name. The registrars must be accredited by ICANN - Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, a non-profit entity that maintains the domain name system (DNS). This short guide will go through the best domain registrars in 2022:

1. Domain.com
2. Namecheap
3. Google Domains
4. Bluehost
5. GoDaddy

Domain.com

Domain.com has been around since the year 2000 and is one of the most popular options. Annual pricing is $8.99 with a $13.99 renewal for a standard .com address. It allows you to retain your domain for 5 years for $52.95. They also domain privacy and DDoS protection for $8.99 per year with email, web hosting, and SSL certificates as optional paid extras. Domains ending in .io will cost significantly more. They provide 24/7 support and web hosting is available.

Namecheap

Namecheap, as its name suggests, is a budget-friendly and quick option. Setting up is quick and easy. Annual pricing starts at $8.88/year for .com domains with renewals at $12.98/year. What’s great about Namecheap is that it offers free WHOIS privacy, which protects your personal information on the WHOIS directory. Additional security features like DDoS protection and SSL certificates are available at extra cost. Namecheap also has web hosting, email, and VPN services.

Google Domains

For a simple and no-frills option that does not try to upsell you, Google Domains is a brilliant option. Google is a big reliable name and if all you want is simple domain registration, this might just fit the bill. It is $12.99/year for .com and many other address types. They offer free WHOIS privacy with your registration, protecting your personal information. It also features a strong 24/7 live support system. This is a simple barebone but a transparent option.

Bluehost

As its name suggests, Bluehost is a web hosting service that is also a domain registrar. This is a great choice if you’re looking to build your first website as it offers free domain registration with its $2.95/month web hosting plan. Otherwise, a $12.99/year cost applies for a .com registration with renewals at $17.99/year. While SSL Certificates are free, extra privacy options will cost extra. This domain registration service is best bundled with their web hosting offering.

GoDaddy

GoDaddy has been a big reliable name for a long time with its viral marketing campaigns. It commands a premium with $11.99 for a .com address with $18.99 for renewals. GoDaddy offers many privacy and security options for an additional cost, though they’ll throw in WHOIS protection for free. Domain registration can be bundled with web hosting services. This is a choice for those that want a household name as their domain registrar or for bundled services.