How Much Does a Domain Name Cost in 2025? Complete Pricing Guide

Reveal Domains•November 9, 2025•16 min read

How Much Does a Domain Name Cost in 2025? Complete Pricing Guide

Planning to register a domain name but wondering about the cost? You're not alone. Domain name pricing can seem confusing with promotional rates, renewal fees, and varying costs across different extensions. In this comprehensive guide, we'll break down exactly what you can expect to pay for a domain name in 2025, comparing prices across major registrars like Namecheap, GoDaddy, and Spaceship.

Quick Answer: Domain Name Costs at a Glance

For those looking for a quick answer:

Basic .com domain: $5-$18 for the first year
Renewal costs: $10-$25 per year
Premium domains: $25-$10,000+ per year
Additional services: $5-$20 per year (privacy protection, email, etc.)

The actual cost depends on the TLD (top-level domain), the registrar you choose, promotional offers, and whether you're looking at first-year or renewal pricing.

Domain Pricing by Extension: 2025 Comparison

Let's dive into specific pricing for the most popular domain extensions across three major registrars.

Popular Generic TLDs (.com, .net, .org)

.COM Domains

The .com extension remains the most popular and recognizable TLD. Here's what you'll pay in 2025:

Namecheap: $11.28 first year → $18.48/year renewal
GoDaddy: $4.99 first year (new customers) → $24.99/year renewal
Spaceship: $8.88 first year → $9.98/year renewal

Winner for first year: GoDaddy (with heavy promotional discount) Winner for renewals: Spaceship (most affordable long-term option)

.NET Domains

Originally intended for network infrastructure, .net is now a popular alternative to .com:

Namecheap: $12.98 first year → $18.58/year renewal
GoDaddy: $0.01 first year (with 3-year purchase) → $24.99/year after
Spaceship: Approximately $7-9 first year → $10-12/year renewal

.ORG Domains

Traditionally used by non-profits and organizations:

Namecheap: $7.48 first year → $15.98/year renewal
GoDaddy: $9.99 first year → $20.99/year renewal
Spaceship: $6.48 first year → $9.80/year renewal

Country Code TLDs (ccTLDs)

Country-specific domains can be great for local businesses or creative uses:

.IO Domains (British Indian Ocean Territory)

Popular among tech startups:

Spaceship: $31.05 first year → $46.58/year renewal
Namecheap: $35.88 first year → $44.98/year renewal
GoDaddy: $32.99 first year → $64.99/year renewal

.CO Domains (Colombia)

A popular .com alternative:

Namecheap: $33.98 registration → $36.98/year renewal (increased April 2025)
GoDaddy: $14.99 first year → $27.99/year renewal

.US Domains (United States)

Budget-friendly option for US-based entities:

Spaceship: $3.62 first year → $6.48/year renewal
Namecheap: $3.88 first year → $8.88/year renewal

.ME Domains (Montenegro)

Great for personal branding:

Spaceship: $8.28 first year → $15.53/year renewal
Namecheap: $9.18 first year → $21.98/year renewal

New Generic TLDs (ngTLDs)

Hundreds of specialized extensions are now available:

Budget-Friendly Options

.TOP: $2.98 first year → $6.98/year renewal (Namecheap)
.NAME: $8.98 first year → $9.98/year renewal (Namecheap)
.ONLINE: $3-5 first year → $15-20/year renewal
.SITE: $3-5 first year → $12-18/year renewal

Mid-Range Specialty TLDs

.TECH: $15-25 first year → $45-55/year renewal
.STORE: $20-30 first year → $60-70/year renewal
.APP: $15-20 first year → $18-25/year renewal
.DEV: $12-15 first year → $15-20/year renewal
.BLOG: $3-5 first year → $30-35/year renewal

Premium/Specialty TLDs

Some TLDs command significantly higher prices:

.NEW: $488.98 first year → $601.98/year renewal (Namecheap)
.TOURS: $5.98 first year → $81.98/year renewal (Namecheap)
.LIVE: $34.48 registration → $39.48/year renewal (increased October 2025)
.LUXURY: $500-600/year
.DIAMONDS: $2,500+/year

Understanding First-Year vs. Renewal Pricing

One of the most important aspects of domain pricing is the difference between promotional first-year rates and renewal costs. Here's what you need to know:

The Promotional Pricing Trap

Registrars often offer heavily discounted first-year rates to attract new customers. For example:

GoDaddy offers .com domains at $4.99 for the first year but charges $24.99 for renewals
Namecheap charges $11.28 for first year .com but $18.48 for renewals

Long-Term Cost Considerations

When choosing a registrar, calculate the total cost over several years:

Example: 5-Year Cost for .COM Domain

GoDaddy: $4.99 + ($24.99 × 4) = $104.95
Namecheap: $11.28 + ($18.48 × 4) = $85.20
Spaceship: $8.88 + ($9.98 × 4) = $48.80

Despite GoDaddy's attractive first-year price, Spaceship offers the lowest 5-year cost at less than half of GoDaddy's total.

Hidden Costs and Additional Fees

The domain registration price is just the beginning. Here are additional costs to consider:

WHOIS Privacy Protection

WHOIS privacy keeps your personal information (name, address, phone) hidden from public domain lookups.

Namecheap: Free for life on eligible TLDs
GoDaddy: $9.99-$14.99/year
Spaceship: Free on most TLDs

Estimated Annual Cost: $0-$15

Domain Transfer Fees

Moving your domain to another registrar typically costs:

Usually equal to one year of registration ($8-$25)
Some registrars offer free transfers with a year extension

Email Hosting

If you want a professional email address (you@yourdomain.com):

Basic email hosting: $12-$60/year (2-5 email accounts)
Professional suite (Google Workspace, Microsoft 365): $72-$144/year per user

SSL Certificates

While many hosts offer free SSL certificates (Let's Encrypt), paid certificates provide:

Basic SSL: $8-$70/year
Business/Organization Validation: $50-$200/year
Extended Validation: $100-$300/year

Note: Most modern hosting providers include free SSL certificates, so you may not need to purchase this separately.

Auto-Renewal Charges

Be aware that domains typically auto-renew:

Always set calendar reminders before renewal dates
Check if your registrar offers multi-year discounts
Some registrars charge at the current renewal rate, which may have increased

Premium and Aftermarket Domains

Not all domains cost the same, even with identical extensions. Premium and aftermarket domains can cost significantly more.

What Are Premium Domains?

Premium domains are highly desirable names that registries or current owners sell at elevated prices:

Short domains (1-3 characters)
Dictionary words
Generic terms with high commercial value
Brandable names

Premium Domain Pricing Examples:

Cars.com: Sold for $872 million (2014, including business)
Voice.com: Sold for $30 million (2019)
NFT.com: Sold for $2 million (2021)

Aftermarket Domain Costs

Domains already registered by someone else are available through:

Domain marketplaces (Sedo, Afternic, Flippa)
Expired domain auctions
Direct negotiations with owners

Price Range: $100 to $100,000+ depending on value

Regional Price Differences

Domain prices can vary based on your location due to:

Currency exchange rates
Regional registrar pricing
Local taxes and fees
Country-specific TLD restrictions

For example, ccTLDs often have residency requirements and varying costs based on the managing registry's policies.

Tips for Getting the Best Domain Price

1. Compare Multiple Registrars

Don't settle for the first price you see. Use comparison tools and check:

Namecheap
GoDaddy
Spaceship
Porkbun, Google Domains (now Squarespace), Name.com

2. Calculate Total Cost of Ownership

Look beyond promotional rates:

Add up 3-5 years of renewal costs
Include privacy protection if not free
Factor in transfer costs if you plan to move

3. Look for Coupon Codes and Promotions

Search for "registrar name + coupon code"
Check during major sales events (Black Friday, Cyber Monday)
First-time customer promotions can save 50-90%

4. Buy Multi-Year Registrations

Some registrars offer discounts for:

2-year registrations
5-year registrations
10-year registrations (maximum allowed)

This locks in current pricing and protects against future increases.

5. Bundle Services Strategically

Registrars often discount when you bundle:

Domain + hosting
Domain + email
Multiple domains at once

However, ensure you're actually getting savings and not paying for unnecessary services.

6. Consider Alternative TLDs

If your desired .com is taken or expensive:

Check .net, .org, .co alternatives
Industry-specific TLDs (.tech, .store, .io)
Creative combinations with new gTLDs

Use tools like Reveal Domains to explore available alternatives.

7. Watch Out for Price Increases

Domain registries regularly increase wholesale prices. Recent 2025 increases include:

.CO domains (April 2025)
.LIVE domains (October 2025)
Various Identity Digital TLDs

Lock in longer registration periods before announced increases.

When to Invest in an Expensive Domain

While budget options exist, sometimes paying more makes sense:

Worth the Investment When:

Perfect Brand Match: The domain exactly matches your business name
Short and Memorable: Easy to type and recall (3-6 characters)
High Commercial Value: Generic terms with strong search volume
SEO Benefits: Exact match domain for your target keyword
Protecting Your Brand: Prevent competitors from using similar names

Not Worth It When:

Budget Constraints: It'll hurt your business cashflow
Alternatives Available: Other good options exist at lower prices
Uncertain Business Model: You're still validating your idea
Purely Speculative: Buying to resell without clear buyer

Domain Pricing by Business Type

Different business types have different domain needs and budgets:

Startups and Side Projects ($10-50/year)

Focus on .com, .net, or .io
Spaceship or Namecheap for best value
Skip premium domains initially
Free WHOIS privacy is essential

Small Businesses ($50-200/year)

Invest in primary .com domain
Consider purchasing .net and .org variants
Add professional email hosting
Protect brand with multiple TLDs

Established Businesses ($200-1,000+/year)

Premium domain if it fits your brand
Register multiple variations and TLDs
Include international ccTLDs if applicable
Full brand protection strategy

Enterprise ($1,000+/year)

Premium domains for main brand
Comprehensive TLD portfolio
Defensive registrations
Professional domain management services

The True Annual Cost of Domain Ownership

Let's break down realistic annual costs for different scenarios:

Budget Setup ($15-30/year)

Domain registration: $10-15
Free WHOIS privacy: $0
Free hosting SSL: $0
Total: $15-30/year

Standard Business ($50-100/year)

Domain registration: $15-25
Email hosting: $30-50
WHOIS privacy: $0-15
Total: $50-100/year

Professional Setup ($150-300/year)

Premium domain or multiple domains: $50-100
Google Workspace/Microsoft 365: $72-144
SSL certificate (if needed): $0-50
Multiple TLD registrations: $30-100
Total: $150-300/year

Enterprise Setup ($500+/year)

Premium domains: $200-1,000+
Professional email for team: $200+
Multiple international domains: $100-300
Domain management services: $100+
Total: $500+/year

Future-Proofing Your Domain Investment

Domain Value Appreciation

Domains can appreciate in value over time:

Short, memorable names become scarcer
Industry growth increases demand for relevant TLDs
Brand establishment adds value

Protecting Against Price Increases

Register for maximum term (10 years) when possible
Watch for registry announcements about price increases
Transfer to registrars with price-lock guarantees

Building Domain Portfolio Value

Register related domains as your business grows
Secure common misspellings
Protect brand across multiple TLDs and regions

Common Domain Pricing Mistakes to Avoid

1. Ignoring Renewal Costs

The $2.99 first-year domain that renews at $45/year isn't such a deal.

2. Auto-Renewing Without Reviewing

Check annually for:

Better rates at other registrars
Services you no longer need
Domains you're not using

3. Skipping WHOIS Privacy

Your personal information becomes public without it, leading to:

Spam emails and calls
Privacy concerns
Potential security risks

Always use a registrar with free WHOIS privacy or factor in the cost.

4. Buying Too Many Domains

Domain hoarding leads to:

Unnecessary annual renewal costs
Unused domains you'll never develop
Wasted money on "maybe someday" ideas

Be strategic, not speculative (unless you're in the domain business).

5. Not Reading the Fine Print

Watch for:

Mandatory add-ons during checkout
Pre-checked upsells
Transfer restrictions
High renewal rates

Registrar Comparison: Which Offers the Best Value?

Based on our 2025 pricing research:

Namecheap

Best For: Balance of price and features

Pros:

Free WHOIS privacy for life
Competitive renewal rates
Excellent customer support
User-friendly interface

Cons:

Not always the cheapest first-year price
Some TLDs can be pricey

Average .COM Cost: $11.28 → $18.48/year

GoDaddy

Best For: First-year discounts and brand recognition

Pros:

Aggressive promotional pricing
Extensive TLD selection
24/7 phone support
One-stop shop for all services

Cons:

High renewal rates
Expensive WHOIS privacy
Upsell-heavy checkout process
Interface can be overwhelming

Average .COM Cost: $4.99 → $24.99/year

Spaceship

Best For: Long-term value and simplicity

Pros:

Lowest renewal rates overall
Free WHOIS privacy on most TLDs
Clean, modern interface
Transparent pricing

Cons:

Smaller company with less brand recognition
Fewer additional services
Limited phone support

Average .COM Cost: $8.88 → $9.98/year

The Verdict

Best First-Year Deal: GoDaddy (with caveats about renewals)
Best Long-Term Value: Spaceship
Best All-Around: Namecheap
Best for Beginners: Namecheap
Best for Enterprise: Varies based on specific needs

Alternative Registrars Worth Considering

Don't limit yourself to the big three:

Porkbun: Competitive pricing, free WHOIS, great for developers
Cloudflare: At-cost pricing, excellent security features
Name.com: Good balance of features and price
Google Domains (now Squarespace): Simple, transparent pricing
Hover: Premium experience, no upsells

Checking Domain Availability

Before worrying about price, ensure your desired domain is available:

Use Reveal Domains to check availability across multiple TLDs
Check WHOIS lookup to see if a domain is registered
Explore domain variations if your first choice is taken
Consider domain shortening for long names

Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Domain at the Right Price

Domain name costs in 2025 range from under $3 to hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on the extension, registrar, and domain desirability. Here's your action plan:

Quick Decision Framework:

If you're on a tight budget:

Choose Spaceship for lowest long-term costs
Consider alternative TLDs like .top, .us, or .online
Skip premium domains and additional services initially

If you want the best deal:

Calculate 3-5 year total costs across registrars
Look for first-time customer promotions
Bundle services if you need them anyway

If you're building a serious business:

Invest in the .com if available and affordable
Use Namecheap or Spaceship for reliable, long-term value
Budget for WHOIS privacy, email, and SSL if needed
Register common variations to protect your brand

If money is no object:

Pursue premium domains through marketplaces
Hire a domain broker for negotiations
Build a comprehensive TLD portfolio

Remember:

Your domain is a long-term investment in your online presence. While it's wise to be cost-conscious, don't let saving $10/year prevent you from securing the perfect domain for your brand. The best domain is one that:

Represents your brand effectively
Is easy to remember and type
Fits within your budget
Comes from a reputable registrar with good support

Ready to find your perfect domain? Start your search with Reveal Domains and compare prices across all major registrars to get the best deal in 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are domain renewal costs higher than first-year pricing?

Registrars use promotional first-year pricing to attract new customers, similar to introductory offers in other industries. The renewal price reflects the actual cost of maintaining the domain plus the registrar's profit margin. Always check renewal rates before committing to a registrar.

Can I negotiate domain prices?

You cannot negotiate standard registration fees as they're set by the registry. However, you may be able to negotiate prices for aftermarket or premium domains being sold by individuals or domain investors. For aftermarket domains, making offers through platforms like Sedo or directly contacting owners can sometimes yield discounts.

Do domain prices ever go down?

Standard domain prices typically increase over time due to registry cost increases. However, individual registrars may lower their prices to stay competitive, or offer periodic promotions. The best strategy is to register domains for longer periods (5-10 years) to lock in current pricing.

Are free domains really free?

Free domains often come with significant limitations: they're usually subdomains (yoursite.hosting.com), include the host's branding, have limited features, and may disappear if the hosting company changes policies. Free ccTLDs like .tk also exist but carry credibility issues. For serious projects, budget $10-15/year for a proper domain.

What happens if I don't pay my domain renewal?

If you don't renew your domain:

Grace Period (0-45 days): Domain expires but you can still renew at normal cost
Redemption Period (30-75 days): Higher restoration fee ($80-200) required
Pending Delete (5 days): Domain prepared for release
Deleted: Domain becomes available for anyone to register

Set auto-renewal or calendar reminders to avoid losing your domain.

Should I buy all my domain names from the same registrar?

There's no requirement to use one registrar, and diversifying has benefits:

Compare prices for different TLDs
Reduce risk if one registrar has technical issues
Take advantage of different features and promotions

However, managing domains in one place is more convenient. Many users start with one registrar and expand as needed.

Are expensive domains worth it for SEO?

Google has stated that domain names have minimal direct impact on SEO. However, premium domains can indirectly help through:

Increased click-through rates (memorable names)
Brand recognition and trust
Exact match domains may still provide minor benefits

Invest in premium domains for branding and user experience, not purely for SEO.

How much does a domain transfer cost?

Domain transfers typically cost $8-25 and include a one-year extension of your registration. Many registrars offer transfer discounts or free transfers during promotions. Always ensure your domain is unlocked and you have the authorization code before initiating a transfer.

What's the most expensive domain ever sold?

The most expensive publicly reported domain sales include:

Cars.com: $872 million (2014, including business assets)
Voice.com: $30 million (2019)
360.com: $17 million (2015)
NFT.com: $2 million (2021)

However, most business domains sell for $100-$10,000 on the aftermarket.

Can domain prices increase after I register?

Your specific domain's renewal price can increase if the registry raises wholesale prices. This happens regularly across various TLDs. To protect yourself:

Register for longer terms (up to 10 years)
Watch for price increase announcements from registries
Transfer to registrars with price-lock guarantees

Registrars must notify you of price increases before renewals, giving you the option to transfer or extend at current rates.