What is the cheapest domain extension to register?
Common cheap extensions
The cheapest extensions change frequently because registries run promotions. As of recent years, .xyz, .top, .club, and .info often have first-year prices under $5 at some registrars. .com and .org are usually more expensive, typically $10–$15 for the first year.
Some registrars offer .com for $5–$8 in the first year as a loss leader. But the renewal price for .com is usually $12–$20, depending on the registrar. For the absolute lowest first-year cost, look at newer extensions like .click, .link, or .space.
Watch the renewal price
A low first-year price means little if renewal is high. For example, .xyz has had renewals around $15–$20, while .top can renew for $10–$30. Some extensions like .info have renewal rates that are much higher than their promotional first-year price.
If you plan to keep the domain, calculate the three-year cost. A .com at $10 per year may be cheaper than a .xyz at $1 the first year and $20 to renew. Always check the renewal price before buying.
- First-year cheap: .xyz, .top, .club, .info.
- Often cheap: .click, .link, .space, .website.
- Renewal can be high: .xyz, .top, .info.
- Stable and trusted: .com, .net, .org.
Where to find current deals
Registrars like Namecheap, Porkbun, and Cloudflare often have competitive prices. Cloudflare sells at wholesale cost with no markup, but only offers a limited set of extensions. Promotions change monthly, so check a few registrars before you buy.
Also consider that some extensions are cheap because they're less popular. If you need a domain for a business, a cheap .biz or .info might not inspire trust. For personal use, it usually doesn't matter.
Common mistakes
- Assuming the cheapest first-year price is the best long-term deal.
- Forgetting that renewal prices for cheap extensions can be very high.
- Not checking multiple registrars for current promotions.