Most people try to snag a “free” domain by signing up for web hosting that includes a one-year domain at no extra cost. It’s a smart move if you need hosting anyway and want a clean, professional domain to launch with.
But is that domain truly free? Not exactly—you’re getting it as part of a paid hosting plan, and you’ll renew the domain at the standard rate after the first year. Still, for most businesses, this is the most reliable and professional path to a free first-year domain.
If you want a domain that costs $0 without paying for hosting, you’ll need a free domain registrar or a free subdomain. Both come with caveats you should understand before you commit.
Get A Free Domain Name Through A Free Domain Registrar
The purest way to pay $0 for a domain used to be through services that handed out complimentary country-code extensions. Many of the most famous options that gave away domains like .tk, .ml, .ga, .cf, and .gq have shut down their free programs or exited the domain business entirely, so you can’t reliably count on those anymore.
You may still find niche providers and small hosts that bundle a free domain-style address or very low-cost registration as part of their own ecosystem. For example, Biz.nf offers free subdomains like .c1.biz and a basic hosting plan so you can get a site online without paying upfront. For standard TLDs (.com, .net, .org, .eu, etc.), Biz.nf treats the domain as a bonus when you buy one of its paid hosting plans.
Because the old “grab any .tk for free” play is mostly gone, the fully free path today usually means accepting a provider-branded domain or subdomain, limited DNS, and stricter usage rules. If you want a recognizable, portable domain, a hosting plan that includes year one for free is the cleaner option.
Free domain names can still be a helpful stepping stone when funds are tight. Just know that “free” often comes with constraints on extensions, usage, features, and long-term reliability.
Why A Free Domain Name Might Not Be Worthwhile
Yes, the domain can be truly free. But what are you giving up? Start with the extension itself—the part after the dot. In “www.dog.com,” for example, the extension is .com.
.com, .net, and .org are the most recognized and trusted extensions. Free or “promo” registrars rarely offer those without a fee. Instead, you’ll see options like country-code or provider-branded extensions, and solutions like Biz.nf use extensions such as c1.biz. These are less familiar to the average visitor.
Less-familiar extensions can look unprofessional to customers and partners. Because many of the older free TLDs were heavily abused for spam and phishing, they may also trigger extra caution from browsers, email providers, ad networks, and security tools. That can hurt deliverability, trust, and click-throughs.
Beyond perception, you often won’t get the ecosystem you need to build and protect a real site. Free domain or subdomain providers rarely include robust DNS management, WHOIS privacy, email, malware scanning, or SSL certificates. You may face limitations on redirects, zone records, and subdomains, and some services can reclaim addresses that don’t meet their ongoing traffic or usage requirements.
When you add the cost of a website builder and hosting (which you’ll likely need anyway), the “free domain” route frequently ends up more hassle and risk than it’s worth. Paying for a reputable host that bundles a first-year domain, SSL, and support is typically the most professional, secure, and stable choice.
Security is another major concern with free options. Without SSL, active monitoring, or basic protections, your site and visitors are more exposed. If your plan is to build a brand, accept payments, or run lead capture, invest in a domain and host that take security seriously.
If grabbing a free domain is the nudge you need to get started, go ahead. Just view it as temporary. For long-term projects, we recommend moving to a paid, secure domain on a reputable platform.
4 Steps to Get a Free Domain Name from a Web Host
You can also get a free first-year domain from a reputable web hosting company. The catch: the domain is free only for the first year, and you’ll purchase a hosting plan at signup. After year one, you’ll renew the domain at normal rates.
Below is a quick walkthrough using Hostinger. The specifics vary by provider, but the general flow is similar. You’ll end up with quality hosting plus a professional domain—free for the first year—so you can launch fast on solid footing.
#1 — Head Over to Hostinger.com
Go to www.hostinger.com in your browser.
From the main navigation, open the Domain menu and click Domain Checker to start your search. On many plans, Hostinger will also surface the free-domain option automatically in your cart once you pick an eligible hosting package.
#2 — Check the Availability of Your Desired Domain Name
Type your desired domain into the search bar and click Search. If it’s available, choose Add to Cart. You can also browse recommended alternatives and variations if your first pick is taken.
If the exact name isn’t available, try adding a short modifier, using a relevant keyword, or exploring other trusted TLDs (.com, .net, .org, or a reputable country or industry TLD). Name generators like Domain Wheel can spark ideas from your core keywords.
Don’t stress if your first idea is taken—great domains still exist. Keep the name short, pronounceable, and easy to remember.
#3 — Choose the Type of Hosting
Click Select Hosting Plan beneath the domain selection to see your options.
Hostinger offers multiple types of hosting. Shared hosting is the best fit for most new sites—it’s affordable, fast to set up, and easy to upgrade later. If you expect higher traffic or need more control, you can look at cloud or VPS plans down the road.
#4 — Select Your Web Hosting Plan and Complete the Remaining Steps
Hostinger’s shared lineup includes Single, Premium, and Business. The free first-year domain typically applies to the Premium and Business plans when you choose at least an annual term.
Pick the plan you want, then review term length and renewal details at checkout. Longer terms usually lock in a lower intro rate. You should see a confirmation that your domain is free for the first year.
Enter the email you’ll use to log in, choose your payment method, and complete the checkout. You’ll set up your website in the control panel—install WordPress in a few clicks, connect your domain, and turn on SSL.
When you’re done, click Submit Secure Payment to activate your plan and domain.
Congrats! You now have a quality hosting account and a professional domain—with year one on the house.
Most Web Hosts Have Free Domains for the First Year
You’ll need to decide which web hosting plan is best for your goals. Our top recommendation for most beginners is Hostinger—it’s simple to set up, includes generous storage, and keeps costs low without skimping on performance or support. Plenty of other reputable hosts offer similar first-year domain promos, too.
Bluehost is beginner-friendly and highly customizable. Entry plans often include a free first-year domain, free SSL, and access to a website builder. If you’re launching on WordPress, their onboarding flow is especially smooth, and there’s a money-back window if you change your mind.
HostGator is a strong pick for small businesses that expect to scale. Plans are easy to upgrade, and first-year domain and SSL are commonly included. You can install WordPress in minutes and add resources later as traffic grows.
Tip: Always check renewal pricing for both hosting and domains. Intro offers are great for year one, but you should know the long-term costs before you commit.
A Free Subdomain is an Option Too
A subdomain is a subsection of your main domain. In “site.example.com,” “site” is the subdomain of “example.com.” Subdomains can function as standalone sites, which means you can sometimes publish for free using a provider’s subdomain.
Some website builders (like Wix) and blogging platforms (like Blogger) offer free subdomains, which lets you launch without paying for a domain. You’ll also get site-building tools, templates, and hosting bundled in—handy for testing ideas or personal projects.
The tradeoff is professionalism and control. www.myblog.com reads much stronger than www.myblog.wix.com. Free tiers may also include ads, bandwidth limits, storage caps, or feature restrictions—and you’ll usually need to upgrade to connect a custom domain or remove platform branding.
If you’re serious about your brand, plan to move to your own domain and paid plan once you’ve validated your idea.
Can I Get A Domain Name For Free Forever?
If you use a provider that offers certain extensions or subdomains for free indefinitely—and the provider keeps that program running—then yes, you may keep the address at no cost as long as you meet their usage rules. Just understand that free programs can change, and some services reserve the right to suspend or reclaim domains.
The same idea applies to subdomains: if the platform offers them free and keeps the policy in place, your subdomain can remain free. But because you don’t control the underlying domain, you’re dependent on the platform’s policies and uptime.
Hosting and website builder promos that include a free first-year domain aren’t “free forever.” After the first year, you renew at the regular rate. That’s normal and often worth it for the trust, portability, and control you gain with a traditional TLD.
If you become a great customer, you can always ask about discounts or renewal incentives—some providers offer loyalty pricing or bundles—but it’s never guaranteed. Build your budget around standard renewal rates so your site stays online without surprises.
Explore your options and choose the path that fits your budget, timeline, and brand goals. For long-term projects, a reputable host with a free first-year domain is the most straightforward way to launch fast and grow with confidence.
