How To Get a Domain Name for Free

• Pros: Low-hassle, quick setup, budget-friendly
• Cons: Confuses website visitors, less professional, long URL
• Cost: Free
• Best for: Testing websites and personal blogs

A subdomain is the most common free domain type, but it isn’t the best option for small businesses. Website builders that offer a free plan, like Wix, will include a subdomain as part of the package – you’ll get a domain name and website without spending a dollar.

However, a subdomain is different from a custom domain name. For example, your free subdomain from Wix will look like this:

• accountname.wixsite.com/siteaddress

To put it simply, the subdomain is the first part (accountname) of this address. You’ll then have a branded domain name attached, which can be confusing to website visitors or potential customers.

That said, a free subdomain, like the one Wix is offering, is useful for those starting on a budget, since it lets you test and build without the time constraints of a free trial. So, yes, you can start with a free subdomain, just don’t stay on it forever. You risk your website looking like an ad for your website builder, so it’s best to upgrade to a premium plan (that comes with a custom domain name) as soon as possible.

• Pros: Initial low cost, all-in-one package, easy to connect, memorable
• Cons: Only free for one year, renewal fees, difficult to transfer
• Cost: From $17 per month (billed annually)
• Best for: Easy website and domain management

Some website builders, like Wix, include a free custom domain with a paid subscription, alongside other useful features, such as AI design tools and ecommerce capabilities. However, there are other builders, such as Shopify, that don’t include a custom domain for free, so make sure you check this when choosing your platform.

You can get started with Wix’s free plan, which comes with a Wix-branded subdomain, and upgrade whenever you’re ready. There’s no rush, but you’ll be able to remove ads and add a custom domain name once you pay for a premium plan.

When you purchase a premium Wix plan, the subscription includes a free domain for one year.

Wix’s premium plans range from $17 to $159 per month (billed annually):

With your subscription, you’ll receive a voucher for a free custom domain name that can be applied to your Wix website. You can create a domain with any of the following domain extensions or use Wix’s free domain name generator to help you find available options:

8 Steps To Register Your Free Custom Domain With Wix

So, how do I get a free domain name with Wix? Once you’ve signed up for your Wix plan, follow the steps to connect your free custom domain name:

1. Claim your voucher in the “Vouchers” section of your Wix account
2. Navigate to “Domains” in the same sidebar
3. Select “Buy a new domain name” – this is where you can choose the domain name you want for your website
4. Click “Get It” to purchase the domain name you want
5. Choose how long you want to register your domain name for (Wix allows up to five years, but only your first year will be free)
6. Set your privacy – choose either full privacy or basic domain security
7. Enter your payment information (you won’t be charged, but Wix will set up automatic renewal so you don’t lose your domain name after the first year)
8. Finish your purchase and assign your new domain name to your website

You must redeem your free domain voucher within two months of signing up for your website builder plan.

• Pros: Get reliable hosting resources, cheap initial cost
• Cons: Need to commit to a premium subscription, renewal fees, ties your hosting and domain name together
• Cost: From $3.99 per month
• Best for: WordPress websites

Like website builders, hosting providers regularly include a free custom domain when you pay for a premium subscription. This means you get hosting, a domain name, and extra features, such as automatic updates and SSL certificates, for a single price.

Bluehost is a popular hosting provider, and its shared web hosting plans start from $3.99 per month (for a 36-month term). A free custom domain is included for the first year of your subscription, but you’ll need to pay for additional domain privacy and protection.

Plus, renewal prices can be expensive, depending on the TLD and registration length. For example, a .com domain name from Bluehost will set you back $18.99 per year.

Most “free” domain names aren’t free forever, and you should be suspicious of any registrars that offer completely free, no-strings-attached domain names.

Freenom, one of the most popular free domain registrars, shut down in 2024 after getting sued by Meta. The registrar offered uncommon TLDs (such as .tk) and retained ownership over the name. So, while free registrars provide a quick and cheap way to set up your website, they’re not the most reliable option for businesses.

Standalone free domain registrars give you the flexibility to jump between different hosting providers and website builders, but you miss out on the convenience provided by bundled packages. Plus, more familiar and popular domain names, like .com, require a fee.

To avoid scammy “free” domain registrars, it’s best to look for reputable, ICANN-accredited registrars that offer different levels of domain privacy.

Get a free domain with Wix

You can get a free custom domain name with Wix by upgrading to one of its four premium plans, starting from $17 per month.

Get Your Wix Domain

If a custom domain name is bundled with your website builder or web hosting plan, you’ll eventually need to pay to renew it. Typically, this free period lasts a year. After that, a .com domain name usually costs around $10-$20 per year, but the fee will vary depending on your TLD and domain registrar.

➡️ Learn how to choose a the right TLD for your website here.

For example, these are the introductory domain name costs of popular TLDs with Wix:

• .com = $13.35
• .net = $14.95
• .org = $14.95
• .xyz = $15.95
• .online = $36

According to Wix, its cheapest domain costs $8 for one year (.be or .nl), and its most expensive domain costs $186 for two years (.ai).

Yes, you can register a domain name for free, but these free options typically come with time limits and caveats.

For budget reasons, personal sites might want to start with a free subdomain. This can be a helpful option while you’re building and designing your website, but you will struggle with growth and brand awareness.

Professional websites and online stores should buy a domain name to boost credibility and authority. Make the most of your free domain window (included with builders like Wix), but be ready to pay the renewal fee to avoid losing your website address.

Get your domain with Wix’s website builder

Wix bundles your domain name together with its website builder, AI tools, 24/7 support, and hosting.

Find Your Domain With Wix