You can get a free custom domain name for the first year by subscribing to a premium website builder or web hosting service, or claim a generic subdomain when building a website on a free website builder plan.
If you want to know how to get a domain name for free, I’ll walk you through the process, whether you use a website builder, hosting provider, or free domain registrar.
- You can get a free custom domain name for one year by signing up to a web hosting service or website builder such as Wix
- Free website builder plans come with a free subdomain, but you should upgrade to a custom domain as soon as possible to avoid looking unprofessional
- Renew your domain name at the end of the year to prevent another business from using it
- .com domain names typically cost $10-$20 per year (or $7.90 with Wix)
- Some free domain registrars limit what extensions you can use, so do your research beforehand
How To Claim a Free Domain
You can get a free domain by using a free subdomain, a paid website builder plan, or a web hosting service.
#1. Use a Free Subdomain
- 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, and is included in free website builder plans, like Wix‘s, as part of the package – you’ll get a domain name and website without spending a dollar.
A subdomain differs from a custom domain name because it has a branded domain name attached, like this example Wix subdomain:
- accountname.wixsite.com/siteaddress
A free subdomain, like the one Wix is offering, is a useful starting point for those looking to build a website on a budget, but isn’t the best long-term option for small businesses, since the website builder branding can be confusing to website visitors or potential customers and limit brand awareness.
So, yes, you can start with a free subdomain, but it’s best to upgrade to a premium plan (that comes with a custom domain name) as soon as possible, so you don’t risk your website looking like an ad for your website builder.
#2. Claim a Free Custom Domain Through a Website Builder
- 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
Wix provides a free custom domain for one year with any premium plan subscription, as well as useful AI design tools and ecommerce capabilities. Other website builders like Shopify don’t include a custom domain for free, so make sure you check this when choosing your platform.
While Wix’s free-forever plan comes with a Wix-branded subdomain and website ads, upgrading to a premium plan includes a free custom domain for a year and the removal of ads.
How Much Does Wix Cost?
Wix’s premium plans range from $17 to $159 per month (billed annually):
| Plan | Monthly price (paid annually) | Free domain? |
| Free | $0 | Wix subdomain only |
| Light | $17 | Free domain for 1 year |
| Core | $29 | Free domain for 1 year |
| Business | $39 | Free domain for 1 year |
| Business Elite | $159 | Free domain for 1 year |
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:
How Do I Register My Free Custom Domain With Wix?
- Claim your voucher in the “Vouchers” section of your Wix account
- Navigate to “Domains” in the same sidebar
- Select “Buy a new domain name” – this is where you can choose the domain name you want for your website
- Click “Get It” to purchase the domain name you want
- 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)
- Set your privacy – choose either full privacy or basic domain security
- 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)
- 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.
How Do I Transfer a Free Domain Later?
To transfer a custom domain to another website builder, you must first unlock your domain and obtain an authorization code (or EPP code) from your current registrar, then extend your domain registration with your new website builder.
Before transferring a domain to another website builder, consider the following eligibility and requirements:
- A domain can only be transferred if it hasn’t been renewed or transferred in the last 60 days
- The domain must be supported by your new provider
- Processing the transfer can take eight to 15 days
- Wix requires you to extend your domain for at least one year
#3. Register a Domain Name for Free With a Web Host
- 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 shared hosting starts at $3.99 per month on a 36-month term and includes a free custom domain for the first year, 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.
Website builders are all-in-one platforms that help you build, manage, and host your website, whereas web hosts store your website on a server, making it accessible to visitors, but you won’t normally have access to web-building tools or extra functionality.
Website builders are best for beginners, since they provide access to features, servers, and resources in one affordable package, whereas web hosting allows for more granular control over how your site operates, but can be complex to navigate and come with additional costs.
A Wix subscription provides access to its entire ecosystem, including features, servers, and resources. If you want to know how to get a domain name for free, most experts will point you towards website builders and web hosts.
Which Free Domain Registrars Should You Avoid?
Avoid any registrars that offer completely free, no-strings-attached domain names (the majority of “free” domain names have set terms and renewal fees), and instead look for reputable, ICANN-accredited registrars that offer different levels of domain privacy.
Free domain registrars offer low-cost website setup but carry significant risks, such as lack of legal ownership. For instance, Freenom, a popular registrar for uncommon TLDs (such as .tk) ceased operations in 2024 following a lawsuit by Meta, leaving users without access to their domains.
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.
How Much Do Domain Names Cost?
.com domain names typically cost $10-$20 per year after the initial year-long free period included with builders like Wix, but fees will vary depending on your TLD and domain registrar.
➡️ Learn how to choose a the right TLD for your website here.
These are the domain name costs of popular TLDs with Wix, as of July 2026:
- .com = $7.90
- .net = $11.90
- .org = $6.90
- .xyz = $15.95
- .online = $6.90
Wix domain registration fees range from $8 per year for .be or .nl extensions to $160 for two years for .ai extensions.
To keep your domain costs low, choose a more affordable TLD or domain registrar, make use of offers, and purchase multiple years upfront to lower your overall rate.
Most registrars offer a 30-day grace period where you can renew your domain at the standard rate, followed by a redemption period where renewal rates often significantly increase. Failing to renew your domain will result in your domain being listed for auction, and risk losing your domain permanently.
Can You Really Register a Domain Name for Free?
Yes, you can register a domain name for free, but these free options typically come with time limits and caveats:
- Free domain deals typically have a one-year term
- Domain renewal rates cost $10-$20 per year after your first term
- Free domain vouchers are redeemable for two months after signing up to Wix
Starting with a free subdomain will save you money while building and designing your website, but 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.
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