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Guide

How to Register a Domain Name in 2026: Prices, Privacy and Renewals

Raimundo Oliveira

By , founder & editor · Published · Updated · 1 min read

Fact-checked against official vendor pages · How we review

To register a domain name, search for it at a registrar such as EuroDNS, Namecheap or Domain.com, compare the renewal price, add privacy if needed, then point DNS to your host.

Illustration of a browser address bar with domain extension tags and a globe, on a blue background

Key takeaways

  • Pick a short, easy-to-spell name, usually a .com or your country code.
  • Compare the renewal price, not just the first year.
  • EuroDNS includes free SSL, Anycast DNS and branded email.
  • Many hosts include a free domain for the first year.

EuroDNS · Best for European domains

.com $11.69 first year

Search domains at EuroDNS

Quick answer

Quick answer

Search your name at a registrar, pick the extension, compare the renewal price, add privacy, pay, then set DNS to your host. Need European domains? EuroDNS. Budget domain plus hosting? Namecheap. US-focused? Domain.com.

Where to register

Some links are affiliate links. How we earn money.

Step 1: Choose the name

  • Short, easy to say and spell.
  • Avoid hyphens and numbers.
  • Check social handles too.

Step 2: Pick the extension

ExtensionBest for
.comGlobal brands
Country code (.de, .fr, .co.uk)Local businesses
.io / .aiTech and AI projects
.euEU-wide audiences

Step 3: Compare registrars

Registrar.com (reference)Free extras
EuroDNS$11.69 first year (list $23.40)SSL, Anycast DNS, branded email
Domain.comRenews at $11.80/yrEmail and hosting add-ons
NamecheapShown at checkoutDomain privacy

Reference · checked on each registrar's site on November 14, 2026 (USD).

Read the full EuroDNS review, Domain.com review and Namecheap review.

Step 4: Add privacy and security

  1. Turn on WHOIS privacy.
  2. Enable registrar lock and 2-factor login.
  3. Turn on auto-renew so you never lose the name.

Step 5: Connect it to your website

Point the nameservers or A record to your host. Still choosing a host? See how to choose web hosting or build a site by chat with Wegic.

Need a European or country-code domain?

EuroDNS offers 1,000+ extensions; a .com was $11.69 for the first year.

Search domains at EuroDNS

Frequently asked questions

How much does a domain name cost?

A .com usually costs about $10–$25 a year. On November 14, 2026, EuroDNS showed $11.69 for the first year and Domain.com a $11.80/yr renewal.

Should I buy WHOIS privacy?

Yes if you register as a person. Some registrars include it; EuroDNS charges from $5.32/yr.

Can I get a free domain?

Many hosting plans, such as Hostinger, include a domain free for the first year.

How long does registration take?

Usually minutes. DNS changes can take up to 48 hours to spread worldwide.

Sources checked

General information, not professional advice. Plans, prices and features change: confirm them on the vendor’s official site before you buy. Affiliate disclosure · How we review

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