A Guide to Cheap Domain Names in 2025 

Key takeaways: 

• You don’t have to spend a lot to get a great domain. Cheap domain names—some even under $1—are widely available, especially if you’re open to newer TLDs like .xyz, .site, or .online. 

• Network Solutions offers free domains with hosting. If you choose an annual hosting plan, you can get a popular domain (like .com or .net) for free during your first year. 

• Look beyond price and check renewals and extras. First-year deals are great but be sure to check long-term renewal costs and consider helpful add-ons like domain privacy, SSL, and expiration protection. 

In 2025, cheap domains are more accessible than ever, with many registrars offering first-year prices as low as $0.99 or bundling them free with hosting. Newer TLDs like .xyz, .site, and .online are keeping costs down, while platforms are offering affordable classics like .com and .net at discounted rates. 

In this guide, we’ll show you how to find cheap (and even free) domain names, what affects domain pricing, and which TLDs offer the best value in 2025.  

Free domain names you can get with Network Solutions 

When you sign up for an annual hosting or website builder plan with Network Solutions, you’ll get a domain name free for the first year. It’s a practical way to keep startup costs low if you’re building a new site. 

The free domain offer covers popular extensions like: 

• .com. The gold standard for domain names. Ideal for businesses, personal brands, or anyone who wants a credible, easy-to-remember web address. 

• .net. Originally meant for network-based businesses but now widely used across tech and digital service industries. 

• .org. Often used by nonprofits, causes, and community-focused projects. Great for anything mission driven. 

• .info. Best for informational or educational sites built around content and resources. 

• .biz. A straightforward choice for small businesses or entrepreneurs looking for something functional and to the point. 

• .us. A solid pick if your audience is primarily in the U.S. It adds a sense of locality and trust. 

After the first year, standard renewal rates apply, so it’s a good idea to check future pricing if you plan to keep the domain long-term.  Still, for anyone starting fresh, having the domain bundled with your hosting or website builder plan can be a convenient way to launch your site. 

Affordable TLDs available at Network Solutions 

Aside from the free domains that come with hosting, Network Solutions also offers a range of affordable domain extensions (TLDs). 

Some of the low-cost options include: 

• .us 

• .business 

• .work 

• .company 

.us 

The .us extension is the official country code for the United States and costs $8.99 for the first year with Network Solutions. 

It’s a good pick for businesses, creators, or individuals focused on a U.S.-based audience. It also adds a sense of location and credibility to your site, which can build trust with American users. 

To register a .us domain, you’ll need a connection to the U.S, either as a citizen, resident, or business. If your project is rooted in the U.S. or you want to emphasize that identity, this is a great option. 

.business 

A .business domain is one of the more straightforward and professional-looking options available. At Network Solutions, you can register a .business domain for just $9.99 for the first year. 

This extension is great for startups, freelancers, consultants, or anyone running a company. It tells people that your site’s about business and does it with clarity. 

There are no restrictions on who can register it, which makes it a flexible and accessible choice. While it doesn’t carry the legacy of .com, it’s a smart, credible alternative that works well when your preferred .com is taken or overpriced. 

.work 

The .work domain is designed with careers, hiring, and professional portfolios in mind. At just $9.99 for the first year, it’s an easy affordable option. 

It’s ideal for job boards, consultants, freelancers, or even companies looking to post openings or highlight career opportunities. If your site is tied to employment, staffing, or showcasing your skills, then .work gets the message across quickly. 

There are no signup restrictions, and its simplicity makes it an effective tool for career-oriented sites that want to stand out. 

.company 

A .company domain delivers a clean and corporate feel right out of the gate. You can register one with Network Solutions for $9.99 for the first year. 

This TLD works well for small businesses, creative agencies, and product-based brands. It’s especially handy when you want a professional domain name that doesn’t need suffixes like “LLC” or “Inc.” 

There are no restrictions, so anyone can register a .company domain. It’s a great choice for anyone looking to build trust and professionalism into their web presence from day one. 

Note: Prices are current as of July 2025 and may change without prior notice. For the latest and most accurate pricing, please refer to our official website.  

How to register a cheap domain with Network Solutions 

Getting a low-cost domain through Network Solutions is simple, and the process only takes a few minutes. Here’s how to do it: 

1. Go to Network Solutions and type your desired domain name into the domain search bar. 

2. Choose your domain package: DOMAIN ONLY, DOMAIN & ESSENTIAL HOSTING, or DOMAIN & PREMIUM HOSTING. The domain with hosting options also includes a free domain name and SSL certificates upon purchase. 

3. Select any domain add-ons you’d like to include with your domain, then click CONTINUE TO CART. 

4. Review all your details, including the final domain price, tools and add-ons you’ve selected. If everything is correct, click CONTINUE TO CHECKOUT 

5. Enter your billing and contact information, and then click SUBMIT PAYMENT. 

What are cheap domain names? 

A cheap domain name is simply one that costs less than the average going rate, usually under $10 for the first year. There are plenty of affordable options out there, especially if you’re flexible with your domain extension.   

Here are some reasons as to why the domain might be cheap: 

• Low upfront cost. Most cheap domains are priced low for the first year, sometimes as little as $0.99. 

• Promotional pricing. Some registrars offer steep discounts for new customers or when domains are bundled with hosting. 

• Less competitive TLDs. Newer or less common extensions like .xyz, .site, or .online tend to cost less than classic .com. 

Why domain prices vary 

Domain names don’t all follow the same price tag and that’s because several factors go into how much they cost. These are the main things that affect domain pricing: 

• Keyword demand 

• TLD choice 

• Registrar pricing strategies 

• First-year promo vs. Renewal 

• Premium and aftermarket domains 

Keyword demand 

Domains that include popular words or phrases like “travel,” “tech,” or “finance”, are in high demand. The more desirable the keyword, the higher the price since it’s short and easy to remember. 

TLD (top-level domain) choice 

Some extensions are considered premium. A .com is typically more expensive than a .info or .xyz, simply because it’s more widely recognized and trusted. Country-code TLDs (like .us or .co.uk) and niche extensions (like .tech or .store) may also have varying price points. 

Registrar pricing strategies 

Each domain provider sets its own prices, which can vary based on promotions, bundles, or volume discounts. Some registrars offer low-cost domains to attract new customers, while others may focus more on long-term value. 

First-year promo vs. renewal 

Many domains are sold at a steep discount for the first year, sometimes under $1. But renewal prices in the second year (and beyond) are usually higher. Always check the renewal terms before you register. 

Premium and aftermarket domains 

Some domains are already owned or considered especially valuable. These might be listed for sale by a third party or marked as “premium” by the registrar, with a much higher purchase price upfront. 

Want a closer look at the full breakdown of domain pricing? We cover it in detail in our How Much Does a Domain Name Cost? blog post. 

Why cheap domains matter for your online presence 

A domain name is the front door to your brand. And just because it’s inexpensive doesn’t mean it can’t be strategic. In fact, low-cost domains can give you the flexibility to experiment, launch faster, and still make a strong impression online. 

• Cost-effective way to launch 

• Builds credibility without overspending 

• Opens doors for creative extensions 

Cost-effective way to launch 

Cheap domains are a smart choice if you’re starting a side hustle, launching a new idea, or running a small business on a tight budget. You can secure your name and start building without worrying about upfront costs. 

Even better, affordable domains let you test different brand names or marketing ideas without committing to expensive, long-term purchases. 

Builds credibility without overspending 

Just having a domain, especially one with a recognizable TLD like .com or .net, instantly makes you look more professional. It shows you’re serious about your project, even if you’re just getting started. 

You don’t need a premium domain to build trust. A well-chosen, low-cost domain name paired with a clean site design can go a long way toward building credibility. 

Opens doors for creative extensions 

With traditional domains getting harder to find, cheap alternative TLDs like .xyz, .site, or .online offer more room to get creative. These extensions can help your brand stand out—and often come with lower registration fees. 

They’re especially useful if your .com of choice is taken or if you want something more unique and memorable. 

Essential products to consider when buying a domain name   

Buying a domain name is a great first step, but it’s just one part of getting your website up and running. To keep your website secure, protected, and running smoothly, it helps to bundle in a few key add-ons. These services aren’t always required, but they can save you trouble (and money) down the line. 

• WHOIS Privacy 

• Domain Expiration Protection 

• SSL certificate 

WHOIS Privacy   

When you register a domain, your personal information, like your name, email, and address, gets added to the public WHOIS database. This makes it easy for spammers, scammers, and data scrapers to find your contact details. 

WHOIS Privacy Protection hides that information by replacing it with generic contact details. It’s an easy way to reduce spam, avoid unwanted solicitations, and keep your personal data private. 

Domain Expiration Protection   

If your domain expires, even by accident, it can cause serious problems. Your website might go offline and worst of all, someone else might buy your domain before you renew it. 

Domain Expiration Protection helps prevent that by adding extra time to renew your domain if it lapses. It gives you a safety net, so you’re not at risk of losing your domain name over a missed deadline. 

SSL certificate  

An SSL certificate encrypts the data sent between your website and your visitors. That means login info, contact forms, and payment details stay private and secure. You’ll also get the little padlock icon in the browser bar, which builds trust with visitors. 

Some hosting plans include a free SSL certificate, but if not, it’s worth adding one yourself. It’s also a key factor in search rankings, as Google tends to favor secure (HTTPS) sites in search results. 

Make the most out of a cheap domain 

Registering your ideal domain name doesn’t have to be expensive. Cheap domains give you the freedom to get online without breaking your budget. With so many affordable and even free options available, it’s easier than ever to find a domain that fits your brand and your wallet. 

Network Solutions makes the process simple with flexible pricing and bundled hosting or website builder plans that include a free domain for your first year. Start your search with us today and get the perfect domain without overpaying. 

Frequently asked questions