Key takeaways:
- $1 domains are real, but they’re short-term deals that usually apply to specific extensions like .online, .store, or .xyz. These offers typically last for the first year, with renewal prices returning to standard rates afterward.
- Comparing total costs is more important than chasing the lowest intro deal. Renewal rates, add-ons, and bundled services can make a big difference in what you’ll pay over time.
- Few registrars run $1 domain deals, but many offer starter plans around $2.95 that bundle hosting, SSL, and email. It’s an affordable and convenient choice for small business owners.
Finding a $1 domain name isn’t as rare as it sounds. Many registrars run limited-time promotions that let you register certain extensions, for around a dollar during the first year. It’s a simple and affordable way to start building an online presence without spending much upfront.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through which domain extensions are often sold for $1, how to find these offers, and what to watch out for when renewal prices kick in. You’ll learn where these deals usually appear and how to tell whether a $1 domain is truly worth it in the long run.
Why $1 domains exist
$1 domains are part of a larger marketing strategy used by registrars and registries to make it easier (and cheaper) for people to get online. Here’s why these offers exist:
- To attract new customers. Registrars often offer $1 domain names as a low-risk entry point for first-time buyers. It’s an easy way to introduce customers to their platform and other paid services.
- To promote newer or less popular extensions. TLDs like .online, .site, .store, and .xyz don’t have the same recognition as .com or .net, so their registry operators lower first-year prices to boost adoption.
- To bundle with other products. Many $1 domains are paired with website builders, hosting plans, or email services, helping registrars upsell complete website packages while giving users a strong starting discount.
- To fill a niche market. These cheaper TLDs appeal to freelancers, startups, and hobbyists who want to test ideas quickly without committing to higher renewal costs.
$1 domain offers help new users start affordably and help registrars and TLD operators grow their customer base. Just keep in mind that while the first-year cost is minimal, renewal prices usually return to the regular range of $10–$20+ once the promo ends.
Common TLDs often sold for $1
The domain extensions below are the ones most frequently offered for around $1 during promotional periods. These deals are typically for the first year only, with renewal costs varying by registrar.
| TLD | Typical Use Case | Why It’s Common in $1 Promos |
| .online | General-purpose sites, blogs, and startups | Highly promoted as a flexible alternative to .com |
| .store | eCommerce and retail websites | Popular among new online sellers; often paired with hosting offers |
| .xyz | Startups, tech projects, and personal brands | Broad appeal and frequent bulk discount campaigns |
| .site | Portfolios, landing pages, and personal websites | Common in low-cost bundles with builders |
| .info | Informational or resource-driven sites | Longstanding generic TLD often discounted to attract first-time buyers |
| .biz | Small business and professional websites | Regularly discounted alongside .info and .net |
| .tech | Technology companies and creators | Appears in limited-time promos for tech-focused users |
| .space | Creative and personal projects | Niche TLD promoted in $1 campaigns to reach new audiences |
.online
.online is one of the most flexible domain extensions out there. Whether you’re building a personal blog, launching a startup, or creating a community site, it will always be good. It’s often part of $1 promotions for the first year, and renewals usually fall between $20 and $30. If you want something simple and universal, this one’s a safe bet.
.store
If you’re selling anything online, then. store will do the job. It’s perfect for eCommerce brands, small retailers, and anyone setting up shop on the web. You’ll often see it bundled with website builders or hosting plans, starting at $1 for the first year and renewing at around $30–$40 annually.
.xyz
Short, catchy, and tech-friendly, .xyz has become one of the most popular new-generation domain extensions. It’s modern and easy to remember, often used by tech brands and innovators looking for something modern without the price tag of a .com. First-year promos can go as low as $1, with renewals typically between $12 and $15.
.site
For portfolios, landing pages, or simple business websites, .site is clean and straightforward. It’s also one of the most common TLDs to show up in low-cost bundles with hosting or website builder tools. You’ll usually pay around $1 upfront, then about $20–$25 a year after that.
.info
.info has been around for years and remains popular for blogs, guides, and informational websites. It’s one of the earliest gTLDs to get frequent $1 promos because it’s recognizable and easy to trust. Renewal costs are usually in the $18–$22 range.
.biz
If you’re running a small business or professional service, .biz gives your website a straightforward, credible look. It’s been a steady option for entrepreneurs for over two decades. Expect renewals around $15–$20 per year.
.tech
Made for innovators, .tech is perfect for software developers, startups, and IT professionals. It has a bold, modern feel that instantly signals a connection to technology. You’ll sometimes find it discounted to $1, but renewals usually land between $35 and $45.
.space
.space is playful and creative — ideal for artists, designers, and anyone building a personal project online. It’s one of the more unique extensions to appear in $1 sales, and renewals generally cost around $20–$30 per year.
Things to watch out for when buying $1 domains
$1 domains sound great but there are a few catches worth keeping in mind before you hit “buy.” These offers are real, but they’re designed to get you through the door. While there’s nothing inherently wrong with that, it’s important to understand what happens after the first year and what limitations may apply.
Here’s what to look out for so you don’t end up paying more than you planned later on.
- Renewal prices increase after year one. That $1 deal almost always applies to the first year only. Renewals often rise to $10–$40, depending on the TLD. Always check the renewal rate before you buy, it’s the real cost of keeping your domain.
- Extras added at checkout. Some registrars automatically include add-ons like SSL, email, or privacy protection. These can be useful, but they also raise your total cost. Review your cart carefully before paying.
- Unreliable registrars. Not every site offering $1 domains is legitimate. Some make transfers difficult or bury extra fees in the fine print. Stick with trusted, ICANN-accredited registrars to keep your domain secure.
- Limited TLD options. Most $1 offers apply to newer or niche extensions like .store, .site, or .xyz, rather than .com or .net. Make sure the extension still fits your brand or audience.
- Bundled conditions. Some promos only apply if you also buy hosting or a website builder. That’s fine if you need those services, but confirm the bundle terms before signing up.
- Short-term promos. These deals change frequently and can expire without notice. If you find a legitimate $1 offer, act fast but always double-check the source.
$1 domains can be a smart, low-risk way to start a project, but always read the renewal and transfer terms carefully. The best deals are transparent, with clear pricing and minimal restrictions. A little diligence up front can save you from renewal shock or losing your domain later.
Popular registrars that offer $1 domains
Now that you know which TLDs usually go for a dollar, here’s a quick look at some registrars where you’ll often find those limited-time deals. These aren’t always year-round offers, but they’re the places where $1 domains tend to appear most often.
- Network Solutions
- Hostinger
- IONOS
- Namecheap
- GoDaddy
Network Solutions
Network Solutions is one of the oldest and most established domain registrars, with a history that dates back to the early days of the internet. While it doesn’t usually offer standalone $1 domain names, you can get a free first-year domain when you bundle it with eligible hosting or website builder plans. It supports popular extensions like .com, .net, and .store, with standard renewal pricing starting around $28.99 per year.
Hostinger
Hostinger is known for its budget-friendly hosting plans, but it also runs regular $0.99 domain promos on extensions like .store, .site, and .online. You can sometimes even get a free domain bundled with select hosting packages. Renewal prices for most domains range between $10 and $20 a year.
IONOS
IONOS is one of the few registrars that still runs true $1 domain offers for new customers. Their deals often include extras like email hosting and WHOIS privacy, making them great value for small businesses starting out. Renewal costs usually sit around $15–$25, depending on the extension.
Namecheap
Namecheap is popular for its transparency because what you see at checkout is what you pay. It frequently features $1 deals on .xyz, .store, and .site, with free lifetime WHOIS privacy included. Standard renewals range from $10 to $30, depending on the domain type.
GoDaddy
GoDaddy’s one of the biggest names in the domain industry, and it often runs $0.99 promos for new customers on common TLDs like .com, .xyz, or .online. It’s easy to find deals here, but always check renewal terms — most go up to $15–$25 after the first year.
Frequently asked questions
Yep plenty of registrars run real $1 domain promos, especially for newer or less common TLDs like .online, .store, or .xyz. These deals are usually just for the first year, but they’re a great way to create your first website without spending much. Just double-check what’s included like free privacy protection or WHOIS privacy, so you know exactly what you’re getting.
The $1 deal ends, and your domain renews at the regular price — usually around $10 to $20 a year. It’s still one of the easiest ways to grab cheap domain names, but it’s smart to plan for renewal costs. Some providers bundle extras like WordPress hosting or a professional email address, which can make setup smoother if you’re just starting out.
Yes. After 60 days, you can move your domain anywhere you want. Just make sure you have full access, know how to login to your account, and that your domain isn’t locked before starting the transfer.
You’ll find most $1 promos on newer or niche web addresses like .site, .store, or .xyz. Sometimes even popular TLDs like .com or .net go on sale, so it’s worth doing a quick search to see what’s available right now.
Not really, it’s just an intro price. The main thing is that renewal costs go up after the first year. Some registrars will also offer add-ons like SSL or dedicated hosting, which can raise your total price. But if you’re looking for the perfect domain name and an easy way to get your brand online, these promos are a solid way to start linking your business to the digital world.
Take the next step with a $1 domain
A $1 domain can be an easy and affordable way to start building your online presence, whether you’re testing an idea, launching a side project, or creating a professional site. Just remember that this pricing typically applies only to the first year, and renewal rates are usually higher afterward.
When choosing where to register, consider what matters most: convenience, reliability, or the ability to manage everything in one place. Many registrars make it simple to combine domain registration with website, email, and security tools so you can stay organized as your project grows.
If you want a reliable all-in-one solution, we offer affordable domain names and web hosting under one roof. It’s a solid choice for small businesses and professionals who want their online assets managed seamlessly from a single account.
