Top 5 domain name registrars (compared 2023)

Domain names are purchased through what are called registrars. The most trustworthy registrars are certified by ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers). Currently, as of June 2022, there are 2552 ICANN certified registrars operating and selling domain names. This can make it a difficult process to pick the right registrar to purchase your domain name from.

Choosing a TLD for your domain name

There are a few things to consider when choosing a TLD. First, think about your audience. Are you targeting a global audience or a specific country or region? If you’re looking to reach a worldwide audience, a generic TLD like .com or .net may be the best option. However, targeting a specific country or region may be worth considering a country-specific TLD like .us or .uk.

What is a TLD?

A Top-Level Domain, or TLD, is the highest level of domain names in the Domain Name System of the Internet. A TLD is what comes after the “dot” in a domain name, such as “.com” or “.net”. There are many different types of TLDs, including those that are meant for specific countries or regions (.us, .uk, .eu, etc.), businesses (.biz), organizations (.org), and more. Some people believe that certain TLDs are more trustworthy or have more authority than others. However, there is no evidence to support this claim. All TLDs are treated equally by search engines. So, when choosing a domain name for your website, the most important thing is to pick something relevant to your business or brand.

How many TLDs are there?

As of June 2022, there are 1,487 Top-Level Domains listed in the official list of all valid top-level domains maintained by IANA.

Finding a domain name from the aftermarkets

With over 1 billion active websites currently online, it can be challenging to find an available Top-Level Domain (TLD). Luckily, several aftermarkets specialize in selling domains that have already been registered. While domains on the aftermarkets can be more expensive than registering a new domain, they can be an excellent option for businesses or individuals struggling to find an available TLD. In addition, many aftermarkets offer additional services, such as web hosting and email forwarding, making it easy to start your new website.

Managing domain name DNS settings

If you’re responsible for managing a domain name, you’ll need to update the domain’s DNS (Domain Name System) settings. DNS is a global system that converts domain names into IP addresses used to route internet traffic. When you change your domain’s DNS settings, you’re telling the world where to find your website.

There are a few different ways to manage DNS settings for your domain. One option is to use a DNS hosting service, which will manage the DNS settings. Another option is to use a web hosting service that includes DNS management as part of its package. Or, if you’re feeling confident, you can manage the DNS settings yourself.

Whichever option you choose, it’s essential to keep your domain’s DNS settings up to date. That way, visitors will always be able to find your website – even if you move it to a new location.

Best registrars compared

Here is a quick comparison of the five major domain name registrars that should have enough features and services for your primary domain name needs. All these top registrars should have enough advanced features for domain names for all your future needs.

This quick comparison focuses on email services, pricing, DNS, aftermarkets, and available TLDs to purchase.

For a complete list of registrars compared, tld-list.com is the best resource for in-depth comparisons.