There are many places where you can register a domain name, and if this is your first time doing it, you may feel a little confused with all the different options and the reviews that may not always be as honest as they seem.
In this comparative review, we are going to focus on three of the most recommended registrars on Reddit, which are: Cloudflare Registrar, Namecheap, and Porkbun.
Here’s a breakdown of the main features and drawbacks of each:
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Cloudflare Registrar
Cloudflare is best known for its DNS, CDN, and networking services. When they launched their domain registrar service in 2018, it was a game-changer for users who were already using Cloudflare for their websites. What sets Cloudflare Registrar apart is its no-markup pricing model. Essentially, you pay exactly what Cloudflare pays the registry plus ICANN fee (if applicable).
For those already using Cloudflare’s services, managing domains through their platform makes things smoother and more efficient.
However, Cloudflare isn’t for everyone. It offers fewer domain extensions than other registrars, so if you’re looking for some of the rare TLDs, you might be disappointed.
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Key Features:
- No markup on domain pricing: Cloudflare Registrar does not add extra markup to domain registration fees. It charges exactly what it costs to register the domain based on each TLD’s wholesale pricing.
- Transparency: No hidden fees or upcharges.
- Strong security: Cloudflare offers solid security features like 2FA (Two-Factor Authentication), DNSSEC, and secure DNS and CDN services with DDoS protection.
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Drawbacks:
- Locked nameservers: You cannot change the nameservers of any domain name you register with Cloudflare. You must use their own nameservers and DNS service.
- No introductory discounts: Cloudflare Registrar doesn’t offer introductory discounts on some TLDs like other registrars. For example, Namecheap offers cheaper .io registration than Cloudflare, although the latter offers a lower renewal price.
- Community support only: Unless you subscribe to one of Cloudflare’s paid services, you will only get support from the community or the official documentation, which may not always be helpful.
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Namecheap
Namecheap is one of the most reputable domain registrars out there, and for good reason. It’s been around since 1999 and has built a reputation for being affordable and easy to use, which makes it perfect for beginners and seasoned domainers alike.
One of Namecheap’s biggest selling points is that it often offers massive discounts and promotions, especially for new customers. It can be a very budget-friendly option, at least for the first year.
Namecheap also offers many extra services in addition to domain registration. They provide web hosting, SSL certificates, email hosting, and marketing services. So, if you’re looking for a registrar that can handle all your website needs in one place, Namecheap is an excellent choice.
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Key Features:
- Free WHOIS privacy: You don’t have to pay an extra fee for full WHOIS privacy because it’s included for free.
- Wide range of domain extensions: Namecheap has a massive selection of domain extensions (TLDs), including new gTLDs and ccTLDs.
- Affordable pricing: Namecheap usually offers some of the lowest registration prices on the market for many popular TLDs.
- User-friendly interface: The dashboard is intuitive and easy to navigate.
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Drawbacks:
- Higher renewal cost: Although Namecheap offers generous first-year discounts for a lot of TLDs, renewals come at a higher price.
- Lack of interface updates: Some users complained about Namecheap’s oldish interface and the fact that it hasn’t had any major updates in a while.
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Porkbun
Porkbun is a relatively newer player on the scene, but it’s quickly gaining popularity thanks to its competitive and straightforward pricing. If you’re someone who likes simplicity, you’ll appreciate Porkbun’s clean and minimalist interface.
What really makes Porkbun stand out is its at-cost pricing for most TLDs, similar to Cloudflare. They offer extremely low registration prices, and their renewal prices are also on the lower end.
Although Porkbun doesn’t have the same range of extra services as Namecheap, it’s a great choice for anyone who just wants a solid, affordable domain registrar. Plus, Porkbun’s customer support is highly praised for being responsive and friendly, which is a big advantage over Cloudflare Registrar.
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Key Features:
- Competitive pricing: Porkbun offers some of the most affordable domain prices you will find anywhere.
- Free WHOIS privacy: You get free privacy protection with any TLD that supports privacy.
- Simple interface: The user interface is simple and straightforward, which allows you to manage your domains with ease.
- Good support service: Porkbun has a helpful support team that responds quickly, and they are one of the few registrars that offer phone support.
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Drawbacks:
- Limited hosting options: Porkbun is great as a domain registrar, but web hosting isn’t their strength.
- Limited phone support hours: Phone support is available from 9AM to 5PM pacific time. Customers living overseas may have difficulty getting phone support at convenient hours.
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Comparing Pricing and Services
When it comes to domain pricing, Cloudflare’s model is unbeatable, especially in terms of long-term renewal costs. They charge exactly what it costs to register a domain, with no markups added to the wholesale price. This makes it an ideal choice for those who own many domains and looking to save money on renewals. However, the limited selection of supported TLDs and the lack of introductory discounts may be a deal-breaker for some users.
Namecheap, on the other hand, is more of an all-rounder. Their prices are still very affordable, especially for first-time customers, but it’s the extras that really make them shine. They offer everything from web hosting and email to SSL certificates and other website services. The downside? Renewal prices are a little higher than the introductory rates.
Porkbun is the most affordable registrar in terms of both registration and renewal fees. Their registration prices are similar to Cloudflare’s and even lower for some TLDs, and their renewal prices are almost as low. While they offer some additional services like web hosting and email, their main focus and strength is their domain registration service.
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Final Thoughts
Cloudflare Registrar, Namecheap, and Porkbun are among the best domain registrars out there, and they receive a lot of positive reviews from the developer community on Reddit.
Cloudflare is more suitable for technical users who are familiar with their DNS and other services. Namecheap is good if you need additional services like web hosting or premium SSL certificates. Porkbun is recommended for those who own a large domain portfolio and are looking for a reliable registrar with good support service.
At the end of the day, all three are solid registrars, but the best one for you may depend on your budget and other personal preferences.
