If you’re building a website, setting up custom email accounts, or even running your own FTP server, you’ll need a domain name and hosting. That can easily set you back hundreds of dollars. So I went on the hunt for a truly free domain name service, and here’s what I found out.
Can You Really Get a Free Domain Name for Your Website?
The short answer? Yes. You can snag a free domain name in two main ways:
II’ll show you exactly how I got my free domain using a no-cost service, along with the pros and cons so you’re able to decide if it’s right for you.
Meet Free Domain: A Free Domain Name Provider
I already own several domains, but I needed a website for a quick, short-term project. So I figured why pay if I didn’t have to?
While searching, I checked out options likeFreenom(which wasn’t working at the time I tried),Neo Mail(an email host offering a free domain and a one-page website with any plan),AwardSpace, and several others.
Ultimately, I chose Free Domain, and here’s why:
So, let’s get into what I loved (and didn’t love) about Free Domain.
I enjoyed the following features while using Free Domain.
1. Super Easy Domain Creation
Getting my free domain took just four quick steps and under a minute. Just head toFree Domain, type in your preferred name, choose a TLD, and clickCheck Availability. If it’s available, hitClaim This Name. That’s it.
2. Truly Free, No Strings Attached
Unlike some “free” domain providers that bombard you with ads or hidden fees, Free Domain really is free, with zero ads. I was impressed.
3. Free Forever
Your domain stays free forever. Just remember you’ll need to renew it every year at least 30 days before it expires, unlike Free Domain’s paid domains that you may prepay for up to 15 years.
4. Multiple TLDs to Pick From
You can choose from four free TLDs including:
True, they’re not premium extensions, but they’re great for my small projects or temporary sites.
5. Free WordPress Hosting
Free Domain includes free WordPress hosting for six months. After that, it’s just $1.99 per month. There’s also a 30-day free trial for regular web hosting. It’s basically everything you need to get online, free for half a year.
6. Easy Domain Upgrades
Want to upgrade to a standard .com or other premium TLD? Free Domain supports 11 major domains plus 891 other extensions. When I tried getting a country-specific domain, though, it was $34.30 more than local registrars, so I passed.
7. Free SSL and Dynamic DNS Client
Free Domain also provides lifetime free SSL,FTPand database access, andDynamic DNSif you don’t want to use a static IP address. It offers tons of extra features I didn’t even end up needing for my project.
Despite the perks, I struggled to get some of the advertised features to actually work. The user interface wasn’t the most intuitive, and certain tools were more complicated to set up than they should be.
What I Didn’t Like About Free Domain’s Free Domains
Even though there’s a lot to like, here are some reasons you might want to think twice before using Free Domain’s free domains:
1. Unpopular Domain Names
Free Domain’s extensions like .work.gd or .publicvm.com are fine for personal projects or demos, but they’re not ideal for most business use. I wouldn’t launch an online store or a professional portfolio on one.
2. Awkward Grammar on Their Website
I spotted obvious grammar and spelling mistakes throughout the Free Domain website. A few typos here and there I can understand, but consistent errors can be a turnoff, or even a red flag, especially for writers or anyone concerned aboutfraudulent websites.
3. Outdated User Interface
The moment I logged into the dashboard, it felt like I’d traveled back to 2001. Sure, it’s free, so I can’t complain too much, but if I were a paying customer, you can bet I’d be filing a complaint (in writing) about the outdated design.
4. Repeated Google SSO Issues
After setting up my account, I kept running into problems trying to log in withSingle Sign-On(SSO). I had to manually enter my username and password every time. Not a dealbreaker, but definitely annoying.
5. Discontinued Email Support
I send a lot of emails, so I was excited to see Free Domain advertising 100% free, ad-free business emails with 50MB of storage each for two mailboxes. But when I tried to activate them, I got an error saying the service had been discontinued.
6. No More Free WordPress Hosting for Free Domains
When I tried to enable the free WordPress hosting included with my free domain, I also got an error message. My only option was to use a temporary .MyWP.info address, but that process also stalled with more errors, and the FAQ section (which was hard to find) didn’t help.
7. No Live Support
I wanted to contact support via live chat about these and other issues, but was pointed to DNS FAQs and email support instead. Turns out, only paying customers get live chat or priority email responses within 24 hours.
The good news? After some trial and error, I was eventually able to troubleshoot the errors and get WordPress installed. I explain how in the “How to Install WordPress…” section below.
So, Should You Try a Free Domain Service Like Free Domain?
I did, and it technically delivered what it promised: a free domain name plus six months of WordPress hosting. But it wasn’t exactly smooth sailing. Looking back, I found AwardSpace easier and more straightforward to use.
How to Get a Free Domain from Free Domain
If you still want to give it a shot, here’s how to claim your free domain:
1. VisitFree Domain.
- Enter your preferred domain name and pick one of the four supported TLDs.
3. ClickCheck Availability.
If it’s available, clickClaim This Name. Otherwise, repeat steps 2–3 until you find one that’s free.
On the next page, verify your email. If the code doesn’t arrive, clickResend. The email will come from support@dns-exit.com.
Enter your verification code and clickSubmit.
Review your domain info, check theDynamic IPbox if you need it, otherwise just clickSubmit.
1. Go to Dashboard > WordPress Hosting (under Web Hosting).
Scroll down and clickWordPress.
In the Application to Install WordPress section, enter a database name, then select the pre-filled DB username from the dropdown.
ClickInstall Application(ignore any error messages for now and retry the process several times).
After a few minutes, enter your temporary domain in your browser, log in with your username and Free Domain password, and you should land in your WordPress backend to start building your website.
If you see an error, log out and try again after a bit.
And that’s it, you’re now the proud owner of a free domain and website–for six months!
