Are you planning to launch a new website but worried about domain name costs? Here’s the good news: you can get a free .com domain name in 2025—legally and safely—when you choose the right web hosting provider.
Most people don’t know this, but many trusted hosting companies now offer free .com domain registration for the first year when you purchase a hosting plan. Whether you’re starting a blog, an eCommerce store, or a portfolio website, this bundle can save you both time and money.
In this updated 2025 guide, I’ll walk you through:
- How to get a .com domain for free (no scams, no hidden costs)
- The best hosting providers that offer free domain deals
- How to claim your free domain step-by-step
- The pros and cons of free vs paid domains
Let’s start with why this strategy works and how you can avoid misleading “lifetime free domain” traps.
Here’s a list of those hosts:
| Free Domain Providers | Free Domain Duration | Plan Cost (Hosting with Free Domain) | Rating |
| Hostinger | 1 Year | $2.65 (90% OFF) | 4.9/5 |
| Bluehost | 1 Year | $1.99/month | 4.6/5 |
| ChemiCloud | 1 Year | $2.95/month | 4.6/5 |
| HostArmada | 1 Year | $2.49/month | 4.0/5 |
| GreenGeeks | 1 Year | $2.95/month | 4.1/5 |
| HostPapa | 1 Year | $2.95/month | 4.0/5 |
| InMotion | 1 Year | $2.65/month | 4.3/5 |
| DreamHost | 1 Year | $2.59/month | 4.2/5 |
| HostGator | 1 Year | $2.99/month | 4.0/5 |
Why You Should Consider a Free .Com Domain with Hosting in 2025
What is a .com domain and why is it important for your brand?
A .com domain is the most recognized and trusted domain extension on the internet. According to Statista, over 50% of all global websites use a .com domain, making it the gold standard for credibility, branding, and SEO.
Whether you’re building a personal blog or a small business website, securing a .com domain name boosts your trust factor, helps you rank better on Google, and makes your URL easier to remember.
In 2025, with over 350 million domain names registered, finding an available .com domain at no cost sounds impossible—unless you know where to look.
Are free .com domains really free in 2025?
Let’s clarify a common misconception: No, you won’t get a .com domain for life completely free without some kind of catch. But yes, you can get it for free for the first year—with no added cost—by purchasing a hosting plan from a reputed provider.
Here’s how it works:
- Hosting companies like Hostinger, Bluehost, DreamHost, and others bundle a free domain with their yearly hosting plans.
- You only pay for the hosting, and they waive the domain registration fee for one year.
- After the first year, the domain typically renews at standard rates (usually $9.99 to $15/year).
This method is 100% safe, beginner-friendly, and cost-effective—especially if you’re launching your first site and want everything in one place.
Important: Avoid shady offers that advertise “free domain for life.” These are often marketing traps where the domain is technically free, but hidden costs are baked into overpriced hosting or you’re locked into long-term contracts with no flexibility.
Best Ways to Get a Free .Com Domain Name for One Year
If you’re wondering how to get a .com domain name for free in 2025, the answer is straightforward: choose a hosting plan that includes a free domain registration as part of the package.
This method is not just reliable—it’s the industry standard.
How web hosting plans bundle free domains (and why it’s legit)
In 2025, nearly all major hosting providers offer free .com domain names with annual hosting plans. This is not a scam or limited-time trick—it’s a competitive strategy. Hosting companies know that first-time website owners want everything in one place, and offering a free domain is a great way to attract new customers.
Here’s how it typically works:
- You pick a hosting plan (usually shared or WordPress hosting)
- During checkout, you’re prompted to register a new domain for free
- The hosting provider covers the domain cost for the first year
- After 12 months, you pay the standard renewal rate (around ₹800–₹1,200/year or $10–$15/year)
Why you should avoid “lifetime free domain” traps
You may come across flashy headlines like “Get a .com domain for life—100% free!” Sounds tempting, right? But here’s what really happens:
- These offers usually come with hidden hosting charges that are 2x or 3x more than industry standards.
- You’re locked into long-term contracts with limited refund policies.
- Some of these providers register the domain under their name, not yours—meaning you don’t fully own it.
🔍 Pro Tip: Always use ICANN-accredited hosting providers who clearly state that the domain is registered under your ownership and give you full DNS and transfer rights.
Here’s what to look for in a trustworthy domain+hosting deal:
- ✅ Free .com domain included with 12-month or longer hosting plans
- ✅ Transparent renewal prices for both hosting and domain
- ✅ ICANN accreditation and clear domain ownership policies
- ✅ Real-time chat or support to assist with domain setup
If you’re just starting out, this is by far the cheapest and easiest way to launch a website with a professional domain name.
Up next, I’ll break down the top 9 hosting companies that give you a free .com domain in 2025—along with plan pricing, features, and my personal recommendation.
9 Best Web Hosting Companies Offering Free .Com Domains in 2025
To save you hours of research, I’ve compiled a list of the most trusted hosting providers that offer a free .com domain for one year. These companies are beginner-friendly, affordable, and come with excellent support and features.
Let’s start with the top three:
1. Hostinger – Best Budget Hosting with Free .Com Domain for New Bloggers
If you’re looking for cheap hosting with a free domain, Hostinger is unbeatable in 2025. It’s fast, secure, beginner-friendly, and offers the lowest starting price among premium hosting services.
Free .com domain offer: Included with Premium or Business Shared Hosting (12+ months)
Hostinger Hosting Plans with Free Domain:
- ✅ Premium Shared Hosting: ₹149/month ($1.79/mo)
- ✅ Business Shared Hosting: ₹249/month ($2.99/mo)
- Free SSL, weekly backups, Cloudflare CDN
- Optimized for WordPress with LiteSpeed servers
- 30-day money-back guarantee
How to Claim:
- Visit Hostinger’s website and choose the Premium or Business plan.
- Select a 12-month or longer duration.
- Register your .com domain during checkout – it’s automatically discounted to ₹0.
Pros:
✔ Extremely affordable hosting plans
✔ Global data centers for faster loading
✔ User-friendly hPanel dashboard
✔ 24/7 support
Cons:
✘ Free domain not available on Single Shared Hosting
✘ No phone support
2. Bluehost – Best Hosting with Free Domain and 24/7 WordPress Support
Bluehost remains one of the most recommended names for WordPress beginners, and in 2025, it still offers a free .com domain with all shared hosting plans.
Free .com domain offer: All Shared Hosting and WordPress plans
Bluehost Hosting Plans with Free Domain:
- ✅ Basic Shared Hosting: $1.99/month (12 months)
- Includes Free SSL, CDN, WordPress installer, Email
- Free domain name for 1 year
- 30-day full refund policy
How to Claim:
- Visit Bluehost’s website and choose a hosting plan.
- Enter your desired .com domain or claim it later from your dashboard.
- Complete your purchase and start building your site.
Pros:
✔ Strong uptime and performance
✔ Officially recommended by WordPress.org
✔ Easy-to-use dashboard with staging site option
✔ Free website builder
Cons:
✘ Site migration costs extra
✘ Renewal rates are higher than introductory pricing
3. ChemiCloud – Best Free Domain Hosting for Lifetime Value
Unlike most, ChemiCloud offers a free .com domain not just for one year—but for the lifetime of your hosting plan, as long as you renew with them.
Free .com domain offer: All Shared Hosting plans
ChemiCloud Hosting Plans:
- ✅ Starter Plan: $2.95/month
- SSD storage, Free SSL, Free website migration
- 45-day money-back guarantee
- Lifetime domain registration (as long as you stay on any hosting plan)
🔗 Try ChemiCloud + Free Domain
How to Claim:
- Choose any shared hosting plan on ChemiCloud’s site.
- Register your domain name during sign-up.
- The domain is free for as long as you’re a customer.
Pros:
✔ Lifetime free domain
✔ 7 global data center options
✔ Free daily backups
✔ Free CDN & malware protection
Cons:
✘ Slightly higher renewal cost after first term
✘ Limited storage on lower-tier plans
4. HostArmada – Best Cloud Hosting with Free .Com Domain & Daily Backups
If you’re looking for secure cloud-based hosting with a free domain and premium features, HostArmada is a standout in 2025. It’s a lesser-known gem that’s quickly gaining popularity for speed, support, and robust security.
Free .com domain offer: Available with all shared hosting plans for 12 months or longer
HostArmada Shared Hosting Overview:
- ✅ Start Dock (Entry-level plan): $2.49/month (billed for 36 months)
- Free .com domain for one year
- Daily automatic backups (no extra charge)
- Free malware scan & removal
- SSD-powered servers with LiteSpeed caching
- Free website migration + 24/7 support
🔗 Claim Free Domain with HostArmada
How to Claim:
- Visit HostArmada’s website and select a shared hosting plan.
- During checkout, you’ll be prompted to register a .com domain for free.
- Complete payment and your domain is active immediately.
Pros:
✔ Free daily backups with all plans
✔ LiteSpeed servers for ultra-fast speed
✔ Proactive security with WAF and malware removal
✔ Transparent pricing and responsive chat support
Cons:
✘ Storage is limited on entry-level plans
✘ Fewer marketing freebies compared to Bluehost or HostGator
5. GreenGeeks – Best Eco-Friendly Hosting with Free Domain and High Uptime
If sustainability matters to you, GreenGeeks is your best choice. It’s the only green web hosting provider offering a free .com domain in 2025, powered by 300% renewable energy offset.
Free .com domain offer: Included with all 12-month or longer hosting plans
GreenGeeks WordPress Hosting Plans:
- ✅ Lite Plan: $2.95/month (for 36 months)
- Free .com domain + Free SSL
- Unlimited websites & storage (from Pro plan)
- Nightly backups + real-time security scanning
- 99.9% uptime with LiteSpeed servers
- 30-day money-back guarantee
🔗 Get GreenGeeks Hosting + Free Domain
How to Claim:
- Choose a plan on GreenGeeks’ website.
- Register your .com domain during sign-up.
- It’s applied free for the first year with your hosting package.
Pros:
✔ Eco-friendly hosting with low carbon impact
✔ Excellent uptime and performance
✔ Unlimited email accounts and databases
✔ Free CDN and enhanced DDoS protection
Cons:
✘ Higher renewal cost after the first term
✘ Limited data centers compared to competitors
6. HostPapa – Best Free Domain Hosting for Small Business Owners
For small businesses and freelancers, HostPapa offers excellent value with a free .com domain, strong security tools, and hundreds of one-click apps—all at a competitive price.
Free .com domain offer: Available with all shared hosting plans (12 months or more)
HostPapa Hosting Overview:
- ✅ Starter Plan: $2.95/month (for 36-month term)
- Free domain registration (first year)
- Unmetered bandwidth & free SSL
- Free site migration and setup assistance
- Free Cloudflare CDN integration
- Server-level security (firewall + intrusion monitoring)
🔗 Start with HostPapa + Free Domain
How to Claim:
- Visit HostPapa’s site and select a shared hosting plan.
- Register your .com domain during the checkout process.
- No domain cost will be added—just pay for hosting.
Pros:
✔ Great for entrepreneurs and small businesses
✔ 400+ one-click install apps (including WordPress & WooCommerce)
✔ Free domain transfer and site migration
✔ 24/7 customer support with phone, chat, and email
Cons:
✘ Free backups not included
✘ Fewer advanced features on the Starter plan
7. InMotion Hosting – Best for Performance-Focused Websites with Free Domain
If you’re building a performance-heavy site or care about speed, uptime, and premium support, InMotion Hosting is a great fit. In 2025, it includes a free .com domain with all its Shared, VPS, and WordPress hosting plans (12 months or more).
Free .com domain offer: Included with all annual hosting plans except Core (entry-tier)
InMotion Shared Hosting Highlights:
- ✅ Launch Plan: $2.99/month (12-month plan)
- Free domain, SSL, email, and website builder
- Choice of U.S. data centers (East or West Coast)
- Enhanced caching and free SSD storage
- 90-day money-back guarantee (longest in industry)
How to Claim:
- Visit InMotion Hosting and choose any plan above Core.
- Pick your .com domain during setup—it’s automatically free for the first year.
- Complete the purchase and launch your site.
Pros:
✔ 90-day full refund policy
✔ Business-grade security and performance
✔ Fast SSD servers with free caching
✔ Excellent phone, chat, and email support
Cons:
✘ No free domain on Core plan
✘ No monthly billing on shared hosting
8. DreamHost – Best Free Domain Hosting with Privacy Protection & Backups
DreamHost is ideal for those who want hassle-free WordPress hosting with a free domain and privacy protection included. It’s independently owned and trusted by over 1.5 million websites.
Free .com domain offer: Available on all Shared Unlimited & DreamPress plans (annual billing)
DreamHost WordPress Hosting Plans:
- ✅ Shared Starter: $2.59/month (3-year plan)
- Free domain + WHOIS privacy
- Free backups, free email, and SSL
- SSD storage & one-click WordPress install
- 97-day money-back guarantee (risk-free)
How to Claim:
- Choose an annual hosting plan (Starter or Unlimited).
- During checkout, register your .com domain for free.
- Privacy protection is also included at no extra cost.
Pros:
✔ WHOIS privacy included (rare for free domains)
✔ Long refund period—97 days
✔ Easy WordPress setup
✔ Trusted, independent hosting provider
Cons:
✘ No cPanel interface (uses custom dashboard)
✘ Live chat only during business hours
9. HostGator – Best for All-in-One Hosting with Free Domain and Marketing Credits
HostGator remains one of the most beginner-friendly hosting providers in 2025, known for bundling free domains, free website builder, SSL, and even Google Ads credits—perfect for new bloggers and small businesses.
Free .com domain offer: All Shared, WordPress, and Cloud plans (12+ month term)
HostGator Hosting Packages:
- ✅ Hatchling Plan: $2.99/month (36-month term)
- Free domain for 1 year + Free website builder
- Unmetered bandwidth & storage
- Free SSL and $100 in Google Ads credits
- One-click WordPress installs
How to Claim:
- Choose a 12-month or longer hosting plan.
- Register your .com domain during signup—it’ll be free for the first year.
- Activate your account and start building.
Pros:
✔ Free domain, site builder, and SSL
✔ Unmetered resources on all plans
✔ Google/Bing Ads credits included
✔ 45-day refund guarantee
Cons:
✘ No daily backups by default
✘ Renewal pricing is higher than intro offers
Free .Com Domain vs Paid Domain – What’s the Real Cost?
If you’re deciding between getting a free domain with hosting or buying one separately, it’s important to understand the real cost difference—both upfront and long term.
How much does a .com domain usually cost?
A standard .com domain from registrars like GoDaddy, Namecheap, or Google Domains typically costs between $9.99 to $15 per year, depending on the registrar and any addons like WHOIS protection.
But here’s what you might pay over 3 years:
| Option | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free domain with hosting | $0 | $10 | $10 | $20 |
| Paid domain + hosting separately | $12 | $12 | $12 | $36 |
When you get a free domain with hosting, you save the full first year cost, and sometimes also get extras like SSL, CDN, or even WHOIS privacy (like DreamHost includes by default).
When does a paid domain make sense?
There are two situations when buying a domain separately is better:
- If you want to host the domain elsewhere (like AWS, Cloudflare Pages, or GitHub)
- If you’re collecting domains or doing domain flipping (buy/sell for profit)
But for most beginners, bundling your hosting + domain is the smartest and cheapest way to launch a site.
How to Choose the Right Hosting Plan That Includes a Free Domain
Not all free domain offers are equal. Choosing the right hosting plan depends on your website goals, technical skills, and budget.
Here’s how to pick the best plan for your needs:
1. Are you a beginner or launching your first website?
If yes, prioritize:
- Simple setup and dashboard (e.g., Bluehost, Hostinger)
- 1-click WordPress install
- Free SSL, email, and backups
Best options:
✅ Bluehost Basic Plan
✅ Hostinger Premium Shared Hosting
✅ DreamHost Starter Plan
2. Want the best performance and daily backups?
If speed and data protection are critical (e.g., for WooCommerce or affiliate sites):
- Look for SSD storage, LiteSpeed servers, and daily backups
- Bonus if it includes malware scans and caching
Best options:
✅ HostArmada (daily backups + malware removal)
✅ InMotion Hosting (SSD + data center choice)
3. Need advanced features for business growth?
If you plan to scale or need premium support:
- Pick a host with dedicated IPs, staging tools, and unlimited sites
- Go for plans that offer marketing tools or ad credits
Best options:
✅ HostGator (Google Ads credit)
✅ ChemiCloud (lifetime free domain + top-tier support)
✅ GreenGeeks (eco-friendly & unlimited resources)
🧠 Quick Tip: Avoid falling for “cheapest price” traps that don’t include key features like backups, email, or SSL. Paying ₹50–₹100 extra per month for a better host often saves you hours of future hassle.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Claim Your Free .Com Domain in 2025
Claiming your free .com domain is easy—but only if you follow the correct process during sign-up. Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide that works for most providers offering this deal.
Step 1: Choose a Trusted Hosting Provider
Pick a hosting company from our top 9 list that includes a free .com domain in their annual or multi-year plans. For example:
- ✅ Bluehost for beginner WordPress users
- ✅ Hostinger for low-cost hosting
- ✅ DreamHost for privacy protection and ease of use
Step 2: Select a Plan That Includes a Free Domain
Not all plans include a free domain. Make sure you’re choosing:
- A 12-month or longer plan
- A tier that specifically mentions “free domain for 1 year” or “lifetime free domain”
For example:
- Hostinger’s Premium Shared Hosting
- Bluehost’s Basic or higher
- ChemiCloud’s Starter Plan (includes lifetime domain as long as hosting is active)
Step 3: Enter Your Desired .Com Domain Name
During checkout, you’ll be prompted to:
- Register a new domain
- Or transfer an existing one
Make sure your desired .com domain is available. You can check this using the domain search tool on the host’s website.
💡 Tip: Use short, brandable domain names and include keywords if possible (e.g., yournameblog.com or healthtipsdaily.com).
Step 4: Complete Payment and Activate Your Hosting
Once your domain is selected, complete your order. Most providers will:
- Send you a confirmation email
- Automatically set up your domain with the hosting account
- Provide a control panel (like cPanel or custom dashboard) to manage your site
Step 5: Launch Your Website
Now that your domain is active, you can:
- Install WordPress in 1 click (most hosts support this)
- Connect your email (free email accounts are included with many plans)
- Add SSL and start building your site
That’s it—you now have a .com domain name registered for free and ready to go live in under 15 minutes.
Pros and Cons of Getting a Free Domain from Hosting Providers
While getting a free domain with your hosting is the most popular option for beginners, it’s important to understand both sides before committing. Here’s a quick comparison:
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Saves you $10–$15 instantly | ✘ Domain renews at regular price after 1 year |
| ✔ One-stop setup (domain + hosting in same dashboard) | ✘ Some hosts charge higher renewal rates |
| ✔ Ideal for beginners, bloggers, freelancers | ✘ Transfer fees may apply if you switch providers later |
| ✔ Often bundled with other freebies (SSL, email, backups) | ✘ You may forget to set DNS records if domain is hosted separately |
| ✔ Auto-setup and faster launch time | ✘ Limited control if host uses custom domain dashboards |
Final Thoughts on Free Hosting Domains
For most users—especially those starting a blog, personal site, or small business website—a bundled free .com domain with hosting is the most economical and efficient choice. It simplifies setup, saves money upfront, and gets your website online faster.
Still unsure? In the next section, we’ll help you pick the best provider based on your goals and budget.
Final Verdict: Which Hosting Provider Offers the Best Free .Com Domain in 2025?
Now that we’ve compared all the top hosting providers offering a free .com domain name, here’s how to choose the best one based on your specific needs:
| Goal | Best Hosting Provider | Why It’s Best |
|---|---|---|
| ✅ Budget-friendly + Free Domain | Hostinger | Cheapest starter plans, great speed, easy for beginners |
| ✅ WordPress optimized hosting | Bluehost | Officially recommended by WordPress, intuitive setup |
| ✅ Lifetime domain value | ChemiCloud | Offers lifetime free domain with all plans |
| ✅ Eco-conscious + performance | GreenGeeks | Green hosting + free domain + unlimited bandwidth |
| ✅ Daily backups + security | HostArmada | Free backups, WAF, malware removal, top-tier support |
| ✅ Business-grade features | InMotion Hosting | 90-day refund, SSD storage, scalable resources |
| ✅ Privacy and legal protection | DreamHost | WHOIS privacy included, great support |
| ✅ All-in-one bundle + ads credit | HostGator | Includes Google Ads credit, site builder, and unlimited resources |
| ✅ Localized small business support | HostPapa | Strong security tools, CDN, and domain with starter plan |
🎯 My recommendation for most beginners?
Start with Hostinger if you’re on a tight budget or choose Bluehost for a more WordPress-focused setup with better support.
Either way, you’ll get a free .com domain in 2025 without any tricks or hidden fees—just make sure you’re signing up for at least 12 months of hosting.
FAQs on Getting Free .Com Domains with Hosting Plans
Can I get a .com domain name without buying hosting?
Technically, no—not for free. Reputable registrars charge around $10–$15/year for a .com domain. The only legitimate way to get one free is to bundle it with hosting, as covered in this post.
Which hosting companies offer free domain names in 2025?
Top hosts offering free .com domain registration include Hostinger, Bluehost, ChemiCloud, HostArmada, GreenGeeks, DreamHost, HostGator, HostPapa, and InMotion Hosting. All require a minimum of 12 months hosting to qualify.
Are free domains really free, or are there hidden costs?
The domain is genuinely free for the first year, but you’ll usually pay renewal fees after 12 months. Watch out for overpriced plans disguised as “lifetime domain” offers—always check renewal rates.
Can I transfer my free domain to another provider later?
Yes, but some hosts require you to keep your domain registered for 60 days before you can transfer. Make sure your domain is registered under your name, not the hosting company’s, and ask for the EPP code when ready to move.
Do these free domains include privacy protection?
Some hosts like DreamHost include free WHOIS privacy, while others may charge extra (typically $8–$12/year). Always check the domain features before buying.
What happens if I cancel my hosting—do I lose my free domain?
Most providers let you keep the domain if you cancel early, but you’ll usually be charged the domain’s standard price (around $10–$15). This will be deducted from any refund you’re owed.