Choosing a registrar to register your domain
If you want to create a website or custom email addresses for your business, you need a unique web address to help people find you. To register your web address — also known as a domain — you must purchase one from a domain name registrar.
Domain name registrars are businesses responsible for creating and managing domain names around the world. Proton is not a domain name registrar.
When a domain is created and registered, the Internet Corporation of Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) requires the registrar to file the owner’s contact information, including their name, email address, and phone number. This information is added to the WHOIS database, which is public and accessible by anyone on the internet.
However, most domain registrars have features (outlined below) that prevent your personal information from being exposed. In addition, for security purposes, we recommend choosing a registrar that supports two-factor authentication.
None of the following registrars are associated with Proton. They are listed in order of general popularity (total number of domains under management):
GoDaddy
With over 82 million domains under management, GoDaddy(new window) is one of the world’s largest domain registrars. With GoDaddy, you can sign up for a .com domain name starting from $2.99 the first year. GoDaddy also boasts a wide range of domain extensions, such as .biz, .vip, .online, .shop, .app, and more.
GoDaddy’s Full and Ultimate Domain Privacy & Protection redacts your name, address, phone number, and email address from the WHOIS directory to protect your privacy. Instead, it displays anonymized information that does not include your personal details, protecting you against threats such as identity fraud and domain hijacking.
GoDaddy also supports two-factor authentication(new window).
Namecheap
Namecheap(new window) claims to be a “one-stop shop” for setting up a website and offers a range of apps to power your business. From site builder integrations to logo makers, Namecheap helps make your website look professional.
In addition, Namecheap provides WHOIS privacy protection that hides your contact details. This service replaces your personal data with anonymized information that keeps you safe from unsolicited phone calls, junk mail, and identity theft.
Namecheap supports two-factor authentication(new window).
Domain.com
Founded in 1998, Domain.com(new window) is one of the oldest domain name registrars available. With Domain.com, you can obtain a .com domain for as little as $8.99 for the first year. In addition to purchasing a domain, Domain.com allows you to host your website on their secure platform, with 99.9% uptime on all hosting plans.
Domain.com offers a WHOIS privacy protection package that secures your personal information and prevents it from being exposed on the WHOIS database. Domain.com displays its own company information instead of listing your home address and phone number.
Domain.com requires an extra service to enable two-factor authentication(new window).
Bluehost
Powering over two million websites worldwide, Bluehost(new window) is a popular choice if you’re looking to register a domain name. Getting a .com domain name starts from $12.99 for the first year and includes features such as domain lock and domain forwarding. Bluehost also integrates seamlessly with WordPress and Microsoft 365, making it easy to set up your business website and email account at the same time.
Similar to other domain registrars, Bluehost offers a domain privacy service that conceals your personal information in the WHOIS database and replaces it with Bluehost contact information.
Bluehost supports two-factor authentication(new window).