Are you looking for the best places to find premium domain names for sale?
There are many domain name registrars out there. However, not all of them offer you the best tools to find the perfect domain name.
Some even try their best to sell you lesser-known domain extensions (not .com or .net) at cheaper rates.
In this article, we will share the best places to find a domain name for sale including new, expired, and premium domain names. We’ll also share expert tips on how to do due diligence when buying a premium domain name.
Domain Name Registrars
The first place to look for a domain name is by using a domain search tool.
We recommend starting with our free business name generator tool to find domain names and generate new ideas at the same time.
Alternatively, you can do the domain research through a domain name registrar. These companies are allowed by ICANN to sell domain names to the general public.
However, not all domain registrars are the same.
Some try to upsell other services that you may not need, and others try to lock you in by making it difficult to transfer your domain name.
This makes it difficult for beginners to research domain names and find a high-quality web address to start a blog or make a business website.
Below are the providers that we use and recommend.
1. Domain.com
Domain.com is the best domain name registrar on the market. It has a fast and simple domain search tool that helps you easily find a domain name available for sale.
They offer all top-level domain names at very competitive pricing for newer domain names.
If you are looking for domain names on sale, then simply click on the ‘Premium Domains’ tab to find unique, brandable, and shorter domain names.
Premium names are typically more expensive, but you get a better selection to choose from.
Domain.com makes it easier to manage your domains using a simpler domain management area. From there, you can point your domain name to any web hosting company and start making a website.
2. Network Solutions
Network Solutions is one of the most popular domain registrars on the planet with over 7 million domains registered on its platform.
Aside from allowing you to register new domains with popular extensions like .com, .net, .org, .biz, .info, and all other niche TLDs, they also allow you to buy premium domain names for sale on their platform.
To purchase a premium domain name for sale, simply click on the Premium Domain Names link from the Domains menu dropdown.
Once you’re on the premium domains page, you can simply search the keyword, and it will show you a list of premium domains that are available for sale.
These domains are generally higher priced than new registrations, and Network Solutions specifically states that they don’t negotiate on premium domain prices.
However, if you’re looking for new domain registration, you can use our Network Solutions coupon code to get 25% off your purchase.
Finding Premium Domain Names on Domain Marketplaces
Domain names are a lucrative business. You can think of it as real estate for the Internet.
Thousands of people trade domain names daily, meaning that at any given time, premium domain names are available from domain investors.
You can find these domain names on domain marketplaces. This is where users can list their domain names for sale, allowing others to search, make an offer, or directly purchase the name at a premium price.
3. Sedo
Sedo is one of the biggest domain marketplaces in the world. They provide a reliable and secure platform for domain owners to list their domain names for sale.
You will find many premium domain names for sale there. Some have been used in the past, but most have never been used to build a website.
Sedo is also an excellent platform for doing your domain name research. You can find interesting ideas matching your keywords, which is important for SEO (search engine optimization). Then, you can use those ideas to find similar domain names at a regular price.
4. Flippa
Flippa is the world’s leading platform to sell online businesses, startups, websites, and domain names. It is a marketplace where sellers list their domain names for sale. Most of them are premium domain names listed for auction or direct purchase.
You can watch domain names, follow auctions, or enter the auction by bidding on domain names.
If your bid is accepted, then you can follow the payment guidelines. Usually, sellers use Flippa’s escrow service to securely transfer payment and registration to the buyer.
5. GoDaddy
GoDaddy is the largest domain name registrar in the world. They manage millions of domain names for a very large number of customers around the world.
They offer domain research tools, domain name generators, domain broker services, and more. They also have their own premium domain marketplace with auctions.
However, as a large business, they offer many other services and upsells, which can be a bit overwhelming for beginners.
Many GoDaddy alternatives offer more focused, cheaper, and better services to compete, which ultimately benefits the customers.
Finding Domain Names for Sale on Forums
There are thousands of online communities and forums where website owners can discuss online business ideas, marketing techniques, and building websites.
Some of these online communities focus solely on trading domain names, while others have dedicated sub-forums for domain listings.
Here are some of the online forums you can use to find domain names available for sale, including expired domain names or soon-to-be-expiring domain names.
6. NamePros
NamePros is one of the leading online communities for buying and selling domain names. It is also a great place to learn about building online businesses, investing in domain names, and finding unique domain name ideas.
They have a dedicated domain marketplace section where sellers can list their domain names on sale. Domains are listed as auctions, buy now, bargains, and make an offer.
7. DNForum
DNForum is another popular online community where you can find unique domain names. The forum is used by both sellers and buyers to trade domains, run auctions, make offers, or request help from domain name brokers to find you a unique idea.
Get a Free Domain Name via Hosting
If you just want to register a new domain name for your business, the easiest way to get a free domain name is to sign up for a website hosting account.
This way, you can save money on domain name registration and quickly make a website right away.
Following are some of the top hosting companies that are offering free domain names:
1. Bluehost
Bluehost is one of the largest hosting companies in the world and is an officially recommended hosting provider by WordPress and WooCommerce.
They have agreed to offer WPBeginner users a free domain name + SSL certificate and a generous discount on hosting. You can get started for just $2.75 per month.
2. Hostinger
Hostinger is another top WordPress hosting provider that offers a free domain name with hosting.
You’ll need to sign up for at least their WordPress Starter plan to get a free domain name.
Currently, they are offering WPBeginner users a generous discount as well. You can get started for $2.69 per month.
Get free domain with Hostinger →
3. HostGator
HostGator is another one of the top hosting companies offering a free domain upon signup.
The offer is valid for all their shared hosting plans. They are also offering WPBeginner users a significant discount on hosting.
Get free domain with HostGator →
How to Find a Great Domain Name for Sale
There are many places where you can find domain names available for sale. However, this is a highly competitive business, and if you are not careful, you could end up paying a lot more for a domain name.
First, we recommend you find a unique domain name idea by yourself. Use the domain availability checker tool on Domain.com to see if your desired name is available for registration.
This way, you would be able to find a domain name at a regular price, which could be between $10-14.99 USD per year.
See our guide on how to find a domain name for some tips on coming up with catchy ideas for your domain.
Finding a Premium Domain Name for Sale
Finding a domain name can be hard. You may feel that all good domain name ideas are already taken.
However, if you are willing to invest in buying a shorter, more brandable, and clever domain name, then domain marketplaces can be a good resource.
This helps you narrow down your search and get a domain name that is not available for registration.
We recommend using platforms like Sedo and Flippa to find unique premium domain names on sale. These platforms offer better tools for secure transfer of domain ownership, better tools to asses seller’s reputations, and are trusted by legit businesses worldwide.
How to do Due Diligence When Buying a Premium Domain for Sale
After finding a unique domain name you want to buy, it is time to do some due diligence before moving forward.
Domain names that have already been used could be blacklisted, marked for spam, or have a bad reputation. Buying such a domain name could affect your business.
Luckily, there are tools that you can use to do your homework before making the purchase.
First, you would want to ensure that the domain name is not a registered trademark of an existing business.
According to ICANN rules, if a domain name violates a company’s registered trademark, then that company can claim the domain name or ask you to take it down.
You can check the United States Patent and Trademark Office’s database to do a quick trademark search for your domain name and see if a business has already registered it.
Next, you would want to see if a domain name has been previously used to make a website. An easy way to do this is by using the Wayback Machine. This massive archive crawls the internet and takes snapshots of websites.
You would also want to search a domain name’s historical records using the Whois tools.
This allows you to see when a domain name was created, last renewed, DNS changes, and historical data.
Lastly, you would want to check if a domain name has been misused to send spam emails, spread malware, or other malicious activities.
You can perform a quick domain health check test to see if it raises any red flags.
We hope this article helped you find the best places to find domain name for sale. You may also want to see our picks of the best business phone services and our guide on how to choose the best website builder.
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Syed Balkhi
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Dennis Muthomi
I got a QUESTION about the trademark part.
If I registered and owned a domain that has no associated trademark, but then a business trademarks that name later, can they still claim my domain?
It seems unfair since I registered domain name first, before their trademark existed.
WPBeginner Support
That would be a question for a legal professional as there are many different options available depending on the specific situation.
Admin
Dennis Muthomi
hi…when it comes to premium domains, what exactly makes a domain name “premium”?
is there a specific set of criteria that a domain must meet to be considered premium, or is it more subjective?
I’m just curious to know more about what distinguishes a premium domain from a regular one
WPBeginner Support
It is subjective based on the owner of the domain, there is not a hard rule at the moment for what is considered a premium domain.
Admin
Dayo Olobayo
There’s no single rulebook for premium domains so it can be subjective. Some factors like short length, common words, and popular extensions make a domain more valuable. But ultimately, the value depends on how much someone is willing to pay. Also, trends can make a domain premium. For example, bitcoin in the .com extension may be considered worthless 20 years but many businesses today will be opened to spending any amount just to have it.
Jiří Vaněk
If I already own the domain, is it possible to move it to another registrar, or do I have to wait until the domain expires and register it again?
WPBeginner Support
You shouldn’t need the domain to expire to move it to a new registrar.
Admin
Jiří Vaněk
Are there any administration fees for changes or it depends on the terminal and the registrar. That’s why I’m asking if it makes sense, for example, to buy more domains from a cheaper registrar and then move them and save sometimes a lot of money.
WPBeginner Support
You would need to check with the registrar but it normally is not something that is charged for.
Moinuddin Waheed
I have seen many times over about premium domain while finding the perfect domain for my needs.
I have not fully understood the basis for categorisation of domains names into premium or simple domain names.
premium domain names are always cost high.
is it the icann decides whether a domain name is a premium domain or not? or is there any other criteria for this?
WPBeginner Support
A premium domain is a domain that someone purchased previously and is putting up for sale because they feel the domain is valuable.
Admin
Moinuddin Waheed
Thanks for clearing the confusion as I have always misunderstood this topic and have argued wrongly with many regarding what is a premium domain.
it is now clear about why we exactly see a premium tag in front of any domain name.