The 5 Best Free Domain Providers in 2025

Let’s be honest: domain names aren’t expensive in 2025, but they’re not exactly free either—unless you know where to look.

While most .com, .net, or .org domains cost $10–15/year (and sometimes much more), there are legit ways to get a domain 100% free, either permanently or for the first year.

But here’s the catch:
Some free domain offers come with major strings attached—like ads, no DNS access, or even hidden fees after the first year.

So in this article, you’ll find 5 reliable, legit free domain providers—no BS, no fake “free trial” traps. Whether you’re starting a portfolio site, side hustle, or affiliate blog, these providers can get you online without paying for a domain.

🧠 Wait—Are Free Domains Even Worth It?

Let’s get one thing straight:
Yes, free domains are still useful if you:

• Are testing an idea or MVP

• Want to build a portfolio or resume site

• Need a custom domain for GitHub Pages or a free host

• Are running a temporary landing page or event

However, if you’re planning to:

• Build long-term SEO traffic

• Monetize with Google AdSense

• Run a real business…

➡️ Then go for a paid domain (.com or .org) for credibility, security, and full control.

✅ The 5 Best Free Domain Providers (2025 Edition)

1. Freenom

🌐 https://www.freenom.com

Best for: Totally free domains (.tk, .ml, .ga, .cf, .gq)

What you get:

• 100% free domain for up to 12 months (can renew)

• TLDs: .tk, .ml, .ga, .cf, .gq

• DNS management panel

• Works with GitHub Pages, Netlify, Blogger, etc.

Drawbacks:

• Sketchy support and stability

• Some TLDs have poor deliverability & SEO trust

• Domains may be reclaimed if inactive

Good for: Test projects, affiliate landing pages, or low-risk experiments

Verdict:
Still the most popular free domain registrar, but not recommended for long-term or brand projects.

2. Dot.tk (Now Part of Freenom)

🌐 https://www.dot.tk

Best for: Short-term projects, test sites

What you get:

• Free .tk domains for up to 12 months

• Simple registration with minimal info

• Easy DNS pointing to GitHub, Blogger, etc.

Drawbacks:

• Same risks as Freenom: ownership uncertainty, no SSL by default

• Google has flagged .tk domains in the past for spammy use

Verdict:
Good for learning and experiments, but avoid for serious branding or monetization.

3. InfinityFree Subdomains

🌐 https://www.infinityfree.net

Best for: Free hosting + subdomain combo

What you get:

• Free subdomain under epizy.com or rf.gd

• No forced ads

• Compatible with PHP, MySQL, and WordPress

• Free SSL

Drawbacks:

• Not a true domain, just a subdomain

• No root domain or custom TLD

Verdict:
Useful for WordPress testing, school projects, or practice sites—but not AdSense-eligible.

4. AwardSpace

🌐 https://www.awardspace.com

Best for: One-year free domain with paid hosting

What you get:

• 1 free .com, .org, or .net domain with premium hosting plan

• Also offers free subdomains for free users

• Ad-free hosting and domain dashboard

Drawbacks:

• Domain is only free with paid hosting (starts ~$2.99/month)

• No long-term free plan for domains only

Verdict:
If you’re going to pay for hosting anyway, this is a solid deal—but don’t confuse it with truly “free forever” domains.

5. GitHub Pages + Free Subdomain

🌐 https://pages.github.com

Best for: Free hosting + GitHub subdomain (yourusername.github.io)

What you get:

• Free subdomain under github.io

• Free static site hosting with HTTPS

• Integrates easily with Jekyll or static templates

• No ads or branding

Drawbacks:

• Again, not a real “domain”—just a subdomain

• Custom domain requires you to buy one separately

Verdict:
Perfect for developer portfolios, personal blogs, and static documentation, but not ideal if you need your own branded domain.

⚠️ The Catch with Free Domains

Let’s break down the real trade-offs:

If you’re planning to:

• Build traffic

• Run affiliate campaigns

• Rank on Google

• Collect emails
  Then invest in a $10/year domain. It’s worth it.

💡 Alternative Option: Free Domain with Hosting Plan

If you’re okay spending a little for hosting, most providers give you a domain free for 1 year.

Hosting Providers with Free Domains:

🧠 Final Verdict: Should You Use a Free Domain?

Bottom line:
Free domains are fine for testing, learning, and one-off projects. But if you’re trying to make money, build a brand, or grow traffic—invest in a real domain.

🛠 Pro Tip: Buy a Domain, Use Free Hosting

Want the best of both worlds?

1. Buy a real domain (from Namecheap or Hostinger)

2. Host your site for free on GitHub Pages or Netlify

3. Monetize with AdSense, affiliates, or lead gen

→ That’s a professional website for under $10 total.

🧲 Final Thoughts

Free domains still exist, and they’re not totally useless.
But they come with major trade-offs—and for anything beyond a personal project, they’re not worth the risk.

If you’re serious about your site, blog, or business in 2025, do it right from day one.
Buy the domain. Own your brand. Control your future.