Canada’s Best Domain Registrars: Reviews, Pricing & Features

Bluehost is known to offer one of the cheapest beginner rates. It’s highly reliable thanks to round-the-clock online support and has been recommended by the WordPress core since 2006.

NameCheap delivers some of the lowest registration prices for top-level domain names (TLD). Plus, each one gets free WHOIS privacy as long as you stick with the provider. Web hosting, VPNs, and email are also available.

GoDaddy offers domains along with web hosting, email, marketing tools, and a website builder. It’s a solid choice if you want a one-stop shop. New customers get a substantial discount, but the best value comes from committing to a long-term plan.

Domain.com has been a trusted name in domain registration and web hosting since 2000. Beyond domains, they provide web hosting, professional email, SSL certificates, web design, and online marketing services. Their focus on reliability and simplicity makes it easy to manage everything in one place.

If you want to buy domain name in Canada, DreamHost offers hassle-free and stable domain hosting at a relatively affordable price. This platform is a great choice, whether you have advanced technical knowledge or not. It lacks some of the advanced features offered by other providers on this list, but in exchange, you get an ultra-streamlined process and unrivalled reliability.

HostGator, best known for its web hosting, also serves as a prominent domain registrar with over 8 million domains under management. The best part: if you buy at least one year's worth of cloud, shared, or WordPress hosting, then the domain name is completely free of charge.

IONOS delivers scalable shared, cloud, VPS, and WordPress hosting with solid customer support for newcomers and tech-savvy users alike. It's famous for its affordable pricing and uses advanced technology to manage over 12 million domains.

HostArmada made our list for its variety of nice-to-have features at a relatively affordable price. Registering a domain on this platform means you will have access to a handy domain management interface, an always-on customer service network, and robust security features.

HostPapa specializes in high-tier shared plans and is well-known for its Canadian-focused solutions. Businesses can look forward to added extras like free DNS management and email forwarding when signing up with this registrar. It's a convenient all-in-one solution.

Hosting.com (formerly A2 Hosting) is a strong registrar choice. With no hosting requirements, round-the-clock support, and an intuitive control panel, it’s simple to get started. You’ll also get guidance on meeting CIRA’s Canadian Presence Requirements, making .ca registration straightforward.

How To Choose the Best Domain Registrar 🗄️

Finding the best domain registrar and web hosting services in Canada for your site can be tricky, but understanding a few important things can make the process easier.

Here are some vital factors to look for when choosing your provider:

Pricing

Look out for the add-ons, hidden fees, renewal costs, and any discounts available. Prices vary a great deal for TLDs, so it’s important to have a budget in mind before you make a decision.

Unique Extensions

While some domain extensions like .com are widely available, others can be harder to find. If you have specific extension needs, make sure your provider has a good selection to choose from before signing up.

Convenience

A smooth setup process can save time when connecting your domain to web hosting or email services. Look for providers that make onboarding easy, so you can get online without unnecessary hassle.

Support

Look for quality customer support in terms of availability, hours, and communication options. If you want to be able to talk to an actual human, be sure that’s something the platform offers, as this support service is becoming harder to come by.

If you’re fine with AI bots and email support, just be aware there are limitations to these types of support.

Quick problem resolution protects your reputation and revenue, so don’t overlook this feature, especially if you expect to rely on it often.

Stability

You want to work with a company that offers fast load times and as little downtime as possible. If your site is unreliable or sluggish, it will negatively affect the user experience of site visitors.

Security

Keep an eye out for robust security features that protect your information and the information of your customers. For more on the protection of your data, see our list of the best VPN services in Canada.

Domains can leave your site vulnerable to malicious actors who may attempt domain spoofing or hijacking, denial-of-service attacks, malware infections, or other cyber threats. Choosing a provider with strong security tools is crucial, as it helps prevent domain theft and offers protection against broader cyber risks.

Some examples of things to look for in your domain service include:

• Domain security scans that identify weaknesses/vulnerabilities
• Domain locking to prevent unauthorized transfers of your domain name
• Privacy protections that keep your personal info off the WHOIS database
• Blacklist monitoring
• SMS alerts when changes are made to your domain
• Multifactor authentication
• Strong encryption and security protocols
• Malware scanning

In addition to having robust security features and practices, it’s important that your provider also offers professional customer support that can help you in the event of a cyber-threat or attack.

You may want to contact your provider in advance to see if their support is properly equipped to help you in an emergency and what their escalation and response practices are like.

Intuitive Domain Management Tools

Finding a provider with easy-to-use domain management tools will make your life much easier.

Some examples include:

• Domain name generators
• Domain name transfer tools
• A single user dashboard (instead of multiple)
• Domain expiration protection
• Domain forwarding

Reliability and Reputation

Be cautious of companies that seem “fly-by-night” or have only recently launched. A proven track record gives you a basis for judgment and reassurance that the brand has stood the test of time.

Evaluating these factors will help narrow your list of potential domain registrars and guide you toward the best decision for your needs.

What to Know About CIRA Membership

If you’re a Canadian looking to buy a domain, you may already be familiar with the Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA).

This not-for-profit manages more than 3 million registered domains. It oversees the .CA domain to support Canadian websites, foster a trusted internet, and promote an equitable online community.

Becoming a member is simple: register a .CA domain and keep it active. Your membership lasts as long as your domain does, and there are no fees beyond the cost of the domain itself.

Joining CIRA comes with several perks, making it well worth considering if you plan to register a domain.

Here are some of the benefits members enjoy:

• Free access to webinars, giveaways, and events
• The opportunity to support Net Good, CIRA’s nonprofit initiative that funds online safety, policy engagement, global internet governance, and other worthy causes
• Participation in electing CIRA board members and approving by-law changes
• Access to resources such as the CIRA cybersecurity toolkit and educational materials
• Exclusive offers from other member businesses and entities
• A .CA domain that identifies you as a Canadian online presence, helping you attract customers and users who want to support local sites