Overview
Name.com is an ICANN-accredited registrar that has long courted developers. Its v1 REST API covers search, availability, registration, renewals, transfers, DNS records and DNSSEC records, with documented pricing endpoints and a domain pricing guide. A reseller program with tiered wholesale pricing sits on the same platform.
Every eligible domain registered at Name.com now includes Domain Safe at no charge. Domain Safe bundles WHOIS privacy, an SSL certificate and security locks; the paid Domain Safe Pro tier adds monitoring, Dynamic DNS and HTTPS redirects. The API documentation confirms that WHOIS privacy is free and does not change the purchase price.
Two things to check before choosing it. The .com renews at about $17.99 a year, several dollars above near-wholesale registrars. And Name.com's own FAQ states that its nameservers do not support DNSSEC; you can add DS records at the registry if you host DNS elsewhere, for example with a managed DNS provider that signs zones for you.
Pricing and plans
checked 28 Sept 2026| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| .com registration | $12.99 first year | Regular price reported by a September 2026 tracker |
| .com renewal | $17.99/yr | Reported by September 2026 trackers |
| Domain Safe | $0 | WHOIS privacy, SSL and security locks on eligible domains |
| Domain Safe Pro | Paid upgrade | Adds monitoring, Dynamic DNS and HTTPS redirects |
| Reseller program | Tiered | Bronze tier .com: $12.40 register, $15.10 renew |
What it does
- REST API
- Documented endpoints for search, registration, renewal, transfer, DNS and DNSSEC records, with pricing lookups.
- Domain Safe
- Free WHOIS privacy, SSL and security locks on every eligible domain.
- Reseller program
- Tiered reseller pricing published as a price list.
- Registry DNSSEC records
- Add DS records for domains using third-party DNS providers.
Strengths and limitations
Strengths
- Developer-friendly API with clear pricing endpoints
- Free privacy and SSL through Domain Safe
- Reseller pricing for platforms that sell domains
Limitations
- Name.com nameservers do not support DNSSEC
- .com renewal is around $17.99, above near-wholesale registrars
- Monitoring, Dynamic DNS and HTTPS redirects require the paid Domain Safe Pro
Who it suits
Good for
- SaaS platforms registering domains for their users
- Developers scripting domain purchases
Look elsewhere if
- Anyone wanting DNSSEC on the registrar's DNS
- Budget hobby projects focused on renewal cost
Alternatives to Name.com
| Tool | From | Free option | Stages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon Route 53 Managed DNS and traffic routing | $0.5/mo | ||
| Cloudflare Registrar At-cost domain registrar | $10.46/yr | ||
| DNSimple DNS hosting and domain management | $0.5/mo | ||
| Dynadot Domain registrar and aftermarket | $10.88/yr | ||
| easyDNS Managed anycast DNS and registrar | $20/yr | ||
| Gandi Domain registrar | $11/yr |
Questions
Is WHOIS privacy free at Name.com?
Yes. Every eligible domain includes Domain Safe at no cost, which covers WHOIS privacy.
Does Name.com support DNSSEC?
Its own nameservers do not. You can add DNSSEC records at the registry when using a third-party DNS provider.
Does Name.com have an API?
Yes, a documented REST API for search, registration, renewal, transfers, DNS and DNSSEC.
What does a .com renew for at Name.com?
About $17.99 a year, according to September 2026 price trackers.
Sources read for this page