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Table of Contents
What is a Domain Name Search?
A domain name search is the process of finding out whether a specific web address (like example.com) is available for registration. When you perform a domain name search, you're querying domain registrar databases to check if your desired domain is taken, available, or up for sale.
With over 370 million domain names registered worldwide in 2026, finding the perfect available domain has become increasingly challenging. That's why using the right domain search tools and strategies is more important than ever.
Key Takeaway
A domain name search tool checks real-time availability across all TLDs (.com, .net, .org, .io, etc.) and shows you pricing from different registrars. Advanced tools like DomainBlazer go further by generating AI-powered domain suggestions with market analysis, resale valuations, and brandability scores.
How to Search for a Domain Name
Searching for the perfect domain name involves more than just typing a word into a search domain tool. Here's a strategic step-by-step process used by professional domain investors and businesses:
Brainstorm Keywords & Brand Ideas
Start with keywords related to your niche, business, or brand concept. Think about what your audience would search for. Use tools like Google Keyword Planner to identify high-volume search terms.
Use a Domain Availability Search Tool
Enter your top choices into a domain checker. DomainBlazer's AI-powered search not only checks availability but generates creative alternatives you might not have considered.
Check Multiple TLDs
Don't just check .com — explore .io, .co, .ai, .net, and other extensions. Sometimes the perfect domain is available in a newer TLD at a fraction of the cost.
Verify Trademark Conflicts
Before registering, search the USPTO database and international trademark registries. Registering a trademarked domain can lead to UDRP disputes and forced transfers.
Compare Registrar Prices
Domain prices vary significantly between registrars. Check GoDaddy, Namecheap, Cloudflare, Porkbun, and Hostinger for the best deals. Watch out for low first-year prices with expensive renewals.
Register Immediately
Good domains get taken fast. Once you find your perfect domain, register it immediately. Domain squatters actively monitor search queries and may register domains before you do.
Best Domain Name Search Tools in 2026
Not all domain search tools are created equal. Here are the top tools for checking domain availability, each with unique strengths:
DomainBlazer
AI-PoweredAI-powered domain generator that creates unique, brandable names and provides investment analysis, market trends, and resale valuations. Best for domain investors and businesses seeking premium names.
GoDaddy Domain Search
Largest SelectionThe world's largest domain registrar with the most extensive TLD selection. Offers domain auctions, backorders, and aftermarket sales. Best for finding exact-match domains with vast inventory.
Namecheap Domain Search
Best ValuePopular registrar known for competitive pricing and free WhoisGuard privacy protection. Excellent for budget-conscious domain buyers looking for reliable service.
Cloudflare Domains
Zero MarkupAt-cost domain registration with zero markup. Includes free DNS, DNSSEC, and privacy protection. Best for developers and tech-savvy users who want transparent pricing.
Squarespace Domains
Best for BuildersClean, intuitive domain search with seamless website builder integration. Ideal for entrepreneurs and creatives who want a domain and website in one place.
ICANN Lookup
Official WHOISThe official WHOIS lookup tool from ICANN. Provides authoritative domain registration data including owner information, nameservers, and expiration dates.
Domain Registrar Comparison: Pricing & Features (2026)
Choosing the right domain registrar can save you money and headaches. Here's a comprehensive comparison of the top registrars for buying domain names:
| Registrar | .com Price | Renewal | Privacy | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GoDaddy | $11.99/yr | $22.99/yr | $9.99/yr | Largest selection |
| Namecheap | $8.88/yr | $13.98/yr | Free | Best value |
| Cloudflare | $8.57/yr | $8.57/yr | Free | At-cost pricing |
| Porkbun | $8.56/yr | $9.73/yr | Free | Cheapest .com |
| Google Domains | $12.00/yr | $12.00/yr | Free | Simplicity |
| Hostinger | $9.99/yr | $15.99/yr | Free | Hosting bundles |
| Squarespace | $12.00/yr | $20.00/yr | Free | Website builder |
Pro Tip: Watch Out for Renewal Prices
Many registrars offer cheap first-year prices but charge significantly more for renewals. Always check the renewal price before committing. Cloudflare and Google Domains are notable for consistent pricing with no renewal markup.
How to Check Domain Availability
Checking domain availability is straightforward with the right tools. Here's exactly how to do it using different methods:
Method 1: Direct Registrar Search
Visit any domain registrar (GoDaddy, Namecheap, Porkbun) and type your desired domain into their search bar. They'll instantly show if the exact domain is available, along with alternatives in different TLDs.
Method 2: AI Domain Generator (DomainBlazer)
Enter your keywords or business concept and let AI generate unique domain suggestions. DomainBlazer checks availability automatically and provides investment analysis for each suggestion.
Method 3: WHOIS Lookup
Use ICANN's lookup tool or WhoisXML to check detailed registration data. This tells you who owns a taken domain, when it expires, and which registrar manages it.
Domain Name Pricing Guide: How Much Does a Domain Cost?
Domain prices vary dramatically based on the TLD extension, domain length, keyword value, and whether it's a standard or premium domain. Here's what you can expect to pay:
Standard Domain Pricing
- .com$8 - $15/yr
- .net$10 - $14/yr
- .org$9 - $12/yr
- .io$25 - $50/yr
- .co$10 - $30/yr
- .ai$50 - $90/yr
- .xyz$1 - $12/yr
- .store$3 - $20/yr
Premium Domain Pricing
- Short .com (3-4 letters)$1K - $100K+
- Keyword .com$500 - $50K
- Brandable .com$100 - $10K
- Exact-match .com$5K - $1M+
- 1-word .com$10K - $10M+
Premium domains are priced by market demand and comparable sales data.
Free Domain Name Options: Where to Get Domains for Free
Looking for a free domain name? Several hosting providers and services offer free domains, though each comes with trade-offs:
Free Domain with Hosting Plans
Hostinger, Bluehost, and SiteGround include a free domain for the first year when you purchase annual hosting. This is the most practical way to get a free .com domain.
Website Builder Subdomains
Platforms like Wix, WordPress.com, and Weebly offer free subdomains (yourname.wixsite.com). Good for testing, but less professional for businesses.
Free TLD Services
Services like Freenom offered free .tk, .ml, and .ga domains, but many have discontinued or limited these. Free TLDs are generally not recommended for serious projects.
GitHub Pages / Netlify
Deploy your website for free on GitHub Pages (username.github.io) or Netlify (site.netlify.app). Great for portfolios and open-source projects.
WHOIS Domain Lookup: Find Domain Owner Information
WHOIS domain lookup is an essential tool for anyone involved in domain investing, research, or online business. WHOIS (pronounced "who is") is a protocol that queries databases to retrieve information about registered domain names.
When you perform a whois domain search, you can discover:
Popular WHOIS Lookup Tools
- • ICANN Lookup (lookup.icann.org) — The official, authoritative source
- • WhoisXML API — Advanced data with API access for developers
- • DomainTools — Comprehensive WHOIS history and reverse lookups
- • Namecheap WHOIS — Simple, free WHOIS search with clean interface
Domain Name Generator Tools: AI-Powered Search
When your ideal domain name is taken, a domain name generator can help you discover creative alternatives. Modern AI-powered generators go beyond simple word combinations:
DomainBlazer AI Generator
Recommended • AI-Powered
DomainBlazer uses advanced AI to generate unique, brandable domain names based on your keywords or business concept. Each suggestion comes with availability status, market analysis, resale valuations, and brandability scores — giving you a complete picture before you buy.
Try AI Domain Generator FreeGoDaddy Domain Name Generator
GoDaddy's free domain generator suggests available domains based on keywords. Simple but effective for finding basic word combinations and checking availability across their inventory.
Nameboy
One of the oldest domain generators, Nameboy combines primary and secondary keywords to suggest available domain names. Useful for brainstorming but limited in creativity.
Instant Domain Search
Real-time domain availability checking as you type. Features AI-powered suggestions and alternative TLD recommendations. Clean interface with fast results.
10 Expert Tips for Choosing the Best Domain Name
Keep it under 15 characters
Short domains are easier to type, remember, and share. The best domains are 6-12 characters.
Choose .com when possible
75% of all domains use .com. It's the most trusted and recognized extension in the world.
Make it brandable
Unique, catchy names like 'Google' and 'Shopify' build strong brand recognition.
Avoid hyphens and numbers
They create confusion when sharing verbally and make your domain look less professional.
Include a keyword if natural
A relevant keyword can improve SEO, but don't keyword-stuff. Balance is key.
Check social media availability
Ensure your domain name is available as handles on Instagram, Twitter/X, and LinkedIn.
Think about pronunciation
If you can't tell someone your domain over the phone, it's too complicated.
Verify no trademark conflicts
Search USPTO and international databases to avoid legal issues down the road.
Consider future growth
Don't pigeonhole yourself with too specific a domain. Think long-term brand potential.
Act fast — register immediately
Good domains get taken quickly. Don't let analysis paralysis cost you the perfect name.
Domain Name Search: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I search for a domain name?
You can search for a domain name using tools like DomainBlazer, GoDaddy, Namecheap, or Google Domains. Simply enter your desired domain name in the search bar, and the tool will check availability across multiple TLDs (.com, .net, .org, etc.) in real time.
How much does a domain name cost?
Domain name prices vary by registrar and TLD. A .com domain typically costs $8-15 per year. Some registrars offer first-year discounts as low as $0.99. Premium or short domains can cost hundreds to millions of dollars on the aftermarket.
Can I get a free domain name?
Yes, some hosting providers like Hostinger, Bluehost, and others include a free domain name with annual hosting plans. Free domain services offer TLDs like .tk, .ml, .ga, though these are less professional. Many website builders like Wix also offer a free subdomain.
What is the best domain registrar?
Top domain registrars include GoDaddy (largest selection), Namecheap (best value), Cloudflare (no markup pricing), Google Domains (simplicity), Porkbun (cheapest prices), and Hostinger (best with hosting bundles). The best choice depends on your needs and budget.
How do I check if a domain name is available?
Use a domain availability checker like DomainBlazer, ICANN Lookup, or any major registrar's search tool. Enter the domain name you want, and the tool will instantly tell you if it's available, taken, or available in alternative extensions.
What is WHOIS domain lookup?
WHOIS is a public database that contains registration information about domain names, including the registrant, registration date, expiration date, and nameservers. You can perform a WHOIS lookup using tools like ICANN Lookup, WhoisXML, or your registrar's WHOIS tool.
What are the best domain extensions to buy?
.com is the gold standard and most valuable. Other strong options include .io (tech), .ai (artificial intelligence), .co (startups), .org (organizations), and .net (networks). Country-code TLDs like .uk, .de, and .ca are great for local businesses.
How do I transfer a domain to another registrar?
To transfer a domain: 1) Unlock the domain at your current registrar, 2) Get the EPP/authorization code, 3) Initiate the transfer at the new registrar, 4) Confirm the transfer via email, 5) Wait 5-7 days for completion. Note: Domains must be at least 60 days old to transfer.
Start Your Domain Name Search Today
Don't spend hours searching manually. Let our AI generate unique, brandable domain names tailored to your business — with instant availability checks, market analysis, and resale valuations. Start free, no credit card required.