NameSilo

NameSilo is a leading domain registrar known for its competitive pricing, transparent policies, and robust feature set. With over 5 million active domains under management, NameSilo is one of fewer than 10 registrars worldwide to reach this milestone. The platform offers 400+ domain extensions with prices starting as low as $1.00, along with free WHOIS privacy protection on every domain—a feature that typically costs $10-15/year at other registrars.

What sets NameSilo apart is its straightforward pricing model with no hidden fees, no aggressive upsells, and all essential security features included at no extra cost. The company emphasizes customer control, providing powerful DNS management tools, bulk domain operations, and a comprehensive API for developers and resellers.

Domain Registration & Pricing

NameSilo offers registration for over 400 domain extensions spanning generic TLDs (.com, .net, .org), country-code TLDs, and specialized extensions. Registration prices start at just $1.00 for promotional extensions like .sbs, with popular TLDs competitively priced:

• .com domains: $17.29/year (compared to $23.98 at GoDaddy, $20.00 at Squarespace)
• .net domains: $15.95/year
• .org domains: Starting at $13.95/year
• .blog domains: $2.69 first year, $22.99 renewal
• .shop domains: $2.99 first year, $38.99 renewal
• .biz domains: $6.95 first year, $20.99 renewal

All pricing includes free WHOIS privacy protection for life, free email forwarding, free DNS management, and free Domain Defender protection. There are no surprise charges at renewal—the renewal price is clearly displayed upfront during registration.

Bulk Discounts & Loyalty Program

NameSilo offers significant savings for bulk domain registrations and renewals. Bulk discounts automatically apply when registering or renewing multiple domains, with savings increasing based on volume. For example, registering 10+ domains in a single transaction can save 5-10% per domain.

The Loyalty Program rewards customers who maintain active domains, offering progressive discounts based on your total domain count and account age. Members receive exclusive promo codes, early access to new TLD launches, and priority support tickets.

Included Features (No Extra Cost)

Unlike competitors who charge separately for basic security and privacy features, NameSilo includes everything you need from day one:

WHOIS Privacy Protection (Free Forever): Keeps your personal information hidden from public WHOIS databases, protecting you from spam, identity theft, and unwanted solicitations. Most registrars charge $10-15/year for this essential service.

Domain Defender Protection (Free): Prevents unauthorized transfers and changes to your domain settings. This security feature locks your domains to prevent hijacking attempts.

Email Forwarding (Unlimited, Free): Forward unlimited emails from your domain to any email address. Set up contact@yourdomain.com, sales@yourdomain.com, and more without needing a full email hosting service.

DNS Management (Advanced): Full-featured DNS control panel with support for all standard record types (A, AAAA, CNAME, MX, TXT, SRV, CAA). Set up custom nameservers, manage subdomains, and configure email routing.

Custom WHOIS Records: Edit contact information, nameservers, and other WHOIS details directly from your account panel.

Auto-Renew Options: Set domains to automatically renew before expiration, preventing accidental loss. Configure renewal grace periods and receive email reminders.

DNS Management & Performance

NameSilo provides a powerful DNS management interface with enterprise-grade reliability. The platform uses multiple geographically distributed DNS servers to ensure fast resolution times and 99.9%+ uptime. DNS changes typically propagate within minutes, though full global propagation may take up to 24 hours depending on TTL settings.

Supported DNS record types include:

• A records (IPv4 addresses)
• AAAA records (IPv6 addresses)
• CNAME records (aliases)
• MX records (email routing)
• TXT records (verification, SPF, DKIM)
• SRV records (service location)
• CAA records (certificate authority authorization)
• NS records (custom nameservers)

The DNS interface supports bulk editing for multiple domains simultaneously, making it efficient to manage large portfolios. You can also configure custom nameservers to point domains to external DNS providers like Cloudflare or AWS Route 53 while maintaining registration at NameSilo.

Domain Transfer Process

Transferring domains to NameSilo is straightforward and competitively priced. Transfer pricing is typically the same as one year of renewal—for example, .com transfers cost $17.29 and include a one-year extension of registration.

The transfer process requires:

1. Unlock your domain at the current registrar
2. Obtain an authorization (EPP) code from your current registrar
3. Initiate transfer at NameSilo and provide the EPP code
4. Approve transfer via email confirmation
5. Transfer completes in 5-7 days (or sooner if current registrar approves)

NameSilo does not charge any transfer fees beyond the standard registration renewal. All included features (WHOIS privacy, DNS management, email forwarding) activate immediately upon transfer completion.

Bulk Domain Management

For customers managing multiple domains, NameSilo provides comprehensive bulk management tools that save significant time:

Bulk Search & Registration: Search for availability of multiple domains simultaneously (up to 500 at once) and register them in a single transaction. Ideal for securing domain variations, protecting brand names, or building a portfolio.

Bulk DNS Updates: Apply the same DNS record changes across multiple domains with one action. Perfect for updating IP addresses when migrating hosting or adding TXT records for email authentication.

Bulk Auto-Renew Settings: Enable or disable auto-renewal for multiple domains at once, or adjust renewal settings across your entire portfolio.

Bulk Transfer: Transfer dozens or hundreds of domains from another registrar in a single batch operation, with automated EPP code submission and status tracking.

Domain Marketplace

NameSilo operates a domain marketplace where you can buy and sell premium domains. If you own valuable domains, you can list them for sale with customizable pricing (fixed price or make offer). NameSilo facilitates the transaction and handles the secure transfer process.

When buying from the marketplace, domains are transferred directly into your NameSilo account upon payment completion. The marketplace includes escrow protection for transactions, ensuring both buyers and sellers are protected throughout the process.

API & Reseller Program

NameSilo provides a free, comprehensive API that allows developers to automate domain operations programmatically. The API supports:

• Domain availability checks
• Domain registration and renewal
• DNS record management (add, modify, delete records)
• Domain transfer initiation and status checks
• WHOIS privacy management
• Account balance and billing operations

The API uses simple REST endpoints with XML responses, making integration straightforward. Full documentation, code examples, and an API sandbox are provided. There are no API usage fees or rate limits for normal usage patterns.

The Reseller Program offers special wholesale pricing for businesses that register domains on behalf of clients. Resellers receive dedicated account management, priority support, and custom billing options. Volume discounts apply automatically based on monthly registration volume.

Security Features

NameSilo implements multiple layers of security to protect your domains and account:

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Optional 2FA using authenticator apps (Google Authenticator, Authy) adds an extra layer of account protection. Enable 2FA to prevent unauthorized access even if your password is compromised.

Account Security PIN: Set a separate security PIN required for sensitive operations like domain transfers, account email changes, and WHOIS updates.

Domain Lock: Prevent unauthorized transfers by locking domains. Locked domains cannot be transferred away without first being unlocked by the account owner.

IP Whitelisting: Restrict account access to specific IP addresses, ensuring only authorized locations can log in.

Activity Logs: View detailed logs of all account activity, including login attempts, domain modifications, and DNS changes. Logs help detect suspicious activity quickly.

Support & Resources

NameSilo provides 24/7 customer support through multiple channels. The support system is designed to handle everything from basic registration questions to complex DNS troubleshooting:

Support Channels:

• Email Support: Available 24/7 with typical response times under 24 hours
• Support Tickets: Priority ticket system for technical issues and account problems
• Live Chat: Real-time chat support during peak hours for immediate assistance
• Knowledge Base: Comprehensive articles, tutorials, and FAQs covering all features
• Video Tutorials: Step-by-step video guides for common tasks and configurations

The support team is generally responsive and knowledgeable, though response times can vary during peak periods. Email support is reliable for non-urgent inquiries, while live chat provides faster assistance for time-sensitive issues.

Payment Options

NameSilo accepts over 150 payment methods, making it accessible to customers worldwide. Payment options include:

• Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express)
• Debit cards
• PayPal
• Cryptocurrency (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, others)
• Bank transfers
• Regional payment methods (Alipay, WeChat Pay, and more)

Account credits can be added in advance for faster checkout, and invoices are available for business customers who require formal billing documentation.

Additional Services

Beyond domain registration, NameSilo offers complementary services to build your complete web presence:

Web Hosting: Shared hosting packages starting at $2.99/month with WordPress support, free website builder, and basic email. Hosting includes cPanel control panel, automated backups, and free SSL certificates.

Business Email Hosting: Professional email solutions powered by Titan or Google Workspace (G Suite), starting from $0.00/month for basic email forwarding, with premium mailboxes available from $4.99/month.

SSL Certificates: SSL/TLS certificates starting at $9.59/year for domain validation (DV) certificates. Higher validation levels (OV, EV) available for e-commerce and enterprise sites requiring maximum trust.

All services integrate seamlessly with your NameSilo domains, with automatic DNS configuration and one-click setup where applicable.

Who Should Use NameSilo?

NameSilo is ideal for a wide range of users who prioritize value, transparency, and control over their domains:

Budget-Conscious Individuals and Startups: Save significantly on domain costs with transparent pricing and free features that competitors charge for. The $17.29 .com domains with free WHOIS privacy offer excellent value, especially when registering multiple domains.

Domain Investors and Portfolio Managers: Bulk management tools, API access, and volume discounts make NameSilo efficient for managing large domain portfolios. The marketplace provides monetization opportunities for premium domains.

Developers and Web Agencies: Free API access, comprehensive DNS management, and reseller program support professional workflows. Automate domain operations for client projects without API fees or usage restrictions.

Privacy-Focused Users: Free lifetime WHOIS privacy protection ensures your personal information stays private without annual fees. Essential for individuals concerned about spam, identity theft, or public exposure.

International Customers: Support for 150+ payment methods including cryptocurrency and regional options makes NameSilo accessible globally. Multi-currency pricing and international domain extensions cater to worldwide audiences.

NameSilo delivers solid value for anyone seeking affordable, feature-rich domain registration without the upselling tactics common at larger registrars. While the interface may not be as polished as premium competitors, the combination of low prices, transparent policies, and robust features makes it a compelling choice for value-oriented domain registration.