Porkbun Domain Registration

Affordable Domain Registration with Premium Features Included

Porkbun is an ICANN-accredited domain registrar that has rapidly become one of the most beloved names in the domain industry. Named the #1 domain registrar by USA Today in 2023, 2024, and 2025, and also ranked #1 by Forbes in 2025, Porkbun has earned this recognition by offering incredibly competitive pricing combined with premium features that competitors charge extra for.

Founded in the Pacific Northwest, Porkbun manages over 3 million domains for 450,000+ customers and maintains an impressive 4.8-star rating on Trustpilot with thousands of reviews. Their mission is simple: make domain registration affordable, easy, and dare we say... fun? With a quirky pig mascot and playful branding, Porkbun proves that domain management doesn't have to be boring or confusing.

What Makes Porkbun Special

Unlike traditional domain registrars that nickel-and-dime you with add-on fees, Porkbun includes premium features for free with every domain registration:

• Free WHOIS Privacy: Keep your personal information private at no extra cost (most registrars charge $8-15/year)
• Free SSL Certificates: Let's Encrypt SSL certificates with automatic renewal
• Free DNS Management: Cloudflare-powered DNS hosting included
• Free Email Forwarding: Up to 20 email forwards per domain
• Free URL Forwarding: Permanent, temporary, and masked redirects
• No Hidden Fees: What you see is what you pay - no surprise charges at checkout

This combination of low prices plus free premium features means Porkbun often costs 30-50% less than competitors like GoDaddy or Namecheap when you factor in the actual total cost of ownership.

Incredibly Competitive Pricing

Porkbun's pricing is among the most competitive in the industry:

• .COM domains: Starting at $11.08/year (often on sale for less)
• .XYZ domains: As low as $2.06/year
• .ONE domains: From $4.63/year
• .ONLINE domains: Starting at $1.96/year
• No renewal surprises: Transparent pricing with reasonable renewal rates
• Bulk discounts: Save more when registering multiple domains
• Regular sales: Frequent promotions on popular and new TLDs

Best of all, Porkbun's renewal prices are honest. While many registrars lure you in with a cheap first-year price then hit you with exorbitant renewals, Porkbun keeps renewal rates fair and competitive. There's no bait-and-switch here.

Massive TLD Selection

Porkbun supports hundreds of top-level domains (TLDs):

• Classic TLDs: .com, .net, .org, .info, .biz
• Country codes: .co.uk, .de, .ca, .au, .io, .me, .tv, and 100+ more
• New gTLDs: .app, .dev, .blog, .shop, .store, .tech, .ai, .xyz
• Professional TLDs: .law, .attorney, .dentist, .doctor, .engineer
• Industry-specific: .restaurant, .photography, .agency, .consulting
• Creative TLDs: .art, .design, .gallery, .studio, .photography
• Specialty TLDs: .baby, .wedding, .christmas, .dog, .cat, .pizza

Whether you need a personal blog domain, a business website, or a creative portfolio, Porkbun has affordable options across all categories.

Free WHOIS Privacy Protection

One of Porkbun's biggest advantages is free WHOIS privacy on all supported domains:

• Completely free: No annual fees (save $8-15/year per domain)
• Automatic activation: Enabled by default on eligible domains
• Full contact masking: Hides your name, address, email, and phone number
• Spam protection: Shields your email from spammers and scammers
• Identity theft prevention: Keeps personal data out of public WHOIS databases
• One-click toggle: Easy to enable or disable as needed

At Porkbun, they believe your privacy shouldn't cost extra. While most registrars charge $8-15 per domain per year for WHOIS privacy, Porkbun includes it free on all domains where privacy is allowed by the registry.

Free SSL Certificates with Auto-Renewal

Every Porkbun domain comes with free SSL certificates:

• Let's Encrypt integration: Industry-standard free SSL certificates
• Automatic renewal: Certificates renew automatically before expiration
• Easy installation: One-click installation if hosting with Porkbun
• Unlimited domains: Get SSL for all your Porkbun domains at no cost
• Wildcard support: Secure your main domain and all subdomains
• DV validation: Domain Validated certificates ready in minutes

SSL is essential for SEO and user trust, and Porkbun makes it completely free and hassle-free.

Cloudflare-Powered DNS Management

Porkbun provides robust DNS management powered by Cloudflare:

• Cloudflare infrastructure: World-class DNS reliability and speed
• Global Anycast network: Fast DNS resolution from anywhere in the world
• Clean interface: Easy-to-use DNS management dashboard
• All record types: A, AAAA, CNAME, MX, TXT, SRV, CAA, and more
• Fast propagation: DNS changes propagate quickly
• DNSSEC support: Add an extra layer of DNS security
• Bulk editing: Manage multiple records efficiently
• Import/export: Easily migrate DNS records from other providers

The Cloudflare partnership means your domains benefit from the same robust infrastructure that powers millions of websites worldwide, all at no extra cost.

Email Forwarding Made Easy

Professional email forwarding comes free with every domain:

• Up to 20 free forwards: Create multiple professional email addresses
• Catch-all forwarding: Forward all mail to a single inbox
• Wildcard support: Flexible forwarding rules
• Easy setup: Add forwards in seconds through the control panel
• No restrictions: Forward to Gmail, Outlook, or any email provider
• Professional appearance: Use your domain for email without hosting costs

While email forwarding is basic, it's perfect for small businesses and individuals who want professional email addresses without paying for full email hosting.

URL Forwarding and Redirects

Porkbun's free URL forwarding supports multiple redirect types:

• Permanent (301) redirects: SEO-friendly permanent redirects
• Temporary (302) redirects: For short-term redirects
• Masked forwarding: Display one URL while serving content from another
• Path forwarding: Redirect specific paths to different destinations
• Query string support: Maintain URL parameters through redirects
• Wildcard redirects: Forward multiple pages with one rule

Domain Transfers Made Simple

Switching to Porkbun is quick and painless:

• Free transfer: No transfer fees, just the 1-year renewal cost
• Includes 1-year extension: Transfers add a year to your registration
• Fast transfer process: Most transfers complete within 5-7 days
• Bulk transfers: Transfer multiple domains at once
• Free WHOIS privacy: Immediately activated after transfer
• DNS preservation: Automatically imports your existing DNS records
• Transfer assistance: Support team helps with any issues
• No downtime: Your website stays online during the transfer

Porkbun makes it easy to escape overpriced registrars without losing any time on your domain registration or experiencing website downtime.

Domain Marketplace and Auctions

Looking for premium domains? Porkbun offers multiple ways to acquire valuable domains:

• Local Marketplace: Browse and buy domains listed by other Porkbun customers
• Local Auctions: Bid on expiring and premium domains
• 3rd Party Aftermarket: Access to external domain marketplaces
• Expired domain catching: Grab valuable domains when they expire
• Seller-friendly: List your domains for sale with no upfront fees
• Transparent pricing: See asking prices and auction bids clearly

Web Hosting Services

Beyond domains, Porkbun offers various hosting solutions:

Cloud WordPress Hosting:

• Managed WordPress hosting on cloud infrastructure
• Automatic WordPress updates and backups
• Built-in caching for fast performance
• Free SSL certificates included
• One-click WordPress installation

Articulation Sitebuilder:

• Drag-and-drop website builder for beginners
• No coding required
• Professional templates included
• Mobile-responsive designs
• Affordable monthly pricing

Link in Bio Tool:

• Perfect for social media influencers and content creators
• Create a custom landing page with multiple links
• Analytics to track link clicks
• Customizable design and branding

cPanel Hosting:

• Traditional shared hosting with cPanel
• Support for PHP, MySQL, and more
• Email hosting included
• Softaculous app installer
• Multiple hosting tiers available

Static Hosting:

• Fast, secure hosting for static websites
• Perfect for JAMstack sites
• Deploy via Git or FTP
• CDN-powered delivery
• Affordable pricing

Easy PHP Hosting:

• Simple PHP hosting for custom applications
• Latest PHP versions supported
• Database support included
• Easy deployment

Professional Email Hosting

Need more than just forwarding? Porkbun's email hosting is remarkably affordable:

• $2/month per inbox: Billed annually ($24/year)
• 30GB storage: Plenty of space for emails and attachments
• IMAP/POP3 support: Use with any email client
• Webmail access: Check email from any browser
• Mobile compatible: Works with iPhone, Android, and other devices
• Spam filtering: Built-in spam and virus protection
• Professional appearance: Use your domain name for email
• Compare to competitors: Save $72/year vs. $8/month services

At just $2/month per inbox, this is one of the most affordable professional email hosting options available, making it perfect for small businesses and entrepreneurs.

Exceptional Customer Support

Porkbun's support is consistently praised by customers:

• Real humans: Talk to actual domain experts, not robots
• USA-based team: Support staff based in the Pacific Northwest
• Multiple channels: Phone, email, and live chat support
• Phone support: Call 1.855.PORKBUN (1.855.767.5286), 9AM-5PM Pacific
• 24/7 email support: Get help any time via support@porkbun.com
• Live chat: Real-time assistance during business hours
• Extensive knowledge base: Detailed guides and tutorials at kb.porkbun.com
• Fast response times: Most support tickets answered within hours
• Knowledgeable staff: Team members actually understand domains and DNS
• Friendly tone: Support that's helpful without being condescending

The ability to call a real person who knows domains sets Porkbun apart from many competitors who hide behind automated systems and offshore support.

Clean, User-Friendly Interface

Porkbun's control panel is refreshingly simple:

• Intuitive design: Easy to navigate even for beginners
• Domain dashboard: Manage all your domains from one screen
• Quick actions: Common tasks accessible with one click
• Bulk operations: Manage multiple domains efficiently
• Dark mode: Easy on the eyes during late-night domain shopping
• Mobile-friendly: Manage domains from phone or tablet
• Search and filters: Find domains quickly in large portfolios
• Clear navigation: No confusing menus or hidden settings

Unlike cluttered interfaces from legacy registrars, Porkbun's dashboard is modern, clean, and actually pleasant to use.

Domain Management Features

Comprehensive tools for managing your domain portfolio:

• Auto-renewal: Never lose a domain to accidental expiration
• Renewal reminders: Email notifications before domains expire
• Domain locking: Prevent unauthorized transfers
• EPP/Auth codes: Easy access for transfers out
• Nameserver management: Use custom or third-party nameservers
• Domain forwarding: Point multiple domains to one website
• Subdomain management: Create unlimited subdomains
• DNSSEC: Add extra security to your DNS
• Domain privacy toggle: Enable or disable WHOIS privacy easily
• Contact information: Update registrant details anytime

API for Developers

Porkbun offers a powerful API for automation:

• RESTful API: Modern, easy-to-use API design
• Domain registration: Register domains programmatically
• DNS management: Automate DNS record creation and updates
• Domain information: Query domain details and status
• SSL certificates: Automate SSL certificate management
• Well-documented: Clear API documentation with examples
• Authentication: Secure API key-based authentication
• Rate limiting: Generous rate limits for API calls

The API makes Porkbun perfect for developers managing many domains or integrating domain registration into their applications.

Security Features

Porkbun takes security seriously:

• Two-factor authentication: Protect your account with 2FA
• Domain locking: Prevent unauthorized transfers
• DNSSEC support: Protect against DNS spoofing
• SSL encryption: All connections encrypted with HTTPS
• Account alerts: Notifications for important account changes
• Transfer authorization: Confirmation required for transfers out
• Secure payment processing: PCI-compliant payment handling

Payment Options

Flexible payment methods accepted:

• Credit cards: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover
• PayPal: Pay with your PayPal balance or linked accounts
• Account credit: Pre-load your account for faster checkouts
• Multiple currencies: Support for international payments
• Secure processing: All payments encrypted and secure

Porkbun vs. Competitors

vs. GoDaddy:

• Porkbun: Cheaper pricing, free WHOIS privacy, no upsells, cleaner interface
• GoDaddy: More TLDs, more marketing tools, but aggressive upselling and higher costs

vs. Namecheap:

• Porkbun: Similar free features, often cheaper, better support reputation
• Namecheap: First-year WHOIS free then paid, comparable pricing, larger selection

vs. Cloudflare Registrar:

• Porkbun: More TLDs, easier to use, more services beyond domains
• Cloudflare: At-cost pricing (no markup), but limited TLD selection, registration-only focus

vs. Google Domains (now Squarespace):

• Porkbun: Much cheaper, more features, better customer service
• Google/Squarespace: Simpler interface but pricier, less flexibility

Who Should Use Porkbun?

Porkbun is ideal for:

• Budget-conscious buyers: Get premium features without premium prices
• Domain investors: Manage large portfolios affordably
• Small businesses: Professional domains and email on a budget
• Developers: API access for automation and integration
• First-time buyers: Easy interface and helpful support for beginners
• Privacy-conscious users: Free WHOIS privacy on all eligible domains
• Anyone leaving expensive registrars: Easy transfer process and immediate savings

Potential Limitations

Consider these factors:

• Smaller TLD selection: Doesn't support every TLD (though coverage is extensive)
• Newer company: Less established than 20+ year old registrars
• No Windows hosting: Hosting options are Linux-based
• Basic website builder: Sitebuilder isn't as feature-rich as dedicated platforms
• Phone support hours: Limited to Pacific business hours (though email is 24/7)

Awards and Recognition

Porkbun's excellence has been recognized by major publications:

• USA Today: Ranked #1 Best Domain Registrar (2023, 2024, 2025)
• Forbes: Ranked #1 Best Domain Registrar (2025)
• Trustpilot: 4.8/5 stars with thousands of reviews
• Highest-rated registrar: Based on real customer reviews

The Porkbun Experience

What makes Porkbun special is the entire experience:

• No surprise fees: Price you see is what you pay
• Honest renewals: No bait-and-switch pricing tactics
• Fun branding: Who says domain registration has to be boring?
• Customer-first approach: Features that benefit customers, not shareholders
• Transparent operations: Clear policies and honest communication
• Growing community: 450,000+ happy customers and counting

Getting Started

Starting with Porkbun is simple:

1. Search for a domain: Use their domain search tool at porkbun.com
2. Add to cart: Select your domain(s) and any extras you want
3. Create an account: Quick registration with email verification
4. Complete purchase: Pay securely with credit card or PayPal
5. Configure domain: Set up DNS, email forwarding, or connect to your website
6. Enable 2FA: Add extra security to your account (recommended)

The Bottom Line

Porkbun has earned its #1 ranking by doing something radical in the domain industry: putting customers first. By including features that competitors charge extra for—free WHOIS privacy, free SSL, free DNS management, free email forwarding—and keeping prices genuinely low, Porkbun delivers exceptional value.

The combination of competitive pricing, premium free features, excellent customer support, and a user-friendly interface makes Porkbun the obvious choice for anyone registering domains. Whether you're buying your first domain or managing a portfolio of hundreds, you'll appreciate the simplicity, affordability, and transparency that Porkbun brings to domain registration.

After years of dealing with confusing interfaces, hidden fees, and overpriced renewals from traditional registrars, switching to Porkbun feels like a breath of fresh air. They've proven that domain registration can be simple, affordable, and even enjoyable.

If you're still using an expensive registrar that charges for WHOIS privacy and hits you with surprise renewal fees, it's time to make the switch. Your wallet—and your sanity—will thank you.