Domains and hosting: buy them together without overpaying
Buying a domain with hosting simplifies launch: one cart, DNS points itself, no two-panel dance. The catch is price: the "free" domain is first year only, and the renewal has a story. Here is how to use it without the hangover.
Domain price expectations
| Item | Usual cost |
|---|---|
| .com domain (year 1, with hosting) | Free (12-month-plus plans) |
| .com renewal | ≈ $12-16/yr |
| .es / local ccTLD | ≈ $8-12/yr, ID/local presence may be required |
| Premium domain | Set by the registry: $50-300+/yr |
Orientation prices; the TLD drives most of the cost. Very short or scarce names are premium domains and excluded from the free offer.
Which TLD to choose
- .com for a broad audience: the default, international and trusted.
- .es for Spain, .com.mx/.com.co/.com.ar/.com.cl for Latam markets.
- Avoid trendy TLDs on promo for a serious business while the good .com is the one people remember.
Register elsewhere, host at Hostinger
Perfectly valid and more independent: register where privacy is free, point nameservers at Hostinger. If you ever leave, the domain stays yours. Downside: no free-domain promo and you carry renewal and transfer locks yourself.
Checklist before paying a domain + hosting bundle
- Domain renewal price, not just hosting.
- The domain is in your name with registrar access.
- No forced annual hosting term if you only want to test.
- WHOIS privacy cost (often paid; know it upfront).
- The TLD is not premium outside the promo.
Domain FAQ
Does Hostinger offer a free domain?
Yes: hosting plans of 12 months or longer include one free domain for the first year, registration included. From year two you pay the standard renewal, which is why checking renewal prices matters.
Does the free domain cover every TLD?
No. It applies to common TLDs (.com, .net, .es and local equivalents); premium or short desirable names are billed separately. Check the domain step before paying.
Can I use a domain I already own?
Yes: add it in hPanel as a primary or addon domain and point your nameservers. Hostinger has guides and support for the switch.
Who owns the domain I register?
You do, under your Hostinger account. Make sure the registration uses your details and keep access: the domain is your asset, not part of the hosting.