Free Domain for Bloggers: Where and How to Get It in 2025

If you’re new to blogging and you are looking for where to get a free domain for your blogging business, this article is for you!

Getting free domain for bloggers specifically is difficult. You may have searched online and found that a good domain name costs money.

Hosting adds another fee. Before you know it, you’re spending more than you planned, and you’re not even sure your blog will take off.

It’s frustrating when all you want to do is start sharing your ideas with the world.

Here’s the good news: you can get a free domain name to start your blog, and it’s 100% legit.

In this guide, I’ll show you exactly where and how to get a free domain as a new blogger, including the best providers offering it without strings attached.

Note: I’m not hired to do this, I only share it because that is how I get my domain.

I have gotten up to 20 free and legit domains for my clients’ blog websites on Faith Amaole, including 3 other websites I own.

If you are new to blogging and want to know what domain and hosting are, check out my detailed guide on Best Domain and Hosting for Small Business(Top 2025 Picks)

What Is a Domain Name and Why Does It Matter for Bloggers?

A domain name is your blog’s address on the internet. It’s what people type in the browser to visit your blog, like yourblogname.com.

Without a domain name, no one can find your blog unless you give them a long, hard-to-remember link.

Think of it like opening a shop, the domain name is the signboard outside your door.

Why Does It Matter?

• It makes you look serious: A blog with a real domain name looks more professional than something like yourblog.wordpress.com.
• It’s easier to remember: A short and clear domain name sticks in people’s minds.
• It helps with branding: Your domain name becomes your blog’s identity.
• You can use custom emails. You can create email addresses like [email protected], which looks way more trustworthy.

So even if you’re starting on a tight budget, it’s very important to start with having a proper domain name is worth it and in many cases, you don’t have to pay for it.

Is It Possible to Get a Domain Name for Free?

Yes, it’s possible to get a domain name for free, but there are different ways to go about it, and not all of them are equal.

Here’s how it works:

1. Free Domain with Hosting (Best Option)

Many web hosting companies, like Hostinger and Namecheap, offer a free domain name when you buy a hosting plan (usually 12 months or more).

This is the best choice if you’re serious about blogging.

You’ll get the following when you purchase hosting from any of these two:

• A real domain (like .com, .net, or .org)
• Full control and ownership.
• Free email and SSL (secure site lock).

Buy hosting from Hostinger today and get your .com domain name free

2. Free Domain Extensions (But Limited)

Another method of getting a free domain is by getting a particular domain extension. Sites like Freenom offer domains like:

• .tk
• .ml
• .ga

These domain extensions are completely free, but they look less trustworthy, and some platforms and email tools may block them if you use them for your blog.

You don’t fully own them, and they can be taken down. I’m sure you wouldn’t want to go through that pain at all.

They’re only good for testing, but not recommended for serious blogging.

3. Free Subdomains (Not a Custom Domain)

The 3rd way to get a free domain is using platforms that allow you to create a subdomain on their website, or they offer a free account with a dedicated subdomain, like:

• WordPress.com
• Blogger
• Wix
  Then, you start a blog without buying anything. But you’ll get a subdomain like:
• yourblog.wordpress.com
• yourblog.blogspot.com

These are okay for learning or personal use, but they don’t look professional, and you can’t brand or grow a blog easily with them.

I don’t recommend you use them for a serious blog you want to brand and make money from.

The 3 Legit Ways to Get a Free Domain for Blogging

You need to understand that not all free domain options are equal.

Some are perfect for long-term blogging, while others are only good for practice or testing.

Let’s look at the 3 real ways to get a domain name for free, which I have tested and used for my 4 personal websites, including the one I am using here..

1. Free Domain with a Hosting Plan (Best for Serious Bloggers)

If you’re ready to start a real blog, one you can grow, monetize, and turn into something serious, this is your best option. I’d recommend it any day.

Here’s how it works:
When you sign up for a hosting plan with companies like Hostinger or Namecheap, they’ll give you a domain name for free, usually for the first year.

Benefits:

• You get a proper domain like yourblog.com
• You fully own it and can renew it each year
• Hosting is reliable and fast
• You get added tools like free email and SSL security

Why I Recommend This:

It’s the smartest long-term move. You’re already paying for hosting (which every blog needs), so getting the domain free is a bonus.

👉 Try Hostinger: Get web hosting + a free .com domain in minutes.
👉 Try Namecheap: Simple setup and beginner-friendly plans.

Note: Namecheap gives you a free domain if you are going for their yearly plan and you don’t get free domain for certain domain extension like the .com. They have selected domain extensions they offer free while .com domain is discounted for new comers.

2. Free Domains from Sites Like Freenom

This is the option if you want to try blogging without spending anything.

Freenom offers free domains like:

• yourname.tk
• yourblog.ml
  These domains are 100% free, no strings attached.

But Here’s the Catch:

• They don’t look professional.
• Some email tools and websites don’t trust them
• You don’t fully own them, they can suspend your domain anytime

Best for: hobby blogs, testing ideas, and learning how blogging works.
Not ideal for: serious blogs, branding, or monetizing.

3. Free Subdomains from Blogging Platforms

Platforms like these listed below let you start a blog with zero cost using their free subdomains.:

• WordPress.com
• Blogger
• Wix

Example:

• yourname.wordpress.com
• yourname.blogspot.com

Pros:

• The offer quick setup.
• No tech skills needed.
• This is great for beginners to practice.

Cons:

• You don’t own the domain.
• Blogs built with these domains are hard to grow or monetize.
• Branding looks amateur

Best for: learning or casual blogging.
Not for: serious blogging or building a brand.

Best Hosting Companies That Give You a Free Domain

If you’re ready to take your blog seriously, the smartest move is to get a hosting plan that comes with a free domain name.

It saves you money and gives you everything you need to launch.

Here are the top hosting companies that offer this deal (and are beginner-friendly):

1. Hostinger – Fast, Affordable & Easy for Beginners

Why it’s great:
Hostinger is known for super affordable plans, fast website speeds, and beginner-friendly tools. Their hosting plans come with a free .com domain, free SSL, email accounts, and one-click WordPress setup.

What you get:

• Free domain (1st year)
• Web hosting (from $2.99/month)
• Free email + SSL
• 24/7 support
• Super easy dashboard

👉 Start your blog with Hostinger + free domain

2. Namecheap – Simple & Trusted by Millions

Why it’s great:
Namecheap is well-known for domain registration, but they also offer reliable hosting with a free domain included. Their dashboard is clean, and they’re one of the easiest platforms to use.

What you get:

• Free domain with selected hosting plans
• Affordable yearly pricing
• Free SSL + email
• Good support and uptime

👉 Launch your blog with Namecheap + get your domain free

Other Options (Good but Not as Beginner-Friendly):

• Bluehost (popular but slightly more expensive)
• GoDaddy (domain-focused, less value for new bloggers)

If you’re just starting, Hostinger and Namecheap are the best mix of value and simplicity.

Step-by-Step: How to Get a Free Domain and Start Your Blog Today

You don’t need to be tech-savvy to start a blog with a free domain. Just follow these steps:

Step 1: Choose a Hosting Provider That Offers a Free Domain

Go with a trusted company like:

• Hostinger – affordable, fast, beginner-friendly
• Namecheap – easy to use and reliable

Click on the hosting link and head to their pricing page.

Step 2: Pick a Hosting Plan

Look for a basic plan that includes:

• Free domain for 1 year
• Free SSL certificate (for security)
• Email address

Choose a plan (usually the 12-month plan gives the best value) and click “Buy” or “Get Started.”

Step 3: Register Your Free Domain

Though this may differ from the company you choose, during checkout, you’ll be asked to choose your domain name. Namecheap does this, but Hostinger would allow you to pay for hosting first, and you will pick a domain towards the end.
Type in the name you want (like yourblogname.com) and check if it’s available.

If it is, add it to your cart, and it should show as free.

Step 4: Create Your Account and Pay

Fill in your details, create an account, and pay for the hosting plan.
The domain should show up as free in your order summary.

Step 5: Install WordPress (1 Click)

After completing your payment:

• Go to your dashboard.
• Look for “Install WordPress” or “Auto Installer.”
• Choose your domain and click Install

In 1-2 minutes, your blog will be live and ready to customize!

Step 6: Start Blogging.

Log in to your new blog at yourdomain.com/wp-admin

From here, you can:

• Pick a free blog theme
• Write your first post
• Add an About page
• And grow your blog step-by-step

Free Domain vs Paid Domain: What’s the Catch?

Getting a free domain sounds great, and in many cases, it is! But like everything free, you need to know what you’re getting.

Here’s how free domains compare to paid domains, so you can make the best choice for your blog.

1. Free Domain from a Hosting Provider (Best Kind of Free)

This is when you get a real domain (like .com, .net, etc.) for free when you pay for hosting, like with Hostinger or Namecheap.

Pros:

• 100% yours for the first year
• Looks professional (yourblog.com)
• Can be renewed and upgraded
• Comes with email + SSL

Cons:

• Free only for the first year
• You’ll need to renew it after 12 months (usually around $10–$15)

Best for: Serious bloggers who want to build something long-term

2. Free Domains from Sites Like Freenom

These are domains like .tk, .ml, .cf, etc. — and they cost nothing.

Pros:

• Completely free
• No credit card needed

Cons:

• Look unprofessional
• Not good for SEO
• Can be suspended without warning
• Some platforms block them

Not recommended if you want to build trust, grow traffic, or monetize your blog.

3. Free Subdomains (yourblog.wordpress.com)

You can start for free on WordPress.com, Blogger, or Wix, but you don’t own the domain.

Pros:

• No upfront cost
• Easy to set up

Cons:

• Not a real domain (you don’t own it)
• Hard to build a brand
• Less control, fewer features
• Not suitable for monetizing

This is good for learning
But bad for serious blogging

Conclusion:

If you want a blog that grows, gets traffic, and makes money, the best option is to get a real domain for free through hosting (like Hostinger or Namecheap).

Starting a blog doesn’t have to be expensive.
You can get a free domain name and reliable hosting, and be online in less than 30 minutes.

If you’re serious about blogging, this is the best way to do it.

Start your blog now with Hostinger + free domain, or go with Namecheap for a simple setup

FAQs About Free Domains for Bloggers