When you register a domain, your personal details (name, address, email, phone) are stored in a public database called WHOIS. Unless you enable WHOIS Privacy Protection, anyone can view that information.
Fortunately, many domain registrars now offer free WHOIS privacy, shielding your identity from spammers, scammers, and competitors.
In this post, weβll cover the top 5 domain registrars in 2025 that include free WHOIS privacy protection β along with their pricing, features, and pros.
π 1. Namecheap β Best Overall for Domains + Privacy
Why We Like It:
- FREE WHOIS privacy for life
- Transparent pricing (no hidden fees)
- Clean, user-friendly dashboard
Key Features:
- Domain transfers with zero downtime
- DNSSEC, 2FA, and domain locking
- Free email forwarding and custom nameservers
Starting Price: $8.98/year (.com)
β WHOIS Privacy: Free for life
β Best for: Bloggers, startups, and domain investors
π 2. Google Domains (Now Squarespace Domains)
Why We Like It:
- Simple, ad-free UI and seamless Google Workspace integration
- Automatically includes free WHOIS privacy
- Direct integration with Gmail, Docs, and other Google tools
Key Features:
- Free DNS, email forwarding, and domain forwarding
- Real-time domain management
- 2-step verification with Google Account
Starting Price: $12/year (.com)
β WHOIS Privacy: Free
β Best for: Businesses using Google services
πΌ 3. Dynadot β Best for Domain Portfolio Management
Why We Like It:
- Free WHOIS privacy even on discounted domains
- Powerful bulk tools for domainers
- Competitive renewal pricing
Key Features:
- Domain marketplace and auctions
- Built-in website builder
- Easy domain parking for monetization
Starting Price: $9.99/year (.com)
β WHOIS Privacy: Free
β Best for: Domain flippers and bulk domain buyers
π 4. Porkbun β Cheapest Domains + Free WHOIS Privacy
Why We Like It:
- One of the lowest prices for .com domains
- WHOIS privacy, SSL, and email forwarding all included
- Clean interface with no upsells
Key Features:
- Free SSL certificate with each domain
- Free WHOIS privacy forever
- DNS management and website builder
Starting Price: $9.13/year (.com)
β WHOIS Privacy: Free
β Best for: Budget users who want privacy & simplicity
π§© 5. Cloudflare Registrar β Best for Developers & Security
Why We Like It:
- Offers domains at cost β no markup!
- Auto-includes WHOIS privacy if available for the TLD
- Ideal for developers who use Cloudflare CDN, DNS, etc.
Key Features:
- No upselling β pricing is wholesale
- Built-in DNSSEC, security-first approach
- Only supports domain transfers (not new registrations for all TLDs)
Starting Price: ~$8.57/year (.com)
β WHOIS Privacy: Free (where supported)
β Best for: Tech-savvy users and developers
π Quick Comparison Table
Registrar | Starting Price | WHOIS Privacy | Email Forwarding | SSL | Best For |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Namecheap | $8.98/year | β Free | β | β | Everyone |
Google/Squarespace | $12/year | β Free | β | β | Google users |
Dynadot | $9.99/year | β Free | β | β | Domain flippers, portfolios |
Porkbun | $9.13/year | β Free | β | β | Budget-conscious buyers |
Cloudflare | $8.57/year | β Free (TLD-based) | β | β | Developers, tech-savvy users |
π Final Thoughts
If you value your privacy, WHOIS protection is a must. Luckily, all of these registrars include it for free, which wasnβt always the case a few years ago.
- β Namecheap β Most beginner-friendly, best balance of price & features
- β Porkbun β Budget king with lots of freebies
- β Cloudflare β Ideal for developers who want transparency
- β Dynadot β Great for managing many domains
- β Google Domains β Best if you’re invested in Googleβs ecosystem