: Many registrars offer a low introductory price (e.g., $0.99 for the first year) but hike renewal fees significantly (e.g., $20+). Always check the long-term cost before purchasing.

: Without this protection, your contact information is easily accessible to marketers, telemarketers, and scammers who "scrape" the database for new leads.

: A simple toggle that prevents your domain from being transferred to another registrar without your explicit approval, protecting it from "hijacking".

: An essential setting to prevent your domain from accidentally expiring, which could lead to your website going offline or someone else "snatching" your name. Comparison of Popular Registrars (2026) How to buy a domain name | Domain purchasing guide

The most essential feature to look for when buying a domain name is (also known as WHOIS Privacy). This feature is critical because: