Looking back, the .com domain registry was established in 1985 as the third top-level domain registry after .ORG and .NET. It was initially managed by the U.S. Department of Defense and later transferred to :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0} in 1993.
Gname official website: https://www.gname.com/
Pricing of .com domains offered by international registrar Gname
Since 2012, the registration price of .com domains had remained stable at $7.85. However, starting in 2018, :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1} reached an agreement with the U.S. Department of Commerce, gaining the right to increase prices, which was also approved by :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2} (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers). Under the agreement, the .com price is allowed to increase by up to 7% per year for ten years, until reaching a ceiling of $13.50.
Recent price adjustment history:
January 2021: increased to $8.39 (excluding $0.18 ICANN fee).
September 1, 2022: increased to $8.97.
September 1, 2023: increased again to $9.59.
September 1, 2024: increased to $10.26, a 7% rise.
In China, major platform :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3} also issued a price adjustment notice on April 18, 2025. Starting May 7, the new registration price for .com domains is 85 CNY, and renewal price is 95 CNY. Meanwhile, international registrar Gname has also adjusted .com renewal pricing to $12.99 (about 95 CNY).
In addition, Gname offers a promotion: new users automatically receive five $1.99 .com domain coupons without manual claiming.
Why Are .com Domain Prices Continuously Increasing?
Currency depreciation: Global monetary easing has led to general currency depreciation, causing virtual assets like domains to appreciate in price.
Exchange rate fluctuations: Although the RMB/USD exchange rate has been relatively stable recently, historical fluctuations have influenced pricing adjustments.
Market dominance: .com remains the most recognized and widely used domain extension globally, maintaining strong demand even with rising prices.
ICANN and Verisign agreement: The agreement allows annual price increases, ensuring legal and structured price adjustments.
Overall, as the world’s most popular top-level domain, the upward pricing trend of .com domains is unlikely to reverse in the short term. For users planning long-term websites or investments, registering and renewing early remains the most cost-effective strategy.
FAQQ1: Why are .com domains increasing in price so frequently?
A1: Mainly due to the pricing agreement between :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4} and :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}, which allows up to 7% annual increases, combined with currency depreciation and strong market demand.
Q2: Will .com domain prices continue to rise after 2025?
A2: Based on the current agreement, there is still room for gradual increases, and .com prices may continue to rise slightly in the coming years.
Q3: Are there still discounts for registering .com domains now?
A3: Yes, some registrars such as Gname offer $1.99 coupon promotions for new users, enabling very low-cost registrations.
Q4: What other domain extensions are worth considering besides .com?
A4: While .com remains the first choice, extensions such as .net, .org, .co, and .tech can also be good alternatives depending on use cases.
