Shopify Domain Cost (2026): How Much Does It Cost & How to Buy

Launching your Shopify store but unsure about the costs associated with securing a memorable domain name? Understanding Shopify’s domain cost and available options is crucial for making an informed decision that fits your budget and brand goals.

This article will break down the factors influencing Shopify domain prices, reveal hidden costs, and offer practical tips to save money without compromising on your online presence. Let’s unravel the mysteries of Shopify domain name costs and empower you to choose the perfect domain for your business.

Key Takeaways

• Shopify offers a default subdomain and domain registration service with pricing that typically varies from $10 to over $30 per year.
• To secure a cost-effective domain on Shopify, consider using their tools, leveraging promotions, exploring alternative extensions, and opting for multi-year registrations.
• Choose a domain that aligns with your brand identity and is scalable to accommodate future business growth and diversification.

What is a Shopify domain?

A Shopify domain is a unique web address, like yourstorename.com, that you purchase and manage directly through Shopify for your online store. It acts as your store’s online identity, making it easier for customers to find and remember you. Having a custom domain, rather than the default myshopify.com subdomain, adds professionalism and credibility to your brand, potentially leading to increased trust and conversions.

How Much Does A Shopify Domain Cost?

Let’s explore how much is a Shopify domain in total below:

Free Subdomain Name

When you initially signed up for Shopify, your online store automatically received a myshopify.com URL (with a free Shopify subdomain cost) as its default web address. This means that your store’s web address will include “myshopify.com” as part of the URL, which is the default domain assigned to your store on the Shopify platform.

To establish a unique and branded online presence, many store owners choose to purchase a custom domain.

Custom Domain Name

To help you set up your domain and manage all your domain settings from your Shopify admin, you can buy a domain through Shopify.

If you decide to opt for a custom domain, it entails an annual cost of around $15 to $30. However, it’s important to note that this cost includes domain registration for one year, and you will need to renew your domain annually to maintain ownership.

The specific amount you’ll pay varies based on your choice of top-level domain (TLD) extension. Some popular extensions on Shopify encompass:

Top-level domain	Price (per year)
.com	$15
.net	$18
.org	$17
.us	$16
.online	$11
.co	$18
.info	$25
.shop	$10
.store	$9
.ca	$16
.sale	$32
.tech	$37

It’s crucial to determine the specific top-level domain (TLD) you require before proceeding with your domain purchase.

For the majority of Shopify stores, especially those engaged in commercial activities, the .com TLD is the most common and recommended choice.

Although domain registration appears simple, several additional elements and expenses can influence the ultimate cost.

• Initial purchase costs: It can vary significantly based on the domain registrar you choose, the domain extension you want, and any special promotions or discounts that may be available at the time of purchase. Domain registrars may offer competitive prices to attract customers for the first year.
• Renewal fees: After the initial year of registration has elapsed, you’ll be required to renew your domain name ownership, often at a rate higher than the introductory price. Long-term planning is crucial to ensuring that the domain remains affordable over time.
• Domain extension (.com,.net,.shop, etc.): The choice of domain extension is a major determinant of Shopify domain cost. Common extensions like .com, .net, and .org are typically more expensive because they are widely recognized and in high demand. On the other hand, newer or specialized extensions, such as .shop or .blog, may be more affordable and offer unique branding opportunities.
• Premium names: Some domain names are considered premium due to their perceived value. These premium domains are often short, memorable, and may contain keywords relevant to specific industries. Premium domain prices can vary greatly, with some reaching exorbitant amounts in the secondary market while others are more reasonably priced.
• Privacy protection: Domain privacy protection, also known as WHOIS privacy, is an optional service that shields your personal information from public domain registration records. This service typically incurs an additional cost and can influence the overall price of domain ownership.

Shopify Domain Pricing vs Other Registrars

Currently, some of the best domain registrars, including Shopify, Squarespace, Namecheap, and GoDaddy, offer a wide array of domain registration and management services.

If you’re in the process of choosing Shopify as a domain registrar for your needs, you might be wondering about its alternatives. Let’s embark on a comprehensive side-by-side comparison to help you make an informed decision.

	Shopify	GoDaddy	Namecheap	Squarespace
Best for	Shopify store owners	Promotional first-year deals	Budget-conscious buyers	All-in-one website builder users
.com initial prices	From $15/yr	$11.99/yr (promo as low as $0.01)	From $13.98/yr (promo ~$5–8)	From $20/yr
.com renewal price	Same as initial costs	Starts from $18.99–$23.99/yr	From $13.98/yr	From $20/yr
Privacy Protection	Included	Basic included	Included	Included
SSL Certificate	Included	$69.99/year	Included	Included

Buying A Domain Through Shopify: Pros and Cons

Similar to numerous Shopify entrepreneurs, you may find yourself at a crossroads, contemplating whether to purchase your domain name directly from Shopify or explore other options.

Thus, let’s evaluate the upside and downside of buying a domain through Shopify.

Pros:

• Ease of Setup: Buying a domain through Shopify simplifies the setup process. Shopify automatically configures the domain settings, reducing the technical steps needed to connect your domain to your online store.
• Convenience: Managing your domain and online store on the same platform can streamline administrative tasks. It’s one less account to manage, and you can handle your domain settings directly from your Shopify admin.
• No Configuration Required: There’s no need to update DNS settings or redirect your domain, as Shopify takes care of this for you.
• SSL Security: Shopify provides an SSL certificate for your domain, ensuring your website is secure and building trust with your customers.
• Support: If you encounter any issues with your domain, you can reach out to Shopify’s customer support for assistance.

Cons:

• Cost: Shopify’s domain registration fees can be higher than those of other domain registrars, such as GoDaddy, BlueHost, Namecheap, etc.
• Limited domain options: Shopify offers a restricted choice of top-level domains (TLDs), limiting your options for a domain name.
• Renewal fees: Ongoing annual fees for domain registration can accumulate over time.
• Domain ownership and transfer: Shopify is listed as the domain’s registrant, potentially complicating domain transfers to other registrars.
• Limited domain management features: Shopify’s domain management features may lack advanced options like DNS settings and domain privacy.
• Platform dependence: Your domain will be closely tied to your Shopify account, potentially causing complications if you decide to switch to another e-commerce platform in the future.

Common Issues to Watch Out For

Shopify merchants frequently encounter these domain-related problems:

Domain Propagation Delays

When you connect domain to Shopify or change DNS records, domain propagation can take 24–48 hours (sometimes up to 72 hours) to fully resolve worldwide. During this time, your site may be intermittently unreachable. This is normal — DNS records need time to update across global servers.

Tip: Use a DNS propagation checker tool to monitor whether your changes have taken effect in different regions.

DNS Misconfiguration When Connecting Third-Party Domains

If you bought your domain from GoDaddy, Namecheap, or another registrar and want to connect your domain to Shopify, you’ll need to update your DNS records correctly:

• A record must point to Shopify’s IP address (23.227.38.65)
• CNAME record for the “www” subdomain must point to shops.myshopify.com

Getting these wrong is the #1 reason for “domain not connecting” errors. Double-check your DNS records before waiting for domain propagation.

Auto-Renewal Surprises

Shopify domains auto-renew by default. If your payment method on file expires or fails, you risk losing your domain. Once a domain expires and enters the redemption period, recovery fees can be $100+ on top of the regular Shopify domain cost.

Tip: Set a calendar reminder 30 days before renewal and ensure your payment method is current.

WHOIS Domain Verification Timeout

After purchasing a domain, ICANN requires email domain verification within 15 days. If you miss this deadline, your domain gets suspended — meaning your online store URL goes offline. Check your spam folder for the verification email from Shopify/Tucows.

SSL Certificate Not Activating

New domains sometimes take up to 24 hours for the SSL certificate to fully activate. If you see “Your connection is not private” warnings after connecting a domain, wait for domain propagation to complete. If the issue persists beyond 48 hours, contact Shopify support.

301 Redirect Issues During Migration

If you’re migrating from another platform or changing your domain, failing to set up proper 301 redirect mappings can destroy your existing search rankings and domain authority. Always create a full redirect map before making any domain changes.

How To Buy A Domain Name From Shopify (step-by-step guide)

Purchasing a domain through Shopify entails a series of steps meticulously crafted to streamline the process. Every step serves a distinct purpose and comes with specific prerequisites.

Step 1: Choose Your Domain Name

You must decide on a domain name, a step that demands serious consideration as it’s a pivotal element of your brand identity. Your domain should be captivating and unforgettable while remaining closely aligned with your business for effective branding.

Ensuring the complete originality of your chosen domain name is essential. Shopify offers a helpful domain name generator for this purpose.

Step 2: Purchase Through Shopify Admin

• Go to Settings → Domains in your Shopify admin.
• Click Buy New Domain
• Enter your desired domain name and search.
• Review available TLD extensions and their Shopify domain name cost.
• Click Buy on your preferred option.

Step 3: Review and Complete Payment

Carefully review your purchase before payment, verifying the accuracy of your personal details, domain renewal preferences, and information privacy inclusion:

• Examine the “Domain to be registered” section to enable automatic renewal before expiry if desired.
• In the “Contact information” section, ensure that the Shopify store owner’s email and information are correct.
• Confirm the inclusion of WHOIS privacy for your domain extension; a message will indicate its presence.

Then, furnish the required payment details for finalizing your domain acquisition. Shopify supports a range of payment methods, such as credit cards, debit cards, and PayPal. Following these stages:

• Within the “Payment method section,” select your preferred payment method for the domain purchase
• Review the ICANN policy and Domain Registration Agreement before proceeding.
• Click on “Buy domain.”

Step 4: Verify Your Email

After purchase, check your email for messages from Shopify regarding:

• Purchase confirmation
• ICANN email address domain verification (must be completed within 15 days)
• Data-sharing preferences

Read more:

• Shopify Email Pricing | How Much Does Shopify Email Cost?
• Shopify Fulfillment Network: How Much Does It Cost?
• Pause And Build Plan Shopify | Ultimate Guidelines For Shopify Merchants

Best Practices For Choosing And Buying A Domain On Shopify

To choose an effective domain name for your store, consider the following tips:

Keep It Simple and Memorable

Opt for a domain name that is short and easy to spell and type. Complicated names can lead to user errors and make it harder for people to find your website. Avoid using slang or words with multiple spellings.

Include Relevant Keywords (When Natural)

If possible, include keywords related to your products or services in your domain name, making it brandable. This can improve your website’s search engine visibility.

Example: For a dog grooming service, a suitable domain name might be “DogGroomingPros.com,” making it easy for potential customers to understand the services offered.

Align with Your Brand Identity

Your domain should align with your brand’s identity and message. It should reflect your business’s core values, mission, and the products or services you offer.

Example: For a sustainability products store, a domain like “GreenCleanLiving.com” aligns with the brand’s value and message, which is the commitment to a green and clean lifestyle.

Research Trademark Conflicts

Before finalizing your domain, conduct a comprehensive search to ensure it’s not trademarked by someone else. Additionally, check for similar domains to avoid potential legal issues or brand confusion.

Choose the right domain extension

The domain extension, also known as a top-level domain (TLD), should align with your business type. Common TLDs like .com are versatile, but they may be unavailable with your desired name. You can consider choosing other specific TLDs for your niche, such as

• .store – e-commerce and retail businesses
• .tech – technology and IT-related companies
• .info – information-based websites, blogs, or knowledge-sharing platforms
• .edu – educational institutions
• .sale – businesses focused on selling products or services
• .app – mobile apps and software applications

Scalability and future-proofing

Think about the long term. Your domain should be flexible enough to accommodate potential business growth and diversification.

Example: For a digital marketing agency, a domain like “evolvedigitalsolutions.com” acknowledges the potential for growth and diversification in services and solutions while maintaining a professional and adaptable image. It doesn’t restrict the agency to a specific niche, allowing it to expand its offerings as the industry evolves.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, Shopify offers convenient and prospectus benefits for domain registration if you intend to run a business on it. The price would deserve what you get from this platform.

To secure a cost-effective domain, it’s crucial to leverage the tips and strategies we have provided. By doing so, you can strike the right balance between cost and value while establishing a strong online presence for your business.