Ask HN: Domain name purchase: godaddy vs. route53? | Hacker News Reader

Ask HN: Domain name purchase: godaddy vs. route53?

4 pointsggregoire6 comments

Hi! I'm relatively new to these questions.

Since I'm going to host my app on AWS, I was thinking to purchase the domain name directly on Route53.

But the prices are quite different for a .com:

- Godaddy: $2.99 (y1) + $14.99 (y2)

- Route53: $12 (y1) + $12 (y2)

However, the AWS doc says the transfer is $12 but I'm not sure about the meaning of "transfer". If I purchase the domain on Godaddy, do I need to "transfer" it on AWS? In this case it would be less expensive to purchase on Route53.

Thanks for the help.

∞∞ EDIT ∞∞

Ok I think I've understood. A "transfer" means moving the management of a domain name from a registrar to another one. What I need in my case is just to change the DNS to use a domain name registered somewhere else. Please tell me if I'm wrong! :)

Keep in mind you can pay one company to own the domain and then set the NS to point at AWS and use Route53 to manage it. That doesn't require a domain transfer.

Apart from the price, you could also look at the company history. I wouldn't touch godaddy even if they were the cheapest option to be honest. Quick google will give you an idea of various issues with them.

I use Namecheap as my domain name registrar and use Route53 as DNS Server. I'll never use godaddy.

Thanks! That's what I wanted to know. :)

If those are the two options you are considering, AWS hands down. Godaddy is not who I would ever rely on.

I use enom for ordering domains generally (I have a reseller account) and then point the NS to AWS. Keeps my costs low and allows me the flexibility of AWS Route53 which I really have come to love.

I know you didn't supply it as an option, but I've found google domains to be really good. I moved off of GodAddy to them last year. Reasonably priced, easy to use and fast.

Ok thanks, I will look at Google Domains.

Edit: the service is restricted to Canada, UK and US. :(

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