How to Check if a Domain Name Is Available
How to check if a domain is available depends on whether you already have a specific name in mind or you're browsing for ideas. The method you choose determines how fast you find what you need.
WHOIS Lookup
WHOIS is a protocol that queries domain registration databases. When you run a WHOIS lookup, you get information about who owns a domain, when it was registered, and when it expires. If the domain is unregistered, the WHOIS response tells you it's available.
You can use command-line tools like whois example.com or web-based WHOIS lookup services. This method works well if you have a specific domain in mind and want to verify its status.
The limitation: WHOIS only checks one domain at a time. If you're evaluating multiple options, you'll need to repeat the process for each one.
Registrar Search Bars
Every domain registrar has a search bar on their homepage. Type in a name, and they'll tell you if it's available. If it is, you can register it immediately.
The problem is that registrars optimize for selling you something right now. If your first choice is taken, they'll show you variations, alternative TLDs, and premium domains that cost hundreds or thousands of dollars. Most suggestions aren't helpful if you're looking for a short, clean .com domain.
Registrars show you one name at a time. If you want to explore twenty different ideas, you're doing twenty separate searches and wading through upsells.
The Front-Running Concern
Some people worry that searching for a domain at a registrar will cause that domain to be registered by someone else immediately afterward. The theory is that registrars monitor searches and either register valuable domains themselves or sell search data to domain investors.
There's limited evidence this happens at major registrars. Most reported cases involve people searching for obviously valuable domains that were likely already on someone's watchlist. The concern exists, and some people prefer to check availability through neutral tools that don't have a financial incentive to register domains.
If you're worried about this, use WHOIS lookups or third-party availability checkers instead of registrar search bars.
Bulk Checking Tools
If you have a list of potential names, bulk checking tools let you verify availability for dozens or hundreds of domains at once. You upload a list, and the tool queries each domain and returns a report showing which ones are available.
This works well if you've already brainstormed a set of candidates. It saves time compared to checking each name individually.
The downside: you still need to generate the list yourself. If you don't already have ideas, bulk tools don't help.
Pre-Checked Domain Databases
If you don't have a specific name in mind, browsing a pre-checked database is faster than trial-and-error searching. These databases scan domain registrations continuously and maintain lists of available domains filtered by criteria like TLD, length, and word type.
Instead of thinking of a name, searching for it, finding it's taken, and repeating the process, you browse thousands of confirmed-available options. You can filter by .com, .io, .dev, or other TLDs, limit results to short domains, or focus on dictionary words, brandable names, or number patterns.
Vacant Domains is one example. It tracks availability across multiple TLDs and updates daily, so you're looking at domains that are actually available right now, not stale data from months ago.
This approach works best when you're in the exploration phase. You're not attached to a specific name yet, and you want to see what's out there before narrowing down your options.
Single Lookup vs. Browsing for Inspiration
The method you choose depends on your starting point.
If you already know the exact name you want, use WHOIS or a registrar search. You'll get an immediate answer. If it's available, register it. If not, you'll need to decide whether to try variations or pick a different name entirely.
If you're open to options and want to explore, don't waste time guessing. Use a pre-checked database. You'll see hundreds or thousands of available domains in seconds, filtered to match your preferences. This is faster than playing domain name roulette.
What About Premium Domains?
Premium domains are names that someone already owns and is offering for sale, usually at prices far above standard registration fees. Registrars often mix premium domains into their search results.
If you're looking for available domains, premium listings are noise. You're not trying to buy someone else's domain for $5,000. You want to register an available one for $10-15 per year.
Filtering out premium domains manually gets tedious. Pre-checked databases typically exclude them by default, showing only domains you can register at standard prices.
Checking Availability Across Multiple TLDs
Maybe you want example.com, but you're also open to example.io or example.dev if .com is taken. Checking availability across multiple TLDs means running separate searches for each extension.
Some tools let you check multiple TLDs simultaneously. You enter the base name, select the TLDs you're interested in, and get a report showing availability for each.
This saves time if you're flexible on the extension. Different TLDs have different pricing, renewal costs, and perceptions. A .com domain costs around $10-15 per year. A .io domain might cost $30-60. Factor that into your decision.
How Often Does Availability Data Update?
Domain registrations happen constantly. A domain that's available right now might be registered in the next hour. If you're using a pre-checked database, ask how often it updates.
Daily updates are standard for most databases. Real-time updates are rare because querying millions of domains continuously is expensive. A daily refresh is usually sufficient unless you're tracking extremely high-value domains that move quickly.
If you find a domain you like, register it immediately. Don't wait days to decide. Available domains don't stay available forever.
Checking Availability Is Free
You should never pay just to check if a domain is available. WHOIS lookups are free. Registrar searches are free. Bulk checking tools are free or very cheap. Pre-checked databases like Vacant Domains are free to browse.
You only pay when you register a domain. If a service charges you to check availability, find a different service.
Pick Your Method Based on Your Goal
Use WHOIS or registrar search if you have a specific name and want a fast yes-or-no answer.
Use bulk checking if you have a list of candidates and want to verify all of them at once.
Use a pre-checked database if you're exploring options and want to browse thousands of available domains filtered by your preferences.
The fastest path to finding a domain is the one that matches where you're starting from. If you already have the perfect name in mind, check it and register it. If you're still brainstorming, stop guessing and start browsing.