# Free web hosting options and why buying only your domain first can save real money

Ben Morin, 2026-08-05. https://bemorin.com/writing/free-web-hosting-and-domain-only-pricing-strategy

> You do not need to buy a full hosting bundle on day one. A smart launch path is often: secure the domain first, then choose a free hosting platform that matches your technical level and growth plan.

<h2>1) Domain-first logic</h2>
<p>
  Your domain is the long-term asset. Hosting is replaceable. By separating the two decisions, you avoid being locked into low-quality bundles
  and you preserve freedom to migrate.
</p>

<h2>2) Recommended registrars for domain-only purchase</h2>
<ul>
  <li><strong>Porkbun:</strong> often competitive first-year and renewal pricing.</li>
  <li><strong>Infomaniak:</strong> good value and strong reputation in Europe.</li>
  <li><strong>Cloudflare Registrar:</strong> renewals at near-wholesale cost (no markup model).</li>
</ul>

<h2>3) Free hosting platforms worth considering</h2>
<ul>
  <li><strong>Cloudflare Pages:</strong> great for Astro, edge network, simple CI from Git.</li>
  <li><strong>GitHub Pages:</strong> robust for static sites already in GitHub workflow.</li>
  <li><strong>Netlify/Vercel free tiers:</strong> easy setup, useful previews, limits apply.</li>
</ul>

<h2>4) Choosing by project type</h2>
<ul>
  <li>Personal brand + blog: Cloudflare Pages or Netlify.</li>
  <li>Developer docs or portfolio: GitHub Pages can be enough.</li>
  <li>Heavier app-like behavior: Vercel or Cloudflare with careful limit checks.</li>
</ul>

<h2>5) Hidden costs to watch</h2>
<ul>
  <li>high domain renewal rates after first year promotions</li>
  <li>email costs if you assumed mailbox was included</li>
  <li>bandwidth or build-minute overages as traffic grows</li>
</ul>

<h2>6) Practical low-cost stack</h2>
<ol>
  <li>Buy domain only from Porkbun, Infomaniak, or Cloudflare Registrar.</li>
  <li>Host Astro for free on Cloudflare Pages.</li>
  <li>Use Cloudflare DNS and optional Email Routing aliases.</li>
  <li>Add paid tools only when traffic or revenue justifies them.</li>
</ol>

<h2>7) Migration mindset</h2>
<p>
  Keep your project git-based and platform-neutral. If your hosting constraints change, migration should be a deployment change, not a full
  rebuild.
</p>

<h2>Final takeaway</h2>
<p>
  Domain-first, hosting-second is the most flexible strategy for creators and early-stage projects. Buy the name you want at a sane renewal
  price, then launch quickly on a free platform you can leave at any time.
</p>