.ws ccTLD
Western Samoa
The .ws TLD is the country-code domain for Samoa, originally assigned based on the former name 'Western Samoa'. It is managed by the Government of Samoa and widely used for websites due to its abbreviation meaning 'website' in English, making it popular for general-purpose domains.
Registrants must warrant they have legal rights to the domain name and that it does not violate copyrights, trademarks, or service marks. Vulgar, obscene, or offensive names may be refused. Domains used for spam or illegal purposes are subject to suspension or termination.
.ws Domain Overview
The .ws extension is a country-code top-level domain (ccTLD) in the Domain Name System (DNS). It is managed by Government of Samoa Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade. .ws was introduced in 1995. Registration prices start from USD 7.98 - 31.79.
Registration Info
Price range based on 3 registrars. Actual prices may vary.
Security Features
- DNSSEC
- CAA Record Support
Where to Register a .ws Domain — Price Comparison
Compare .ws domain registration and renewal prices across 3 registrars. Prices are in USD and updated daily.
| Registrar | Registration | Renewal | Transfer |
|---|---|---|---|
| dynadot Cheapest | $7.98 | $23.98 | $23.98 |
| porkbun | $22.97 | $22.97 | $22.97 |
| resellerclub | $31.79 | $38.49 | $31.79 |
Prices checked April 7, 2026. Prices exclude ICANN fees where applicable and may vary by registrar promotions or contract terms.
What Is the History of .ws?
The .ws domain was delegated in 1995 under the name 'Western Samoa', reflecting the country's official designation at the time. After the nation changed its name to 'Samoa' in 1997, the ccTLD remained unchanged. The registry is operated by the Government of Samoa through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade, with technical services provided by Global Domains International and Computer Services Ltd.
Did you know?
The .ws TLD serves a specific purpose in the domain ecosystem, providing users with clear context about the websites using this extension.
What Is .ws Used For?
The .ws TLD is commonly used for the following purposes:
General websites
Business domains
Creative branding (due to 'ws' meaning 'website')
International businesses targeting Pacific markets
Popular Websites
How Do I Register a .ws Domain?
Eligibility
Open to anyone globally without residency restrictions. Must not violate intellectual property rights, contain offensive content, or be used for spam or illegal activities.
Open Registration
The .ws TLD is available for registration through accredited domain registrars.
Registration Process
- Choose an accredited domain registrar that offers .ws domains
- Check domain availability using the registrar's search tool
- Complete the registration process and provide required information
- Pay the registration fee (typically USD 7.98 - 31.79)
- Manage your domain settings through your registrar's control panel
.ws vs Related Domain Extensions
How does .ws compare to similar top-level domains? This comparison covers pricing, type, and availability to help choose the right domain extension.
View the full TLD Directory to browse all 1,900+ top-level domains with pricing, registration density analysis, and DNSSEC adoption rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Is This .ws Data Compiled?
DNS Checker maintains a comprehensive TLD directory covering all 1,900+ active top-level domains. The data on this page combines multiple authoritative sources to provide information not found in standard TLD listings.
Zone File Analysis
Domain registration counts and density analysis are computed daily from TLD zone files, providing accurate registration statistics rather than estimates.
DNSSEC Adoption Tracking
DNSSEC deployment percentages are measured by scanning actual DNS records across all registered domains in each TLD zone.
Registrar Price Monitoring
Registration, renewal, and transfer prices are checked hourly across multiple accredited registrars and compared automatically.
Provider Market Share
DNS provider distribution is calculated from nameserver records, showing which hosting providers serve the most domains in each TLD.
Use DNS Checker tools to inspect any .ws domain: run a full DNS health check, check DNS propagation, look up WHOIS records, or verify email authentication.
Disclaimer: The information on this page is sourced from IANA, ICANN, and respective registry operator publications, then structured and formatted with the assistance of AI. While accuracy is a priority, details such as pricing, registration requirements, and policies may change. Always verify with the official registry or an accredited registrar before making registration decisions.