Important .WS Domain Update
Registry-Wide Price Increase Effective February 1, 2026
Lock in current pricing for your “Web Site” domain and learn why .WS remains a strategic asset for global, privacy-focused projects.
Breaking Down the .WS Price Changes
The upcoming adjustment represents one of the most substantial registry-led increases in recent years. For businesses and developers relying on .WS for its neutrality and global appeal, understanding the new cost structure is crucial for budgeting and domain portfolio management.
Official Price Change Summary
Effective February 1, 2026, at 17:00 UTC, the following prices will be in effect for all .WS domain registrations, renewals, and transfers through UnderHost.
Standard .WS Domains
- New 1st Year Registration: $37.95
- New Renewal/Transfer: $33.95
- 78.7% increase on renewals
Premium .WS Domains (Short Names)
- 3-Character .WS: $1,495.00
- 2-Character .WS: $1,990.00
- 1-Character .WS: Contact for Quote
These are registry-mandated wholesale prices. All registrars, including UnderHost, must comply.
Why is .WS Increasing in Value & Cost?
.WS, the country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for Samoa, has been successfully marketed as a global abbreviation for “Web Site.” Its appeal lies in its neutrality, shorter length, and absence of the regulatory pressures associated with some legacy TLDs. The price increase reflects several market realities:
- Registry Investment in Infrastructure: SamoaNic is investing heavily in DNS security (DNSSEC), anti-abuse measures, and global anycast network resilience, costs passed down to ensure stability.
- Sustained Demand in Niche Markets: .WS domains remain popular with offshore businesses, privacy-focused platforms, and global startups seeking a distinctive, non-.COM identity that’s still pronounceable and memorable.
- Scarcity of Premium Short Domains: The tiered pricing for 1, 2, and 3-character domains underscores their value as brandable digital assets, comparable to premium .com or .io addresses.
- Operational Neutrality: Operating outside major geopolitical blocs, .WS offers a layer of insulation from sudden regulatory shifts, a feature valued by our clientele at UnderHost Offshore VPS.
Strategic Actions Before the Deadline
With the deadline fast approaching, a proactive strategy can save you hundreds of dollars over the coming years.
1. Audit & Renew
Check your portfolio for .WS domains expiring in the next 12-24 months. Renewing them now at $18.99 locks in that rate for another year from your current expiry date, bypassing the new $33.95 rate.
2. Register Future Projects
Secure .WS domains for planned ventures, product names, or brand protection at the current $35.99 registration fee. Even if you don’t launch immediately, you’ve secured a critical asset at a 5% lower cost.
3. Consolidate Transfers
If you hold .WS domains elsewhere, initiate a transfer to UnderHost before the deadline. You’ll get a 1-year extension at the current $18.99 transfer rate and benefit from our integrated hosting and backup ecosystem.
Beyond the Domain: Building on UnderHost’s Infrastructure
A domain is just the beginning. Its true value is unlocked when paired with hosting that matches its potential for resilience and performance. The strategic nature of a .WS domain often aligns with projects requiring robust infrastructure.
The UnderHost Advantage for .WS Domain Owners
When you host your .WS domain with UnderHost, you’re not just getting a server; you’re integrating into a privacy-first, high-performance network.
- Geo-Neutral Hosting: Pair your globally neutral domain with our offshore server locations in Moldova, Netherlands, or the Caribbean for enhanced jurisdictional privacy.
- Unmatched Performance: Leverage 10Gbps dedicated server uplinks to ensure your site’s speed matches its premium domain name.
- Seamless Management: Manage your domain, backups, and server all from a single @CustomerPanel interface.
- DMCA-Ignored Environment: For projects where content freedom is paramount, host on our offshore dedicated servers alongside your .WS domain.
Immediate Checklist: Don’t Miss the Deadline
- Visit our Domain Pricing page to search for and register any new .WS ideas at $35.99.
- Log into @CustomerPanel and navigate to “My Domains.” Identify all .WS domains and renew any expiring before Q1 2027.
- Evaluate your portfolio at other registrars. Initiate transfers to UnderHost to secure the $18.99 rate and consolidate management.
- Plan your infrastructure. Need hosting for your new .WS domain? Explore Cloud VPS for scalable projects or Managed Business Hosting for hands-free operation.
- Set a calendar reminder for February 1, 2026, 16:00 UTC (one hour before the change) for any last-minute actions.
Secure Your .WS Domain’s Future Today
The clock is ticking on the current pricing structure. Take control of your digital assets and lock in significant savings before the global registry update takes effect.
Need help with bulk operations or strategic advice? Our support team is available via your @CustomerPanel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: If I renew for multiple years now, will I get the old price for all years?
A: Yes. Any renewal processed before February 1, 2026, 17:00 UTC, will be charged at the current rate ($18.99/year) for each year you add. This is the most effective way to lock in savings.
Q: Will this affect .WS domains used with email hosting or other services?
A: The price change is solely for the domain registration fee with the registry. It does not directly affect the cost of associated services like UnderMail, UnderEDGE CDN, or hosting. However, maintaining your domain registration is a prerequisite for those services to function.
Q: My .WS domain is with another registrar. Can I still transfer to UnderHost after the deadline?
A: Yes, transfers will always be possible. However, if initiated after the deadline, the 1-year extension added upon transfer will be billed at the new, higher rate of $33.95. Transferring before the deadline is financially advantageous.
Q: Are other domain extensions (.COM, .NET, .IO) affected by this?
A: No. This announcement is specific to the .WS (Samoa) registry. Other registries operate independently. You can always view our full, competitive pricing for all TLDs on our Domain Pricing page.
Q: I’m building a new project. Should I still consider a .WS domain after the price increase?
A: Absolutely. While the cost is rising, .WS retains its unique value proposition: a short, meaningful, globally recognized TLD with operational neutrality. For businesses targeting an international audience or operating in sectors where a neutral digital presence is beneficial, it remains a strong choice. The key is to factor the updated renewal cost into your long-term business plan.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes regarding an upcoming registry-mandated price change. All prices are subject to change and are ultimately controlled by the respective domain registries. Please refer to our Terms of Service for complete details.