Most domain checkers are a registrar's shop window: one search box, a price and a cart. Here's what a good domain checker should do instead, and how handle.tools compares.
Try it now: free, no account. Results stream in as each platform answers.
How handle.tools compares with the search box on most registrar sites.
| Feature | handle.tools | Typical domain checker |
|---|---|---|
| Extensions per search | 150+, grouped, available first | A handful, plus suggestions |
| Accuracy | Checked against the registry and double-checked, so registered names don't show as free | Varies |
| Taken domains | Expiry date and drop stage on taken domains | Usually "taken" and a make-an-offer button |
| Many names at once | 20 names × up to 15 of 117 extensions per run, free | Often limited |
| Matching social handles | 44 platforms in the username search | Not offered |
| Expiry alerts | Handle Watch alerts, up to 25 names (Pro, launching soon) | Backorder services, usually paid |
| Domain age and history | Domain age checker + expiration checker | Some show WHOIS |
| Selling to you | We don't sell domains: no checkout between you and the answer | Most are registrar storefronts |
| Exact prices | Shown at the registrar when you click Register | Shown in results |
The worst thing a domain checker can do is call a registered domain free. It happens when a tool relies on one source that's out of date. handle.tools checks every domain against its registry's record and double-checks anything that doesn't come back as taken, so a registered name doesn't slip through as available.
We say plainly where we can't help: some newer extensions block brand names at the registry, and those can look free everywhere until you try to buy one.
Domain search checks 150+ extensions in groups (popular, tech, creators, business, country and more), shows what's free first and lets you filter to available names only. Every extension on it is one you can actually register.
Got a shortlist? The bulk domain checker tests 20 names across up to 15 of 117 extensions per run, picks the best free domain and lets you register several at once. For single extensions there are dedicated checkers for .com, .ai, .io and .si.
When a domain is taken, handle.tools shows when it expires and, if it's lapsing, which stage it's at: grace period, redemption or pending delete. That tells you whether it's worth waiting for or time to move on.
The domain expiration checker gives the full timeline and the domain age checker shows how long it's been registered. Handle Watch (Pro, launching soon) watches up to 25 names and emails you when one moves closer to release.
A domain is only half of a name. Every username search checks 15 domain extensions next to 44 social platforms, and the brand name checker does the same for a brand. Need more ideas? The domain name generator and domain name finder suggest names that are free.
Most domain checkers belong to a registrar, so the search is also a checkout. handle.tools doesn't register or sell domains, and your searches aren't sold or shared. When you find a name you want, the Register button takes you to a registrar to buy it, and that's the only time the domain leaves our site.
Every tool on handle.tools is free, with no account.
Type a name in the box above to see 15 extensions and 44 social platforms at once, or go straight to domain search for all 150+ extensions.
New to domains? Read how to choose a domain name and what happens when a domain expires.
Quick answers to the most common questions.
One that's accurate, checks many extensions at once and tells you when taken domains expire. handle.tools checks 150+ extensions for free, double-checks every result and shows the expiry date and drop stage of taken domains.
Each domain is checked against its registry's record and anything that doesn't come back as taken is double-checked, so registered names don't show as free. The known exception is brand names blocked by some registries, which can look free until you try to buy them.
Yes. The bulk domain checker checks 20 names across up to 15 extensions per run for free, and domain search checks one name across 150+ extensions.
No. Prices vary by registrar and change often, and premium names are priced individually. Click Register to see the price at the registrar.
Yes. Taken domains show their expiry date in results, and the domain expiration checker gives the full timeline, including grace, redemption and pending delete.
Yes. We don't register or sell domains, and your searches aren't sold or shared. The domain only leaves our site if you click Register.