Hover Review: Keeping Domains Simple & Private

Hover at a Glance

Founded in Toronto in 2009, this domain registrar is the retail arm of Tucows Inc. (headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Canada). They focus on individuals, small businesses, and agencies that want an easy, distraction-free platform for registering and managing domain names and professional email, rather than a full web-hosting suite.

On the service side, they offer domain name registration, transfer, DNS management, and email as their core offerings. For example, you’ll find hundreds of TLDs available, free WHOIS privacy where supported, and a dashboard that stays strictly domain- and email-oriented rather than trying to upsell hosting or site-builder packages. They do not offer web hosting as part of their domain registration service, so if you need site hosting, you’ll need a separate provider.

In terms of reputation, the parent company has expanded through several acquisitions. In 2017, Tucows acquired wholesale registrar eNom from Rightside Group, thereby increasing its domain-management scale. In 2019, they acquired wholesale registrar Ascio Technologies, adding over 1.8 million domains and many resellers. On the other hand, in the case of their consumer-side reputation, they hold a BBB rating of an F, and they are not BBB-accredited, although they do receive positive reviews on G2.

In short, the company offers a focused domain registration service backed by an extensive parent registrar network, but you’ll need to weigh the narrower scope of services and the mixed user reputation when considering them.

The Features and Perks of Hover

Domain registration and portfolio tools

• Hundreds of TLD options: You can choose from over 300 domain extensions, including standard (.com, .net, .org) and niche options
• Bulk-pricing discounts: When you hold ten or more domains, you qualify for renewal-year discounts based on the number of domains you manage
• Domain bundles: Offers like “buy one, get another extension free for the first year” are available (e.g., register one domain and get a .online domain free)
• Domain search and alternative suggestions: Their search engine suggests alternate domain extensions and variations when your first choice isn’t available
• Domain transfers and renewals: You can transfer domains in and manage renewals through the control panel; pricing and transfer rules are clearly published

Security and privacy

• Free WHOIS privacy (where supported): For domains where the registry allows it, the provider includes WHOIS privacy at no additional cost
• Two-factor authentication (2FA) and account security prompts: They support app or SMS-based 2FA, and also email-based two-step sign-in for users without 2FA enabled
• DNSSEC support: Some domain extensions support DNSSEC (Domain Name System Security Extensions) to enhance the integrity of DNS responses

Advanced domain management and integrations

• Hover Connect: A tool that lets you link your domain to a site builder, hosting service, or other platform with a few clicks—making setup easier
• DNS record control: You can manage A, CNAME, MX, TXT records, etc., allowing custom configurations (e.g., for email, subdomains) though some users report limitations (e.g., TXT character length)
• Role for resellers and agencies: Bulk-pricing, volume discounts, and portfolio management tools make it viable if you manage many domains for clients

Email services

• Professional email packages: They offer email hosting tied to your domain, such as 10 GB or 1 TB inboxes, and simple aliases or forwarding
• Mail forwarding and alias support: You can set up forwarding or alias-address functionality separate from full inbox hosting

Transparency and support

• Clear pricing on domain pages: They publish registration, renewal, and transfer rates per TLD and note when promotions or bundles apply
• Support options and human contact: They offer support via live chat, tickets, as well as staff assistance, and phone during specified hours

Hover's Plans & Prices

This provider publishes clear, upfront pricing for domain registrations, renewals, and transfers. All prices are listed in USD, and you can view them directly on their domain-pricing page. Their pricing model is transparent rather than quote-based, so you see exactly what each TLD costs before checkout.

They also offer bulk-discount renewals for customers who manage multiple domains. Discounts begin once you hold ten or more domains, and the price per domain decreases as your portfolio grows. These volume discounts are displayed on their renewal-pricing page.

Below are examples of popular domain extensions and their commonly listed prices based on verified public data. These figures reflect standard Hover rates before the $0.20 ICANN fee and do not include premium domains.

• .com: Registration and renewal: $19.19 per year
• .net: Registration and renewal: $20.19 per year
• .org: Registration around $10.19 per year, renewal for $16.19 per year
• .io: Registration and renewal: $62.99 per year
• .co: Registration and renewal: $37.99 per year

Their plans include several helpful perks. WHOIS privacy is free on supported domain extensions, and standard DNS management is included at no additional cost. Pricing is generally consistent, with fewer deep first-year discounts than many budget registrars. Most extensions have the same registration and renewal rate, although some, including .org, do have different first-year and renewal pricing.

There are also a few limitations to keep in mind. This registrar does not offer web hosting, website builders, or SSL certificates, so you will need a separate hosting provider. Certain TLDs come with higher prices due to registry requirements, especially niche or country-code extensions. Premium domains follow registry-mandated pricing and are excluded from standard rates.

Email hosting is available as a paid add-on. They offer mailbox plans with different storage levels and separate forwarding-only options. Payments for domains and email can be made using standard online payment methods shown during checkout.

Advantages of Hover

• Simple dashboard focused only on domains and email: Their platform stays centered on domain registration, DNS management, and email instead of packing the interface with hosting add-ons or aggressive upsells. This helps you manage your domains without unnecessary clutter or distractions, which is useful if you prefer a straightforward control panel that keeps tasks quick and easy
• Free WHOIS privacy on supported domain extensions: WHOIS privacy is included at no extra cost for TLDs that allow it, which reduces exposure of your personal information. This benefits you by limiting unwanted spam, keeping your contact data private, and avoiding the fees many registrars charge for the same feature
• Transparent, consistently published pricing: Their domain pricing page shows registration, renewal, and transfer fees upfront, so you do not have to navigate hidden charges or surprise upsells during checkout. This matters if you value predictable long-term costs, especially when managing several domains over a long period of time
• Wide range of TLDs with clear rules and details: Hundreds of domain extensions are available, and each TLD has its own page explaining eligibility, pricing, and registry requirements. This makes choosing and comparing extensions easier, especially when you are exploring new or niche options
• Bulk-discount renewals for portfolio holders: Users with ten or more domains receive small but meaningful renewal discounts, which can add up over time. This helps individuals or agencies managing larger portfolios keep annual costs more manageable
• Hover Connect for easy third-party integration: The Hover Connect feature automatically configures DNS for popular website builders and hosting platforms. This saves time and minimizes errors when pointing your domain to services like Squarespace, Shopify, or Wix, especially if you do not want to handle DNS records manually
• Straightforward email hosting tied to your domain: You can purchase domain-based email with either 10 GB or 1 TB of storage, along with forwarding-only options. This benefits users who want a professional email without needing to buy a full hosting plan elsewhere

Why You Might Not Choose Hover

• No web-hosting or website-builder options available: Hover does not provide hosting, site builders, or SSL certificates, so you must set those up with third-party services. This can be inconvenient if you want an all-in-one solution, since managing your website and domains will require working with multiple providers
• Higher prices than budget-focused registrars: While pricing is transparent, first-year rates for popular extensions like .com are higher than what many budget competitors offer. This matters for users comparing multiple registrars or trying to minimize upfront costs
• Mixed customer feedback on support and email performance: Although some users report positive experiences, there are consistent complaints about slow resolutions, billing concerns, and email reliability. This may be a concern if you want faster support turnaround times or more robust email features
• Limited advanced DNS flexibility for certain records: Based on research, some users note restrictions such as shorter TXT record character limits, which can complicate DNS settings for strong email authentication or third-party integrations. This could affect your configuration workflow if you rely on long DKIM or SPF entries

What Customers Are Saying About Hover

On Trustpilot, the company holds a rating of 1.6 out of 5 based on approximately 100 reviews. Moreover, on G2, the service is rated 4.0 out of 5 based on 25 verified reviews. According to the Better Business Bureau (BBB), the company is not accredited and holds an F rating. Overall, user feedback is mixed—industry-specific review platforms show relatively positive scores, while broad consumer sites reflect significant dissatisfaction.

Positive feedback

Many users describe the platform as easy to navigate, noting that the clean layout helps them manage domains without dealing with constant upsells or complicated menus. Reviewers on G2 often highlight the value of having WHOIS privacy included at no extra cost, which they see as a meaningful advantage compared to registrars that charge for it. Several users also report smooth setup experiences and mention that support interactions, when needed, were handled clearly and professionally. Overall, positive feedback tends to center on simplicity, transparency, and the convenience of having domain and email services presented in a straightforward way.

Critical feedback

Negative reviews frequently mention challenges with customer support, particularly around delays in resolving billing, renewal, or transfer issues. Many Trustpilot reviewers describe difficulties accessing accounts or completing transactions, and some express frustration with the higher pricing compared to low-cost registrars. Others point out that the lack of hosting or bundled website tools requires them to manage services across multiple providers, adding extra steps to their setup process. There are also reports of technical limitations with certain DNS records, which can be inconvenient if you rely on longer authentication keys or advanced configurations.

How the company responds to feedback

Public responses from the company aren’t widely visible on platforms like Trustpilot, where many negative reviews remain with no reply. That said, in expert reviews, the company is noted for offering direct phone and live chat support (during business hours) and a detailed help center, which suggests they maintain a robust support infrastructure. If you have specific concerns (renewals, transfers, email issues), you should reach out directly and ask about response times and escalation paths.

Hover's Customer Service

This provider offers support through live chat, email, phone, and a detailed help center. All direct assistance is available during set operating hours rather than around the clock.

Support options

• Help center: A searchable knowledge base covering domains, DNS, email setup, billing, and account management
• Live chat: Available when you are logged into your account. The chat option appears inside the dashboard and connects you to a support agent during operating hours
• Email and ticket requests: You can submit a support request through the “Submit a request” form inside the help center. This allows you to track responses from support staff
• Phone support: Phone assistance is available at 1-866-731-6556 (North America) and 1-416-538-5498 (international). These are listed publicly on Hover’s support page

Support hours

According to their official support documentation, all live support channels (phone and chat) follow the same schedule:

• Monday to Friday: 8 AM to 8 PM Eastern Time
• Saturday and Sunday: 8 AM to 8 PM Eastern Time

Training and self-help resources

The help center includes step-by-step guides for domain transfers, DNS management, email configuration, and account updates. These articles provide straightforward instructions and screenshots to help you complete tasks without needing to contact support. Examples include:

• Transferring a domain to Hover
• Setting up email on your device
• Managing DNS records

Final Thoughts

This provider stands out for its simple domain-focused approach, free WHOIS privacy on supported extensions, and a clean dashboard that avoids unnecessary upsells. These features appeal to users who want straightforward domain management, whether they are setting up a personal project, building a small business presence, or managing multiple domains as part of a growing portfolio. Their wide TLD selection and volume-renewal discounts also make them flexible enough for users with evolving needs.

Their advantages include a user-friendly interface, predictable pricing, and precise documentation on domain transfers, DNS records, and email setup. These strengths help customers complete everyday tasks with fewer complications, especially those who value minimal distractions and transparent costs. At the same time, reviews highlight key drawbacks such as higher pricing than budget competitors, mixed experiences with support responsiveness, and limitations for users who require advanced DNS functionality or all-in-one hosting services.

Choosing this provider ultimately depends on what matters most to you. If you prioritize simplicity, privacy, and an uncluttered domain experience, their service may be a strong fit. If you need bundled hosting, lower introductory pricing, or faster support responses, you may want to explore additional options. For deeper comparisons, browse our complete list of domain registrar reviews, use our comparison tool to stack features side by side, and explore our educational articles for more background information.