Backordering services attempt to register a domain the moment it expires and becomes available again. Most also let you browse expiring and recently expired domains. Since placing a backorder is usually free — you only pay if they successfully get the domain for you — it's worth using multiple services to increase your chances.
SnapNames
The most popular backordering service. You place a backorder, and if they get the domain, you pay a reasonable fee. If they don't, you pay nothing. If multiple people backorder the same domain, it goes to auction — highest bidder wins, and only the winner pays. Note: bidding above $2,500 or placing more than 10 backorders requires a verified account, which involves submitting a photo ID and can take a few days — get this sorted before you start bidding.
GoDaddy Auctions
Many domains are registered with GoDaddy, and when they expire, GoDaddy gets first dibs. So you can't avoid them. They phased out backorders in 2024, but their auctions platform receives tens of thousands of expiring domains daily — it's still the place to go for GoDaddy-registered domains.
Park.io
Started as a simple tool for catching expiring .io domains. They've since expanded to many alternative TLDs but kept the clean, simple interface. Good for both backordering specific domains and browsing expiring domain auctions.
Dynadot
Combines backordering with a large catalog of expiring domains. Good search filters and a useful API.
Sav
An active marketplace of expiring domain auctions with solid filtering.
Domain Recover
Works on a first-come, first-served basis — no auctions. If you want a domain here, backorder it early.
DropCatch
Another popular drop-catching service with competitive auction-style bidding on expiring domains.
Catched
European-focused drop-catching service. Worth using alongside the others to maximize your chances.
Expired Domains
A comprehensive, long-running directory of expired and expiring domains. Great for browsing if you're looking for inspiration.