Getting a free domain in 2024 is possible, but it often comes with some conditions or limitations. Here are some of the most popular and legit ways to get a free domain:

1. Free Domains with Web Hosting Plans
Many web hosting providers offer free domains as part of their hosting packages. While you typically need to purchase a hosting plan, you can get the domain for free during the first year.

Bluehost: Offers a free domain for the first year when you sign up for their hosting.

Hostinger: Offers a free domain with their hosting plans.

DreamHost: Provides a free domain for the first year with a shared hosting plan.

These plans typically start at around $2.99 to $5.99/month, which is a great deal if you're already planning to purchase hosting.

2. Free Domains with Website Builders
Some website builders also offer free domains (or subdomains) with their packages, particularly if you're using their builder for creating a site.

Wix: Offers a free subdomain (e.g., yourname.wixsite.com) when you sign up for a free plan. However, for a custom domain, you'll need to upgrade to a paid plan.

Weebly: Provides a free subdomain (e.g., yourname.weebly.com) with free hosting and website creation.

WordPress.com: Offers a free subdomain (e.g., yourname.wordpress.com). A custom domain (like .com) is available on paid plans.

These free domains are often subdomains and not full custom domains (e.g., .com or .org), which may not be ideal for professional sites or businesses.

3. Free Domains with Educational Programs
If you're a student, you might be able to grab a free domain through education-related offers.

GitHub Student Developer Pack: GitHub offers students free access to a variety of tools, including Namecheap's free domain for one year (usually .me domains). This is a fantastic offer for students looking to build portfolios or side projects.

Google Domains (through Google for Education): Some educational institutions partner with Google to offer students a free domain for use in projects or personal websites.

You need to be a verified student to access these offers.

4. Get a Free Domain with .tk, .ml, .ga, .cf, and .gq
Websites like Freenom allow you to get completely free domains with extensions such as:

.tk

.ml

.ga

.cf

.gq

These domains are free to register for one year, and they come with limitations. While these extensions can be a good option for personal projects or experiments, they're often not considered as professional as more common top-level domains like .com, .org, or .net.

5. Using a Referral Program
Some domain registrars offer referral programs that give you a free domain after you refer others to their service. You may need to use your referral link to invite someone else to sign up for a paid service, and once they make a purchase, you may receive a free domain in return.

Namecheap: Offers a referral program that can give you a free domain after a certain number of referrals.

Hostinger: Their referral program can also grant you a free domain.

6. Free Domain via Promotions and Offers
Occasionally, domain registrars run promotions where they offer a free domain for a limited time or as part of a special offer. Keep an eye on these deals, especially during Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or New Year promotions, as they might offer free domains for the first year.

7. Nonprofit Organizations
If you run a nonprofit, some organizations offer free or discounted domains through special programs.

TechSoup: Offers discounted domain registration for nonprofits.

Google for Nonprofits: They offer a suite of services for nonprofits, including help with domain registration and hosting.

Considerations When Getting a Free Domain:
Renewal Costs: Most free domains are free for the first year, but after that, you'll have to pay for renewals. For example, a free .tk domain might renew for $10–$20 per year.

Limited Support: Some free domain providers don't offer full customer support. This might be an issue if you need help with technical problems.

Professionalism: Domains like .tk or .ml might not look as professional as more established domains like .com or .org, especially for businesses or brands.