How to Add a Custom Domain to Netlify for Free (2025)
Netlify already supports free custom domains on its free plan, but some setups need a reverse proxy layer. Learn when and how to use Edgely with Netlify for advanced proxying.
TL;DR — Quick Answer
Netlify supports custom domains on the free plan, but Edgely adds edge caching, markdown rendering, and multi-origin routing on top. Combine both for faster load times and smarter traffic management.
Netlify Already Offers Free Custom Domains
Netlify's free Starter plan supports custom domains natively — you can add a custom domain directly in the Netlify dashboard at no cost. [1] So why use Edgely with Netlify?
When Edgely Adds Value on Netlify
Edgely enhances Netlify deployments in scenarios Netlify's native tooling doesn't cover:
- Multi-origin routing: Route different paths on the same domain to different Netlify sites (or other platforms).
- Edge caching layer: Add a shared cache in front of Netlify for burst traffic, reducing function invocations on paid plans.
- Markdown mode: Convert Netlify-hosted documentation or blog content to clean Markdown for AI agents.
- Cross-platform migration: Moving from another platform to Netlify? Use Edgely to proxy the new Netlify site during migration without changing DNS.
Basic Setup (if needed)
1. Deploy to Netlify
Connect your repo in the Netlify dashboard. Your site is live at *.netlify.app.
2. Add to Edgely
Enter your custom domain and your Netlify app URL as the target in the Edgely dashboard.
3. CNAME
Type: CNAME
Host: www
Value: proxy.xedgely.com4. Netlify's native custom domain (alternative)
For the simplest setup, use Netlify's built-in custom domain settings. Edgely is best when you need the advanced routing or caching features above.
Edgely is the fastest way to proxy your Netlify project to a custom domain. It provisions a free SSL certificate, syncs routing to Vercel Edge Config for sub-millisecond lookups, and optionally caches responses at the edge — all for free on the starter plan.
Key Takeaways
- Netlify's free plan already supports custom domains — Edgely adds caching, Markdown mode, and multi-origin routing on top.
- Use Edgely with Netlify for burst traffic caching or cross-platform migration scenarios.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Netlify already support free custom domains?
Yes — Netlify's free Starter plan includes custom domain support. Edgely is most useful when you need multi-origin routing, aggressive edge caching, or Markdown mode on top of your Netlify deployment.
Can Edgely route some traffic to Netlify and some to another service?
Edgely routes by domain, not by path. Each Edgely domain maps to one target URL. For path-based routing, Netlify's own redirect rules or Edge Functions are better suited.
Sources & Citations
- [1]Netlify Custom Domains Documentation— docs.netlify.com
Ready to add your custom domain?
Set up your reverse proxy in under 5 minutes — free, with SSL and edge caching included.