basically all end up to be around the same prices anyway without hosting services purchased at the same time
Yup.
Go with reputable, not small mom& pop seller. They tend to HOLD the domain captive.
Do you know where you will MAINTAIN the domain?
Do you have a favorite control panel for maintenance of domain names?
If so, buy your names there as it will be easier to keep track of several names in one control panel. (if owner is same).
Have used Totalchoicehosting, Tucows, GoDaddy, NetworkSolutions. Good experience with all.
Network Solutions has the HIGHEST cost.
Like the control panel (manager) at TotalChoicehosting