Domain registrars have historically been centralized, making the domain industry vulnerable to issues like domain hijacking, market concentration between a few players and lack of portability. But there's a change happening. The rise of onchain domain registration platforms is challenging this old model. In this blog, we will explore the features and differences of 3DNS, an onchain registrar, compare them to a traditional, centralized provider like Namecheap.

What is 3DNS?

3DNS is revolutionizing domain registration by minting and managing domains onchain. As the first onchain web domain registrar, 3DNS offers an array of top-level domains (TLDs) including .com, .xyz, and .io. Created for those who prioritize security and prefer an enhancement to the traditional method, 3DNS ensures that all domain records are securely stored onchain. This makes domain ownership transparent and censorship-resistant, and domain transfers instant—without hidden fees or the need for a middleman.

What is Namecheap?

Namecheap is a domain registrar in the traditional domain name market, offering domain registration, hosting, and a range of additional services. Known for its competitive pricing and user-friendly platform, Namecheap strives to give customers an accessible path to online presence. The key differences between 3DNS and Namecheap lie in their underlying technology, security features, and approach to domain management.

Let’s compare both registrars to help you understand which might be the right choice for you.

Security and Domain Management

3DNS provides a high level of security by storing name records onchain. Domain ownership changes and updates require access to the tokenized domains, significantly reducing the risk of DNS hijacking. Whereas Namecheap relies on traditional DNS security measures and its customer support to prevent unauthorized access, which can sometimes be a vulnerability. 3DNS offers immediate domain transfers and allows for your domain name to be used within the Web3 ecosystem. Namecheap adheres to a more traditional domain transfer process which might include extra fees.

Technology

3DNS allows for your domain to be an NFT and also allows for them to be linked the Ethereum Name Service (ENS) for expanded decentralized identity applications. Namecheap uses conventional domain registration technology and does not integrate blockchain or offer ENS-related services.

Pricing and Fees

3DNS aims to eliminate secondary fees, offering cost-effective domain management, particularly with technologies like Optimism that lower transaction costs on the Ethereum network. Namecheap, known for competitive pricing in the traditional domain market, may include additional fees for transfers and other services.

Upcoming Features: Tokenization Tiers

Soon, 3DNS will expand its services to include various levels of tokenization. These new options will offer greater flexibility and customization, making it easier for users to tailor their domain management to fit their specific needs. This initiative aims to make owning a domain more adaptable and accessible for everyone, whether they're running personal projects or business operations.

Conclusion

As we've uncovered, the decision between 3DNS and Namecheap comes down to your needs and values. If you’re excited about the potential of blockchain technology for enhanced security, quicker domain management, and seamless integration with other decentralized applications, 3DNS could be the perfect fit for your domain registration needs. Namecheap, on the other hand, is a solid choice for those who prefer time-tested domain registration services without the need of crypto wallets and onchain records.