ICANN Domains vs. Blockchain Domains
Understanding Web2 vs. Web3 Domains
Web2 domains, such as .com, .net, and .org, are the traditional domain names managed through ICANN and popular registrars like GoDaddy. These domains are widely used for business websites, SEO, email hosting, e-commerce, and online branding. When users search for “buy a domain name,” “best .com for my business,” or “GoDaddy domain transfer,” they are typically referring to Web2 domain assets. These domains require annual renewals, follow ICANN’s 60-day transfer policy, and provide full compatibility with all major browsers, hosting services, and search engines.
Web3 domains, offered by platforms like Unstoppable Domains, include extensions such as .crypto, .wallet, .nft, and .x. These are blockchain-based domains that provide permanent ownership with no renewal fees. When users search terms like “buy blockchain domain,” “crypto domain name,” “Web3 identity,” or “NFT domain,” they are referring to these decentralized assets. Web3 domains can be used for digital identities, crypto payments, decentralized websites, and Web3 brand ecosystems, and they are fully controlled through the user’s blockchain wallet.
Together, Web2 and Web3 domains give individuals and businesses the ability to build a dual-presence strategy—a traditional website for discoverability and SEO, and a decentralized identity for Web3 applications and future-ready digital branding.
Summary
ICANN Domains = Best for traditional businesses, SEO, email, and mainstream websites.
Blockchain Domains = Forward thinking, Web3 brands, Best for crypto identity, wallet addresses, and censorship-resistant presence.
Comparison Chart
| Feature / Category | ICANN Domains (e.g., .com, .net, .org) | UD Blockchain Domains (e.g., .crypto, .wallet, .nft) |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership Model | Rented through registrars (GoDaddy, Namecheap). Renew yearly. | Owned permanently. One-time purchase. No renewals. |
| Authority / Governance | Regulated by ICANN with centralized DNS hierarchy. | Decentralized, governed by blockchain rules (no ICANN control). |
| Hosting / Resolution | Uses traditional DNS servers. | Resolved via blockchain + supported browsers/wallets. |
| Transferability | Domain transfers controlled by registrars; requires approvals. | Fully owner-controlled wallet transfer; irreversible and instant. |
| Censorship Resistance | Low – domains can be suspended or seized. | High – cannot be censored unless private keys are compromised. |
| Use Cases | Websites, email, SEO, business presence. | Web3 identity, crypto payments, decentralized websites, NFT profiles. |
| Costs | Low purchase price; recurring annual renewal fees. | Higher upfront price; no renewals. |
| Payment Options | Credit card, PayPal, etc. | Crypto payments (ETH, MATIC, USDC, etc.). |
| Trademark Protection | Strong policies (UDRP, trademark enforcement). | Limited protections; blockchain domains can conflict with trademarks. |
| Technical Skill Required | Low – easy for general users. | Moderate – requires crypto wallet knowledge. |
| Security | DNS hijacking possible; depends on registrar. | Very high; secured by blockchain, but loss of private key = loss of domain. |
| Website Hosting | Works with all hosting providers. | Requires decentralized hosting (IPFS) for Web3 sites; can redirect Web2 sites. |
| Email Support | Fully supported (e.g., Gmail, Office365). | Not natively supported; requires custom Web3 email providers. |
| Search Engine Visibility | Fully indexed by Google, Bing, etc. | Limited indexing; depends on browser support. |
| Market Liquidity | Mature domain marketplaces (Sedo, GoDaddy Auctions). | Early-stage marketplaces (OpenSea, UD Marketplace). |
| Regulatory Compliance | Strong regional and international compliance. | Minimal regulation; compliance is user-managed. |
| Risk of Loss | Registrar account recovery available. | If a private key is lost, the domain is permanently lost. |