The read-write-perform web commonly referred to as Web3, and the decentralized web, both aim to give consumers complete authority over their material online by removing dominant tech corporations from their management. Traditional domains are widely accepted but have several restrictions and laws that make it challenging to use and explore them.
While a typical wallet address is 0xsfjeb2r52999jjlwishet03awkfeii4i0ifoqwmf, which a human mind just cannot remember, this also hinders adoption. The same issue also exists with IP addresses, which the internet had to solve for its rise to popularity.
What are Web3 domains?
These next-generation blockchain domain names have a technological and monetary architecture that encompasses smart contracts, blockchain, and NFT/cryptocurrencies, making them short and simple to remember.
Web3 initiatives fall under several categories, including digital services and decentralized finance, and they are also collectible since these human-readable addresses for decentralized web3 domain names act as a stand-in for complicated crypto wallet addresses. Tradable non-fungible tokens (NFTs) are commonly known as digital certificates of validity.
Web domains also have web3 domain extensions like .web3, .i, .chain, .btc, and many others. These appealing web3 domain names represent a blockchain address. For example, Web3 domains make the entire procedure simpler for the sender to know and carry out. For example, "Send the salary to sam.web3," rather than repeating some random, difficult-to-remember characters of a crypto wallet address.
What are Web3 domains used for?
The owner of a Web3 domain can assign data to subdomains; these subdomains do not always have to point to wallet addresses; they can also point to smart contracts, metadata, or even transactions.
The .web3 domain name is one of the market trends that is generating a lot of interest, and both blockchain entrepreneurs and traditional domain name investors are heavily investing in it.
Since blockchain users now understand that choosing a blockchain domain name makes using their applications the simplest, there is now a significant amount of pent-up demand for domains. Users can also rent out their blockchain domains and even set up a lease-purchase agreement to allow others to build brand value on the property while keeping their options open.
DNS vs ENS
The ENS turns Ethereum addresses into human-readable strings formatted like a URL, while the DNS converts IP addresses of web servers into a human-readable string called a URL. Both of these services operate similarly to a phonebook.
A DNS only indexes publicly accessible websites and the associated internet protocol IP addresses to function. A decentralized, secure, and transparent ENS functions similarly to DNS but differs from it in several ways.
DNS is crucial worldwide, but it's especially important for businesses when determining the address of a website because it allows anyone sitting in front of a computer to immediately visit the website from any location.
While ENS has more capability than traditional domains, in this case, the blockchain domain is utilized to store the data securely since it is easy to access but difficult to change or remove, and because its use offers a variety of options and flexibility.
DNS example: The www.coinnounce.com address must be entered in any browser instead of the IP address if a user wishes to access a website.
ENS example: If someone wants to build a decentralized place .coms are only the standard method because these decentralized domains let users create space such as coinnounce.web3.
To access any website, users only need to install a few plugins and extensions on their browsers. ENS domains are based on human-readable and unique addresses that are simple to remember.
In this way, users won't have to remember difficult numerical combinations made up of digits and letters, and they can also wave goodbye to standard.com names because blockchain domains exist to do away with censorship and centralized authorities and give users complete anonymity.
Furthermore, domain assets are a more secure method of payment since they eliminate the need for users to copy and paste alphanumeric addresses. They also have three crucial features that consumers should look for: availability, integrity, and confidentiality.
Note: The Ethereum Name Service (ENS) functions similarly to the DNS system of the internet, which enables users to identify websites using names rather than numbers. However, it should be understood that ENS is not intended to replace DNS but rather to function in conjunction with it.
What is the difference between ENS and DNS?
The centralization of DNS on the web results in domain censorship, persistent hacking, website seizure, and ongoing government surveillance.
For example: Coinnounce is a distinctive and simple-to-remember domain name that belongs to the top-level domain www.coinnounce.com. However, it needs centralized permission and is resistant to control because it might be removed if the centralized server was so chosen and got .com comes with renewal charges and subscriptions.
For instance: coinnounce.web3 is an abbreviation for web3 of the future decentralized web. ENS domains do not require any centralized permissions because once created, the user is the sole controller and manager of the domain name, removing the possibility of third-party involvement where even the provider may meddle. It also comes with lifetime ownership and no renewal fees or subscription charges for the user.
As a result, ENS overcomes the core challenges of Blockchain and enables consumers to adopt the new wave of technology and domain names.
Here are the Top 8 Web3 or NFT Domain Name Registrars in 2022:
1. Quik.com
A Quik.com domain is more advanced and feature-rich in the decentralized environment since it may be kept in the user's wallet and has a user-friendly interface and Quik API that incorporates various capabilities for users to easily change the domain information and its use cases.
With a safe, rapid, and simple transaction procedure, Quik.com's blockchain protocols ERC-721, ERC-1155, and BEP-721, BEP-1155 enable a better-decentralized feature for its users.
The blockchain service is supported by the Ethereum network-based Quik.com domains, which are now also compatible with several cryptocurrencies like BTC, ETH, SOL, DOGE, BNB, and LTC, making it even more user-friendly and offering a wider range of connections.
Along with its top-notch web3 domains, which have already established themselves as the top critics' pick for their trendy elements that meet the majority of the industry's expectations, Quik.com also has several features planned for its users.
Benefits:
With Quik.com encouraging even regular people to use their services and build their existence on the decentralized space, which is also new to the tech giants, Quik users can access the convenient gateway to the web3, or the developing decentralized web, with several perks.
- One-time minting with a lifetime ownership
- No renewal fees.
- The royalty is 5-10% over every subsequent sale.
- Users can also buy Quik tokens.
- Additionally, it offers consumers all the paperwork and documentation required to protect their privacy and the integrity of the process.
Fact:
Quik.com is producing the most sought-after .web3 domain names, allowing consumers to buy the best names that they can subsequently resell or use to develop a hip decentralized experience.
Visit the website here (1).
2. ENS Domains
An ENS domain is an exclusive, enduring, and decentralized way to identify a blockchain address. These domains are kept on the Ethereum Name Service (ENS), a decentralized platform that enables the registration, resolution, and transfer of ENS domains.
Due to the integration of the ENS with the Ethereum Blockchain, ENS domain names are registered on the Ethereum blockchain and can be used to transmit and receive ETH and other Ethereum-based tokens.
Benefits:
Users can utilize ENS domains with multiple DNS names, including .com, .org, .io, .xyz, .art, and .app, and with ENS, they also receive the.ETH suffix in addition to full security benefits.
- Easy-to-remember and easy-to-shareable
- A way of supporting the Ethereum network
- A custom domain name could be used for an Ethereum address.
- Separate each Ethereum address's domain name.
Fact:
Effectively utilizing an ENS domain can result in a brief, memorable name that is also simple to type and recall. Additionally, employing a .com or .net extension can help ensure that potential clients can readily find the website.
Visit the website here (2).
3. Unstoppable Domains
The Unstoppable Domain name can be used by users as their login on numerous websites and applications, as well as their website URL and wallet payment address.
Users won't have any issues using Unstoppable blockchain domains because these domains support browsers including Opera, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Brave.
Benefits:
Unstoppable Domains also supports several applications, such as
- Chainlink
- Bitcoin.com Wallet
- Coinbase Wallet
- Rainbow Wallet
- MyEtherWallet
- Trust Wallet
- The Graph
- BRD
It also supports a wide variety of different applications. With all the advantages of using these web3 domains, consumers won't ever have to worry about transferring money to the incorrect address.
Fact:
Users only need to make the payment once, and they can use it forever. It functions similarly to cryptocurrencies, so users can hold the domain in their wallet to prevent access by anybody other than the owner. Additionally, users can access the services using apps for iOS and Android.
Visit the website here (3).
4. Handshake Domains
When two parties exchange information, they use a handshake domain. The most common application for a handshake domain is for a website's domain because when a user visits a website, their computer sends a request to the server that hosts the website, and the server then sends back the website's content.
The handshake domain is used to exchange information and the content of the website.
Benefits:
Handshake domains are a brand-new class of domains created to be more private and secure than conventional domains.
- The easy-to-use interface that makes finding and registering domains more convenient.
- Increased privacy and security
- Improvised user experience
- Lower costs
Fact:
A user may want to consider the handshake domain if they want a safer and more private way to browse the internet or communicate with others online.
Visit the website here (4).
5. PeerName
PeerName provides a web-based interface so users may register domain names with simplicity. All domains are also stored in cold storage, which is separate from computers and the internet.
Users may trust PeerName since their domains are safe because it helps protect them from theft and attack.
Benefits:
- Absolute ownership of the web3 domains.
- Better and more secure communications
- Hidden owner name service
- It relies on offline transactions with verified signatures for domain renewal and registration.
Since utilizing PeerName is free for the first year, users can request the transfer whenever they wish. Additionally, it offers blockchain-related names like .bit, .coin, .bazar, .emc, .lib, and .onion.
Fact:
Users can either launch a domain for a lifetime for $399 or register their domain as a renewal service for .bit for $13.99/year.
Visit the website here (5).
6. NameCoin
Improved DNS and digital identity technologies, as well as privacy, security, and software quality, are all provided by NameCoin.
It was the first blockchain domain registrar. NameCoin was the first fork of Bitcoin, and it was one of the earliest altcoins. It is hoped that doing away with centralized rules, it will make the user experience safer and more decentralized.
Benefits:
When using the .bit top-level domain or the .onion domain, these are censorship-resistant domain registries that enable users to browse other websites and conduct transactions using the NMC cryptocurrency.
Fact:
Its primary goal is to completely decentralize the web using Bitcoin technology to prevent governments, organizations, and businesses from censoring and hijacking domains, NameCoins allows users to create domain names ending in .bit rather than.com.
Visit the website here (6).
7. Emercoin
Emercoin provides EmerDNS, which is a fully decentralized feature that is immune to censorship and forbids other users from editing a user's record.
Additionally, websites are quickly resolved with the aid of numerous browser extensions via OpenNIC servers or proxies, limiting the user's ability to modify the content just when necessary.
Benefits:
- The whole range of DNS records is supported by EmerDNS.
- It operates under the DNS service.
- Due to its blockchain, domain name records are uncensorable and decentralized.
Additionally, the user will be the only one in control of the private key associated with the payment address, allowing them to execute the name update and name new commands through the Emercoin API. Additionally, it gives them the option to stop all domain names from being suspended or revoked.
Fact:
Emercoin is accessible on Linux, macOS, and Windows, as well as through mobile devices.
Visit the website here (7).
8. Blockstack
As the Blockchain Naming System is a network system that does not depend on central control points in tying stacks of usernames with the off-chain state, Blockstack or Stack enables users to explore a variety of options and embrace technology.
Additionally, the Stacks blockchain guarantees that every node's BNS view is synchronized to every node worldwide.
Benefits:
As it is served on a first-come, first-served basis and, unlike DNS, once a user owns a blockchain domain name, they own it forever. Anyone can construct a unique namespace and set its unique features.
- Unique to prevent name overlapping.
- It enables access to make modifications.
- Domain names are more unique and, with the trend,
Fact:
In addition to learning about NFTs and their distinguishing characteristics, users may encounter the same inquiries in each node and receive unique and strongly owned domains that are owned, maintained, and controlled by the user themselves.
Visit the website here (8).
Web3 domains are the future
Web3 domains are a step in the right direction for making blockchain engagement more user-friendly, as their use and rising popularity may soon lead to an increase in web3 domain names, much like how we no longer need IP addresses to use the internet.
Due to Web3 hosting, businesses will become more accessible and user-focused. It will also pave the way for blockchain, and in the future, people, apps, and websites will use these blockchain-based Web3 domains to give users access to the decentralized web.