ETH Domains Explained: What Are They and How Do They Work?

.Eth domains explained

What are ETH Domains?

Ethereum name service (ENS) also known as ETH domains are domain names that are  blockchain-based and have the extension.eth. Essentially, these domains are  registered on the Ethereum blockchain and enable you to convert your long and often confusing crypto wallet addresses into easy-to-remember names such  as john.eth or wallet.eth. 

With an ETH domain, users can simply enter their custom .eth username to conduct transactions, host websites, and use decentralized applications, eliminating the need to retype or screenshot lengthy wallet addresses.

How ETH Domains Work

In two words: Smart contracts. 

Here’s how it works:

  1. When you buy an ETH domain it is minted as an NFT (Non-Fungible Token) using the ERC-721 standard.
  2. The domain is linked to your wallet, enabling crypto transactions, dApp logins, and decentralized identities.
  3. ENS domains can be extended for additional use cases, such as linking IPFS websites, verifying ownership, and sending or receiving assets.

Use-cases for ETH Domains

  • Simplify Crypto Transactions – Replace long, complex wallet addresses with an easy-to-read name like yourname.eth to send and receive cryptocurrencies easily.
  • Host Decentralized Websites – Link your domain to IPFS or other decentralized storage networks to create censorship-resistant websites.
  • Decentralized Identity – Use your domain as your Web3 identity for logging into dApps, managing NFTs, and verifying ownership.

However, ETH domains aren’t perfect. For starters, they are only compatible with the Ethereum blockchain. Meaning if you want to send your Solana over to buy memecoins, it’s not going to work. Secondly, they have renewal fees that may increase over time. Last but not least, users cannot customize their top-level domains (TLDs), which is the last segment of a domain name. That means all ENS/ETH Domains must end in “.eth.” 

But don’t worry, for those of you who like being able to customize your TLD, thankfully, there is a solution. 

Keep reading. 

Freename Domains: Flexible, Customizable, and Profitable

Freename.io offers an alternative to ENS domains, allowing users to buy Web3 domains and create custom TLDs like .blockchain or .metaverse. Once registered, TLDs are owned for life without renewal fees. You can earn up to 50% of registration fees through a royalty program whenever someone purchases a Second-Level Domain under your TLD. You can finally stop being in debt to your domain, and flip it the other way around, having it earn money for you while you sleep! 

Key Features of Freename Domains

  • Custom TLDs – Instead of being restricted to “.eth,” Freename lets you create your own TLDs like .yourname or .yourbrand. You can even use numbers and emojis.
  • Multi-Blockchain Support – Mint domains on multiple chains, including Polygon, Binance Smart Chain, Cronos, and Aurora.
  • No Renewal Fees – Once purchased, Freename domains are yours forever.
  • Passive Income with Royalties – Earn 50% revenue whenever someone buys a domain under your TLD.

Examples of Freename TLDs

  1. .realestate – Ideal for businesses or projects in the real estate sector. Register domains like listings.realestate or viewings.realestate to showcase real estate listings and property services.
  2. .stake – Perfect for crypto wallets, exchanges, and trading platforms. Use domains like wallet.stake or trade.stake to simplify transactions.
  3. .nftworld – Tailored for NFT marketplaces or artists. Domains such as art.nftworld or gallery.nftworld create branding opportunities.

TLDR: Freename.io or ETH Domains?

Here’s a quick breakdown of the side-by-side comparison of ENS domains and Freename.io domains, here you go:

FeatureENS DomainsFreename Domains
Customizable TLD OptionsNo (Only “.eth”)Yes (You can create unique TLDs)
Renewal FeesYesNo (One-time payment)
Blockchain SupportEthereum onlyMulti-chain (Polygon, BSC, Cronos, Aurora)
Passive IncomeNoYes (50% royalty earnings from TLD sales)
Ownership ModelNFT-basedNFT-based with enhanced customization

Passive Income

One additional benefit of using a Freename.io domain is that you can earn passive income by creating and owning your own Top-Level Domains (TLDs), such as .stake or .metaverse. Once registered, TLDs are owned for life with no renewal fees. Users can enable a royalty program, earning 50% of registration fees every time someone buys a Second-Level Domain (SLD) under their TLD. With customizable reseller pages and multi-blockchain support, meaning users can monetize their domains indefinitely, turning them into profitable, decentralized assets in the rapidly evolving Web3 ecosystem.

Conclusion

The TLDR of ETH domains is that they simplify your ETH wallet addresses down to a simple and easy-to-remember domain name that enhances integration with decentralized apps on Ethereum. Their main use cases besides a shorter ETH address, include hosting websites, and establishing your digital identity. However, ETH domains come with some drawbacks like renewal fees, limited customization, and usability confined to Ethereum. If that’s a problem for you, an alternative is Freename.io, as they provide customizable TLDs, lifetime ownership with no renewal fees, and income potential through royalties. The Web3 domain space offers a wealth of possibilities, whether you want a basic ETH domain or to create and monetize your own TLD, the choice is ultimately yours.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are ETH domains? ETH domains are domain names on the Ethereum blockchain that end in “.eth.” such as “John.eth” or “Gallery.Eth”. They simplify wallet addresses and can be used as a way of showcasing your digital identity on social platforms like X.

Are ETH domains worth it? They can be if you mainly use cryptocurrencies on the Ethereum blockchain. Otherwise, Freename.io offers more options and the potential to earn income from your domain.

How much does an ETH domain cost? ETH domain prices depend on many factors, but primarily it comes down to two things: Length and Demand. The domains with three characters can cost around $640 annually, while domains with four characters cost almost $160 per year and ENS domains with five or more characters can cost only $5 annually + gas fees.

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How does it work?

Accordingly to the day when you will finalise your purchase, you have the right to receive from 1 to 3 NFT Domains for FREE!

Once you have completed your order, within 48h you will automatically receive on www.freename.io platform, in your personal area “portfolio” the randomly assigned NFT Domain/s.

You can chose on which blockchain you want to mint on and minting fee is covered by Freename!

HOW TO USE COUPONS:

Once you have added your favorite items to the cart, you proceed to “checkout” and add your coupon to the “coupon box”.

Said coupon will instantly do its magic and your due total will drop!

COUPON CODE CAN ONLY BE USED ONCE!
ENJOY YOUR SHOPPING AND GIFTS!

How does it work?

Once you have completed your order, you will automatically receive on www.freename.io platform, in your personal area “portfolio” the randomly assigned NFT Domain value $50 or if you’re lucky a randomly assigned TLD with value $699 (between these: .immersive; .multiverse; .freelancer; .cashback; .hologram)

you can chose on which blockchain you want to mint your NFT Domain/TLD on and minting fee is covered by Freename!

GOOD LUCK!

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Why do i Need a Wallet?

Freename domains are blockchain-based assets and would be minted and stored using a wallet. Users are required to mint and manage their domains using a Metamask or Coinbase-configured wallet. It must be a non-custodial wallet, meaning that one must own the private keys to the wallet in order to approve transactions via a signature.

To benefit from Freename Web 3 domains/TLDs, you must have a wallet. This is because Web 3 domains/TLDs are blockchain-based assets. Users can mint and manage their domains using Metamask or Coinbase-configured wallets.

Keep in mind that it must be a non-custodial wallet. You own the private keys to the wallet (in order to approve transactions via a signature).

Are the Domains Associated with ICANN?

ICANN does not manage freename.io domains. Freename.io believes their TLDs/domains must allow customers to operate independently. Freename.io wants to build a utility infrastructure, allowing customers to use their services for valuable and generative purposes. By leveraging blockchain technology, Freename Web 3 domains/TLDs have no centralized authority imposing rules and regulations.

What is a Wallet?

Every blockchain user requires a wallet in order to interact with the network. A wallet is essentially an account on the blockchain where transactions can be sent and received. It is also where one can store blockchain assets such as cryptocurrency or NFTs (non-fungible tokens). There is no personal information associated with a wallet and none is required to create one. A wallet consists of a public key and a private key. The public key can be safely shared with anyone who wishes to send assets to the corresponding wallet, however, the private key should not be shared and is the key to accessing the wallet in the event where access is lost or to create another instance.

A crypto wallet (cryptocurrency wallet) is software or hardware that enables users to store and use cryptocurrency. With cryptocurrencies, there isn’t any actual money to carry around in a wallet. They exist on the blockchain. Similarly to traditional bank transfers, crypto wallets enable users to send and receive cryptocurrencies, NFTs, etc.

A wallet consists of a public key and a private key. To receive assets, you share your public key associated with your wallet. You should NEVER share your private key.

How do i Claim my Earnings from Freename

ou can withdraw revenues generated passively through a cryptocurrency transfer. Connect your cryptocurrency wallet and, once your withdrawal request is confirmed, the desired amount is pulled from Freename’s reserves and conveniently delivered to you!

Claim your earnings by following these steps:

  1. Connect your cryptocurrency wallet to Freename.io
  2. Request a withdrawal
  3. Receive request confirmation
  4. Receive withdrawal directly to your wallet.

Can i Transfer Domains?

Yes. The domain is stored in your cryptocurrency wallet and can be transferred by you after you have minted it. Access your portfolio, select the TLD or Domain you wish to transfer and type the recipient’s address. Afterwards, you must paste the OTP code you received by mail to confirm the transaction. Keep in mind that currently, it is not possible to import the domain that has been transferred, but it will be possible soon!

Yes. Domains are transferable ONLY after a TLD/domain has been minted and stored in a user’s wallet.

To transfer the TLD (or domain), the user must:

  • Access their wallet
  • Select the item they want to transfer
  • Enter the recipient’s address.
  • Confirm the transaction by pasting the OTP received by email

In the future, Freename.io will support importing domains that have been transferred.

What about Trademarks?

Registering a trademark on your Freename Web3 TLD will allow you to protect your web3 TLD and your logo worldwide juridically.

From the moment you deposit a trademark request, your web3 TLD will be protected worldwide for 6 months awaiting for the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property (IGE.ch) to confirm and register the availability of your TLD.****

A trademark is any symbol, phrase, or word that allows customers to identify a company’s goods or services. Freename is a web3 domain/TLD provider that also provides trademark registration.

A user must reach out to the trademark department to register a trademark. To get your trademark filed for review at the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property, a user must provide the following:

  1. Complete a Know your customer (KYC)
  2. A list of TLDs they wish to trademark
  3. Proof of payment

Once these conditions are met, it takes one week for the trademark to be reviewed and logo/TLDs to be provided with six months of worldwide protection.

Is Minting the same as Buying?

Purchasing a TLD (or domain) on Freename and minting it on the blockchain are two distinct steps. When you purchase a TLD (or domain), the transaction is recorded in Freename’s database and not on the blockchain. Minting a TLD (or domain) on the blockchain requires a second step: log into the user’s personal area, select the TLD (or domain) and press “mint TLD” (or domain): done! Don’t worry, once you have purchased a Freename domain, no one can take it away from you!

No. Buying and Minting a TLD/domain are two different things.**

Buying **is the process of recording a transaction on Freename’s database and not on the blockchain.

Minting is the process of pushing a user’s domain from Freename.io data onto the public ledger of a blockchain and into a user’s wallet. Giving the user full control over the TLD/domain.

It is very easy to mint a domain/TLD once you purchase it. Simply:

  • Log into your personal area
  • Select the TLD (or domain)
  • Press “mint TLD” (or domain)

What is Domain Minting?

Minting is the process of publishing a Freename domain (or TLD) on the blockchain via your wallet to gain full custody of the domain. This means that the only person that has control over the domain (or TLD) is the person who controls (has access to) the wallet.

Minting is the process of pushing a user’s domain from Freename.io data onto the public ledger of a blockchain and into a user’s wallet. Giving the user full ownership over the domain.

Minting on Freename.io is as simple as the following steps:

  1. Go to the Freename.io website
  2. Enter the TLD/domain you want to buy in the search bar
  3. Add the TLD/domain to your cart
  4. Go to checkout
  5. Create a Freename.io account
  6. Purchase the TLD/domain with cryptocurrency or a credit card
  7. Go to “portfolio and incomes.”
  8. Click on mint TLD/domain

Which domains are Protected?

Protected domains and TLDs are domains and TLDs that we’ve detected are associated with a brand, organization, or notable person. We believe it is important to increase adoption for the next generation of the internet by helping to onboard brands into the Web3 era. If you are interested in applying for a Protected domain, please contact us.

TLDs/Domains associated with a notable person, brand or organization are considered Protected Domains. Protected domains help onboard brands in Web 3 increasing adoption. Protected domains also protect users from others impersonating/stealing their domains.

Reach out to Freename.io to apply for a protected domain.

Why use Freename?

Freename domains are unique by their very nature: only with Freename you can register domains with unique TLDs for your digital identity while passively earning money!

Freename.io is not only the leading TLD and Domains platform in Web 3, but also lets users generate passive income!

Owning a Freename Web 3 TLD entitles users to receive passive income whenever a domain is bought on their TLD. Users can register and mint TLD/domains of their choice if available.

What is a Domain?

A domain name is a string of letters and/or numbers that points to the IP address of the corresponding website. Generally, it is easier to remember a name than a long string of numbers.

A domain name is an address that people type into a browser bar to find a website. It consists of a Top-Level Domain (TLD), everything that comes after the dot, and the Second-Level Domain (SLD), everything that comes before the dot.

For example, “Freename.io” is the domain name, “Freename” is the SLD and “io” is the TLD.

Which Chains are Supported?

Freename has a multi-chain approach. You can choose on which Blockchain to mint your Web3 Domains and TLDs ranging Among Polygon, Cronos, and Binance.

A user can mint a Freename.io domain/TLD on the following blockchains:

  • Polygon
  • Cronos
  • Binance

Freename plans to expand its multi-chain approach by adding blockchains upon which domains can be minted.

Are there Renewal Fees?

No! Once you’ve bought a Freename Domain or TLD, it’s yours forever, no renewal fees ever!

No. There are no renewal fees on Freename.io. Once a user has paid a one-time payment for a domain/TLD, they own it. Forever.

This is the significant advantage of Web 3 domain/TLD over traditional alternatives.

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