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:
- When you buy an ETH domain it is minted as an NFT (Non-Fungible Token) using the ERC-721 standard.
- The domain is linked to your wallet, enabling crypto transactions, dApp logins, and decentralized identities.
- 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
- .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.
- .stake – Perfect for crypto wallets, exchanges, and trading platforms. Use domains like wallet.stake or trade.stake to simplify transactions.
- .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:
Feature | ENS Domains | Freename Domains |
Customizable TLD Options | No (Only “.eth”) | Yes (You can create unique TLDs) |
Renewal Fees | Yes | No (One-time payment) |
Blockchain Support | Ethereum only | Multi-chain (Polygon, BSC, Cronos, Aurora) |
Passive Income | No | Yes (50% royalty earnings from TLD sales) |
Ownership Model | NFT-based | NFT-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.