Google recently announced that they”ll be shutting down their Google Domains domain registration service in 2023. For many users this will come as an inconvenience, since Google Domains provided a simple and affordable way to purchase and manage custom domain names.
The good news is that there are several other excellent domain registrars to choose from. In this post, I’ll compare some of the top options and make recommendations for the best Google Domains alternatives based on factors like pricing, features, and ease of use.
Why is Google Domains shutting down?
In a surprising turn of events, Google announced that Google Domains would be “winding down following a transition period.” The decision comes as Squarespace has entered into an asset purchase agreement with Google to acquire the assets associated with the Google Domains business. This acquisition encompasses approximately 10 million domains that were hosted on Google Domains, serving millions of customers.
Google’s decision to sell the Google Domains registrar business, which had been a significant advocate for HTTPS and top-level domains (TLDs) since its launch in 2014, was driven by their “efforts to sharpen our focus.” The service had only exited its beta phase in 2022. This move aligns with Google’s broader strategy to optimize resource allocation, and it offers a more structured transition for users rather than abruptly discontinuing the service.
Unfortunately, Domains is just another one of Google’s great but short-lived projects to bite the dust. However, it will make way for one or more competitors to pick up the pieces, including the following.
Alternative Domain Registrars to Google Domains
Namecheap – It’s In The Name
Key Features:
- Wide variety of TLDs
- Premium DNS with 100% uptime guarantee
- Free domain name and migration service
- “Beast Mode” bulk domain search tool
Why We Chose Namecheap
Namecheap lives up to its name by offering domains at affordable rates, often beating out even Google Domains. Its easy-to-use interface, coupled with free WHOIS privacy protection on all domains makes it a hassle-free experience. It also offers additional services like email forwarding, URL redirection, and basic website building tools for those looking to do more than just register a domain.
As of 2023, it offers .COM domains for as low as $5.98 for the first year, with a renewal price of $13.98. Given the additional features like free WhoisGuard and their reputation for reliable service, Namecheap offers great value for domain registration.
Who It’s For
With its budget-friendly pricing and no-frills approach, Namecheap is ideal for individuals, small businesses, and developers who want a reliable domain registrar without extra bells and whistles. If you have multiple domains to migrate from Google and want the process to be simple and affordable, Namecheap is a great option to consider.
Cloudflare – No-Markup Pricing on Domains
Key Info:
- Renowned for security and transparency
- Free WHOIS privacy protection
- No markup on domain registration (sold at-cost), but you must use Cloudflare as your authoritative DNS provider
- Integrated with Cloudflare’s suite of web performance and security tools
Why We Chose Cloudflare
While you may know Cloudflare primarily for its other services, it also offers domain registration with a focus on transparency and security. The company is the backbone of much of the internet, and have proven themselves as bona fide web and cybersecurity badasses over the years, offering many cool tools such as free CDNs for websites, the free, fast, and private 1.1.1.1 DNS directory service, and plenty more. As you can tell, I’m a fan.
Cloudflare’s domain registration service is built with privacy in mind, offering WHOIS privacy protection for free. In line with their reputation, Cloudflare Registrar offers domain registration with transparent, no-markup pricing. This means customers pay exactly what Cloudflare pays to the domain registry, without any additional fees. However, it’s worth noting that Cloudflare’s domain registration service is only available to those who use Cloudflare for their DNS.
Who It’s For
Cloudflare is best suited for tech-savvy individuals and businesses that prioritize security and performance. If you’re already using or considering using Cloudflare’s other services, their domain registration offering becomes even more appealing. However, if you’re looking for a standalone domain registrar without the need for additional services, Cloudflare won’t be the best fit.
SquareSpace – Google’s Choice
Key Features:
- Seamless domain integration with its website builder
- Free SSL certificate for every domain
- Included WHOIS privacy
- Buying all existing domains from Google, so you can do nothing and migrate here if you prefer
Why We Chose Squarespace
Over the years, Squarespace has built a reputation for being a user-friendly website builder with professional-looking templates. However, Squarespace isn’t just a website builder; it’s also a robust domain registrar. They offer a seamless domain registration experience, allowing users to purchase and manage domains directly within their platform. This integration means you don’t have to juggle between multiple platforms or services. Additionally, their transparent pricing and the inclusion of SSL certificates with every domain make them a top choice.
It’s also where existing Google Domains users will be transferred to following the deal between the two parties closing, so you can just leave things be if you’re happy with the choice.
The main downside is that SquareSpace has significantly higher pricing than Google Domains. At the time of writing, an identical .COM domain on Google is $12 (including free WHOIS privacy protection), compared to $20 on SquareSpace. If you have one or many domains that you know you’ll want to keep for the next few years, it’s worth extending your registration while you’re still with Google Domains to ensure you lock in the lower pricing there.
Who It’s For
Squarespace is a great choice for beginners looking to build their first site; especially for individuals and businesses who would like to combine website building and domain registration under one roof. If you value aesthetics, ease of use, and a unified platform for both your website and domain needs, Squarespace is a solid choice.
It’s also a decent option if you’ve already paid for your domains for the next few years and don’t mind too much where they’re hosted. Simply do nothing and you’ll be migrated here, you can always reconsider migrating nearer to your renewal date!
