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What Are Onchain Domains? Why They're the Future of Digital Identity

Web3Build Onchain

Curious about onchain domains? Discover how blockchain-based domains are changing digital identity, online ownership, and the future of the internet.

Introduction: The New Frontier of the Internet

Onchain domains might sound like deep tech, but the idea is simple—and useful. These are not your typical ".com" or ".net" names managed by registrars. Onchain domains live on a blockchain, which means you control them with your wallet, not a company, and they’re far harder to censor or take down.

Whether you’re into crypto, NFTs, Web3, or just like trying new things on the internet, onchain domains can be a practical step toward owning your online identity. Here’s what they are, how they work, and why they matter.

What Exactly Is an Onchain Domain?

An onchain domain is a domain name (for example, yourname.crypto or yourname.eth) stored directly on a blockchain instead of the traditional DNS system.

That means it is:

  • decentralized (not controlled by ICANN or a registrar)
  • owned by you (secured by your crypto wallet)
  • censorship-resistant
  • tradable like an NFT

You can think of it as your Web3 username, digital identity, wallet alias, and website address rolled into one.

Onchain Domains vs. Traditional Domains

Feature Traditional Domain Onchain Domain
Ownership Rented Owned outright
Censorship Can be taken down Censorship-resistant
Use Cases Website URLs Websites, wallets, NFTs, dApps
Control Managed by registrars Controlled via smart contracts
Payment Annual fees Often one-time purchase

Traditional domains are like renting an apartment. Onchain domains are closer to owning a home—you have more control, fewer intermediaries, and additional ways to use the asset.

Here are a few well-known options:

  1. Basenames (Base)

    • Built on the ENS protocol, fully onchain, and deployed on Base
    • Use as your onchain identity across Base apps; works across EVM chains
    • Annual pricing by length (example): 3 chars 0.1 ETH, 4 chars 0.01 ETH, 5–9 chars 0.001 ETH, 10+ chars 0.0001 ETH
    • Some users may qualify for a free or discounted first-year name (see eligibility)
    • Learn more: Basenames on Base

  2. Unstoppable Domains

    • Extensions like .crypto, .wallet, .nft, and more
    • One-time purchase, no renewals
    • Supported by hundreds of apps and wallets
    • Learn more: Unstoppable Domains

  3. Ethereum Name Service (ENS)

    • The standard for .eth names
    • Runs on Ethereum and widely used for wallet naming and identity
    • Learn more: ENS

  4. SPACE ID

    • Supports .bnb and .arb domains
    • Integrated with Binance and Arbitrum ecosystems
    • Learn more: SPACE ID

Each has trade-offs depending on chain preferences, pricing, renewals, and ecosystem support.

Build on Base with Onchainsite

Onchainsite is built on Base. If you’re claiming a Basename, you can use it as your identity when you publish with Onchainsite—linking wallet addresses, profile data, and a homepage so people can reach you more easily. It’s a simple way to align your domain, identity, and site on the same L2.

Key Benefits of Onchain Domains

1. True Ownership

Once a domain is minted to your wallet, it’s yours. There isn’t a centralized registrar that can suspend it arbitrarily.

2. Censorship Resistance

Because ownership is recorded on a blockchain, it’s difficult for third parties to take down or seize names. This is useful for creators, activists, and anyone who wants more control over their presence.

3. Multi-Functionality

You can:

  • replace long wallet addresses with readable names
  • use it as a Web3 username
  • launch decentralized websites
  • link NFTs, social profiles, and other onchain data

4. No Renewals (in many systems)

Some providers offer a one-time purchase model with no yearly fees. Others (like many .eth names) still use renewals—so check the model before you buy.

5. Tradability

Names can be transferred or sold like NFTs, and rare names can become valuable.

How Do Onchain Domains Work?

Most onchain domains are represented as smart contracts or NFTs. When someone resolves your name, a decentralized resolution service returns the associated data—such as a wallet address, IPFS content hash, or records you set.

In short, it’s a more programmable and portable way to map human-readable names to onchain and offchain resources.

Real-World Use Cases

  • alice.eth used as a wallet alias for receiving payments
  • niftynft.crypto pointing to a decentralized storefront hosted on IPFS
  • A pseudonymous identity for a journalist who wants stronger control over their presence
  • A musician linking their domain to an onchain catalog and social profiles

SEO and Branding Impact

Search engines are only beginning to index decentralized content. For now, the most reliable approach is to use your onchain domain in branding and redirect it to a conventional site if needed. Early adopters still gain a clear recognition and positioning advantage in crypto and Web3 circles.

Risks and Considerations

  • Not fully supported across all browsers and devices
  • Phishing and impersonation are real risks—verify records and links
  • Gas fees can spike during network congestion
  • Some domains (e.g., many .eth names) require renewals
  • If you lose your wallet keys, you can lose access to the domain

Store recovery info securely and double-check provider terms before buying.

How to Get Your First Onchain Domain

  1. Choose a platform (if you’re building on Base, consider Basenames)
  2. Connect your wallet (for example, MetaMask)
  3. Search for an available name
  4. Purchase the domain (watch gas fees)
  5. Mint it to your wallet and configure records

Optional next steps:

  • Link wallet addresses for multiple chains
  • Set up a decentralized website (for example, via IPFS)
  • Transfer or sell it later

FAQs

Q: Are onchain domains safe to use?
A: Yes—provided you secure your wallet and use reputable providers.

Q: Can I use an onchain domain like a regular URL?
A: Some browsers resolve certain extensions natively or via plugins, but support is not universal yet.

Q: Are onchain domains indexed by Google?
A: Indexing for decentralized content is evolving. You can still benefit by using your domain in branding and redirects.

Q: Do I need crypto to buy an onchain domain?
A: Typically yes—ETH, MATIC, BNB, or the token relevant to the platform you choose.

Final Thoughts

Onchain domains represent a step toward user-owned identity and portable reputation on the internet. As Web3 tooling matures, expect better browser support, simpler onboarding, and more ways to connect your name to apps, payments, and content.

If you want to keep tabs on the space, follow projects like ENS, Unstoppable Domains, and Namebase. Owning your name is a small move that can pay long-term dividends as the web continues to evolve.