Best 5 Blockchain Domain Extensions
Blockchain domain extensions represent a major shift in how digital identity works online. Unlike traditional domains, which users rent annually through centralized registrars, blockchain domains function as permanent, on-chain assets, fully eliminating yearly renewal costs. Once purchased, they belong to the owner indefinitely; no recurring fees, no risk of expiration, and no intermediary controlling access.
This has created an entirely new category of digital real estate. Some domain extensions have become synonymous with specific communities or use cases, while others offer broader utility across multiple blockchain ecosystems.
Choosing the right extension depends on the intended purpose, whether that's building a Web3 identity or creating a payment address that's easy to remember in decentralized spaces.
The five extensions covered here, whether created by users on platforms, i.e., Freename, or established by naming protocols like ENS, each serve distinct audiences and use cases within the blockchain domain landscape.
What Are Blockchain Domain Extensions?
Blockchain domain extensions are Top-Level Domains (TLDs) that exist on blockchain networks rather than within the traditional DNS system managed by ICANN. They're minted as NFTs or smart contract records, giving owners verifiable and transferable ownership.
These extensions are multipurpose: replacing long wallet addresses with human-readable names, creating decentralized websites that can't be censored or taken down, establishing Web3 identity across applications, and even receiving cryptocurrency payments through simple, memorable addresses.
Unlike Web2 domains, where ICANN controls all TLDs and registrars simply resell second-level domains, some Web3 domain registrars allow users to own entire extensions. This creates a revenue opportunity; TLD owners can sell domains under their extension and collect royalties on every registration.
Different blockchain ecosystems have adopted different naming standards. Ethereum Name Service (ENS) popularized .eth. Unstoppable Domains introduced extensions like .crypto and .nft. And Freename with multi-chain support and user-owned TLDs, allowing anyone to create and monetize their own extension.
The 5 Best Blockchain Domain Extensions
1. .hodl
.hodl is a domain extension that resonates with everyone passionate about crypto. The term "HODL" originated from a misspelled forum post during Bitcoin's early days and has since become shorthand for long-term holding strategies, particularly during market volatility.
Best for: Cryptocurrency investors, traders, and anyone building a brand around crypto holding strategies or investment education.
Strengths: Instant recognition within crypto communities. A .hodl domain signals participation in crypto culture and aligns with long-term investment philosophy. It works well for portfolio trackers, investment DAOs, crypto education platforms, or personal brands focused on market analysis.
2. .token
.token offers broad utility across the entire tokenization landscape, from fungible tokens (ERC-20, BEP-20) to NFTs and governance tokens.
This domain extension scales well because tokenization continues expanding beyond cryptocurrencies into real-world assets, gaming items, loyalty programs, and fractional ownership models.
Best for: Token projects, DeFi protocols, NFT collections, and tokenization platforms.
Strengths: Generic enough to work across multiple use cases while remaining specific to blockchain technology. A project launching a governance token could use projectname.token as its primary Web3 identity. NFT collections can create holder-exclusive spaces at collection.token. DeFi platforms can simplify their branding with protocol.token.
3. .chain
.chain positions itself as infrastructure-focused, appealing to blockchain networks, cross-chain protocols, and projects building the foundational layer of Web3. As more blockchains launch and interoperability becomes critical, .chain maintains relevance.
Best for: Blockchain networks, Layer 2 solutions, cross-chain bridges, infrastructure providers, and developer tools.
Strengths: Technical credibility. Using .chain immediately communicates that a project operates at the protocol or infrastructure level rather than the application layer. It works for networks launching their own blockchain (networkname.chain), interoperability solutions connecting multiple chains (bridge.chain), or developer tooling that supports multi-chain development.
4. .metaverse
.metaverse targets virtual worlds, gaming platforms, and immersive digital experiences.
Best for: Metaverse platforms, virtual real estate projects, gaming guilds, VR/AR applications, and digital fashion brands.
Strengths: Clear association with virtual worlds and digital economies. As metaverse platforms continue developing, .metaverse domains can serve as entry points to virtual spaces, identities within games, or brands operating across multiple metaverse environments.
The extension works particularly well for projects where the virtual experience is central to the value proposition. Gaming guilds can organize under guild.metaverse. Virtual real estate developers can market properties through estate.metaverse. Fashion brands creating digital wearables can establish a presence at brand.metaverse.
5. .eth
.eth remains the most established blockchain domain extension, launched by Ethereum Name Service in 2017.
Best for: Ethereum-focused projects, DeFi protocols on Ethereum, NFT artists and collectors, and anyone deeply embedded in the Ethereum ecosystem.
Strengths: Network effects and widespread integration. Thousands of applications already support .eth resolution. Wallets display .eth names natively. The extension has become synonymous with Ethereum identity.
ENS domains also integrate with traditional DNS through a bridge, allowing .eth names to function like regular websites in some contexts. The infrastructure supporting .eth is mature, with robust tooling, established marketplaces, and deep liquidity for premium names.
The primary limitation is single-chain focus. While ENS has expanded to Layer 2 networks within the Ethereum ecosystem, .eth domains don't natively work across non-EVM chains.
How to Buy Blockchain Domain Extensions on Freename
Freename allows users to purchase both Top-Level Domains (TLDs) and Second-Level Domains (SLDs) with full on-chain ownership and no renewal requirements.
Step 1: Search for Your Domain or TLD
Go to Freename's search page and enter the desired keyword. The platform checks availability instantly across its registry. Searching can target either a complete TLD (like .hodl) or a second-level domain (like alice.hodl). If the name is available, purchase options appear immediately. If taken, Freename suggests alternatives.
Step 2: Select Your Blockchain
Freename supports multi-chain minting, allowing domains to be registered on multiple networks, including BSC, Polygon, Aurora, Solana, Base, Sei, Chiliz, and more supported Layer 1 or Layer 2 blockchains. The blockchain selection happens during checkout, allowing users to choose based on transaction costs, ecosystem preferences, or intended use cases.
Step 3: Configure Royalties (TLD Purchases Only)
When purchasing a TLD, Freename offers a royalty activation option. If enabled, the TLD owner receives 50% of revenue from every second-level domain sold under that extension, with Freename retaining the other 50%. If royalties remain inactive, Freename keeps 100% of downstream domain sales. This revenue-sharing model transforms TLDs into income-generating assets.
Step 4: Connect Your Wallet
Wallet connection supports MetaMask and WalletConnect-compatible wallets. Freename also offers a MetaMask Snap that enables native domain resolution directly within the wallet interface, allowing users to send crypto to .hodl or .token addresses without leaving the MetaMask interface.
Step 5: Complete the Transaction
Users can complete the purchase using crypto or a credit card, depending on preference. After the purchase appears in the user’s Freename account, the domain can be minted on-chain, which finalizes permanent domain ownership and removes the need for renewal fees.
Step 6: Access Management Tools
After purchase, Freename provides a dashboard with various capabilities, depending on the specific purchase.
For second-level domains, users can link domains to wallet addresses for payments, build decentralized websites, configure Web3 DNS settings, set up Web3 email, and use the domain as a portable identity across integrated platforms.
For TLDs, additional controls include pricing management for domains sold under the extension, royalty tracking and activation, registration monitoring, branding configuration, and tools for marketing and selling second-level domains.
Step 7: Cross-Chain Flexibility
Freename's Burn & Remint feature allows domain owners to transfer their domain to a different blockchain for a small fee. This addresses one of the major limitations in the blockchain domain space, being locked into a single network. Users can start on one chain and migrate if ecosystem dynamics shift or if another network becomes more suitable for their use case.
FAQs
What makes blockchain domains different from regular domains?
Blockchain domains are owned permanently as on-chain assets with no renewal fee, unlike traditional domains, which require annual payments to registrars. Blockchain domains also function as cryptocurrency payment addresses and can't be seized or censored by centralized authorities.
Can I use a blockchain domain as a regular website?
Yes, though it depends on the extension and registrar. Some blockchain domains can be configured to work with traditional browsers through DNS bridges, while others require Web3-enabled browsers or browser extensions. Freename provides tools for building decentralized websites on blockchain domains.
Do blockchain domains work across all cryptocurrencies?
Most blockchain domains can be configured to receive multiple cryptocurrencies. Users set up different wallet addresses for different currencies within their domain's settings, allowing one domain to serve as a payment address for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other supported assets.
How do Web3 domain registrars make money if there are no renewal fees?
Web3 domain registrars earn from initial domain sales. Platforms like Freename also offer revenue-sharing models where TLD owners can earn royalties on domains sold under their extension, with the platform taking a percentage of those sales.
Can I sell my blockchain domain after buying it?
Yes. Blockchain domains are transferable assets that can be sold on secondary marketplaces. Some registrars, including Freename, operate their own freename aftermarket where users can list domains for sale, with integrated analytics and valuation tools.
What happens if I lose access to my wallet?
Since blockchain domains are tied to wallet ownership, losing wallet access means losing domain control. This is identical to losing access to any cryptocurrency or NFT. Recovery depends on whether the wallet has backup phrases or recovery mechanisms in place.
Are .eth domains only for Ethereum?
.eth domains originated on Ethereum through ENS, but they can be configured to point to wallet addresses on other blockchains. However, the domain itself exists as an Ethereum-based asset, and most native integrations focus on the Ethereum ecosystem.
Can I create my own blockchain domain extension?
Yes, on platforms like Freename that allow TLD purchases. Buying a TLD gives full control over that extension, including the ability to sell second-level domains under it and earn royalties from those sales.