Google Domains is a new domain registration service added by the company
Google Domains is a relatively new domain name registrar, which was first introduced in 2015. This new service by the giant Internet technology company promises price transparency and a professional look for its customers.
Just like other domain name registrars like Name.com, Cloudflare, OVH, or Namecheap, GD allows you to register a new domain and create a website, custom email account, and choose other extras.
However, as with every new product or service, it still has its advantages and disadvantages. Those who want to compare registrars to find the best one might consider reading the following Google Domains Review to get a more detailed analysis.
Google Domains review
Pricing
The best feature of Google Domains is the stability & transparency? initial and renewal prices are the same. For example, if you purchased the domain name for $12, you will continue to pay the same price second and third year.
Many registrars change the domain price back and forth according to extras you add or years you choose to own the domain. With Google, you won’t get any surprises as the price is one and easy to understand, including Premium features:
- Free Whois privacy;
- Free and easy to use DNSSEC;
- Google Cloud DNS;
- Domain and subdomain forwarding;
- Email forwarding;
- Google 2-Step Verification;
- 24/7 customer support;
- Favorite domain names you like for future purchases.
Below, you can find a table with fixed pricing information for Top-level domains at Google.
TLD | Price per year |
.com | $12 |
.net | $12 |
.org | $12 |
.biz | $15 |
.info | $12 |
.co.uk | $12 |
However, please pay attention that Google is offering the BETA version of domain registration services, despite being launched in 2015. Therefore, purchasing the desired website name isn’t available worldwide yet, which is a major con when compared to other registrars.
Currently, you can buy a domain only if your billing address is in one of the countries listed below. Otherwise, you can sign up for an alert when the service becomes available in your country.
- Australia;
- Brazil;
- Canada;
- France;
- Indonesia;
- India;
- Italy;
- Japan;
- Mexico;
- Netherlands;
- Spain;
- Thailand;
- USA;
- UK;
- Vietnam.
Domain name generator
Google Domains offers an easy-to-use domain name generator. The generator comes with three filters – you can choose to see available names only, choose preferred TLDs from more than 200 options, and set a price limit. Once you apply these filters, it will be extremely easy to find a great website name.
Please pay attention that certain domains will be marked with specific labels described below.
- More secure. It means that you’ll have to buy SSL before you launch a website.
- Premium. These domains are more expensive than the rest.
- Aftermarket. It means that the domain has already been purchased by someone and is now for sale. Therefore, you’ll have to pay a one-time fee which will be high (most likely), and then the regular annual price afterward.
Finally, you can put your domain in a cart or save it for later in your Favorites list. Overall, I enjoyed the whole registration process, as the user interface is not overwhelming and doesn’t contain any disturbing extras.
Fast integration with Google Webmaster tools
Google Domains saves you time as you won’t have to verify with TXT records when connecting your website with Google Search Console, App Engine, or Cloud Run.
Easy access to popular website builders, hosts and tools
When registering the new domain name with Google Domains there is a strong chance that you aim to build a website later or point traffic to another domain.
A truly great thing about domains. Google is that you can choose whether you want to redirect traffic to another domain, choose from partners list that provides website building tools and hosting, or use a third-party hosting provider of your choice.
Here is the list of website builders and/or hosting services or redirect services you can choose when registering a new website name.
- Google Web Tools (including Blogger, Google App Engine, Google Sites);
- Shopify;
- Weebly;
- Wix;
- WordPress by Bluehost;
- Squarespace;
- Other third-party hosting providers;
- Web forwarding to another site.
In simple terms, you can go and start building your website with one of the tools mentioned above right away after you register the domain name with Google Domains. On the other hand, if you already own a website or if you plan on using a different hosting provider, you’ll find the set-up to be extremely easy.
Furthermore, the company is willing to help you by providing a decent amount of tutorials available to its customers.
Everything about Google Domains Email
Google Domains email options are two: you can either choose email forwarding or register for Premium email services on G Suite. Both options are described below.
- Built-in email forwarding. Customers are allowed to create up to 100 e-mail aliases as well. This means that you can get a unique e-mail address, like [email protected] for customer requests. All received messages will be redirected to an actual e-mail inbox of your choice.
- G Suite email. This service gives access to integrated Gmail, Drive, Docs, Calendar, or even create custom e-mail addresses for your team members (including your domain name). You can get a G Suite package for $6 per month per person (G Suite basic) or $12 per month with a G Suite Business account.
Create 100 subdomains
Another great feature provided by this registrar is that it allows you to create up to 100 subdomains to your main domain. Even though 100 is far too much, you have enough space for as many projects as you wish.
Free Google DNS
Keep in mind that once you register the perfect domain name with Google Domains it uses Google DNS servers. In other terms, your website will run on the same DNS servers as the main Google search engine which can be quite efficient.
Free Whois Privacy
However, the main feature of Google Domains which makes it different from the majority of registrars is that it offers domain privacy, a.k.a. Whois privacy, for FREE. Likewise, your private information will not be accessible online.
Is Google Domains a good choice?
Summarizing all the points giving above, Google Domains is a good choice to register your domain name, yet there are pretty awesome alternatives as well. Likewise, it is not easy to judge without a particular case.
However, in my personal opinion, this registrar can over-compete other domain name registrars if you value price stability and the privacy of personal information.
Firstly, Google Domains is transparent in its pricing. If you are on a tight budget, you can quickly arrange your spending and not worry about triple domain renewal prices. The fee to register a domain name with Google Domains remains the same throughout the years.
Secondly, note that many registrars charge for Whois privacy. Google Domains offer free Whois privacy which, for example, costs $7.99 per year on GoDaddy.
Apart from these two if you wonder is Google Domains better than the other registrars you should look at the particular case. In particular, run a check by visiting each registrar and looking up the price for your desired website name and TLD. Visit Google Domains
- Easy to use
- Price transparency - no hidden costs
- Free Whois protection
- Offers wide range of TLDs
- Country restrictions for domain purchases
- Price is not bad, but not the best
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