When creating a website, one of the first things to do is register a domain name. You can get one through a registrar, that is, a company that handles domain reservations.
Google offers a domain registration service called Google Domains. In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at the registrar, going over what it offers and how it compares to other services.
We will also describe the steps to register a domain name and point it to your web host.
An overview of Google domains
is a domain registrar developed by Google. Despite being in the testing phase, it offers more than 300 new and popular top-level domains (TLDs).
To access Google Domains services, users must have a Google account. It is possible to link your account with other Google services that improve workflow, such as (formerly known as Google Suite) or .
Unlike many other domain registrars, Google Domains only offers domain hosting services, it does not sell web hosting plans.
Let’s take a closer look at what makes Google Domains stand out and what could be improved.
Advantages of Google Domains
Being backed by Google’s infrastructure allows Google Domains to include many features that its competitors don’t offer. Listed below are some of the benefits of registering your domain with this registrar.
Intuitive interface and tools
The Google Domains interface is intuitive and simple. If you have already used any Google service, you will have no problem browsing it.
Once you’ve signed in, the control panel allows you to buy, transfer and manage domain names. Google Domains integrates with other Google services for easy management.
The Google Domains Control Panel also offers Domain Name System (DNS) setup, domain forwarding, and billing management.
The domain registration process is simple. You can purchase multiple domains in one purchase and opt for automatic billing for each of them.
takes care of the purchases. Supported payment methods depend on the user’s billing address.
The function of favorites allows you to save the domains you want to register in the future. You can share a link to your favorite domains, a very useful function for agencies and companies.
Additionally, Google Domains makes it easy to share domains with other Google users. The domain sharing feature makes it possible for you to modify domain registration, website and DNS settings without changing the original ownership of the domains.
The domain migration process is also streamlined with the DNS export tool, which allows users to download DNS records in standard formats such as .
Powerful free features
Unlike many other domain registrars, Google Domains offers free WHOIS privacy protection with every domain registration. This feature helps keep your contact information private, thereby preventing spam and unauthorized domain transfers.
Google Domains allows up to 100 subdomains, which is beneficial for large-scale projects. The domain and subdomain forwarding features are used to redirect visitors to another domain or existing website.
Plus, Google Domains lets you create up to 100 email aliases. The email forwarding feature makes it easy to forward emails to existing email accounts.
The speed of Google servers
Google Domains offers free access to cloud-based DNS servers courtesy of . The Google Cloud Platform ensures optimal website performance and DNS resolution, even during peak hours.
This premium cloud computing solution is available in more than 200 countries and territories and uses the same infrastructure as the Google search engine. He usually starts at $0.40 per million queries per month Y $0.20 per managed zone per month.
Direct access to website builders and Google products
Since Google doesn’t sell web hosting, Google Domains has partnered with website builders like and . Built-in integrations streamline most of the process of setting up a website, which is very convenient even for non-technical users.
Alternatively, you can connect your domain with a third-party hosting provider or with and , Google’s free website builder solutions.
Another useful feature is the integration with other Google products, such as Google Workspace, and .
For example, you can enable reporting in your Google Domains account to automatically link your domain to . You won’t have to verify your domain with DNS records when connecting your site.
Google Domains supports a seamless integration with Google for a price between 6 and 18 dollars per month per user if you need a personalized email address. Connecting your custom domain name with Workspace will also give you access to other Google apps, such as , and .
Optimized security
Google Cloud provides Domain Name System Security Extensions (DNSSEC), which is not yet supported by all domain registrars. This set of security specifications protects DNS records with cryptographic signatures, guaranteeing the security of your domains against threats such as DNS spoofing.
The is also available to offer an additional layer of security. After signing in, the platform will ask you to enter a security code provided through a text message, voice call, or the Google Authenticator app.
If you use Google Sites or Blogger to create your website, both platforms automatically issue, install, and renew Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) certificates for free. An SSL certificate will protect the privacy of your site visitors’ data by encrypting the connection between the server and the web browser.
Assistance and resources
He is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at , via phone, live chat and email, the latter two accessible through the control panel of your account. However, the language and type of support available from Google Domains depends on the user’s billing address.
Fortunately, the Google Domains page contains extensive documentation on the platform and its services and features. Detailed tutorials can help you solve the most common problems without having to go to the support team.
Cons of Google Domains
Like any other domain registrar, Google Domains has some flaws. We will review them in the following sections.
Less affordable compared to other registrars
Even with access to additional features, Google Domains prices are higher than the competition.
The cost of a domain extension .com in Google Domains is from $12 a year. Prices for domains with other extensions start at 7 dollars a year. Google applies a fixed renewal fee, but there is no discount for long-term registrations.
Also, Google Domains does not sell web hosting, so you will have to purchase it from a third party. In the long run, this will cost you more money.
Still in beta
Since its public launch in 2015, Google Domains remains in beta testing.
While this is standard practice for Google products like Gmail, there’s no guarantee the company won’t shut down the service in the future.
Not available in many countries
Google Domains is only available in . If you live outside the service area, you will not be able to use their services.
The registrar is currently trying to expand from unsupported domain extensions or countries.
However, new regions and domain extensions are likely to roll out very slowly due to ongoing beta testing.
Comparison of Google Domains with other registrars
Registering your domain name with Google Domains will be beneficial if you use other Google services. Built-in integrations contribute to the scalability of the platform.
Linking a domain to Google Search Console or other Google services is easier if you purchase it from Google Domains. You won’t have to verify ownership or update any DNS records, something you would have to do with another domain registrar.
However, even with the streamlined integration, Google Domains lags behind other domain registrars in terms of availability and ease of use. Next, we will compare it with .
Services are available in 178 countries. Additionally, offers more country-specific top-level domains (ccTLDs) than Google Domains. Popular extensions such as and .orgas well as new gTLDs.
domain name checker
Immediately check the availability of the domain name.
Live chat or email support in multiple languages is available 24 hours a day, regardless of your country of residence.
In addition to hosting and domain registration services, also offers , an AI-based website builder. Compared to Google Sites, Zyro is more suitable for small business owners who want to develop professional, personal, or eCommerce sites.
has all the tools you need to manage domains and hosting in a single control panel to streamline your workflow. It can save you the hassle of having to switch between different platforms for your tasks.
How much does Google Domains charge?
Here is the price breakdown for registering a .com domain for one year on Google Domains:
- Registration price of a new domain name – 12 dollars per year
- WHOIS protection – free
The price will remain the same for the following years if you renew the contract.
Let’s compare it to the cost of registering the same domain extension at :
- Registration price of a new domain name – 8.99 euros per year
- WHOIS protection – 5 euros per year
charges €8.99 per year for a .com domain, not counting taxes. It will renew at the usual rate of €12.99 per year. You can also get the WHOIS Domain Privacy Protection Plugin for free.
That said, keep in mind that domain prices at our registrar range from €0.99 per year. If you are looking for a domain with an extension other than .comyou can secure it along with WHOIS protection by 5 euros per year.
Can I host my site with Google Domains?
Google Domains is only a domain registrar and does not sell hosting services. Since creating a site…
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