10 Best Decentralized Domain Name Services in 2026

I’ll talk about the Best Decentralized Domain Name Services in this post, looking at websites that offer censorship-resistant, blockchain-based domains.

These services provide complete ownership and security while streamlining web3 website access, NFT management, and cryptocurrency transactions. From ENS and Handshake (HNS) to Unstoppable Domains, we will discuss the best options for creating a safe, intuitive, and future-proof digital identity.

What is Decentralized Domain Name Services?

Blockchain-based systems known as Decentralized Domain Name Services (DDNS) let people register and administer human-readable domain names independently of centralized authority. Because DDNS stores domain ownership on a blockchain, it is safe, impenetrable, and immune to censorship, in contrast to traditional DNS, which controls domains through centralized registrars.

These domains can facilitate transactions and online identity management by mapping to web3 applications, decentralized websites, NFTs, and cryptocurrency wallets. On-chain transactions are transparent and verifiable, and users retain complete ownership. DDNS, which offers anonymity, security, and interoperability across several networks, is becoming crucial for smooth web3 interactions as blockchain ecosystems expand.

Why Choose Decentralized Domain Name Services

Full ownership – With full control, customers’ domains remain within blockchain technology, so they cannot be controlled or confiscated by third parties.

Censorship resistant – Because the domains are decentralized, there is no possibility of government or authority domain takedowns.

Easier crypto transactions – Sending and receiving cryptocurrency can be complicated because of the lengthy wallet string. With DDNS, those wallets can be associated with crypto transactions.

Cross-platform and multi-use – Web3 is compatible with wallets, decentralized apps, and other NFTs.

Security and Transparency – When domains are owned, they are stored on a blockchain, which adds a layer of security and the possibility of unalterable audits.

Cost saving models – DDNS services are saving customers money because they are offering one-time, no-renewal services.

Interoperability – Some platforms, such as Space ID, are offering cross-domain compatibility, which is enabling multiple-blockchain utilization.

Enhanced Web3 identity – Bubble has improved the decentralized identity of users, businesses, and developers.

Improved usability – The integration of wallets, decentralized apps, and other marketplaces can also improve decentralized applications (dApps) and other Web3 services.

Future innovative technology – Keeping control of your digital assets can be ensured with domain decentralization and blockchain’s growing acceptance.

Key Point & Best Decentralized Domain Name Service

Domain Service	Key Point
Unstoppable Domains	Blockchain-based domains, primarily for crypto wallets and web3 websites; one-time purchase with no renewal fees.
Handshake (HNS)	Decentralized, permissionless domain naming system; emphasizes censorship resistance and security.
Ethereum Name Service (ENS)	Popular Ethereum-based naming service; maps human-readable names to crypto addresses and decentralized websites.
Space ID	Cross-chain web3 identity and domain solution; simplifies login and wallet integration.
Polkadot Name System (PNS)	Domain system built on Polkadot ecosystem; supports multi-chain addresses and identity services.
Tezos Domains	Tezos blockchain-based domains; used for NFTs, wallets, and web3 projects; emphasizes low transaction fees.
Cardano Name Service (CNS)	Cardano-focused human-readable addresses; integrates with wallets and dApps for easier blockchain interaction.
Aptos Name Service (ANS)	Domains built on Aptos blockchain; simplifies crypto transactions and web3 identity.
Sui Name Service (SNS)	Sui blockchain domain platform; offers decentralized identities and wallet mapping.
Near Name Service (NNS)	NEAR protocol-based naming system; supports human-readable addresses and cross-platform wallet integration.

1. Unstoppable Domains

Unstoppable Domains is one of the best services that sell decentralized domains and allows customers to register domains across various blockchains. These domains can be used for crypto wallets, decentralized websites, and NFTs. Domains from Unstoppable Domains are purchased with a one-time payment, meaning that there are no renewal fees like some traditional domains.

Being registered on a blockchain, these domains are censorship-resistant and immutable. Unstoppable Domains also accepts a variety of blockchains and crypto wallets, as well as web3 browser integrations. With its unique features, Unstoppable Domains is one of the best decentralized domain name services for users and businesses.

Unstoppable Domains Features, Pros & Cons

Features

1. No renewing fees and a single domain purchase
2. Domains for web3 and crypto websites that are based on blockchain
3. Addresses that are human-readable and are associated with crypto wallets and mapped
4. Integration of NFTs and dApplicatives
5. Compatibility with multiple chains

Pros

1. Easy to use and set for the first time
2. Ownership on the blockchain is complete
3. Supports multiple cryptocurrencies
4. Censorship and resistance is backed with the security

Cons

1. Premium domains can cost a significant amount
2. There are limited options for traditional website hosting
3. Certain blockchains impose gas fees
4. The ecosystem is predominantly focused on Ethereum
5. Basic knowledge of blockchain is required

2. Handshake (HNS)

The Handshake (HNS) domain naming system is permissionless and fully decentralized and allows users to enhance internet security without censorship issues. Because domain registrations are auctioned and recorded on the blockchain, users can own these domains with no intermediaries.

HNS attempts to solve challenges with traditional DNS by using a decentralized solution to replace root certificate authorities. HNS provides domain names that are secure, unalterable, and decentralized and provides web3 application and crypto wallet integrations.

HNS is a transparent and reliable choice for the long term. HNS is best for decentralized domain name services due to its security and censorship resistant technology.

 Handshake (HNS) Features, Pros & Cons

Features

1. Decentralized domain naming systems
2. An auction method for domains that are stored on the blockchain
3. Integration with crypto wallets
4. No censorship and permissionless
5. Registry that is secure and transparent

Pros

1. Secure and highly tamper-proof
2. Decentralized authority over domains
3. Ownership for the long term is guaranteed
4. Compatible with decentralized web applications
5. Community more than centralized

Cons

1. Beginners is a challenge
2. Adoption for decentralized web apps is limited
3. Set up with the technicality is a must
4. Difficulty with user-friendly designed interfaces
5. A limited number of market places are integrated

3. Ethereum Name Service (ENS)

Ethereum Name Service (ENS) is the most popular Ethereum-based naming service. It maps names like “alice.eth” to wallet addresses, smart contracts, and decentralized sites. By making crypto transactions and web3 logins easier, ENS improves the overall usability of the Ethereum ecosystem.

Additionally, users can associate ENS domains with NFTs, dApps, and resources on IPFS. Because registration is done on-chain, ENS offers transparency and solidifies ownership.

ENS has earned the status of industry standard after being integrated with multiple wallets, marketplaces, and DeFi services. Because of its popularity, strong community, and compatibility, ENS is among the greatest decentralised domain name services.

Ethereum Name Service (ENS) Features, Pros & Cons

Features:

1. Human readable names based on Ethereum
2. Mapping of wallet dApps and website addresses
3. Integration of NFTs
4. NFT ownership on-chain
5. Great compatibility with dApps and wallets

Pros

1. Vastly accepted in Ethereum based platforms
2. Decentralized and highly secured
3. Many applications have cross-chain compatibility
4. Ownership on Blockchain is clear
5. Constantly improving and supported by the community

Cons

1. There are annual renewal charges
2. Gas fees may be extremely high
3. Interoperability is limited to Ethereum
4. Some names are very expensive
5. A wallet is required, e.g. MetaMask

4. Space ID

Space ID is an identity and domain service across multiple chains, supporting domains and usernames that can be used across different blockchains instead of having to manage different usernames for each chain. Domains are anchored to blockchains, meaning that one’s ownership and privacy are protected.

The service also integrates with wallets, dApps, and web3 identity services. Space ID is a top choice for decentralized domain name services, providing effective solutions to web3’s identity problems with its seamless multi-chain support and user-friendly interface.

Space ID Features, Pros & Cons

Features

1. Identity and cross-chain domain solutions
2. A unique username for various wallets
3. Integration of Web3 logins
4. Integration of NFTs and dApps
5. Ownership on-chain

Pros

1. Wallet complexity is reduced
2. Compatible with different blockchains
3. The interface is easy to use
4. Ownership is private and secure
5. Ecosystem is cross-chain growing

Cons

1. Limited adoption as this is a new project
2. Certain features of some chains are limited
3. Community smaller than ENS or Unstoppable
4. There is a learning curve for neophytes
5. Developing some integrations

5. Polkadot Name System (PNS)

Polkadot Name System (PNS) is a new decentralized domain service for providing human-readable addresses for users within the Polkadot ecosystem. It features cross-chain identities, wallet, dApp, and NFT project integrations.

With domain names that are completely controlled and owned by users, secured and stored on-chain, the entire domain ownership process is decentralized.

Users are able to process Polkadot blockchain transactions and experience enhanced user experience across the entire Polkadot network ecosystem.

With a robust architecture for decentralized identity systems, combined with focus on the Polkadot ecosystem, PNS is without a doubt one of the best decentralized domain name services.

Polkadot Name System (PNS) Features, Pros & Cons

Features

1. Domain service for the Polkadot ecosystem
2. Human-readable addresses
3. Support for multi-chain identities
4. Ownership on the blockchain
5. Integration with wallets and dApps

Pros

2. Users in the Polkadot ecosystem benefit the most
3. Decentralized and secure
4. It is completely permissionless and transparent.
5. Addresses and Becomes less complex
6. Supports projects related to identities and NFTs.

Cons:

1. It is a Polkadot ecosystem
2. Less adoption than ENS
3. Few cross-chain projects
4. Requires some technical knowledge
5. Less spaces

6. Tezos Domains

Tezos Domains enables users to register domains based on the Tezos blockchain network. They support domains for web3 sites, NFTs, and crypto wallets. Users can register domain names and store their domains fully on-chain, allowing for complete ownership and censorship resistance. Tezos Domains has lower transaction costs as a result of the Tezos blockchain being energy-efficient and lower costs.

These domains can be integrated with dApps, crypto wallets, and other decentralized content. The integration with the Tezos ecosystem makes Tezos Domains one of the best decentralized domain name services available for personal and professional web3 purposes.

Tezos DNS Features, Pros & Cons

1. DNS domains on the Tezos blockchain
2. Integrates with NFTs and crypto wallets
3. Ownership remains fully decentralized
4. Economical fees
5. Integrates easily with Web3

Pros:

1. Environmentally sustainable
2. Ownership is private and secure
3. Wallet integration is easy
4. Built-in NFT functionality
5. Ownership is fully on you

Cons:

1. Less-adopted and smaller ecosystem
2. Limited cross-chain options
3. Less dApps integration
4. Requires more technical knowledge
5. Recognition is limited outside enthusiast spaces

7. Cardano Name Service (CNS)

Cardano Name Service (CNS) enables Cardano users to register simple addresses that replace long wallet strings. CNS domains are fully owned by users and are stored on the Cardano blockchain, meaning no third parties can intervene. CNS domains can be used for crypto wallets, NFTs, and for decentralized websites to improve the ease of transactions and interactions.

CNS domains also allow users to interact with Cardano dApps and marketplaces, adding great value to developers and users. CNS prioritizes security, ownership, and overall efficiency which makes it reliable and user friendly among the best decentralized domain name services available today.

Cardano Name Service (CNS) Features, Pros & Cons

Features:

1. Readable addresses on Cardano
2. NFTs and wallets integrated
3. dApps supported
4. Ownership on-chain
5. Identity mapping is secure

Pros:

1. Ownership secured and censorship resistant
2. Affordable transaction fees
3. Ownership is complete
4. Integration with the Cardano ecosystem is easy
5. Transactions are simple

Cons:

1. Adoption smaller than services based on Ethereum
2. Cross-chain options are limited
3. Few marketplaces support CNS
4. Onboarding beginners can be challenging
5. The ecosystem is still growing

8. Aptos Name Service (ANS)

Aptos Name Service (ANS) is one of the decentralized domain platforms built on the Aptos blockchain that allows users to register human-readable domains for wallets, NFTs, and web3 projects. With ANS, users can obtain complete ownership of their domains, which are stored securely on-chain. This means that ANS is censorship resistant.

ANS also integrates with dApps and wallets in the Aptos ecosystem. ANS’s usability and security coupled with the new and rapidly growing network makes ANS very innovative and accessible. These features and focus on the growing Aptos ecosystem, usability, and security make ANS one of the best decentralized domain name services for beginners and advanced web3 users.

Aptos Name Service (ANS) Features, Pros & Cons

Features:

1. Domains based on the Aptos blockchain
2. Readable wallet addresses
3. Integration of NFTs
4. Support of the dApps
5. Ownership on-chain

Pros:

1. Blockchain that is scalable and fast
2. Security and resistant to censorship
3. Wallet and NFTs management simplified
4. Ownership transparency
5. Multiuse support in a growing ecosystem

Cons:

1. Project is in early-stage
2. Little mainstream adoption
3. Wallets that are integrated are few
4. Community is small
5. Features are in further development

9. Sui Name Service (SNS)

Blocking domain issues on the Sui blockchain, Sui Name Service (SNS) facilitates the creation of decentralized identities, as well as human-readable addresses. The longevity of SNS domain names means that they are stored on-chain.

This grants users complete security over the names, which can be connected to crypto wallets, NFTs, and decentralized apps within the Sui network. Simplifying transactions under one digital identity,

SNS enhances the overall experience of web3 users. SNS has the best decentralized domain name service rankings for security, scalability, and Sui network integration for developers and users within the Sui ecosystem.

Sui Name Service (SNS) Features, Pros & Cons

Features:

1. Domains based on the Sui blockchain
2. Mapping of decentralized identity
3. Readable wallet addresses
4. Integration of NFTs and dApps
5. Ownership on-chain

Pros:

1. Security and proof against tampering
2. Simplifies web3 identity
3. A blockchain that is fast
4. Ownership control of the domains is complete
5. Ecosystem support that is growing Sui

Cons:

1. Project is in very early-stage
2. Adoption and ecosystem support is limited
3. Few dApps are integrated
4. Onboarding of beginners is required
5. Support of community is limited

10. Near Name Service (NNS)

Near Name Service (NNS), built on the NEAR Protocol, acts as a decentralized service that offers human-readable addresses for wallets and web3 applications. With NNS, users have on-chain ownership, meaning they maintain complete control of the service without the risk of third-party ownership.

Users can attach their new domains to NFTs, dApps, and decentralized websites, which expands the NEAR ecosystem. NNS prioritizes user-friendly naming, fast transactions, and low fees. It also enhances the usability of decentralized identities by allowing cross-chain applications.

With the NEAR network, users can seamlessly and securely integrate their NNS addresses, making it one of the best decentralized domain name services for crypto users and developers.

Near Name Service (NNS) Features, Pros & Cons

Features:

1. Domains based on the NEAR blockchain
2. Wallet addresses that are human-readable
3. Integration of wallets and dApps
4. Support of NFTs
5. Ownership on-chain

Pros:

1. Transactions that are fast and fees that are low
2. Security and resistant to censorship
3. Interface that is user friendly
4. Integration of wallets that are cross-platform
5. Ownership of user is complete

Cons:

1. Smaller ecosystem than Ethereum
2. Limited adoption outside NEAR community
3. Fewer marketplaces support NNS
4. Beginners need to onboard
5. Weak mainstream awareness

Conclusion

To sum up, the decentralized domain name services market provides creative solutions that give customers complete control, security, and resistance to censorship. Web3 interactions, NFT management, and crypto transactions are made easier by human-readable addresses offered by platforms such as Unstoppable Domains, ENS, Handshake (HNS), and others.

While each service has its own advantages, such as ecosystem integration, minimal fees, or cross-chain support, they all place a high priority on on-chain ownership and privacy. These decentralized domain systems are increasingly crucial for smooth web3 identity and online presence as blockchain adoption increases.

They are essential tools in the decentralized internet era, and selecting the best service depends on your desired functionality, use case, and preferred blockchain.

FAQ