A Web3 domain name is a blockchain-based domain — a new kind of internet address that represents your identity, website, or wallet on decentralized networks. Unlike traditional Web2 domains (like example.com), Web3 domains are stored on a blockchain, giving you true ownership and enabling decentralized functionality.
Here’s a breakdown
|
Feature |
Web2 Domain (e.g., .com, .org) |
Web3 Domain (e.g., .eth, .crypto) |
|
Ownership |
Rented from registrars (GoDaddy, Google Domains, etc.) |
Owned permanently as an NFT on the blockchain |
|
Registry |
Managed by ICANN and DNS |
Managed by blockchain protocols (Ethereum, Polygon, etc.) |
|
Storage |
Centralized DNS servers |
Stored on the blockchain |
|
Censorship |
Can be seized or taken down |
Censorship-resistant |
|
Usage |
Websites, email, etc. |
Crypto payments, decentralised websites (IPFS), identity |
If you own alice.eth: