Thinking about snagging a domain name and wondering if Google Domains is still the go-to choice in 2025? You’re in the right spot. Let’s unpack this service—its highs, its lows, and everything in between. Whether you’re a newbie setting up your first site or a seasoned pro looking to switch registrars, I’ve got you covered with this fresh take on Google Domains.
What’s Google Domains All About?
Picture this: it’s 2015, and Google launches a slick little service called Google Domains to help you grab that perfect web address. Fast forward to today, and it’s still a solid player in the domain game—well, sort of. It’s a registrar, pure and simple, meaning it’s all about securing your domain name, not hosting your site. Need hosting? You’ll have to look elsewhere, like Kinsta or SiteGround. But if you’re already hooked into the Google ecosystem—think Workspace or Search Console—this service ties in like a dream.
Oh, and heads-up: as of September 2023, Google Domains stopped offering new registrations. Squarespace swooped in and scooped up all 10 million domains and accounts. So, what’s left is a legacy service, but it’s still kicking for existing users and transfers. Curious how it holds up? Let’s dig into the juicy stuff.
Why You Might Love Google Domains
Alright, let’s talk perks. First off, the interface is pure Google—clean, familiar, and tied to your existing account. No new logins, no fuss. If you’ve ever used Gmail or Analytics, you’ll feel right at home. Plus, it’s got two-factor authentication (2FA) baked in. Why’s that a big deal? Because losing your domain to a hacker is a nightmare you don’t want to live through.
Pricing’s another win. Google Domains keeps it real with transparent costs—no sneaky renewal hikes. A .com domain? Just $12, year after year. Compare that to GoDaddy’s $17.99 renewal after a teaser $11.99 first year. And privacy protection? Free. Yep, your personal info stays off the public Whois radar without extra fees—something other registrars often charge $10 or more for.
Then there’s the DNS. Google’s Cloud DNS powers your domain, delivering lightning-fast load times thanks to their top-tier infrastructure. Pair that with email forwarding (up to 100 aliases for free!) or easy Google Workspace integration, and you’ve got a toolkit that’s hard to beat. Ever tried verifying a site with Search Console? With Google Domains, it’s automatic. Less hassle, more hustle.
Where Google Domains Falls Short
But hold up—it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. For one, it’s not the cheapest kid on the block. Sure, $12 for a .com is fair, but peek at Namecheap, and you’re looking at $10.98—or even $8.88 for the first year. Want a .io domain? Google charges a hefty $60, while Namecheap’s at $32.88. Ouch. If budget’s your vibe, you might feel the pinch.
Another catch: no hosting. Unlike Namecheap or GoDaddy, Google Domains won’t host your site. You’re on your own to pair it with a host, which could be a hassle if you’re after an all-in-one deal. And while it supports over 100 extensions, it’s not the wild variety you’ll find elsewhere—Namecheap boasts 400+. Craving a quirky .pizza or .ninja domain? You might need to shop around.
Google Domains vs. The Big Players
So, how does it stack up against the competition? Let’s pit it against GoDaddy and Namecheap. GoDaddy’s a mixed bag—cheap first-year deals, but those renewals sting. Google Domains wins on consistency and extras like free privacy. Unless you’re lured by GoDaddy’s hosting bundles, it’s hard to see why you’d pick them over Google.
Namecheap, though? That’s a tougher call. It’s got killer first-year discounts, free privacy, and hosting options—all while matching Google’s vibe with competitive renewals. Google fights back with its seamless integrations and DNS edge, but honestly, both are champs. Flip a coin, and you’re still winning.
How to Snag a Domain with Google Domains
Ready to jump in? Here’s the quick and dirty on registering a domain—if you’re still able to, that is. Head to Google Domains, punch in your dream URL, and see what’s up for grabs. Spot a green checkmark? Add it to your cart. At checkout, you’ll get free privacy and an auto-renew option—keep both unless you’re feeling risky. Toss in your payment info, and boom, it’s yours. After that, point it to your host via the DNS tab. Easy peasy, right?
Transferring a Domain to Google Domains
Already got a domain elsewhere? Transferring’s a breeze. From the Google Domains dashboard, hit the Transfer tab, type your domain, and follow the wizard. It’ll guide you through unlocking your domain at the current registrar and finalizing the move. Once it’s in, you’ll manage it like any Google-registered domain. Smooth as butter.
Conclusion
So, is Google Domains still worth it in 2025? If you’re an existing user or eyeing a transfer, it’s a solid yes—especially if you value simplicity, Google’s ecosystem, and no-nonsense pricing. It’s not perfect—budget hunters and hosting seekers might stray—but for a reliable, straightforward registrar, it’s tough to top. What do you think? Ready to give it a whirl or shop elsewhere? Your domain’s waiting!
FAQs
1. Can I still buy a new domain from Google Domains in 2025?
Nope! New registrations stopped in September 2023 when Squarespace took over. You can only manage existing domains or transfer in.
2. Does Google Domains offer hosting for my website?
Not a chance. It’s strictly a registrar—you’ll need a separate host like Kinsta to get your site live.
3. How does Google Domains protect my privacy?
It’s got your back with free privacy protection, hiding your personal details from the Whois database.
4. Is Google Domains cheaper than Namecheap?
Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Google’s $12 .com beats Namecheap’s $10.98 renewal, but Namecheap’s first-year deals and .io pricing win out.
5. Can I use Google Domains for a custom email?
You bet! Set up free email forwarding or hook it to Google Workspace for a pro vibe.