What is Unstoppable Domains Service
Unstoppable Domains is a service that provides NFT-based domain names for the decentralized web. This guide explains how it works, its features, and how it compares to other Web3 naming services.
Unstoppable Domains is a popular service that provides human-readable, blockchain-based domain names for the decentralized web. Similar to the Ethereum Name Service (ENS), its goal is to replace long, complex cryptocurrency wallet addresses with simple, memorable names.
However, instead of just .eth domains, Unstoppable Domains offers a wider variety of domain endings, such as .crypto, .x, .wallet, .nft, and .blockchain. These domains are not part of the traditional Domain Name System (DNS) but are registered as NFTs on a public blockchain, typically Polygon.
Key Features of Unstoppable Domains
- One-Time Purchase, No Renewal Fees: This is the most significant difference from ENS. When you buy an Unstoppable Domain, you own it forever. There are no annual renewal fees. You pay a one-time registration fee, and the NFT representing the domain is yours to control indefinitely.
- A Universal Username for Web3: An Unstoppable Domain acts as a central hub for your digital identity. You can link over 275 different cryptocurrency addresses to a single domain. When someone wants to send you crypto, they can simply type
yourname.cryptointo a supported wallet, and the wallet will automatically look up the correct address for the specific currency they are sending. - Decentralized Websites: You can build a censorship-resistant website and point your Unstoppable Domain to it. These websites are typically hosted on a decentralized storage network like the InterPlanetary File System (IPFS). This means your website is not hosted on a central server and cannot be taken down by a single company.
- Login to dApps: An increasing number of dApps are integrating Unstoppable Domains as a login method. This allows you to use your domain as a universal, portable identity across the Web3 ecosystem.
How Does it Work?
- NFT-Based Ownership: When you purchase a domain, you are actually minting an NFT on the Polygon blockchain. This NFT is stored in your personal crypto wallet, giving you full self-custody and control over the domain.
- Managing Records: You can manage the records for your domain (e.g., which crypto addresses it points to) through the Unstoppable Domains website or directly by interacting with the smart contract. All changes are transactions on the Polygon network.
Unstoppable Domains vs. ENS
| Feature | Unstoppable Domains | Ethereum Name Service (ENS) |
| ----------------- | ------------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------- |
| Domain Endings | .crypto, .x, .wallet, .nft, etc. | Primarily .eth |
| Ownership Model | One-time purchase (buy to own) | Annual renewal fees (rent to own) |
| Blockchain | Primarily Polygon (low gas fees) | Ethereum Mainnet (higher gas fees) |
| Ecosystem | Broadly integrated, especially with wallets. | The native standard for the Ethereum ecosystem, deeply integrated in DeFi. |
The Role of Web3 Naming Services
Services like Unstoppable Domains and ENS are a critical piece of the Web3 user experience puzzle. They are abstracting away one of the most intimidating parts of crypto—the long, hexadecimal addresses—and replacing them with a simple, human-centric system. By creating a portable and user-owned naming standard, they are laying the groundwork for a more accessible and intuitive decentralized internet.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is an Unstoppable Domain an NFT?
Yes. Each domain is an NFT (either ERC-721 or ERC-1155) that is minted on the Polygon blockchain and held in your personal crypto wallet.
2. Do I have to pay renewal fees for my domain?
No. This is a key feature of Unstoppable Domains. You pay a one-time fee to mint the domain, and you own it forever without any recurring payments.
3. How is Unstoppable Domains different from ENS?
The main differences are the ownership model (buy vs. rent) and the domain endings offered. Unstoppable offers many TLDs like .crypto and has no renewal fees, while ENS is focused on .eth names and requires annual renewals.
4. Can I build a website on my Unstoppable Domain?
Yes. You can create a decentralized website (often using a template) and link it to your domain. The website content is typically hosted on a decentralized storage network like IPFS.
5. What wallets support Unstoppable Domains?
A large and growing number of crypto wallets, including Trust Wallet, Coinbase Wallet, and many others, have integrated Unstoppable Domains, allowing users to send crypto to .crypto or .x addresses.
