Blockchain domains have gained attention over the last few years as people rush to scoop names before everyone jumps onto the Web3 train. But most importantly, these domains enable users to enjoy the benefits of blockchain technology.

While blockchain domains are synonymous with Web3 domains, in this context, we're only referring to domains backed by existing blockchains since they generally have the most growth potential in the Web3 space. Below are some of the top blockchain domain systems.

1. .eth Domains

.eth is the domain system native to the Ethereum blockchain. Owing to the popularity of Ethereum, .eth is one of the most popular domain names in the Web3 space and could be considered the .com of the decentralized web.

The extension is offered by Ethereum Name Service (ENS), an open-source, decentralized application that aims to consolidate Web3 identities by helping users transform their long crypto wallet addresses into readable, memorable formats.

Besides powering digital identities, .eth domains enable the creation of decentralized websites and applications and can be integrated with traditional DNS names such as .com, .org, and .io. The price of a .eth domain depends on character numbers and requires annual renewal.

2. .btc Domains

.btc domains are native to the Bitcoin blockchain. Considering Bitcoin uses a programming language that's not Turing-complete, .btc domains are built on Stacks, a Layer 2 solution for creating smart contracts on the Bitcoin blockchain.

The Web3 extension is available on BTC.US, a domain name registry powered by Bitcoin. The platform allows users to search for the availability of preferred domains, register using Stacks accounts, and manage all domains under one interface.

BTC.US also integrates .btc domains with the Lightning Network, a Bitcoin Layer-2 solution, for faster Bitcoin transactions at minimized fees. Domains start at 2 STX (Stacks) and are renewable every five years.

3. .tez Domains

.tez domains are founded on the Tezos blockchain and function as NFTs that can be stored and managed within compatible wallets. They help translate the long Tezos wallet addresses into short, user-friendly aliases one can use to receive Tezos payments.

These extensions are offered by Tezos Domains and supported by several crypto wallet projects, including Ledger. Through the platform, users can buy domains, manage them, and participate in regulated auctions.

.tez domains' price starts at one tez for a five-letter (or more) domain name and up to 100 tez for a three-letter word domain. The domains are subject to annual renewal.

4. .avax Domains

.avax domains support the Avalanche blockchain ecosystem. Avvy, backed by the Avalanche Project, is responsible for their distribution.

.avax domains were built for two primary purposes. First, to offer a decentralized naming system for wallets and other Web3 applications. Users can replace Avalanche addresses with something like "peter.avax" and use it to receive .avax payments.

Secondly, to enable integration of applications within the Avalanche ecosystem. For instance, one can use a .avax domain to access Web3 messaging services using Mailchain, a communication layer for sending encrypted emails between blockchain wallets.

Ideally, the cost of .avax domains depends on the number of characters. Annual subscriptions are required.

5. .sol Domains

.sol domains are based on the Solana blockchain and are used to create user-friendly digital identities that replace long crypto wallet addresses for Web3 uses.

Users can create short memorable wallet usernames for easier transactions. They can also link them to their X (formerly Twitter) handles for easy identity verification.

.sol domains are available on the Solana-backed platform, Bonfida. The platform provides management features for the domains that function as NFTs. Users can collect and exchange .sol domains or host decentralized websites and applications.

6. .dot Domains

.dot domains are based on the Polkadot blockchain and issued by the Polkadot Name Service (PNS) platform. Like other blockchain domains, .dot domains empower users to take control of their digital identities and assets.

First, users can replace their long crypto wallet addresses with short names. In addition, they can aggregate addresses from different blockchains into one manageable entity.

.dot domains can also be used in developing decentralized applications and websites, power communication between Web2 and Web3 platforms, and integrate on-chain and off-chain data.

The cost of .dot domains–subject to yearly renewal–varies with character number.

7. .bnb Domains

.bnb domains are based on the BNB chain and are available on SPACE ID, a Web 3 domain registry and management platform funded by Binance Labs. .bnb is the standard domain identifier for the Binance ecosystem.

With a .bnb domain, users can substitute their lengthy crypto wallet addresses for catchy names. Meanwhile, Web3 developers can integrate decentralized applications in the BNB chains with their domains to improve user access and experience.

Technically, .bnb domains are NFTs users can trade on NFT marketplaces. Registering one with SPACE ID requires at least $5 in yearly fees.

8. .polygon Domains

.polygon domains are built for the Polygon blockchain. Unstoppable Domains and Polygon Labs collaborated to offer these domain extensions for users in the Polygon ecosystem.

Primarily, .polygon domains enable users to create Web3 digital identities. They can simplify their crypto addresses to short names and use them to access services across the Polygon ecosystem, including over 750 decentralized applications.

In addition, users can integrate these domains with their social media platforms to ease online identity verification and showcase their on-chain tokens.

Unstoppable Domains offers eight character domains for $2 but can charge up to $1,000 for a three-letter word domain name.

9. .hbar Domains

.hbar domains are based on the Hedera Hashgraph Network. HNS is the primary name service offering this extension, but users can list and trade registered domains as NFTs on Hedera NFT exchanges.

Unlike traditional domains, which instruct a browser where to go, smart domains tell a browser what to do. .hbar domains integrate tokenization with distributed ledger technology, which enables the assignment of assets and execution of transactions within a web browser.

Brands, creators, and enthusiasts can use .hbar domains to take control and manage their Web3 identities and assets. One domain name typically starts at $10.

10. .klay Domains

.klay is the standard domain identifier for the Klaytn Name Service (KNS), a domain name service supported by the Klaytn Blockchain Foundation.

The primary purpose of .klay domains is to act as an on-chain identifier that maps Klaytn crypto wallet addresses to simple, meaningful names for users.

.klay domains can also be integrated with other Klaytn products, such as decentralized finance apps, to improve users' experience within the Klaytn ecosystem. They start at $10 per year for long character names but increase in price with fewer characters.

Get Your Web3 Identity

Owning a digital identity that corresponds with your brand name or meets your preference is essential. Brands have paid millions of dollars for Web2 domain names, and social media platforms introduced brand verification services because they understand the power of digital identities. If you're a creator or a brand, grab your preferred Web3 digital identity early enough while the internet evolves, or you might have to pay to get it from a domain name flipper.