Best Google Domains Alternatives in 2026: Where to Transfer Your Domains

The shutdown of Google Domains in 2023 and its subsequent acquisition by Squarespace left millions of users searching for new domain registrars. While Squarespace automatically migrated Google Domains customers, many users are seeking alternatives that better match Google Domains’ simplicity, transparent pricing, and clean interface. This guide covers the best Google Domains alternatives in 2026 and help you choose the right registrar for your needs. ## Why Users Loved Google Domains Before diving into alternatives, it’s worth understanding what made Google Domains popular: - Transparent Pricing: No promotional tricks, consistent renewal rates

• Clean Interface: Simple, intuitive dashboard without upselling
• Free Privacy Protection: WHOIS privacy included at no extra cost
• Reliable DNS: Fast, stable DNS infrastructure
• Email Forwarding: Up to 100 email aliases per domain
• Integration: smooth connection with Google services
• Fair Pricing: Competitive rates without hidden fees Finding a registrar that matches these qualities is possible, but you may need to prioritize what matters most to you. ## Top Google Domains Alternatives ### 1. Cloudflare Registrar Best for: Users prioritizing price and already using Cloudflare services Cloudflare Registrar offers the most unique value proposition in the domain industry: true at-cost pricing with zero markup. Pricing:
• .com: $9.15/year
• .net: $11.84/year
• .org: $11.08/year
• .io: $43.00/year What’s Included:
• At-cost pricing (wholesale prices only)
• Free WHOIS privacy (mandatory)
• Enterprise-grade DNS
• Free SSL certificates
• DDoS protection
• CDN included Pros:
• Absolute lowest prices possible
• No markup or hidden fees
• World-class DNS infrastructure
• Strong security features
• Great for developers Cons:
• Must use Cloudflare nameservers
• Requires Cloudflare account
• Limited TLD selection
• No email hosting
• Learning curve for beginners Migration Path: Transferring from Squarespace to Cloudflare is straightforward. Add your domain to Cloudflare, change nameservers, enable at Squarespace, obtain auth code, and initiate transfer in Cloudflare dashboard. ### 2. Porkbun Best for: Users seeking simplicity and included features Porkbun has become increasingly popular among former Google Domains users for its straightforward approach and generous included features. Pricing:
• .com: $9.13/year
• .net: $11.98/year
• .org: $10.78/year
• .io: $39.00/year What’s Included:
• Free WHOIS privacy
• Free SSL certificates for life
• Free email forwarding (unlimited aliases)
• Free DNS hosting
• No hidden fees Pros:
• Transparent pricing like Google Domains
• Generous free features
• No nameserver restrictions
• User-friendly interface
• Good documentation
• Excellent value Cons:
• Email support only (no phone/chat)
• Smaller company than major registrars
• Limited web hosting options Why It’s a Great Alternative: Porkbun closely mirrors Google Domains’ philosophy of transparent pricing and included features. The free email forwarding and SSL certificates make it particularly attractive for former Google Domains users. ### 3. Namecheap Best for: Users wanting established registrar with comprehensive services Namecheap is one of the largest and most trusted domain registrars, offering a good balance of price, features, and reliability. Pricing:
• .com: $13.98/year (first year), $15.98/year (renewal)
• .net: $15.98/year
• .org: $14.98/year
• .io: $39.88/year What’s Included:
• Free WHOIS privacy
• Free DNS hosting
• Basic email forwarding
• Domain parking
• URL forwarding Pros:
• Established reputation (since 2000)
• 24/7 customer support (chat and email)
• Extensive TLD selection
• Additional services (hosting, VPN, email)
• Good security features
• Regular promotions Cons:
• Renewal prices higher than registration
• Interface can feel cluttered
• Upselling attempts
• SSL certificates cost extra Why It’s a Great Alternative: Namecheap offers the stability and features of an established registrar while maintaining competitive pricing and free WHOIS privacy similar to Google Domains. ### 4. Hover Best for: Users prioritizing clean interface and no-nonsense approach Hover focuses on domain registration without the distractions of web hosting and other services, making it spiritually closest to Google Domains. Pricing:
• .com: $15.99/year
• .net: $17.99/year
• .org: $17.99/year
• .io: $69.00/year What’s Included:
• Free WHOIS privacy
• Free email forwarding
• Clean, ad-free interface
• Helpful customer support
• Domain management tools Pros:
• Clean interface without upselling
• Excellent customer service
• Free WHOIS privacy
• Email forwarding included
• Simple, straightforward experience
• Good documentation Cons:
• Higher prices than competitors
• No free SSL certificates
• Limited additional services
• Smaller feature set Why It’s a Great Alternative: Hover’s philosophy closely aligns with Google Domains: simple domain registration without aggressive upselling. Users who valued Google’s clean interface will feel at home with Hover. ### 5. Gandi Best for: Privacy-conscious users and European customers Gandi has built a reputation on ethical practices and strong privacy protection, making it popular among privacy-conscious users. Pricing:
• .com: $15.00/year
• .net: $16.00/year
• .org: $15.50/year
• .io: $49.00/year What’s Included:
• Free WHOIS privacy
• Two mailboxes (3GB storage each)
• Free SSL certificates
• DNS management
• Corporate ethics focus Pros:
• Strong privacy commitment
• Free email hosting (2 mailboxes)
• Free SSL certificates
• European-based (good for GDPR)
• No ads or upselling
• Ethical business practices Cons:
• Higher pricing
• Interface less modern than competitors
• Fewer promotional offers
• Support can be slower Why It’s a Great Alternative: Gandi’s commitment to privacy and ethical practices appeals to users who valued Google’s straightforward approach and want enhanced privacy protections. ### 6. Name.com Best for: Users wanting balance of features and simplicity Name.com offers a modern interface with good features at competitive prices. Pricing:
• .com: $9.99/year (first year), $12.99/year (renewal)
• .net: $13.99/year
• .org: $12.99/year
• .io: $49.99/year What’s Included:
• Free WHOIS privacy (with Select plan)
• Free DNS hosting
• Email forwarding
• URL forwarding
• Modern dashboard Pros:
• Clean, modern interface
• Competitive pricing
• Good customer support
• Easy domain management
• Additional services available
• Regular promotions Cons:
• WHOIS privacy requires paid plan
• Some features locked behind upgrades
• Renewal prices increase
• Upselling present but mild Why It’s a Great Alternative: Name.com balances modern design with reasonable pricing, offering an experience somewhat similar to Google Domains with more customization options. ## Feature Comparison Table | Feature | Cloudflare | Porkbun | Namecheap | Hover | Gandi | Name.com | |---------|-----------|---------|-----------|-------|-------|----------| | .com Price | $9.15 | $9.13 | $13.98 | $15.99 | $15.00 | $9.99 | | WHOIS Privacy | Free | Free | Free | Free | Free | Paid plan | | SSL Certificate | Free | Free | Paid | Paid | Free | Paid | | Email Forwarding | Limited | Unlimited | Limited | Yes | 2 mailboxes | Yes | | Nameserver Flexibility | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | | Interface Quality | Modern | Clean | Cluttered | Very Clean | Dated | Modern | | Support | Varies | Email | 24/7 Chat | Phone/Email | Email | Phone/Chat | | Best Pricing | Yes | Yes | Good | No | No | Good | ## Migration Guide ### Preparing for Transfer 1. enable domains at Squarespace (or current registrar)

2. Disable WHOIS privacy temporarily if required
3. Obtain authorization codes for each domain
4. Verify contact email to receive transfer confirmations
5. Check domain eligibility (must be 60+ days old, not recently transferred) ### Transfer Process 1. Create account at new registrar
6. Initiate transfer and enter auth code
7. Confirm via email (typically sent to admin contact)
8. Wait for completion (usually 5-7 days)
9. Verify DNS settings after transfer completes
10. Re-enable WHOIS privacy at new registrar ### Important Considerations - Timing: Don’t wait until near expiration; transfer early

• Pricing: Transfers typically add one year at renewal price
• DNS: Record DNS settings before transfer to replicate at new registrar
• Email: Email forwarding will need reconfiguration
• Bulk transfers: Most registrars offer bulk transfer tools ## Choosing the Right Alternative ### Choose Cloudflare if:
• You want the absolute lowest prices
• You’re comfortable using Cloudflare’s ecosystem
• You have technical knowledge
• You value enterprise-grade DNS and security ### Choose Porkbun if:
• You want simple, transparent pricing
• You need email forwarding
• You want free SSL and privacy features
• You prefer independent registrars ### Choose Namecheap if:
• You want an established, trusted brand
• You need 24/7 support
• You might want hosting and other services
• You want extensive TLD options ### Choose Hover if:
• You prioritize clean interface above all
• You want excellent customer service
• You’re willing to pay slightly more for simplicity
• You don’t need many extra features ### Choose Gandi if:
• Privacy is your top priority
• You need email hosting included
• You prefer European-based companies
• You value ethical business practices ### Choose Name.com if:
• You want modern interface with good features
• You need flexibility and options
• You want reasonable pricing
• You appreciate good support ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Do I have to transfer away from Squarespace? No, Squarespace is a legitimate registrar. However, many users prefer specialized domain registrars for better pricing, features, or interface. ### Will I lose my domain during transfer? No, properly executed transfers don’t cause downtime. Your domain remains active throughout the process. ### Can I transfer multiple domains at once? Yes, most registrars support bulk transfers, making it easy to move entire portfolios. ### What happens to my email forwarding? Email forwarding set up at your old registrar won’t transfer automatically. You’ll need to reconfigure it at your new registrar. ### How long does a transfer take? Typically 5-7 days, though it can be faster if you quickly approve the confirmation email. ### Will my domain expiration change? Most transfers add one year to your existing expiration date at the standard renewal price. ### Can I transfer domains that expire soon? Yes, but renew them first to avoid complications. Most registrars recommend transferring at least 15 days before expiration. ### Are there transfer fees? The “transfer fee” is actually one year of registration at the standard price. You’re not paying extra; you’re prepaying the renewal. ## Conclusion While Google Domains’ simplicity and transparency are missed, several excellent alternatives have emerged to fill the gap. The best choice depends on your priorities: - Best Overall Value: Cloudflare Registrar (if comfortable with their platform)
• Best Google Domains Clone: Porkbun (similar philosophy and features)
• Best for Beginners: Hover (clean, simple, no-nonsense)
• Best Full-Service: Namecheap (established with comprehensive offerings)
• Best for Privacy: Gandi (ethical practices and included email)
• Best Modern Experience: Name.com (balance of features and interface) For most former Google Domains users, we recommend starting with Porkbun or Cloudflare. Porkbun offers the closest experience to Google Domains with transparent pricing and generous features. Cloudflare provides unbeatable pricing if you’re willing to use their platform. Regardless of which registrar you choose, moving away from Squarespace to a specialized domain registrar often results in cost savings, better features, and more flexibility. Take the time to evaluate your needs, compare pricing for your specific TLDs, and choose the registrar that best aligns with your priorities. The domain registration landscape in 2026 offers more choices than ever, with competitive pricing and features that often exceed what Google Domains provided. While change can be inconvenient, it’s also an opportunity to find a registrar that better serves your specific needs.