Crealanta Magazine

Google Domains vs GoDaddy: What Domain Registrar for You to Pick

Jun 16, 2022
Google Domains vs GoDaddy

It is important to choose the domain you want to use, where to host your website and what features you require.

We'll discuss important aspects including security, price, and ease of use when we break down Google Domains against GoDaddy.
   

The History of Google Domains

Google Domains homepage. A woman performs yoga as she uploads content to her website. Black text on a white background says, “Find your place online. Choose from more than 300 domain endings. Get 24/7 Google support from real humans.”
Google Domains offers over 300 top level domains and the registration process is simple to follow. process. (Image Source: Google)

While Google may not provide hosting services yet, its domain page is simple to navigate , and won't force users to buy dozens of upsells you won't require at a later time. Because you are able to choose your own hosting provider, you can easily sign up to WordPress hosting or another site building tool using Google.

GoDaddy's History

GoDaddy's landing page shows an example website on a teal-and-white smartphone. Black text on a gray background says, “Buy & register domain names. It all starts with a domain name.”
GoDaddy is registering domains from 2000. (Image Source: GoDaddy)

GoDaddy is one of the biggest ICANN registry companies in the world. In 2022, GoDaddy has registered almost 13 of a percent of all known domains. The company, which is publicly traded, was formed around the year 1997, in Arizona and was first registered in the year 2000.

While this can be good when you're looking for a dedicated web domain registrar, it can mean that GoDaddy earns its revenue from those products by itself, so the prices it charges aren't the same like Google's.

A lot of domains owned by GoDaddy are available for sale at very affordable prices for one year, only to have the annual renewal cost that's twenty times higher. GoDaddy also offers various additional options that could quickly turn an inexpensive domain and push it into high-cost territory.

Google Domains vs GoDaddy: Head-to-Head Comparative

Now that we've summarized Google Domains and GoDaddy, let's take a look at some of the main aspects you'll need to consider when choosing the domain registration service.

We'll be breaking down Google Domains against GoDaddy We'll look into:

  • The services each company offers
  • How they compare in price for domains
  • It is easy to operate
Google domains vs GoDaddy — A multicolored pie chart on a white background shows the top registrars by number of domains registered. GoDaddy has the largest market share with 12.98%. Google Domains has 1.3%, but 75.43% of domain registrars are unknown.
Domain registration is done by a company. GoDaddy has the largest market share, however many websites are registered independently. (Image Image Source: Domain Name Stat)

Ease of Use

Each of Google Domains and GoDaddy have user-friendly websites. Both help you navigate through the registration process quickly, and allow you to get your own domain within only a couple of minutes.

Although the function of the domain registration services is pretty similar across the board however, we're giving this one the benefit of Google Domains for having a somewhat simpler website.

Google Domains' website is slightly easier to work with since it doesn't offer as many additional services. Plus, if you already have an existing Google account, chances are you're acquainted with the Google site layout, which will allow you to complete your domain name registration faster.

Domain Extensions are available for purchase

A selection of suggested domain names for “thisiseasy.com” available to purchase through Google. The most popular top-level domain (TLD) endings are shown at the top, followed by additional similar domain names below. The prices range from $12/year to $27,000/year.
Google Domains and GoDaddyThe comparison of Google Domains and GoDaddy is clear. Google clearly displays the pricing and the availability of domains. (Image Source: Google)
GoDaddy shows domain extension availability for “thisiseasy.com.” The company offers a low price option at $0.99 for the first year, then the option to try and buy the exact domain for $83.29. Below this is a list of other domain options at various prices, from $0.99 to $18.05.
Google Domains vs GoDaddy (see below). GoDaddy offers to help you buy taken domains and provides options. (Image Source: GoDaddy)

Meanwhile, GoDaddy has a selection of approximately 500 different top-level domains. The company says that availability may differ based on the location you reside in. Certain domains require additional registration requirements to purchase, especially ones that are specific to regions.

Alongside displaying available domains, GoDaddy offers a brokerage service that can aid you with the purchase of your preferred domain. It's not guaranteed, but If you've got your eyes determined to purchase a particular .com, this might be something you should consider.

Domain Privacy

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GoDaddy is somewhat opaque in its privacy features. The company has begun offering basic domain privacy , however it offers extra features when you pay for $9.99 each year for each domain.

GoDaddy isn't able to provide two-factor authentication except if you decide to pay for this additional option. If you'd like to be sure unknown users can't access their GoDaddy domain, then you'll need be aware of this additional price.

GoDaddy has SSL certification available beginning at $63.99 per year for a two-year period for a single certification certificate.

In the same way as the privacy of domains, you may be thinking about the DNS servers offered by each business. There's good news that both Google and GoDaddy have nameservers that you can use.

Domain Transfers

If you have an existing domain, but you want to transfer it to another registrar and both Google as well as GoDaddy can take care of this easily.

Domain transfer is easy with both services, but when you've already transferred domains previously, you'll be aware that transferring off the domain can be a tricky process. things can get tricky.

Google Domains follows ICANN guidelines and places an initial 60-day hold on transfer requests. Google Domains is clear in every rule you'll have to adhere to and won't make it difficult for you that you want to sell your domain an earlier date.

GoDaddy is, however, following certain of the guidelines in place. However, it chooses to restrict transfer options for 60 days when you alter your name, email address or company name. Transfers aren't as simple to complete the way Google's.

Email Forwarding

Google domains user menu with a left sidebar with a light gray background and dark gray text, and main body with a white background and gray text. The email tab in blue text shows Google offers email forwarding for up to 100 addresses and lets you add email aliases.
Google Domains vs GoDaddy -Google Domains is the better choice. Google offers email forwarding and separate email hosting.

It's worth noting that both firms offer hosting for email accounts. Google offers G Suite, while GoDaddy is a partner in Microsoft 365.

Pricing

A bright yellow landing page with black text for the .digital domain extension that says “.digital Domain Names. .digital is the place for downloads.” GoDaddy offers the extension for $1.99 for the first year, discounted from $45.99.
GoDaddy has some domains available for sale at very affordable prices however, only for the initial year. Pricing is really different for Google Domains vs GoDaddy. (Image Source: GoDaddy)

The pricing is the reason that most tend to point to GoDaddy as the winner. GoDaddy offers domains of top quality for as low as $1.99 annually, after all.

This price is just during the initial year, though. For many domains, the renewal cost for domains may exceed the value of the initial year. The discounted prices are typically not common for popular top-level domains.

It's simple to compare the two services and see the amount a domain cost on either.

As an example, a Google lookup for "thisiseasy.com" discovered that even though that domain was already licensed, "thisiseasy.org" was available for $12 per year from both service providers. However, GoDaddy will then increase that price to $25.10 for the next year.

There's no need to forget that Google offers the price of two-factor authentication as part of its price for domains, while GoDaddy adds an additional $9.99 for the service.

Support

Even though you don't have to call your customer support at your domain registrar regularly, it's still essential to consider it. If you have an issue in your domain name is affected, it could impact the whole website together with your visitors and customers.

Google Domains support channels include phone, email, as well as chat. Google Domains has made support accessible in many languages and provides useful time estimates of waiting times.

GoDaddy provides phone support as well as live chat support, which is available during hours which vary based on the location. Although GoDaddy doesn't offer email service, they do offer support 24/7 in certain regions.

Pros & Cons of Google Domains against GoDaddy

GoDaddy is a domain registrar since 2000, and it's probably the first company most people consider when they think of registering the first website.

Google Domains is newer, yet it offers a name people are comfortable with.

We'll summarize the most important differences when it comes to Google Domains and GoDaddy:

Google Domains GoDaddy
Ease of Use Easy to navigate and similar to Google's other Google pages. It's easy to sign-up, but additional features pushed during signup.
Domain Extension Availability More than 300 extensions for domains. Over 500 extensions.
Domain Privacy Privacy and two-factor authentication included in price of domain. Additional privacy is provided, including two-factor authentication is available for $9.99 each year.
Domain Transfers Yes, following the initial 60-day wait. Yes, after the an initial 60 days or 60 days after changes in the account.
Forwarded Email Yes, you can have up to 100 addresses. No.
Pricing Variable by extension. Typically 12-15 dollars annually. Varies by extension; typically cheaper the first year with significant increases after year 2 onwards.
Support There are options for chat, email, and phone support. Chat and phone support available.

Google Domains is also much simpler to use, and has clear prices and conditions.

All in all with regards to Google Domains vs GoDaddy, we recommend Google. It's a simplified experience, particularly in the event that you're planning to use other Google services, like Gmail mail hosting.

Summary

Each of Google Domains and GoDaddy can help you get started with the registration of your domain. They're both loved by thousands of clients and hosts millions of sites.

Google Domains may be newer yet it's part the Google brand. It offers straightforward options that are easy to compare.
 
 Google Domains' prices are affordable compared to other domain registration companies and they don't change as often than GoDaddy's prices do. Google also makes it simple to change your account through an easy to use assistance tool.

In the case of comparing Google Domains vs GoDaddy, Google Domains wins as our pick for a secure domain registrar.

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