Google Domains Versus GoDaddy: Which Is Best

To build a successful website, you need a catchy domain name that reflects your business and is easy to remember. The hunt for the perfect one can be time consuming as many are already taken. Once you do find the right domain name, you need to register it–Google Domains versus GoDaddy–which is best for your needs?

Google Domains versus GoDaddy aren’t the only choices for domain registration. However, they both have a proven track record and are easy to use, so we’re going to focus on those two for the purposes of this comparison. 

Which Is Better – Google Domains Or GoDaddy?

Netcraft estimates there are 1.19 billion websites, although all are not active at once. Once you figure out your domain name, it’s time to head to one of the big registrars and see if it’s available. 

Perhaps you already own a domain and want to move it to Google Domains versus GoDaddy. Knowing the benefits and pricing of each can help you make a decision about what’s best for your business model. 

How Google Domains and GoDaddy Compare

When it comes to cost, Google Domains has the advantage over GoDaddy as it’s more affordable. Both companies give you free domain privacy, but Google Domains goes a step further by offering extra RDAP privacy.

If your business needs varied web addresses, you’re in luck since both providers allow up to 100 subdomains. Plus, if you ever run into any issues, rest assured, as Google Domains and GoDaddy have strong support systems to assist. 

Domain Name Privacy

Google Domains and GoDaddy offer key privacy options for your domain. Activating these options hides your personal details on the WHOIS database, replacing them with generic details from the registrar. This keeps your personal information private.

You have the flexibility to switch this privacy feature on or off with both providers. Yet, remember that certain domain extensions may not allow for privacy protection. You should also know that while both offer these privacy options, Google Domains often provides enhanced privacy measures, giving you an added layer of protection.

Business Email

Google Domains offers a neat feature with 100 free email names for your domain. These aren’t standalone email accounts but addresses that send mail to another chosen mailbox. If you want a dedicated business email address, it’s $7.20 per user each month. 

On the other hand, GoDaddy doesn’t offer free email forwarding. To get an email with them, you’ll have to purchase it as an extra. They team up with Microsoft 365 for this service, with prices starting at $1.99 per user for the first year, then going up to $5.99 from the second year onward. 

Domain Extension

Google Domains and GoDaddy have a wide range of top-level domains, with familiar ones like .com and .net. Google Domains provides over 300 domain extensions and offers suggestions on similar or alternative names.

GoDaddy has a broader selection of about 500 domains, but what’s available may depend on your location. Some domains even have special buying conditions, particularly region-specific ones. However, most businesses stick to the standard .com, which is what most consumers expect. Plus, at least half of all websites on the internet use .com. 

If you’re keen on a particular name, GoDaddy has a brokerage service to help. Yet, if you’re eyeing unique extensions like .studio, Google Domains is cheaper, starting at $20 per year compared to GoDaddy’s $39.99 annually.

Domain Transfers

If you’re considering moving your domain to a new registrar, Google Domains and GoDaddy have you covered. While shifting domains is easy with both, leaving them can be tricky.

Google Domains sticks to ICANN guidelines, setting a 60-day limit on initial transfers. The company is transparent about its rules, ensuring a smooth process if you wish to move your domain later. 

GoDaddy, on the other hand, adds a 60-day transfer hold if you alter your name, email or business title. Also, its transfer steps may not be as straightforward as Google’s.

Customer Support

Customer support is vital for your domain needs. Any issues can impact your website and its visitors. Google Domains offers support through phone, email and chat in various languages, even giving you expected wait times. Typically, you might connect with a chat agent within a minute, helping you link domains quickly.

GoDaddy provides phone and live chat support, though their hours vary by region. While they lack email support, 24/7 service is available in some places. However, users have mentioned lengthy wait times, sometimes over an hour, to reach a chat representative.

Between the two, if prompt assistance is crucial for you, Google Domains may be the top pick. 

Pros and Cons of Google Domains Versus GoDaddy

When you look at Google Domains versus GoDaddy, they look fairly similar on the surface. You have to really dig into the pros and cons of each registrar to see the differences. 

Pros Google Domains

Google Domains offers fairly transparent pricing and ease of registering that’s appealing to most people. Some of the advantages of using this registrar include:

• Use your already existing Google account to pre-populate information. 
• Dashboard looks familiar if you use any other Google services such as Analytics.
• No tricks with one-time coupons. You know what the domain costs now and later. 
• Includes privacy protection.
• Gain the power of Google Cloud DNS for faster page load times. 

With Google Domains, you also gain the protection of the latest security. Use two-factor authentication to prevent someone transferring your domain name out from under you. 

Pros GoDaddy

One big pro is that GoDaddy is a well-known registrar in the industry. They often offer discounts to new clients, making the first year very attractive. If you’re on a shoestring budget, you may even be able to register for a few dollars. Other benefits include:

• GoDaddy makes it easy to use their all-in-one service in that you can register and take out web hosting all fairly seamlessly.
• Newbies will find great deals for the first year–more on this in the cons section.
• They send renewal notices well in advance and even let you renew so many days after registration has expired.
• Easy interface

GoDaddy is extremely well known and offers a plethora of services outside simple registration.

Cons Google Domains

If you’re comparing Google Domains versus GoDaddy, what are some of the disadvantages you should be aware of?

• There are cheaper registrar options 
• Fewer name extensions than some other registrars (.com, .org, .biz etc.)
• You don’t gain any ranking advantages at this time by using Google Domains. Who knows if that might change in the future. 

Google Domains is a reliable registrar, with costs on par with other companies. 

Cons GoDaddy

If you’re figuring out which is best when considering Google Domains versus GoDaddy, you’ll also want to know the disadvantages with GoDaddy. 

• High renewal rates after the first year. You can pay as high as $17.99 versus only $12 for Google Domains.
• Site isn’t very user friendly. Because they offer so many services, it’s hard to navigate to just your domains.
• Costs for things such as privacy can really add up, with additional yearly fees. 

GoDaddy is still a solid choice for domain registration and is likely an excellent choice for beginners. 

Which Domain Registrar Is Best for You?

Only you can decide which option between Google Domains versus GoDaddy is best for you. Weigh the pros and cons of each. Even if you choose one and later aren’t happy, you can easily transfer to a new registrar. 

If you’re one of the 28% of businesses that still hasn’t started a website, you might be better off going with the discount and ease of setting up with GoDaddy. On the other hand, you’ll save money over time by choosing Google Domains.

You can’t go wrong with either of these. You’ll also find there are additional options such as NameCheap.com. However, be careful about registering with just anyone as it can impact your load times if the nameservers have a lag. 

How to Decide Between Google Domains Versus GoDaddy

Still not sure? You could always take out two versions of your domain name, such as a .com and a .net. Rather than registering both versions with Google Domains versus GoDaddy, consider registering one with each and seeing which you like best. You can then move them to the same registrar, depending on which one you like better.