Hybrid Registrar Offers Bundling Web2 and Web3 Names

As the internet enters a new era defined by decentralization, identity portability, and on-chain ownership, a growing number of registrars are exploring hybrid models that bundle traditional Web2 domain names with emerging Web3 counterparts. This trend, often referred to as hybrid registrar offerings, represents a strategic convergence of two historically separate ecosystems: the conventional domain name system governed by ICANN and sold through registrars like GoDaddy, Namecheap, or Google Domains, and decentralized domain systems such as Ethereum Name Service (ENS), Unstoppable Domains, and Handshake. By packaging both types of domains into a single product, these hybrid registrars aim to deliver a seamless experience for individuals and organizations transitioning to Web3 while maintaining backward compatibility with the established internet.

The logic behind hybrid bundles is simple yet powerful. Most businesses, creators, and individuals who establish a digital presence today still depend on Web2 domains for discoverability, SEO, email hosting, and browser compatibility. At the same time, Web3 domains offer capabilities that traditional domains cannot: decentralized hosting, on-chain identity, wallet address resolution, and composability with decentralized applications. Offering both in one package allows users to future-proof their brand while retaining access to the infrastructure and user expectations that dominate today’s web. For instance, a startup might register example.com for its primary website, while simultaneously securing example.eth or example.crypto to serve as its blockchain identity, wallet alias, or decentralized content pointer.

Technically, these bundles are often facilitated through partnerships between legacy registrars and blockchain naming providers. Some registrars have integrated APIs or reseller agreements with ENS or Unstoppable Domains, enabling customers to claim Web3 names at the point of purchasing a traditional domain. Others operate their own smart contracts or bridges to issue and manage decentralized names under proprietary naming protocols. In many cases, the user interface is designed to abstract away the complexity of wallet addresses, gas fees, and blockchain terminology, allowing mainstream users to register Web3 names without understanding the underlying technology. Wallets may be provisioned automatically, or custodial options may be offered to ease onboarding.

The value proposition extends beyond branding and identity. Web3 names bundled with Web2 domains can act as a conduit for verifying ownership across platforms. For example, a company that controls example.com and example.eth can use signed messages or DNS records to cryptographically prove the linkage between its traditional domain and its on-chain presence. This dual-ownership model enables cross-domain reputation systems, decentralized social media authentication, and trust frameworks for DAOs, marketplaces, and other decentralized platforms. The ability to associate a traditional, legally owned domain with a blockchain address enhances credibility and reduces phishing risk in both ecosystems.

Hybrid registrar offers also cater to different classes of users. For creators and influencers, the ability to own both a recognizable domain for marketing purposes and a Web3 name for decentralized audience interaction is increasingly attractive. Musicians might use a .com or .art domain to promote their portfolio, while simultaneously using a .eth domain to receive crypto tips, host music NFTs, or manage DAO fan clubs. For businesses, bundling names ensures consistent branding across centralized and decentralized environments. Legal teams can secure trademarks in both spaces, and developers can build integrations that redirect users from a Web2 domain to decentralized content served via IPFS, using DNSLink or ENS content hashes.

However, hybrid registrar offerings come with notable challenges. The technical management of two parallel systems requires careful synchronization. Web2 domains typically use WHOIS records, registrant email addresses, and centralized DNS providers, while Web3 names are tied to private keys, smart contracts, and blockchain resolvers. Managing expiration dates, renewal fees, and transfer procedures across these two paradigms introduces operational complexity. Moreover, domain ownership in the Web3 context is permissionless and non-revocable once transferred—unlike traditional domains that can be recovered or reallocated via registrar policies or legal action. This creates a steep learning curve for users unfamiliar with decentralized asset management.

Pricing models for bundled domains are also evolving. Some registrars offer the Web3 name as a free add-on with the purchase of a Web2 domain, treating it as a marketing incentive or beta feature. Others sell bundles at a premium, particularly when integrating with ENS where domain pricing is based on name length and annual renewal requirements. Unlike Web2 domains that are leased under registrar control, many Web3 names—particularly those from Unstoppable Domains—are sold with the promise of permanent ownership and no renewal fees. Balancing these contrasting models within a single commercial offering is complex and raises user expectations about long-term access, custody, and support.

In addition, regulatory considerations are beginning to shape how hybrid registrars operate. Traditional domain registrars are subject to ICANN regulations, local laws, and global intellectual property protections. When bundling Web3 names, they must navigate a new legal landscape where ownership is immutable and dispute resolution mechanisms—such as UDRP or court orders—may not be enforceable. Some registrars have implemented lightweight verification or dispute protocols to address these concerns, while others are exploring governance models that rely on decentralized arbitration, DAO voting, or token-based registries. These frameworks are still nascent and require significant development to handle real-world edge cases and brand conflicts.

From a user experience standpoint, hybrid registrar interfaces are rapidly improving. Modern dashboards allow users to manage DNS settings for both Web2 and Web3 names, view content hash configurations, and integrate with Web3 wallets like MetaMask, Coinbase Wallet, or Rainbow. Some platforms are experimenting with single-sign-on systems that use Web3 names as identity credentials, further tying the management of domains to on-chain authentication. As wallet-based browsing and ENS-native dApps gain traction, the appeal of these dashboards increases—not just for developers, but for creators and end users who want to participate in the decentralized web without navigating fragmented tools.

Looking ahead, hybrid registrar models are likely to become the default for domain providers seeking to stay relevant in a decentralized future. As more applications integrate ENS and similar protocols for logins, payments, and personalization, users will increasingly demand that their Web2 domains map to a Web3 identity. The convergence of DNS and blockchain naming will also be fueled by technical standards that enable resolution interoperability, such as DNS-over-HTTPS, Ethereum Name Service gateways, and DNSLink integrations that embed decentralized pointers into traditional records.

In conclusion, bundling Web2 and Web3 names into hybrid registrar offerings is more than a convenience—it is a strategic alignment of the old and new internet. It offers a bridge for users to transition smoothly into decentralized identity, preserves brand consistency across platforms, and unlocks new layers of functionality in both web paradigms. As the boundaries between Web2 and Web3 continue to blur, registrars that embrace hybrid naming will not only future-proof their services but help shape the next generation of the web’s foundational architecture.

As the internet enters a new era defined by decentralization, identity portability, and on-chain ownership, a growing number of registrars are exploring hybrid models that bundle traditional Web2 domain names with emerging Web3 counterparts. This trend, often referred to as hybrid registrar offerings, represents a strategic convergence of two historically separate ecosystems: the conventional domain…