Google Domains vs Gandi.net Domain Registration
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Google Domains was a domain name registrar that enabled individuals and businesses to purchase and manage custom web addresses. It offered seamless integration with various web hosting and website builder platforms, making it straightforward to connect a custom domain to a live site. Although Google shut down the service and transferred existing customer domains to Squarespace, the platform was widely known for its transparent pricing, simple DNS management interface, and robust security features like two-factor authentication and free privacy protection.
Gandi.net offers domain registration with built-in DNS management, free SSL certificates, and unlimited email aliases. Their platform includes WHOIS privacy protection and an easy-to-use web console for bulk domain handling. Developers and small businesses benefit from API access, transparent pricing, and a strong focus on security and compliance. All domains come with Gandi's LiveDNS service, ensuring fast and reliable resolution worldwide.
- Clean, straightforward user interface with minimal clutter
- Included free WHOIS privacy protection for all eligible domains
- Reliable performance backed by Google's global DNS infrastructure
- Seamless integration with Google Workspace and major web builders
- Free SSL included with every domain
- Robust LiveDNS with global coverage
- Transparent pricing and no hidden fees
- API for full automation
- Service has been discontinued and migrated to Squarespace
- Limited advanced enterprise DNS management features compared to dedicated providers
- No native web hosting infrastructure included beyond domain registration and forwarding
- Higher renewal rates than some low‑cost registrars
- Limited promotional discounts
- No free tier for domain registration
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to Google Domains
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Alternatives to Gandi.net Domain Registration
View all →The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataGoogle Domains offers a simpler UI and Google‑backed DNS reliability, but is discontinued; Gandi provides free SSL, unlimited email aliases, and a robust API, with slightly lower uptime.
Key differences
- •Google Domains is discontinued and migrated to Squarespace, limiting future support.
- •Gandi includes a free SSL certificate and unlimited email aliases, while Google Domains limits forwarding to 100 aliases.
- •Gandi offers a RESTful API for automation; Google Domains does not mention an API.
- •Uptime SLA: Google Domains 99.99% vs Gandi 99.9%.
Pricing & value
Both are paid subscriptions, but Gandi adds free SSL and unlimited email aliases, increasing value.
Uptime & reliability
Google Domains guarantees 99.99% SLA, higher than Gandi's 99.9%.
Performance
Google's global DNS infrastructure is noted as high‑performance; Gandi uses LiveDNS anycast but no specific performance claim.
Developer experience
Gandi provides a RESTful API and bulk tools; Google Domains lacks automation features.
Regions & compliance
Gandi lists EU, US, APAC datacenters; Google Domains is global but no regional breakdown.
Support
Neither fact set mentions support quality; both are unspecified.
Lock‑in
Gandi offers bulk management and API, reducing lock‑in risk; Google Domains is being migrated away.
Choose Google Domains if…
Individuals needing a simple UI and Google integration, assuming they accept migration to Squarespace.
Choose Gandi.net Domain Registration if…
Developers or small businesses needing SSL, unlimited email, and automation via API.
Common questions
Which service includes a free SSL certificate?
Gandi.net includes a free SSL certificate with every domain registration; Google Domains does not mention SSL.
Can I automate domain provisioning?
Yes, Gandi provides a RESTful API for automation; Google Domains has no API listed.
What happens to my Google Domains account now that the service is discontinued?
The service has been migrated to Squarespace, so future management will occur through Squarespace's platform.