Namebase.io: Your Gateway to Handshake Domains and Decentralized Ownership

Comprehensive guide to Namebase.io, the leading platform for buying, selling, and managing Handshake domains. Learn how to own top-level domains, participate in auctions, and build your decentralized web presence.

What is Namebase.io?

Namebase is the leading platform for buying, selling, and managing Handshake domains. Think of it as the GoDaddy of the decentralized web, but instead of renting domains from a centralized registrar, you're purchasing true ownership of top-level domains (TLDs) on the Handshake blockchain.

Founded in 2018 and launched publicly in 2020, Namebase has become the primary gateway for individuals and businesses entering the Handshake ecosystem. The platform simplifies what would otherwise be a highly technical process, making it possible for anyone to own and operate their own TLD without running blockchain nodes or understanding complex cryptography.

Why Namebase Matters

The internet's domain name system has been controlled by ICANN and a small number of powerful registrars for decades. This centralization creates several problems:

• Censorship: Domains can be seized or suspended by authorities or registrars
• High Costs: Premium domains cost thousands or millions of dollars
• Limited Supply: Only ICANN can approve new TLDs, at $185,000 per application
• Rent-Seeking: You never truly own domains; you rent them annually
• Privacy Concerns: Your registration information is often public or sold to third parties

Namebase and Handshake flip this model on its head. On Handshake, you can own entire TLDs like .music, .crypto, or .yourname for a one-time auction price, with minimal renewal fees. No central authority can take it away from you.

Core Features of Namebase

1. Domain Auctions

Handshake domains are allocated through a Vickrey auction system, and Namebase provides an intuitive interface for participating:

• Browse Available Names: Search for any TLD to see if it's available or in auction
• Place Blind Bids: Submit your maximum bid without seeing what others have bid
• Automatic Bidding: Set your max price and let Namebase bid incrementally for you
• Win at Second Price: If you win, you pay only the second-highest bid amount
• Auction Timeline: Auctions last 10 days with automatic reveal periods

The auction system ensures fair price discovery while preventing bid sniping and gaming. Popular names might attract dozens of bidders, while obscure TLDs can be claimed for minimal amounts.

2. Domain Marketplace

The Namebase marketplace is a secondary market where domain owners can list their TLDs for immediate sale at fixed prices:

• Buy Now Listings: Purchase domains instantly without waiting for auctions
• Price Filtering: Sort by price, popularity, or recent listings
• Bulk Search: Look up multiple domains simultaneously
• Escrow Protection: Namebase handles the transfer securely
• HNS Pricing: All transactions use HNS cryptocurrency

The marketplace is particularly useful for finding premium or brandable names that have already passed through the auction phase. Prices range from a few HNS coins for generic names to thousands for valuable short domains or dictionary words.

3. Domain Manager

Once you own Handshake domains, the Domain Manager becomes your command center:

• Portfolio Overview: See all your domains in one dashboard
• DNS Configuration: Set nameservers and DNS records for your TLDs
• Subdomain Creation: Generate and manage subdomains under your TLDs
• Auto-Renew Settings: Enable automatic renewal to prevent expiration
• Transfer Management: Send domains to other Handshake addresses
• Renewal Tracking: Monitor when domains need renewal (every 2 years)

The Domain Manager abstracts away blockchain complexity. You don't need to understand Handshake's technical architecture to configure your domains effectively.

4. HNS Wallet

Namebase includes a built-in Handshake wallet for managing HNS cryptocurrency:

• Buy HNS: Purchase HNS coins directly with credit card or bank transfer
• Sell HNS: Convert HNS back to fiat currency
• Send/Receive: Transfer HNS to other users or external wallets
• Transaction History: Complete record of all wallet activity
• Security Features: Two-factor authentication and withdrawal limits

For newcomers unfamiliar with cryptocurrency, Namebase's wallet provides a familiar, user-friendly experience similar to traditional financial apps.

5. Registry Manager

For advanced users who own TLDs and want to operate them like traditional registries:

• Subdomain Sales: Sell second-level domains under your TLD
• Pricing Control: Set your own pricing structure for subdomains
• Access Policies: Decide who can register domains under your TLD
• Revenue Management: Track sales and earnings from your TLD
• DNS Hosting: Namebase can host DNS for your entire TLD

This feature transforms TLD ownership from a passive holding into an active business opportunity. Some users have built profitable registries selling premium subdomains to others.

How to Get Started with Namebase

Step 1: Create Your Account

Visit Namebase.io and sign up with your email address. The registration process is straightforward:

1. Enter your email and create a strong password
2. Verify your email address
3. Complete identity verification (KYC) if you plan to buy HNS with fiat
4. Enable two-factor authentication for security

Step 2: Fund Your Account

You need HNS coins to participate in auctions or purchase domains. You have several options:

• Buy Directly: Purchase HNS with credit card or bank transfer on Namebase
• Transfer In: Send HNS from an external wallet or exchange
• Earn Through Sales: List domains on the marketplace and receive HNS

HNS prices fluctuate based on market conditions. Check current exchange rates before purchasing to understand how much you're actually spending in your local currency.

Step 3: Search for Domains

Use the search function to explore available TLDs:

• Exact Matches: Search for specific names you have in mind
• Filters: Sort by auction status, price, or availability
• Bulk Search: Upload a list of names to check simultaneously
• Similar Names: Namebase suggests alternatives if your first choice is taken

Strategic tips for choosing domains:

• Short, memorable names have higher resale value
• Dictionary words and common terms attract more interest
• Industry-specific TLDs can target niche markets
• Consider brandability and pronunciation

Step 4: Participate in Auctions

When you find an available TLD, you'll enter the auction process:

1. Opening Phase (5 days): Place your blind bid during this period
2. Bidding Phase (5 days): Additional bids extend the auction automatically
3. Reveal Phase (10 days): All bidders must reveal their bids or forfeit
4. Award: Highest bidder wins and pays the second-highest bid amount

Namebase handles the reveal process automatically if you use their platform, eliminating a major pain point of participating in Handshake auctions manually.

Step 5: Configure Your Domain

After winning or purchasing a domain, configure it in the Domain Manager:

1. Navigate to your domain in the Dashboard
2. Set nameservers (use Namebase's free DNS or your own)
3. Add DNS records (A, AAAA, CNAME, TXT, etc.)
4. Create subdomains as needed
5. Enable auto-renew to prevent expiration
6. Configure DNSSEC if required

Use Cases and Opportunities

1. Personal Branding

Own your name as a TLD (e.g., .johnsmith). Create email addresses like hello@johnsmith, portfolio at work@johnsmith, or blog at thoughts@johnsmith. Your digital identity becomes truly yours, impossible to revoke or censor.

2. Business Infrastructure

Companies can secure their brand as a TLD, creating unlimited subdomains without ongoing fees. Shop@brand, support@brand, careers@brand—all under complete corporate control without relying on external registrars.

3. Content Creator Platform

Register a creative TLD and sell subdomains to community members. For example, own .artist and sell individual artist subdomains to creators, building a decentralized creative community with you as the registry operator.

4. Investment and Domain Flipping

Just like traditional domain investing, Handshake TLDs can be valuable assets. Short, brandable, or industry-specific names often appreciate significantly. The secondary market on Namebase provides liquidity for investors.

5. Censorship-Resistant Publishing

Journalists, activists, and independent media can establish domains that cannot be seized by governments or corporations. Point your TLD to decentralized hosting (IPFS, Skynet) for complete resistance to takedowns.

6. Cryptocurrency Addresses

Handshake domains can resolve to cryptocurrency addresses, creating human-readable payment destinations. Instead of sharing complex wallet addresses, give people your Handshake domain.

Understanding HNS Economics

What is HNS?

HNS (Handshake Coin) is the native cryptocurrency of the Handshake blockchain. It serves multiple purposes:

• Bidding Currency: Used to bid on TLDs in auctions
• Renewal Fees: Domains renew every 2 years for small HNS amounts
• Transaction Fees: Minimal fees for blockchain operations
• Store of Value: Can be held as an investment in the Handshake ecosystem

Price Considerations

HNS prices vary based on market conditions. Historical context:

• Launch (2020): ~$0.01 per HNS
• Peak (2021): ~$0.80 per HNS
• Current Range: $0.02-0.10 per HNS (varies)

This means a domain that costs 10,000 HNS might be $200-1,000 depending on when you purchase. Factor in volatility when budgeting for domain acquisitions.

Domain Pricing on Namebase

Auction Domains:

• Minimum bid: Usually starts around 100-1,000 HNS
• Popular names: Can reach 10,000-100,000+ HNS
• Premium/short names: Some have sold for millions of HNS

Marketplace Domains:

• Generic names: 1,000-10,000 HNS
• Decent brandable names: 10,000-50,000 HNS
• Short/premium domains: 50,000-1,000,000+ HNS

Annual Costs:

• Renewal: ~200 HNS every 2 years (about $4-20 total)
• DNS hosting: Free on Namebase
• Transaction fees: Negligible (less than $0.01 per transaction)

Comparing Namebase to Alternatives

Namebase vs. Running Your Own Node

Namebase Advantages:

• No technical knowledge required
• User-friendly interface for auctions and management
• Built-in wallet and fiat on-ramps
• Free DNS hosting
• Automatic auction reveals and bid management

Self-Hosting Advantages:

• Complete control over private keys
• No reliance on third-party services
• Direct interaction with Handshake protocol
• No KYC or account restrictions

Namebase vs. Gateway.io

Gateway.io is another Handshake platform, focused more on enterprise and technical users:

Namebase:

• Better for beginners
• Integrated marketplace and auctions
• Simpler interface
• Built-in fiat purchasing

Gateway.io:

• More advanced DNS features
• Better API for developers
• Focus on enterprise deployments
• More granular control options

Most users find Namebase more accessible, while developers and technical teams may prefer Gateway's advanced features.

Security and Best Practices

Account Security

• Two-Factor Authentication: Always enable 2FA using an authenticator app
• Strong Passwords: Use unique, complex passwords (consider a password manager)
• Withdrawal Limits: Set limits to prevent large unauthorized transfers
• Email Security: Secure your email account since it controls password resets
• Regular Monitoring: Check your account frequently for unauthorized activity

Domain Protection

• Enable Auto-Renew: Prevent accidental expiration of valuable domains
• Backup DNS: Keep records of your DNS configuration elsewhere
• Transfer Lock: Some registries offer transfer protection features
• Diversification: Don't keep all high-value domains in one account
• Cold Storage: For extremely valuable domains, consider moving to a hardware wallet

Transaction Safety

• Verify recipient addresses carefully before sending HNS
• Start with small test transactions when first using the platform
• Use Namebase's marketplace escrow rather than direct transfers with strangers
• Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true
• Check domain ownership history before purchasing on secondary markets

Common Challenges and Solutions

Challenge 1: Limited Browser Support

Problem: Most browsers don't resolve Handshake domains by default.

Solutions:

• Install browser extensions like Fingertip or LinkFrame
• Use HDNS gateway service to bridge to traditional DNS
• Configure your device to use Handshake-compatible DNS resolvers
• Use Brave browser which has built-in Handshake support
• Wait for broader adoption as major browsers add support

Challenge 2: HNS Volatility

Problem: HNS price fluctuations make budgeting difficult.

Solutions:

• Buy HNS when prices are favorable and hold for future auctions
• Set maximum fiat-equivalent budgets for domain acquisitions
• Consider HNS holdings as part of your investment portfolio
• Use stablecoins to buy HNS immediately before auctions
• Focus on domains you'll use rather than purely speculative purchases

Challenge 3: Name Squatting

Problem: Many obvious/valuable names are already taken by speculators.

Solutions:

• Get creative with alternative spellings or related terms
• Check the marketplace for reasonable buy-now prices
• Consider emerging trends for future valuable names
• Focus on niche markets where names are still available
• Remember that millions of possible TLDs exist

Challenge 4: Learning Curve

Problem: Understanding blockchain, cryptocurrency, and DNS concepts is overwhelming.

Solutions:

• Start small with inexpensive domains to learn the system
• Use Namebase's documentation and tutorials
• Join Handshake community Discord or forums for help
• Focus on the basics first; advanced features can come later
• Treat your first domain as a learning investment

The Future of Namebase and Handshake

Platform Development

Namebase continues evolving with planned features:

• Mobile Apps: iOS and Android apps for on-the-go domain management
• Advanced Analytics: Better insights into domain portfolio performance
• Integration Tools: APIs and SDKs for developers building on Handshake
• Educational Resources: Expanded learning materials for newcomers
• Enterprise Features: Tools for businesses managing large domain portfolios

Ecosystem Growth

The broader Handshake ecosystem is expanding:

• Major browsers considering native Handshake resolution
• Increased interest from businesses and brands
• Growth in Handshake-powered websites and applications
• More registrars and platforms entering the market
• Development of tools and services built on Handshake domains

Adoption Predictions

Near Term (1-2 years):

• Continued growth in domains registered and users onboarded
• More mainstream awareness through marketing and press coverage
• Additional exchanges listing HNS for easier access
• Corporate experimentation with Handshake domains

Medium Term (3-5 years):

• Potential integration in major browsers and operating systems
• Significant brand adoption for Web3 presence
• Mature secondary market with established pricing
• Developer ecosystem creating valuable tools and services

Long Term (5+ years):

• Handshake domains becoming standard for decentralized applications
• Possible coexistence with traditional DNS as complementary systems
• Widespread understanding and adoption by mainstream internet users
• Regulatory frameworks emerging to address decentralized naming

Practical Tips for Success

For Domain Investors

• Research trends in emerging industries for valuable name opportunities
• Focus on short, memorable, pronounceable names
• Consider names in multiple languages for international appeal
• Track auction results to understand market pricing
• Hold quality names long-term as the ecosystem matures
• Diversify across different types of names

For Businesses

• Secure your brand name and variations before competitors do
• Consider purchasing a TLD for complete brand control
• Experiment with subdomains for different services or products
• Use Handshake domains for blockchain-based applications
• Prepare for Web3 even if not immediately implementing
• Monitor competitor activity in the Handshake space

For Developers

• Build tools that make Handshake more accessible
• Integrate Handshake resolution into existing applications
• Create valuable services around domain management
• Contribute to open-source Handshake projects
• Explore opportunities in the growing ecosystem
• Use Namebase's API for programmatic domain operations

For Everyone

• Register your personal name before someone else does
• Start with one domain to learn the system
• Join the Handshake community for support and insights
• Stay informed about ecosystem developments
• Think long-term; this technology takes time to mature
• Share knowledge to help grow the community

Conclusion

Namebase.io has made Handshake domain ownership more accessible by simplifying what once required running blockchain nodes and understanding complex cryptographic operations. This platform represents one approach to making top-level domain ownership available beyond traditional DNS registrars.

Whether you're interested in securing a digital identity, protecting a brand, exploring digital real estate opportunities, or building decentralized applications, platforms like Namebase provide tools for participating in alternative naming systems.

The challenges are real—limited browser support, cryptocurrency volatility, and learning curves should be carefully considered. The technology is still evolving, and adoption remains uncertain. Anyone considering Handshake domains should research thoroughly and understand the risks involved.

Handshake and platforms like Namebase represent an experimental approach to internet naming infrastructure. While the technology is interesting, it remains to be seen how widely it will be adopted and whether it will gain mainstream traction alongside traditional DNS.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute financial, investment, or professional advice. Cryptocurrency and blockchain technologies involve significant risks. Readers should conduct their own research and consult with qualified professionals before making any financial decisions.