PeerName

PeerName Review Guide: Everything You Need to Know (+ FAQ)

Ever tried to grab a blockchain domain and caught yourself thinking, “Where do I even start?” If you’ve been eyeing PeerName for .bit, .lib, .bazar, and similar blockchain names, you’re not alone. Picking a registrar is easy; picking the right one for your use case is where people get stuck. My goal here is simple: help you understand whether PeerName fits what you actually want to do—before you spend a satoshi.

Why this can feel confusing

Blockchain domains sound simple on the surface, but there are real gotchas if you don’t plan ahead. The biggest headaches I see people run into include:

• Which chains are supported? Not every registrar supports the same alt-root namespaces. If you want .bit (Namecoin), you need to make sure it’s actually available—and that it works the way you expect.
• Do you truly own it? Some names can be exported to your own wallet; others are managed by the provider. That difference affects who has the keys—and your long-term control.
• Renewals vs “forever” names: Many legacy blockchain TLDs still use renewals. Miss a renewal and you could lose the name, even if it’s “on a blockchain.”
• Will it resolve for visitors? Alt-root names usually don’t work in browsers by default. Your audience may need a plugin, custom DNS, or a gateway link. If you’re pointing a .bit to a website, plan for how people will actually reach it.
• Fees add up in odd places: Registration, on-chain fees, record updates, transfers, exports—make sure you’re seeing the full cost, not just the sticker price.
• Comparisons are messy: ENS or Unstoppable might be better if your priority is wallet/app integrations; PeerName’s value is access to classic alt-root namespaces like .bit. Different tools for different jobs.

Here’s a real-world example I’ve seen: someone registers a short .bit, points it to a crypto tipping page, and then shares the raw .bit link on social. Half their audience can’t open it because their browsers don’t resolve alt-root names. They switch to a gateway URL and suddenly clicks jump. The name wasn’t “broken”—the resolution path was.

What I’ll help you figure out

I’m going to keep it practical and straight to the point. We’ll look at:

• Which namespaces PeerName supports and how that impacts use cases
• Ownership and export options so you know who holds the keys
• Pricing, renewals, and any extra fees you should expect
• Security, privacy, and what “safe” looks like in this niche
• Step-by-step basics to register and manage a name without headaches
• How it compares to ENS, Unstoppable, and other routes

Who this is for

• Creators and site owners who want a memorable, alt-root identity (like brand.bit)
• Crypto users who want simple crypto-address routing via a name
• Collectors who value early blockchain namespaces and scarcity
• Anyone curious about blockchain domains but not interested in getting lost in technical rabbit holes

Quick take (TL;DR)

• PeerName focuses on classic blockchain/alt-root namespaces such as .bit, not the Ethereum-first ecosystems like ENS.
• It’s straightforward to manage records, but resolution depends on your audience using compatible resolvers/plugins or gateway links.
• Expect renewals on many legacy namespaces and confirm export/ownership options before you buy.
• Pricing is generally reasonable, but always check the full cost at checkout, including any on-chain or export fees.

Pro tip: If your goal is mainstream wallet/app integrations, ENS or Unstoppable might fit better. If you specifically want .bit or similar alt-root names, PeerName is a clean way to get started—just plan your resolution strategy.

So, what exactly is PeerName and which domains can you register today—and why does that matter for what you’re trying to build? Let’s break that down next.

What is PeerName and which domains it supports

Plain-English definition

PeerName is a registrar that lets you register blockchain-based (alt-root) domain names such as .bit and a handful of legacy namespaces from older naming systems. Think of it like a familiar domain shop, but the names live on blockchains instead of the ICANN DNS root. You search, buy, and manage records in one place—no command line or node setup required.

“Own your name, or someone else owns your story.”

If you’ve ever wanted a name like alice.bit for payments, a profile, or a content link, PeerName is built to make that process simple.

Supported namespaces

PeerName focuses on classic blockchain namespaces, especially:

• .bit (powered by Namecoin)
• .lib, .bazar, .coin (commonly associated with EmerDNS from Emercoin)

Availability can change as ecosystems evolve, so check the live list here: peername.com. I’ve seen PeerName highlight these namespaces consistently because they’re among the earliest blockchain naming projects and still have a loyal niche community.

Sample ideas I’ve used or seen in the wild:

• handle.bit for a public profile and crypto tips
• studio.lib as a brand hub in the alt-root world
• market.bazar pointing to a decentralized site or a redirect
• dev.coin for a hacker project landing page

How it works under the hood

These names don’t sit in the traditional DNS root (no ICANN). Instead, they’re registered on specific blockchains or naming layers that store key-value data. In practice:

• Namecoin (.bit): One of crypto’s earliest naming systems (2011). It stores name data on-chain and historically benefits from merge-mining with Bitcoin, which helped security over the years.
• EmerDNS (.lib, .bazar, .coin): Uses Emercoin’s name-value storage. Records can represent DNS-style data so compatible resolvers can map your name to content or addresses.

PeerName acts as your registrar interface. It prepares and sends the necessary on-chain operations for you and exposes a clean dashboard to edit records—like setting a website target, adding crypto addresses, or creating a profile-style landing. The exact record types vary by namespace, but the goal is the same: make an on-chain name practical and easy to manage.

What you can do with a name today

• Point to content: Set a website URL, an IPFS content hash, or a redirect. This is how you turn a short name into a shareable destination.
• Add wallet addresses: Publish BTC/ETH (and others) in one place so people don’t copy-paste long strings from random chats.
• Create a simple identity: Use the name as your recognizable handle in communities that support alt-root resolution.

Quick example: I registered a short .bit name, set my BTC address, and added a link to my content. For visitors with a compatible resolver or gateway, the name acts like a normal website. For everyone else, I share a short gateway link. It’s not “.com default,” but it works if you know your audience.

PeerName vs ENS/Unstoppable

They all solve “human-readable names,” but the ecosystems are different:

• PeerName: Focused on classic alt-root namespaces (e.g., .bit, .lib, .bazar). The crowd is more OG crypto and alt-DNS users.
• ENS (Ethereum): Plugged into Web3 wallets, dapps, and L2s—great if you need broad wallet/app integrations.
• Unstoppable Domains: A consumer-friendly path to Web3 identities with strong app partnerships and no yearly fees model for many TLDs.

If your goal is specifically “own a .bit or EmerDNS-style name with straightforward management,” PeerName hits the target. If you want maximum wallet/app compatibility out of the box, ENS or Unstoppable may fit better. It’s not that one is “better”—they serve different tribes.

Ownership model basics

Two questions I always ask before I register any blockchain name:

• Is it custodial or non-custodial? Sometimes the registrar manages the keys for you (easy, but you’re trusting a third party). Other times, you can export the name to your own wallet (more control, more responsibility).
• Can I export later if I want to? For .bit, export options typically involve Namecoin-compatible wallets (for example, Namecoin Core or community tools). For EmerDNS-style names, you’d look at Emercoin tooling. Always verify what’s currently supported on PeerName and in the namespace docs.

Here’s the tradeoff in plain English: managing on PeerName is fast and simple; exporting to your own wallet gives you stronger control. I usually start with the easy route, then export when I’m confident I want to keep the name long term.

Resolution reality check (the short version)

Alt-root names aren’t universally resolvable in mainstream browsers by default. Many users rely on:

• Browser extensions or custom DNS resolvers
• HTTPS gateways you can share with friends or followers

That said, the point of these namespaces is independence and flexibility. If your audience is crypto-native (or you control the access path, like a gateway link), they’ll reach you. If you need “everyone sees it in Chrome/Safari immediately,” this isn’t the same as a .com. I’ll show you the safety, trust, and privacy angles next so you can decide with eyes wide open.

Curious whether you truly control the name and how safe all this is? That’s exactly what I’m unpacking next—custody, censorship resistance, and what I personally check before I buy. Ready?

Is PeerName safe and legit? Security, trust, and privacy

Let’s talk about the stuff that actually keeps you up at night: who’s holding the keys, what happens if something breaks, and whether your new blockchain name will work tomorrow morning. I’ve tested enough naming services to know that trust isn’t a feature—it’s an outcome of how custody, tooling, and support are set up.

“Not your keys, not your coins.” The same thinking applies here: not your keys, not your name.

Custody and control

Control varies by namespace. Some systems let you export ownership to your own wallet; others are managed for you through the registrar interface. If you want the strongest assurance:

• Ask about export before buying. Can you move the name to a non-custodial wallet? What wallets are supported for that namespace?
• Do a cheap test first. Register an inexpensive name and try the full export path. Don’t skip this—treat it like a fire drill.
• Confirm the export format. Is it a transfer to your on-chain address, a WIF/private key handoff, or a signed transaction? Make sure you know how to verify ownership after export.
• Backups exist or it didn’t happen. If you receive a key or transfer proof, store it offline in at least two places (separate physical locations).

Example path many power users follow with classic namespaces: register via the platform, export the record to a chain-supported wallet (e.g., a Namecoin- or Emercoin-compatible wallet if that’s your TLD), then manage updates locally. Your exact steps depend on the namespace, so double-check the current docs.

Censorship resistance and resolution

Alt-root names don’t resolve like .com by default. Your visitors may need a plugin, a custom DNS resolver, or a gateway link. That matters for both usability and censorship resistance:

• Resolver reality: Without a plugin/resolver, many users won’t see your site at your alt-root. Share a gateway URL for mainstream browsers if you need quick reach.
• Gateways are chokepoints: If you rely on a hosted gateway to serve content, you reintroduce a single point of failure (and potential censorship). Direct resolver setups or self-hosted gateways reduce that risk.
• Content hosting matters: Pointing your name to IPFS or similar helps, but your availability still depends on pinning and nodes staying up. Make uptime someone’s job—yours or a provider’s.

Bottom line: the chain can be censorship-resistant, but your stack (gateway, hosting, DNS, browser support) determines what people actually experience. Plan for that gap.

Reputation and transparency

PeerName has been active in the blockchain naming niche for years. That’s comforting, but I still treat every crypto-facing service with the same checklist:

• Find recent user feedback: Look for posts from the last 3–6 months, not three-year-old threads.
• Read the docs like a lawyer: Export terms, fees for transfers, and what happens if the platform sunsets a namespace.
• Start small: One inexpensive name. Test support and the export path. If all good, then scale.

Security isn’t just uptime; it’s process clarity. If you can’t find clear answers about export, renewals, and record changes, that’s your signal to slow down.

Privacy and data

There’s no ICANN WHOIS for these names, which is a plus for privacy. Still, the service may collect basic account info (email, IP, payment metadata) to operate and support your account.

• Check the privacy policy: What data is stored, for how long, and who it’s shared with (payment processors, anti-fraud tools)?
• Avoid linking wallets you don’t need to link: Keep high-value wallets separate from routine accounts.
• Use burner emails for low-stakes names: Minimizes linkage across services.

If you care about minimizing breadcrumbs, pay attention to payment rails. Crypto payments reduce traditional billing data exposure, but you’re still leaving network footprints.

Support and response times

Great support is rare in crypto-land, and it becomes your lifeline if a transfer gets stuck. I always sanity-check before committing:

• Send a pre-sales question: Ask something specific about export or record types. You’ll learn a lot from how they answer.
• Look for a status page or incident log: Transparency during hiccups beats silence.
• Timezone awareness: If support operates in a different region, plan for lag.

Your threat model: what can actually go wrong

• Account compromise: Phishing steals your login, attacker updates records or sells your name.
• Registrar risk: Service downtime or policy change delays updates or exports.
• Resolver risk: Your audience can’t resolve the name without plugins; gateway blocks or rate limits traffic.
• Hosting risk: Site is up on-chain but content host goes down, so visitors see nothing.

Practical mitigations:

• Turn on 2FA (app-based, not SMS), use a unique password, and store recovery codes offline.
• Phishing hygiene: Bookmark the login URL; don’t click email links. The majority of breaches involve the human element—basic habits pay off.
• Proof-of-ownership habit: If you export, verify ownership from your wallet once. Document the steps for future you.
• Multi-path resolution: Offer a gateway link alongside the alt-root for non-technical users.

How I sanity-check a new namespace

• Register a low-cost name.
• Set a crypto address record and confirm it resolves via at least two methods (resolver and gateway).
• Export ownership (if supported) to a compatible wallet. Verify with a chain explorer or wallet command.
• Rotate the record from the exported wallet to prove full control end-to-end.
• Document fees and time-to-finality along the way.

Do this once and you’ll sleep better when you start buying names that actually matter to your brand.

Red flags I watch for

• Export is “coming soon” without a date or documentation.
• Opaque fees for transfers or record updates.
• Support replies that dodge technical questions (“we can’t disclose that”).
• No mention of backup or recovery procedures if you lose account access.

When a platform is clear about the ugly parts—limitations, delays, edge cases—that’s usually a green flag. Silence is the opposite.

One last emotional truth

Losing a name that carries your brand or your identity stings. It’s not just a string; it’s your link in someone’s address book, your wallet handle in a payment flow, your reputation in a URL bar. Treat it like you would a valuable social handle or a hot wallet—some paranoia is healthy.

Now, if you’re wondering how much safety and control will cost you—and whether renewals or exports add surprise charges—you’re going to want to see the next part. Curious about the real prices, renewal traps, and hidden fees to watch for?

Pricing, renewals, and fees you should expect

Upfront costs

Before you fall in love with a name, look at the full cart math. With blockchain/alt-root namespaces, pricing is usually a combo of:

• Base registration price — the headline number you see for the name under its namespace.
• Network (on-chain) fee — a miner/validator fee paid to the underlying chain. Some registrars bundle this, others show it separately at checkout.
• Platform/service fee — what the registrar charges to operate, support, and keep things running.

Expect the network fee to fluctuate. If the namespace touches Bitcoin-like infrastructure or Namecoin, on-chain fees can be higher during congestion. A quick sanity check: peek at current fee pressure (for example, BTC fees via BitInfoCharts) and time your purchase off-peak if you can.

Real-world cart snapshot (what I look for):

• Is the miner fee included in the base price or added at the end?
• Is the first-year price discounted compared to renewal? If yes, note the renewal number.
• Any tax or VAT applied at billing address level?

“Price is what you pay. Value is what you get.”

My rule: value = base price + expected renewals + optional extras (export, hosting, etc.). If that sum still makes sense a year from now, you’re good.

Renewals vs “forever” names

Most classic blockchain namespaces use renewals. Some measure time in blocks (older systems like Namecoin’s .bit are block-based), and registrars often abstract that into 1-year or multi-year plans on your account. If you’re curious about the underlying mechanics for .bit, check Namecoin’s docs on name lifetimes: name owners guide.

About “forever” claims: if you ever see a “no renewal” or “forever” option in this space, read the fine print. In practice, that usually means the provider commits to renewing on your behalf for as long as they exist and can fund it—not that the blockchain magically removed expirations. That’s a service promise, not a protocol guarantee.

Don’t get burned by expiry:

• Turn on auto-renew if offered and keep a funded payment method on file.
• Set two reminders: 30 days before and 7 days before renewal.
• Confirm what happens if you miss it. Some namespaces have no grace period; others may allow a short window. Assume nothing.

Nothing stings like losing a name you’ve already printed on a business card because a renewal email went to spam. Treat renewals like rent—miss a month and the lock changes.

Payments and refunds

Expect crypto payments by default. Availability of fiat (cards or processors) changes over time, so double-check at checkout. If you pay in crypto, remember it’s largely irreversible—refunds are typically only possible before a transaction hits the chain or if the order wasn’t fulfilled.

• Supported coins: Check the current list on the payment page. If you prefer a specific coin, confirm first.
• Refund policy: Read it in full. After the on-chain op confirms, refunds are rare.
• Taxes: Depending on your country, VAT or sales tax may apply—verify on the invoice.

Coupons and promos

Registrars in this niche run low-key promos. A few easy wins:

• Sign up and watch your inbox around seasonal events (New Year, Black Friday, crypto market lulls).
• Ask support about bulk pricing if you’re buying a batch.
• Follow their socials—limited-time codes sometimes appear there first.

Hidden fees check

Not trying to scare you—just showing where costs can hide. Scan for these before you press pay:

• Export fee: If you want to hold the name in your own wallet, is there a one-time export charge or on-chain fee?
• Record update fees: Some namespaces require an on-chain write for certain updates (addresses, content hashes). Who pays the miner fee each time?
• Transfer-out fee: If you move or sell the name, are there platform or network fees?
• Reactivation fee: If you miss renewal, is there a reactivation cost—or is the name simply gone?
• Renewal price jump: Is renewal the same as year one? If not, note the real annual cost today.
• Hosting/gateway extras: If you pin IPFS content or use a web gateway, there may be monthly or yearly costs outside the registrar.

My pre-purchase checklist (copy/paste this)

• Base price per year and actual renewal price
• Who pays miner fees at registration, updates, and renewal
• Auto-renew availability and accepted payment methods
• Grace period rules (if any) and reactivation costs
• Export/transfer fees and processes
• Taxes applied at checkout
• Any promo code or bulk discount I can use

Quick TCO math you can run in 30 seconds

Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) for 3 years = (Year 1 price + expected network fees) + (Year 2 renewal + expected fees) + (Year 3 renewal + expected fees) + (optional export or transfer costs). If you’re managing multiple names, multiply and note any bulk discount.

Pro tip: if on-chain fees are a big part of the cost for your namespace, batch actions. For example, update records for several names during one session when fees are low, instead of spreading them out over high-fee days.

Want to see the exact checkout flow I use, the settings I pick to avoid extra fees, and how I confirm everything’s actually registered on-chain? Let’s walk through it step by step next.

How to buy and manage a PeerName domain (step-by-step)

“The best domain is the one people can actually reach.” That’s my north star whenever I register blockchain names. Here’s exactly how I buy and manage a name on PeerName without guesswork.

Search and check availability

Start with a clear, short, and pronounceable label. UX research consistently shows that shorter, human-friendly names are easier to remember and share. If you like evidence, Nielsen Norman Group’s work on recognition over recall backs this up: when names are simple, users don’t struggle to recall them later.

• Go to search: On PeerName, type your target (e.g., cafe.bit, kino.lib, market.bazar).
• If it’s taken: Try clean, short variants: cafebit, getcafe, cafeshop. Avoid random numbers or double hyphens.
• Keep it ASCII: IDNs/Unicode can break resolvers and invite homograph lookalikes. For compatibility, stick to basic characters unless you know your resolver stack supports more.
• Future-proof: If you plan to accept crypto payments, pick a label that works on wallets/screenshots. For example, paycafe.bit is self-explanatory.

“Clarity beats cleverness when your name lives outside the ICANN root.”

Checkout and payment

Once you’ve got a green “available,” move fast—good names don’t sit around forever.

• Add to cart and review the term length (many namespaces require renewals). I set a calendar alert at purchase + 11 months as a safety buffer.
• Pay using the supported method shown at checkout (crypto is typical; fiat may be available depending on timing and region).
• Confirmations: Some chains finalize quickly; others can take several blocks. Practically, expect anything from a few minutes to an hour.
• Receipt: Save your invoice, the exact label, and the namespace. If a namespace supports export, note that you’ll need this info later.

Set records: crypto addresses, redirects, content

This is where your name starts doing real work. PeerName exposes fields for the most common use cases:

• Crypto payments

  • Paste wallet addresses (e.g., BTC: bc1..., ETH: 0x..., LTC: ltc1...).
  • Test: send yourself a small amount first to verify everything maps correctly.

• Website or link-in-bio

  • HTTP redirect: Point yourname.bit to an existing URL like https://yourlink.
  • Direct IP / host: If supported, set an IP or a hostname so resolvers/gateways can load your site.

• Decentralized content (if supported by the namespace)

  • Paste your IPFS content hash (e.g., bafy...), then share a gateway link such as https://ipfs.io/ipfs/yourhash for users without resolvers.
  • Keep your IPFS pinning active so the site stays online.

Real example: For cafe.bit, I’d set:

• BTC address for tips
• ETH address for on-chain supporters
• Redirect to https://cafe.example or an IPFS hash hosting the menu and hours

Now anyone with a compatible resolver can send funds or reach the content without hunting for links.

Transfers, exports, and selling

This part determines who truly controls your name. Some namespaces support export to your own wallet—others stay managed in-account.

• Check export support: If available, export and store the keys/offline file securely. Once exported, losing the key usually means losing the name.
• Internal transfer: If you’re selling to another PeerName user, use any built-in transfer to keep it simple.
• External sale: If you export, you can transact peer-to-peer or via marketplaces that understand the namespace. Always move first with a small test change to prove control (e.g., set a temporary record).
• Paper trail: Keep a signed bill of sale and transaction IDs. If a dispute happens, you’ll be glad you did.

Troubleshooting resolution

If your shiny new name doesn’t load, work through this quick checklist:

• Resolver reality check: Alt-root names don’t resolve by default in most browsers. Use a compatible resolver, plugin, custom DNS, or share a gateway URL.
• Records sanity: Double-check for typos in addresses, content hashes, or hostnames. One wrong character breaks everything.
• Cache and timing: Gateways and resolvers cache. Give it 10–30 minutes, then hard refresh or try another browser/session.
• Namespace quirks: Some TLDs interpret records differently. If a setting seems to do nothing, review the namespace’s record formats in PeerName’s help.
• Cross-check: Ask a friend with a known working resolver to test your name from a different network.

Security basics

Own the name; don’t let the name own you.

• Enable 2FA on your PeerName account and use a password manager.
• Back up exports offline (two copies, two locations). If a seed/private key is involved, treat it like cash.
• Bookmark the real site: Type peername.com from your bookmark to avoid phishing.
• Renewal alarms: Set calendar reminders 30, 14, and 3 days before expiration if your namespace renews.
• Change logs: After major record edits, note the date and what changed. Rolling back becomes painless.

Want a quick mental model before you move on? Ask yourself: do you want the broadest alt-root reach for classic namespaces, or deeper wallet/app integrations? Next, I’ll stack PeerName against the usual suspects so you can choose with confidence. Which outcome matters more to you right now?

PeerName vs alternatives: which one should you pick?

When PeerName makes sense

If you’re chasing classic blockchain namespaces—think .bit and similar alt-roots—and you’re fine with sharing gateway links or asking your audience to use compatible resolvers, PeerName is a clean way to get started. I reach for it when I want:

• OG cred and experimentation: You want a Namecoin-era name for collections, on-chain experiments, or to mirror a Web2 brand with an alt-root identity.
• Simple management: You’d rather buy, set basic records, and go. No smart contract juggling, no complex wallet flows.
• Cost-aware collecting: You want a handful of short names in a niche namespace without jumping through DeFi hoops.

Example: I’ve seen creators use a .bit name as a scannable QR code on merch that redirects to a Web2 page via a gateway. It’s not meant to replace their .com—just a web3-flavored alias their fans remember.

When to consider ENS, Unstoppable, or Handshake

• ENS (.eth): If your priority is wallet/app recognition across the Ethereum ecosystem, ENS usually wins. Payments aliases, avatar records, and content hashes are standard fare, and many wallets recognize .eth names right out of the box. If you live in DeFi or Ethereum-based apps, this is the path of least resistance.
• Unstoppable: If you love “one-time purchase, no renewal” messaging and want mainstream-facing integrations (some browsers and wallets support certain UD TLDs), it’s a smooth, consumer-friendly option with polished tooling.
• Handshake (HNS): If you want to tinker with root-level naming (owning a TLD and issuing your own subdomains), Handshake is the playground. Expect more DIY—resolvers, DNS bridges, and community tools—but massive flexibility if you know what you’re building.

Decision snapshots (real-world samples)

• Payments-first creator: You mainly want a name that friends can send crypto to from common wallets. Pick ENS for .eth and set your wallet records. It’s the most universally recognized payments alias in Web3 today.
• Alt-web identity with a retro vibe: You want to own a short .bit handle and point it to a profile or IPFS site. Choose PeerName. You’ll likely share a gateway link for web access—but the name is yours in a classic blockchain namespace.
• Builder who wants to issue subdomains: You’re running a community and want usernames like alice.your-tld. Go Handshake, grab a TLD, and wire up your own resolver or DNS gateway. It’s more involved, but you control the rules.

Pros and cons at a glance

PeerName (alt-root focus)

• Pros: Friendly interface, niche namespaces like .bit, quick setup of records, low-friction entry.
• Cons: Alt-root resolution means plugins/gateways/custom DNS for most users; integrations aren’t as broad as ENS/UD; custody/export flows vary by namespace.

ENS

• Pros: Broad wallet/app recognition in Ethereum land, strong developer tooling, flexible records, active community.
• Cons: Gas fees and renewals apply; Ethereum-centric.

Unstoppable

• Pros: One-time purchase model for many TLDs, consumer-friendly UX, growing set of integrations.
• Cons: Closed issuance model; not every TLD is recognized everywhere; different ethos than fully open naming.

Handshake

• Pros: Own a TLD, issue subdomains, bridge to DNS, high flexibility for builders.
• Cons: Tooling can be fragmented; resolution requires setup; renewals and auctions add complexity.

Interoperability and resolution reality check

No matter which route you pick, always sanity-check two things:

• Where will people use your name? Wallets, dapps, browsers, QR codes—these contexts matter. ENS tends to “just work” in more crypto wallets; alt-roots often rely on plugins/gateways; Handshake may need custom resolvers.
• What’s your content strategy? If you’re hosting on IPFS/Arweave, test gateway links and performance. If you rely on a gateway, keep a backup route (traditional URL) in your bio or link hub.

For adoption signals, I look at ecosystem directories, wallet release notes, and name system explorers rather than hype. Integration footprints change fast; tools that were “experimental” last year are sometimes stable today—and vice versa.

Helpful resources and tools

• My running list of explorers, resolvers, plugins, and docs — updated when integrations shift.
• Try a sandbox approach: register a cheap test name, set records, and ask three friends on different devices to access it. What works for you should also work for your audience.

“Pick the name system your audience can actually use, not the one with the flashiest promise.”

Still wondering which option gives you the strongest ownership, how renewals actually play out, or why your new name won’t load in Chrome? I’ve got the straight answers up next in the FAQ—want me to spill the exact fixes I use when a name won’t resolve?

FAQ: Real questions people ask about PeerName

What is PeerName and how’s it different from ENS?

Short answer: PeerName lets you register alt-root blockchain domains (think .bit and similar). ENS lives on Ethereum and is tightly integrated with EVM wallets, dapps, and some browsers. If you need a name that “just works” inside the Web3/Ethereum stack, ENS is usually the obvious choice. If you want one of the classic blockchain namespaces and you’re fine with alternative resolution (plugins/custom DNS/gateways), PeerName is designed for that.

Quick example: You can point a .bit name to your BTC/LTC addresses and a website, but most visitors will need a compatible resolver or a gateway link. An ENS name like yourname.eth may resolve natively inside many wallets and some browsers, especially for crypto sending and profile lookups.

Is PeerName safe and do I really own my name?

It depends on custody. If the namespace supports exporting to your own wallet (non-custodial), you gain stronger control. If not, you’re relying on the registrar to hold and manage it on your behalf (custodial).

• Non-custodial (export supported): Back up your keys, store them offline, and you control transfers/updates directly on the underlying chain.
• Custodial: Use strong passwords, enable 2FA, and understand the provider’s recovery process. You’re trading convenience for reliance on an account login.

Tip: Before you buy, check whether your specific TLD offers an “export” option and if there are any fees or lock-up periods. Start with a lower-value name to test the workflow.

How much does a PeerName domain cost and are there renewals?

Pricing varies by TLD. Many classic namespaces still use renewal periods, typically 1 year. Expect the checkout price to reflect both platform fees and any on-chain costs the registrar needs to cover.

• What I do: I set a calendar reminder 30 days before expiry, enable auto-renew (if available), and keep a small balance ready in the payment method I used originally.
• Watch for grace periods: Some namespaces offer a short grace window; after that, the name can be released or snapped by someone else.

Can I use a PeerName domain for a website or crypto payments?

Yes—if the TLD supports the necessary records. PeerName typically lets you add:

• Crypto addresses: BTC, ETH, and others. Share yourname.bit as your “handle” and compatible wallets/resolvers can route funds.
• Web content: A/AAAA/CNAME for traditional hosting, or a content hash (e.g., IPFS) if the namespace supports it.

Real-world setup: I’ve pointed a .bit to a static site by setting an A record to a VPS IP, then gave users a gateway URL for mainstream browsers. For crypto tips, I added BTC/ETH addresses so compatible resolvers could detect them.

Why isn’t my domain resolving in my browser?

Because these are alt-root names—they don’t behave like .com by default. Common reasons and fixes:

• No resolver/plugin: Install a browser extension, use a custom DNS that supports your TLD, or share a gateway URL so anyone can visit via a normal HTTPS link.
• Record propagation: Some resolvers cache aggressively. Wait 10–60 minutes, then hard-refresh or clear DNS cache.
• Wrong record type or typo: Double-check A/AAAA/CNAME or content hash entries. A single character off will break resolution.
• Local network issues: Corporate firewalls or secure DNS services may block alt-roots by policy. Test on mobile data or a different network.

Heads-up: ICANN’s Security and Stability Advisory Committee has long warned that alternative namespaces won’t resolve globally without explicit configuration. In short: don’t expect universal click-and-go unless your audience is using compatible resolvers.

Can I transfer, export, or sell my PeerName domain?

Usually yes—with caveats. Internal account-to-account transfers are often straightforward. Exporting to your own wallet depends on the TLD’s capabilities. Selling externally might require listing on a marketplace that supports your namespace or doing an escrowed transfer.

• What to check first: Export availability, transfer fees, and whether records (like IPFS hashes) carry over or need re-adding post-transfer.
• Safe selling: If you can’t escrow on-platform, use a third-party escrow you trust. Never release control until funds clear.

What happens if I miss a renewal?

In many namespaces, your name enters expiration, then a grace period, and possibly a redemption or “pending delete” phase. Once it drops, anyone can register it.

Prevent it: Turn on billing alerts, use auto-renew, and keep a backup reminder in your calendar. For high-value names, I set two reminders—30 days and 7 days before expiry.

Does it work on mobile?

Yes, but the same rules apply: your mobile browser or network needs a compatible resolver, plugin, or a gateway link. I often share the gateway URL in social profiles so users on iOS/Android can tap through without setup.

Any privacy considerations?

There’s no ICANN WHOIS here, but the registrar will typically collect basic account and payment details. If privacy matters to you, pay in crypto where supported and use a unique email. Always read the service’s privacy policy before checkout.

My verdict

Bottom line: PeerName is a smart pick if you want classic blockchain domains and you’re okay with the alt-root trade-offs. Set clear expectations: you’ll get flexible records and ownership options that can be strong (especially if export is available), but you won’t get universal browser resolution out of the box.

My playbook is simple: start with one name, confirm export/transfer works, wire up a gateway link for easy sharing, and test on multiple devices. If that feels smooth, scale up. If you need plug-and-play wallet/app recognition, you might be happier with an Ethereum-centric naming system instead.