Ethereum Name Service (ENS)
Naming protocol on Ethereum that maps readable .eth names to wallet addresses, sites and profiles.
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ENS key facts
| Category | Web3 domain service |
|---|---|
| Chains | Ethereum, with names resolvable across many chains and apps |
| Platforms | Web |
| Custody | Self-custody |
| Pricing | 5+ characters: $5 in ETH per year; 4 characters: $160; 3 characters: $640 |
| Fees | Annual renewal; 90-day grace period after expiry, then a premium that falls over 21 days |
What is ENS?
ENS (Ethereum Name Service) is an on-chain naming system that lets a readable name such as name.eth stand in for a wallet address. Names are rented per year: 5+ character names cost $5 in ETH per year, 4 characters $160 and 3 characters $640. An expired name has a 90-day grace period before release. The homepage lists over 37 million names.
ENS usage
From DefiLlama (fees users paid), updated Sep 26, 2026.
ENS alternatives
Other projects people compare with ENS.
ICANN-accredited domain registrar and marketplace that also sells blockchain-based Web3 domains.
Name service on Base that maps readable .base.eth names to wallet addresses, built on the ENS protocol.
Name service on Solana that maps .sol names to wallet addresses and profiles.
Registrar for Web3 domains and custom Web3 top-level domains, with royalties for TLD owners.
Multi-chain Web3 name service that issues .bnb and .arb names and lets communities launch their own TLDs.
ENS pros and cons
- 5+ character .eth names cost $5 in ETH per year
- 90-day grace period after expiry before a name is released
- No maximum registration length, so you can prepay many years
- Names must be renewed; a lapsed name can be registered by anyone
- 3 and 4 character names cost $640 and $160 per year
- Registration and renewal also cost Ethereum gas
ENS FAQ
What is ENS?
ENS (Ethereum Name Service) is an on-chain naming system that lets a readable name such as name.eth stand in for a wallet address. Names are rented per year: 5+ character names cost $5 in ETH per year, 4 characters $160 and 3 characters $640. An expired name has a 90-day grace period before release. The homepage lists over 37 million names.
Which chains does ENS support?
Ethereum, with names resolvable across many chains and apps.
How much does ENS cost?
Annual renewal; 90-day grace period after expiry, then a premium that falls over 21 days, according to ENS’s own page (checked Sep 26, 2026).
How much do users pay ENS in fees?
$239,132 over the last 30 days, according to DefiLlama on Sep 26, 2026.
Does ENS hold my funds?
No. ENS is self-custody: you keep your funds in your own wallet and sign each transaction.
Sources
How this page works
Sources: ENS: official site, ENS: Docs FAQ, DefiLlama. Data as of Sep 26, 2026.
Not affiliated with any project listed. Educational content, not financial advice.