Introduction
ENS (Ethereum Name Service) is a decentralized domain name service operating on the Ethereum network. Its primary domain serves as a cross-platform Web3 username and profile, enabling direct access to decentralized websites.
ANS (Arweave Name Service) is a domain name service built on Arweave. Inspired by ENS's success, ANS aims to establish a foundational ecosystem for Arweave, including wallets, DEXs, and domain services.
However, ANS isn’t merely an imitation of ENS. Leveraging Arweave’s permanent storage, ANS offers lifelong domain ownership, a unique feature distinguishing it from traditional expiring domains.
Vitalik Buterin once praised ENS as Ethereum’s most successful non-financial application—a decentralized address book. Meanwhile, ANS is emerging as a key player in the Arweave ecosystem, especially after its $ANS token launched on everPay and Permaswap.
Overview of ENS
Launched on May 4, 2017, by Ethereum Foundation members Alex Van de Sande and Nick Johnson, ENS transforms complex blockchain addresses into human-readable domains (e.g., vitalik.eth).
Key Features:
- Decentralized Governance: Operates via smart contracts (Registrar, Resolver, Controller).
- NFT Integration: Domains are ERC-721 NFTs, tradable on platforms like OpenSea.
- Pricing: Annual fees range from $5 (5+ characters)** to **$640 (3 characters).
- Censorship-Resistant: Even ENS DAO cannot revoke ownership (e.g., eth.link case).
Popular Use Cases:
- User Domains: Host decentralized websites via IPFS, Arweave, or Swarm.
- Web3 Profiles: Display on social media (e.g., PUMA.eth).
- DID (Decentralized Identity): Unify Web2/Web3 identities across platforms like RSS3.
Overview of ANS
Developed by Decent.Land, ANS maps Arweave addresses to readable xxx.ar domains. Its standout feature: one-time payment for perpetual ownership.
Key Features:
- EverPay Integration: Direct transfers using ANS domains.
- ERC-20 Token: Tradable on Permaswap and Uniswap (not a native Arweave PST).
- Arweave Ecosystem Ties: Compatible with Viewblock, ArConnect, and Permaswap.
Future Goals:
- ArMoji Domains: Emoji-based subdomains.
- Cross-Chain Interop: Via ONSF (Open Name Service Framework).
- Creator Economy: Integration with Arweave’s UDL (Universal Data License).
Market Comparison
| Metric | ENS | ANS |
|-----------------|------------------------------|------------------------------|
| Users | 570,000+ | 832+ holders |
| Domains | 2.55M+ registered | 1,515 minted |
| Pricing | Annual fees ($5–$640) | One-time payment |
| Liquidity | $93M market cap (0.78% liquid)| 125 AR traded (5600 AR treasury)|
ENS Trends:
- 255% growth in 2022 (40K new domains/month).
- Top sales:
paradigm.eth(420 ETH), 🚀🚀🚀.eth (42 ETH).
ANS Potential: Focuses on niche Arweave adoption but aims for cross-chain synergy.
FAQs
Q1: Can ENS domains expire?
Yes. ENS requires annual renewal, while ANS offers permanent ownership.
Q2: How does ANS ensure domain permanence?
By leveraging Arweave’s immutable storage—once registered, domains cannot be revoked.
Q3: Where can I trade ANS tokens?
On Permaswap and Uniswap (ERC-20 format).
Q4: What’s the cheapest ENS domain?
5+ character domains cost $5/year (e.g., hello.eth).
Q5: Does ANS support emoji domains?
Yes! ANS plans to launch ArMoji domains soon.
Conclusion
ENS dominates as Web3’s address layer, but ANS innovates with permanent ownership and Arweave-native utilities. As Vitalik said, "Success lies in adaptation, not imitation."
👉 Explore ANS domains today and secure your lifelong Web3 identity!
PermaDAO will continue delivering insights on Arweave’s evolving ecosystem. Stay tuned!