If you have ever bought a domain name, you have likely heard the terms registry and registrar. Most people use them interchangeably, but they refer to two very different jobs within the domain name system.

Knowing the difference is crucial when dealing with domains because it tells you who you are paying and who controls your domain.

So, is GoDaddy a registry or a registrar? Simply put, GoDaddy is now both. While the company started as a registrar, it expanded its operations to become a registry as well. 

Its domain registry division is run by Registry Services, LLC, a subsidiary that manages the backend for several major domain extensions.

What Makes GoDaddy a Registrar?

A domain registrar is a company authorized by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) to sell domain names to the general public. 

If you want to buy a domain like yourbusiness.com, you go to a registrar. They handle the administrative side of the transaction, such as billing, customer support, and connecting the domain to your hosting account.

GoDaddy acts as a registrar when you visit its website and purchase a domain. For the vast majority of customers, this is the role they interact with. 

When you register a .com or a .net through GoDaddy, you are buying it from them as a registrar, even though the actual backend database for those extensions is managed by a different registry like Verisign.

What Makes GoDaddy a Domain Registry

A domain registry is a database operator. A registry is responsible for maintaining the master database of all domain names registered under a specific extension, such as .com, .biz, or .xyz. 

The registry does not sell domains directly to customers; instead, it works with registrars to update the central database and keep the internet’s address books accurate.

For a long time, GoDaddy was strictly a registrar. That changed in April 2020 when the company acquired Neustar’s registry business. 

This acquisition officially made GoDaddy a registry operator. This new division, now called GoDaddy Registry, manages the backend infrastructure for several well-known extensions, including .us, .biz, .in, and .co.

The Best GoDaddy Alternative

If you want a registrar that keeps things simple, Truehost is the best GoDaddy alternative. Truehost is based in Kenya, so we offer pricing and support designed for the local market.

Many international registrars give you a low price for the first year, then charge a much higher price when you renew. Truehost solves that. Our pricing is clear and honest. 

For example, you can register a .co.ke domain for the KES 999 offer price and renew it for about KES 1200. You know what you will pay from the start, and there are no surprises when renewal time comes.

Truehost is a good alternative for other reasons, too. We offer you:

• Local support: When you need help, you talk to a team that understands the Kenyan market. No long waits or dealing with overseas call centers.
• All-in-one services: You do not have to buy hosting, SSL certificates, and other tools from different companies. Truehost provides everything you need in one place, including web hosting, a website builder, SEO tools, SSL certificates, and professional email.

Domain Registrar FAQs

Is GoDaddy an accredited registrar?

Yes, GoDaddy is an ICANN-accredited registrar. Following the acquisition of Neustar, it is also an accredited registry operator.

Which registrar is best for a domain name?

For Kenyan customers, Truehost is the best choice. We provide local support, transparent pricing, and no hidden renewal fees, ensuring you have full control over your domain without unexpected costs.

Is KENIC a registrar or a registry?

KENIC is a registry. It is the organization responsible for managing the .ke country code top-level domain (ccTLD). KENIC maintains the central database for all .ke domains, while registrars like Truehost sell those domains to the public.

Registry vs. Registrar: Who Has More Power?

The registry has more power; it controls the backend database and sets the rules for the domain extension. Registrars must comply with those rules. GoDaddy is unique because it now holds both roles for some domain extensions.