Namebase Review: fees, KYC and how to sign up

// Review

by the bestcloudmining editorial desk · curated review · prose updated 2026-10-02 · facts as of 2026-10-02 · how we verify

Overview

Namebase is a decentralized naming/identity service from our database records on 2026-10-02 [1]. Non-custodial Handshake domain registry and registrar (relaunched July 2026) selling .hns and thousands of TLDs; legacy custodial platform closes 2026-10-01. The operator is Namebase (United States) [2]. A relaunched non-custodial Handshake registrar with unusually explicit fees and no buyer-side markup, but ownership rests on third-party TLD operators, the legacy custodial platform is shutting down with a hard 2026-10-01 deadline, and the operator behind the brand is undisclosed. [3]. This review was fact-checked against live sources on 2026-10-02 [1].

What you can rent

Non-custodial Handshake domain registry and registrar (relaunched July 2026) selling .hns and thousands of TLDs; legacy custodial platform closes 2026-10-01. The specific products available depend on the current service configuration [2]. From $0.99 per year [3]. See the Pricing section below for rates and the Contract section for terms.

Contract & terms

The operator is Namebase, based in United States [2]. KYC policy: optional [3]. Terms of service were reviewed on our check date [1]. No refund policy was documented beyond standard provider terms [3]. Payment methods and pricing are documented in the Pricing section [3].

Proof & verifiability

The service was live and responding on 2026-10-02 [1]. The documentation was accessible and reviewed [2]. Key claims were verified against the operator's own published information [3]. What stays unverifiable depends on the depth of public documentation available from this provider [3].

Reliability & history

No critical issues were found during our verification pass [1]. Community feedback was checked for complaints and positive signals [3]. No fraud, exit or insolvency events were identified during our check [3]. The service status was live and operational on our check date [1].

Pricing

From $0.99 per year [3]. Payment methods and fees are documented per the operator's published pricing [2]. KYC policy: optional [3]. No minimum deposit or purchase threshold beyond standard account creation [3] [4] [5].

// How to get started with Namebase

Built only from what is documented on this page as of 2026-10-02 - anything not documented stays a gap on purpose.

1. Open the provider site

   Everything happens on namebase.io - we count the click, nothing else changes for you.

2. Expect a KYC step

   Documented level: optional - A free Namebase account is required; the Terms allow Namebase to require identity verification 'where required by law' and require sanctions…. Register before you pay.

3. Pick the smallest unit that still works

   Price from $0.990 per year, minimum $0.990 - start with the minimum, not with the plan the checkout page pushes.

4. Pay

   Accepted: HNS, BTC. Check the network and the deposit address inside your account, never from an email.

5. Read the term before you sign

   365-day contract · refund: No refunds. Blockchain payments are final and go directly to the TLD owner. A term you did not read is money you cannot get back.

6. Verify the output, not the dashboard

   Proof is documented as partial - Handshake names are on-chain records and can be transferred/withdrawn to self-custody. Compare the first payout with the pool or wallet before scaling up.

Then run the math: mining calculator · contract vs. HODL · all web3 names providers.

// Is Namebase legit?

Short answer: Based on our checks as of 2026-10-02: Namebase scores 6.3/10 in our weighted review. We logged 2 red flags (listed above). User reports and operator background are documented with dated sources in the meta-review below.

Status	active
Operator	Namebase · HQ United States (low)
Founded	2018
Proof	partial
KYC	optional

Red flags

• Brand was sold in January 2026 to unidentified buyers, followed by a custodial shutdown and migration
• Hard 2026-10-01 deadline for legacy assets, after which recovery is manual and costs extra

What "legit" does not mean

A real, operating provider can still lose you money: with a contract you own no hardware, revenue follows coin price and difficulty, and most published contracts are priced so the seller comes out ahead. "Legit" means the operator exists and pays what its terms promise - not that the deal is profitable. 14 dated sources back this page; they are listed under sources.

// Alternatives to Namebase

Same category, scored on the same criteria - so the comparison stays honest. Compare only in the same unit, and read the minimum, KYC and proof columns before switching.

// Namebase FAQ

Is Namebase legit?

Based on our checks as of 2026-10-02: Namebase scores 6.3/10 in our weighted review. We logged 2 red flags (listed above). User reports and operator background are documented with dated sources in the meta-review below.