
Gandi - Detailed Review
Domain Tools

Gandi - Product Overview
Gandi Overview
Gandi is a prominent player in the domain tools and web services sector, particularly known for its domain name registration and management services.Primary Function
Gandi’s primary function is to act as a domain name registrar, allowing users to register, manage, and maintain their domain names. Additionally, Gandi provides a range of complementary services such as web hosting, professional email solutions, and SSL certificates to support a comprehensive online presence.Target Audience
Gandi’s target audience includes small and medium enterprises (SMEs), as well as individuals looking to establish or manage their online presence. The user base is predominantly male (63.54%) and falls mainly within the 25-34 age group. Geographically, Gandi’s core audience is largely based in France, followed by other countries such as Belgium, the United States, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom.Key Features
Domain Management
Gandi offers a user-friendly interface for managing domain name portfolios. Users can create teams with specific permissions and invite other users to collaborate on domain management.Comprehensive Services
Besides domain registration, Gandi provides hosting services, professional email solutions, and SSL certificates to ensure a secure and functional online presence.Security
Gandi enhances account security with two-factor authentication options, including TOTP (Time-Based One-Time Password) and U2F (Universal 2nd Factor).DNS Management
Users can manage their DNS zone files using either the web admin console or the Gandi CLI (Command Line Interface) Python script, which allows for versioning and easy modifications of DNS settings.Collaboration Tools
The platform supports team collaboration by allowing users to create teams and assign specific permissions, facilitating smooth management of multiple domains and services.Conclusion
Overall, Gandi is a versatile and user-friendly platform that caters to the diverse needs of individuals and businesses looking to manage their online presence effectively.
Gandi - User Interface and Experience
User-Friendly Interface
Gandi’s interface is optimized to be easy to use, even for those with limited technical knowledge. The platform is designed with a clear and intuitive layout, making it straightforward for users to manage their domains and related services.
Domain Management Views
Users can switch between two main views: Simple View and Advanced View. The Simple View is more streamlined, allowing users to quickly renew domains, sort by expiration date or alphabetically, and view domains by organization. The Advanced View provides more detailed information and additional options, such as search filters for criteria like extension, organization, tags, and expiration dates.
Search Filters and Configuration Templates
In the Advanced View, users can utilize search filters to display domains that match specific criteria. This feature helps in organizing and managing large numbers of domains efficiently. Additionally, configuration templates can be created and applied to multiple domains, saving time and ensuring consistency in DNS records, nameserver settings, and email options.
DNS Management
Gandi’s DNS management tools are highly accessible. Users can manage DNS records, set up redirects, and configure domain settings with ease. The interface also supports automated management tools, making DNS configuration straightforward. Features like DNS zone transfer (AXFR) and the ability to link a DNS zone to multiple domains further simplify the process.
Integration and Automation
The platform integrates domain and hosting services seamlessly, allowing users to manage both from a single location. This integration, along with automated management tools, streamlines the process of setting up and maintaining a web presence.
Security and Backup
Gandi emphasizes security with features like SSL certificates, two-factor authentication, and automatic backups. These features are easily accessible through the user interface, ensuring that users can protect their websites and data without much hassle.
Customer Support
Gandi is known for its dedicated customer support. The platform offers comprehensive assistance, including responsive customer support, comprehensive online resources, and regular system updates. This support ensures that users can resolve technical issues quickly and effectively.
Overall User Experience
The overall user experience with Gandi is positive, with users appreciating the ease of domain management, reliable hosting performance, and effective security tools. The intuitive interface makes it accessible to both beginners and experienced users, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience in managing web services.

Gandi - Key Features and Functionality
Gandi: Domain Name Management
Gandi, a renowned domain name registrar, offers a suite of features and functionalities that make managing domain names and associated services efficient and user-friendly. Here are the key features and how they work, particularly focusing on the domain tools and any AI-driven aspects, though it’s important to note that the sources do not explicitly mention AI integration in Gandi’s domain tools.
Domain Registration and Management
Gandi allows users to buy and manage domains using their command-line interface (CLI). Here are some key functions:
- Domain Registration: Users can register domains using interactive prompts or one-line commands. For example, you can register a domain with default contact information or specify custom contacts.
- Domain Listing and Information: Users can list all their domains and get detailed information about a specific domain using commands like `gandi domain list` and `gandi domain info example.com`.
DNS Management
Gandi’s DNS management is highly advanced and user-friendly:
- Anycast Technology: Gandi uses Anycast to distribute DNS queries globally, ensuring low latency and resistance to DDoS attacks.
- LiveDNS: This service propagates DNS modifications in less than 250 ms, ensuring quick updates to your DNS settings.
- Public API: Gandi provides a public API for managing domain names and DNS records, allowing users to develop their own interfaces or integrate with tools like Terraform and Let’s Encrypt.
- DNS Record Management: Users can create, list, update, and delete DNS records using the CLI. For example, you can add an A record with `gandi record create example.com –name www –type A –value 127.0.0.1`.
- DNSSEC and Secondary Nameservers: Gandi supports DNSSEC activation and provides a secondary nameserver with pre-signed DNSSEC zones for free. Users can also use external nameservers and manage glue records.
Automation and Interoperability
Gandi emphasizes automation and interoperability:
- Configuration Templates: Users can create templates for nameservers, DNS records, email mailboxes, and forwarding addresses, which can be applied during domain registration or later.
- Bulk Management: Users can link multiple domains to a single DNS zone and manage them in bulk.
- Automated Backups: DNS zones are automatically saved before modifications, and users can manually back up and restore previous versions.
Additional Features
- VHost and SSL Management: Gandi allows users to create vhosts with SSL certificates, either using certificates stored at Gandi or from other sources.
- Private VLANs: Users can create and manage private VLANs, specifying details like subnet and gateway.
While Gandi’s tools are highly automated and efficient, there is no explicit mention of AI-driven features in the provided sources. The focus is on providing a comprehensive, user-friendly, and highly performant domain and DNS management system.

Gandi - Performance and Accuracy
Performance
Gandi’s performance is highly praised by users and reviewers. Here are some key points:
- Uptime Guarantee: Gandi offers a 99.95% uptime guarantee, which is a strong indicator of their reliable hosting performance.
- Loading Speed: The loading times for websites hosted on Gandi are exceptionally fast, with average loading times of 2.3 seconds on GTmetrix, 353 milliseconds on Pingdom, and 1.8 seconds on PageSpeed Insights. This ensures quick and uninterrupted access to websites.
- Server Response Time: Gandi’s server response time is also commendable, with an A rating from Bitcatcha, indicating that the first byte of content is delivered faster than 200ms, as recommended by Google.
Accuracy and Reliability
- Domain Management: Users find managing domains with Gandi to be straightforward and hassle-free. The platform allows easy tracking and renewal of domain registrations.
- Security Tools: Gandi provides effective security tools such as free SSL certificates and two-factor authentication, which add an extra layer of protection to websites and online data.
- User Interface: The user interface is intuitive and easy to navigate, making it simple for users with limited technical skills to set up and manage their web services.
Limitations and Areas for Improvement
While Gandi excels in many areas, there are a few points to consider:
- Support Options: Gandi’s support is available via email 24/6, which might not be as comprehensive as 24/7 support offered by some other providers.
- Migration Process: Migrating a site to a different data center involves several steps, including backing up the source code, creating a new hosting instance, and editing DNS records. While this is manageable, it could be streamlined further.
Conclusion
Gandi’s performance and reliability are strong, with excellent uptime, fast loading speeds, and effective security measures. However, since Gandi is not known for AI-driven domain tools, there is no specific information available on their performance in this category. For traditional web hosting and domain management, Gandi is a reliable choice with a user-friendly interface and strong technical performance.

Gandi - Pricing and Plans
Pricing Structure for .tools Domain Names at Gandi
Registration and Renewal Prices
- The registration price for a `.tools` domain name starts at $44.05 per year for a period of 1 to 10 years.
- Renewal prices are $95.98 per year for a period of 1 to 9 years. If the domain is renewed late (within 45 days after the expiration date), the price remains $95.98. After this late renewal period, the price increases to $116.22 for the first year, then reverts to the normal renewal price.
Transfer Costs
- Transferring a `.tools` domain to Gandi costs $37.32, which also renews the domain for one year.
Features Included
- Regardless of the pricing tier, Gandi includes several features with domain name purchases:
- Free SSL Certificate: For the first year, which helps in securing your website with HTTPS.
- Anycast DNS: Free, secure, and high-quality DNS services with DNSSEC and automatic backups.
- Email Aliases and Forwarding: Unlimited aliases and email forwarding addresses.
- Web Forwarding: Ability to forward your domain to another URL.
Volume Discounts
- Gandi offers special rates based on the volume of purchases. Customers who buy more products or services can qualify for lower prices. The pricing tiers are based on the total spend, and customers can get up to 50% off depending on their purchase volume.
Free Options
- While there are no free domain names for the `.tools` extension, Gandi does offer free domain names with certain web hosting packages. If you choose one of their website packs, you can get a free domain name from a list of over 80 domain extensions, although `.tools` is not explicitly mentioned as one of these free options.
Additional Services
- Gandi provides additional services such as free HTTPS web forwarding, secure transaction and login pages with SSL/TLS certificates, and strong security options like Multifactor Authentication (MFA) and DNSSEC, all of which are included or available at no extra cost with your domain registration.
Summary
In summary, the pricing for `.tools` domain names at Gandi is straightforward, with clear costs for registration, transfer, and renewal. The included features enhance the value of the domain purchase, and volume discounts can reduce costs for frequent or bulk buyers. However, there are no free `.tools` domain names available outside of specific web hosting packages.

Gandi - Integration and Compatibility
Gandi Integration and Compatibility Features
Gandi offers a range of integration and compatibility features that make it versatile and user-friendly across various tools and platforms.API Integration
Gandi provides a comprehensive and secure API that allows for the automation of many tasks related to domain management, DNS, web hosting, email, and SSL certificates. This API enables you to integrate Gandi’s services directly with your own tools and platforms. For example, you can automate the deployment of a website, generate TLS/SSL certificates, and manage DNS zones and records programmatically.Reseller Integration
For resellers, Gandi’s API and interface are particularly beneficial. You can perform all the necessary actions for a domain’s life cycle, such as creation, renewal, transfer, and contact management, seamlessly through the API or the user interface. This integration allows for a complete and transparent management of services, boosting your product catalog and ensuring customer fidelity.Cross-Platform Compatibility
Gandi’s services are accessible and manageable across different devices, including desktops, tablets, and mobile devices. The interface is adaptive and intuitive, making it easy to manage domain names, DNS settings, and other services from any device.Configuration Templates
To streamline management, Gandi offers configuration templates that allow you to save DNS records, nameserver settings, and email options. These templates can be applied to any chosen domain name, which is especially useful for managing a large number of domains. This feature simplifies the process of configuring multiple domains consistently.Security and Authentication
Gandi ensures high security standards with features like two-factor authentication (TOTP and U2F) and DNSSEC, which protect your domain names and customer data. These security options are compatible with various authentication standards, ensuring your account and domain names are secure across different platforms.Collaboration Tools
The platform is designed for collaboration, allowing you to create teams with specific permissions and invite users as needed. This feature facilitates the management of domain names and associated services in a team environment, regardless of the device or platform used.Conclusion
In summary, Gandi’s integration capabilities through its API, reseller tools, and cross-platform compatibility make it a versatile and user-friendly solution for managing domain names and associated services. The emphasis on security and collaboration further enhances its usability across different environments.
Gandi - Customer Support and Resources
Customer Support Options
Ticket System
For more in-depth issues, customers can open a support ticket through the Gandi help center. This system allows for organized communication, with each ticket assigned a unique number to track the case history and ensure efficient support.
Live Chat
Although temporarily suspended during periods of high demand to manage backlogs, Gandi typically offers live chat support for quick questions. Users need to be logged in to their Gandi account to initiate a chat. If no support agent is available, users can leave a message or use the conventional support form.
Email Support
Gandi ensures that every email is read and replied to. This is a reliable method for both quick and detailed inquiries.
Additional Resources
Documentation and Guides
Gandi provides step-by-step explanations of all their products and services through detailed documentation. This resource helps users self-manage many aspects of their domain names and associated services.
Multilingual Support
Support is available in multiple languages, including English, French, Spanish, and Mandarin, ensuring that a broad range of users can get help in their preferred language.
Technical Support Features
Gandi offers advanced security features such as Multifactor Authentication (MFA) using the WebAuthn standard, DNSSEC to protect against DNS data forgery, and free SSL/TLS certificates to secure web transactions.
Domain Management Tools
Command Line Interface
For more advanced users, Gandi provides a command line interface (CLI) that allows for buying and managing domains in over 500 TLDs. This tool enables users to create, list, and get information about their domains using simple commands.
Domain Name Search Tool
Gandi offers a domain name search tool that helps users find available domain names and alternatives if their preferred name is taken. The tool also includes a Whois service to check domain ownership.
General Support
24/6 Support Availability
Gandi’s customer care team is available 24 hours a day, six days a week, to assist with any issues or questions users may have.
By leveraging these support options and resources, Gandi ensures that users have the help they need to manage their domain names and associated services efficiently.

Gandi - Pros and Cons
Advantages
Extensive Domain Selection
Gandi offers over 700 different domain extensions, providing a wide range of choices for users to find the perfect domain name for their brand or personal needs.
User-Friendly Interface
The platform is designed to be intuitive and easy to use, making it accessible even for those with limited technical knowledge. Users can manage their domains, hosting, and related services in a centralized location.
Advanced DNS Management
Gandi provides advanced DNS management tools, allowing users to manage DNS records, set up redirects, and configure domain settings with precision, ensuring website stability and performance.
Enhanced Security Features
Gandi prioritizes security with features like free SSL certificates, two-factor authentication, and regular backups, which help protect websites from security threats and ensure data integrity.
Dedicated Customer Support
Gandi is known for its responsive and knowledgeable customer support team, available to assist with technical issues, setup processes, and other queries. Support is available 24/7 in multiple languages.
Transparent Pricing
Gandi offers transparent and fair pricing with no hidden fees, ensuring users know exactly what they are paying for. They also provide a 30-day money-back guarantee and a 10-day free trial.
Performance and Speed
Gandi’s hosting services are praised for their reliability and speed, with fast loading times and minimal downtime. This ensures uninterrupted access to websites and good performance in search engine rankings.
Disadvantages
Higher Pricing
Compared to some competitors, Gandi’s pricing can be higher, which might be a deterrent for some users looking for more budget-friendly options.
Technical Issues for Beginners
While Gandi is generally user-friendly, beginners might encounter some technical challenges during the setup process or when managing their services.
Limited Storage Space
Gandi’s hosting plans may offer limited storage space, which could be a concern for users who require more storage for their websites or applications.
Not Ideal for E-commerce Sites
Some users have reported dissatisfaction with Gandi’s services for building e-commerce sites, suggesting that other providers might be more suitable for such needs.
No Live Chat (Previously)
Although Gandi now offers live chat support, some older reviews mentioned the lack of live chat as a drawback. However, this has been addressed with the current availability of live chat support.
By weighing these pros and cons, you can make an informed decision about whether Gandi is the right fit for your domain registration and web hosting requirements.

Gandi - Comparison with Competitors
When comparing Gandi to other players in the domain tools and AI-driven domain name services category, several key points and alternatives come into focus.
Gandi’s Unique Features
Gandi, a French company established in 1999, is known for its comprehensive domain name registration and management services. Here are some unique features:Command Line Interface
Command Line Interface: Gandi offers a CLI tool that allows users to buy, manage, and configure domains, including DNS records, directly from the command line. This is particularly useful for developers and system administrators.Wide TLD Support
Wide TLD Support: Gandi supports over 500 TLDs, making it a versatile option for users looking to register domains across various top-level domains.Additional Services
Additional Services: Besides domain registration, Gandi provides web hosting, VLAN creation, and SSL certificate management, making it a one-stop solution for many users’ needs.AI-Powered Domain Finders
In contrast, AI-powered domain finders focus more on the discovery and suggestion of domain names using advanced algorithms.DomainsGPT
Sophisticated Language Processing: DomainsGPT uses GPT language models to generate domain suggestions based on business concepts, industry-specific naming patterns, and brand context. It offers a three-step process for domain type selection, business description, and specific requirement definition. Real-Time Availability Checks: DomainsGPT integrates real-time availability checks and price comparisons across multiple registrars.AI Domain Genius
Comprehensive Search Features: AI Domain Genius allows users to adjust parameters like maximum character count, keyword inclusion, and TLD preferences. It also provides real-time price comparisons and checks availability across multiple registrars. Advanced Analytical Metrics: This platform includes features like memorability scores, brandability indexes, and pronunciation difficulty ratings to help users select the best domain names.Ultahost
GPT-4 Technology: Ultahost uses OpenAI’s GPT-4 technology to generate domain suggestions. It is known for its balance between industry conventions and creative innovation in its suggestions. Ultahost offers free domain generation services, with costs applied only during registration.Market Share and Competitors
Gandi has a relatively small market share of 1.05% in the domain name services market, compared to its major competitors:GoDaddy DNS
GoDaddy DNS: With a 33.83% market share, GoDaddy is a significant player in the domain registration space.Cloudflare DNS
Cloudflare DNS: Cloudflare holds a 19.06% market share and is known for its DNS and security services.IONOS 1&1 DNS
IONOS 1&1 DNS: IONOS 1&1 has a 7.61% market share and offers a range of web hosting and domain services.User Base and Geographic Distribution
Gandi’s customer base is predominantly in France (71.77%), followed by the United States (7.89%), and Switzerland (5.70%). Most of Gandi’s customers are small to medium-sized businesses, with the majority having 0-9 employees.Conclusion
While Gandi excels in providing a comprehensive suite of domain management tools, especially through its CLI interface, AI-powered domain finders like DomainsGPT, AI Domain Genius, and Ultahost offer advanced domain suggestion capabilities that leverage AI algorithms to find optimal domain names. These AI tools are particularly useful for users seeking innovative and data-driven domain name suggestions, whereas Gandi is more suited for users who need robust domain management and additional services like web hosting and VLAN creation.
Gandi - Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions about Gandi
How do I manage my domain names using Gandi’s interface?
Gandi offers two main views to manage your domain names: Simple View and Advanced View. The Simple View is easier to use and allows you to renew domains with a single click, sort domains by expiration date or alphabetically, and view domains by organization. The Advanced View provides more detailed information and additional options, such as search filters for criteria like extension, organization, tag, owner, and expiration date.What are configuration templates in Gandi, and how do I use them?
Configuration templates in Gandi allow you to save DNS records, nameserver settings, and email options and apply them to any chosen domain name. You can create these templates and apply them during domain registration or later, even in bulk. This feature is particularly useful for resellers or those managing a large number of domain names.How can I automate DNS management with Gandi?
Gandi provides automated DNS management tools. You can use their interface to manage DNS easily, create templates for DNS configurations, and link a DNS zone to multiple domain names. Additionally, Gandi supports technologies like Anycast, LiveDNS, AXFR, DNSSEC, and Glue Records, which can be managed manually or through their public API.Can I use external nameservers with my Gandi domain?
Yes, you can use your own nameservers with your domain names registered at Gandi. Additionally, Gandi offers a secondary nameserver (NS6) that supports pre-signed DNSSEC zones for free, which can be used on domains registered with Gandi.How does Gandi handle domain name disputes and locking?
Gandi has a legal desk that handles domain name disputes, locking, and forced transfers. They are cautious and follow due process in handling takedown requests and other disputes. Gandi also maintains an abuse desk to handle issues like spamming or fraudulent registrations.What happens if a domain is auto-renewed but the customer fails to pay?
If a domain is auto-renewed and the customer fails to pay, Gandi must still provide payment to the registry. Therefore, renewals cannot be refunded, and the risk of non-payment must be borne by the reseller.How do I move a domain from my personal account to my reseller organization?
You can move a domain from your personal account or organization to your reseller organization by following specific steps outlined in Gandi’s documentation. This process involves transferring the domain ownership and managing the domain through your reseller account.What is Gandi’s refund policy for domain registrations and other services?
Gandi refunds services where the service was not delivered due to errors on their part or where their policy specifically permits it. For domain registrations, refunds are possible if the registration can be canceled within a specified time period, which varies by domain extension. For example, SSL certificates can be fully refunded up to 60 days.Can I manage my DNS zones securely with Gandi?
Yes, Gandi provides several security features for managing DNS zones. You can activate DNSSEC in a few clicks, and Gandi’s LiveDNS automatically handles the process. Additionally, your DNS zones are saved before each modification, allowing you to manually make backups and restore previous versions if needed.How does Gandi support collaboration and team management?
Gandi allows you to create teams with specific permissions and invite users to join them as needed. This feature is designed for collaboration, making it easy to manage domain names and other Gandi products within an organization.
Gandi - Conclusion and Recommendation
Final Assessment of Gandi in the Domain Tools Category
Gandi stands out as a reliable and user-focused domain registrar, particularly notable for its ethical approach and commitment to customer satisfaction. Here are some key points that highlight its strengths and who would benefit most from using Gandi.User-Friendly Interface and Comprehensive Features
Gandi offers a simple and intuitive interface that makes managing domain names, DNS settings, and other related services easy, even for beginners. The platform includes a range of features such as free SSL/TLS certificates for the first year, HTTPS web forwarding, email forwarding, and state-of-the-art DNS services. This makes it an excellent choice for those who want to get their online presence up and running quickly without needing extensive technical knowledge.Security and Data Privacy
Gandi prioritizes security and data privacy, which is crucial for any online presence. It provides multifactor authentication (MFA) using the WebAuthn standard, DNSSEC to protect against DNS data forgery, and secure HTTPS web forwarding. These features ensure that users’ domain names and websites are well-protected, making Gandi a solid option for those who value security.Customer Support and Collaboration
Gandi’s customer care team works in-house, 24 hours a day, six days a week, which ensures prompt and effective support. The platform also allows for team collaboration with specific permissions, making it suitable for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that need to manage multiple domains and services.Developer-Friendly Tools
For developers, Gandi offers powerful tools such as a command-line interface (CLI) to manage domains, DNS records, and other services. This allows for automation and fine-tuned control over domain configurations, which is particularly beneficial for those managing multiple domains or complex projects.Ethical and Transparent Practices
Gandi is known for its ethical approach, avoiding upsells and hidden fees. This transparency and commitment to ethical practices make it a trustworthy choice for individuals and businesses looking for a reliable domain registrar.Who Would Benefit Most
- Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses: Gandi’s comprehensive suite of services, including free SSL certificates, email, and web forwarding, makes it an ideal choice for entrepreneurs looking to establish a professional online presence quickly.
- Developers: The advanced tools, such as the CLI and detailed DNS management options, make Gandi a great fit for developers who need fine-grained control over their domain settings.
- Individuals: Beginners who want to start a website or blog will find Gandi’s intuitive interface and easy setup process very helpful.