Google Domains Users in the Philippines Face ₱860 Renewals After Transfer to Squarespace

If you used to register your domain through Google Domains, there’s a new update you’ll want to hear, especially if you're watching your business expenses closely.

Squarespace, which acquired Google Domains back in 2023, just announced a price increase for .com domains in the Philippines. Starting after June 5, 2025, domain renewals will cost ₱860 instead of the usual ₱600. That's a steep ₱260 jump from the original Google pricing.

Dear Squarespace customer,

We're writing to let you know that your Squarespace Domains plans listed below will be increasing in price. Changes will go into effect on your next renewal after June 5, 2025.

This update reflects changes in wholesale domain pricing from registry providers, allowing us to continue providing seamless domain services. The following Domains plans will be affected:

XXX - New Price: ₱860.00

Thank you for being a Squarespace customer.

We are always here to help. Please reach out to Customer Support and include the domains listed above if you have any questions related to your Squarespace subscription.

Thank you,

The Squarespace Team

When the acquisition happened in 2023, Google Domains customers were quietly transferred to Squarespace. The move was part of Google’s plan to step away from the domain registration space. Squarespace, which already had its own domain services, happily took over, gaining control of around 10 million domains in the process.

But why would Squarespace want all those domains? The answer lies in strategy. Domain registration doesn’t earn much money on its own, but it opens the door for selling more expensive website tools, e-commerce features, and hosting services. During a 2023 investor call, Squarespace executives made it clear—they see big potential in upselling and cross-selling to their new domain customers.

At the time of the transfer, Squarespace did promise to honor Google’s lower domain prices, for one year. But that grace period is now over. As of 2025, Squarespace is no longer bound to those original ₱600 rates. Instead, they’re aligning their domain pricing across the board, now at ₱860 per year for .com renewals.

This change may come as a surprise if you haven't been keeping up with domain management emails. While Squarespace says the transition was "seamless" and required no user action, the price update is anything but subtle. It’s a reminder to regularly review your domain services, especially if you’re on a tight budget or manage multiple domains.

To be fair, Squarespace does offer well-integrated web services and support, but if you’re only using them for domain hosting, this new pricing may feel a bit too steep. Other registrars like Namecheap or Porkbun still offer more affordable alternatives, so you might want to shop around before your next renewal.

The digital space is always shifting, and domain costs are no exception. If your online presence matters to your business or brand, it’s worth staying informed, and ready to act when prices rise unexpectedly.