Both tools check whether a name is free as a username and a domain. Here's an honest side-by-side, so you can pick the one that fits how you search.
Try it now: free, no account. Results stream in as each platform answers.
Based on what Namechk says on its own site, or what we saw using it, in November 2026.
| Feature | handle.tools | Namechk |
|---|---|---|
| Social platforms checked | 44 platforms, incl. Instagram, TikTok, X, YouTube, Snapchat, Discord, Twitch, Kick, Roblox and Xbox | 100+ sites, by its own count |
| Domain extensions | 15 extensions with every search, 150+ on domain search | 36 domain options per search |
| Before you can search | No account, no CAPTCHA puzzle | Its own guide says to complete a CAPTCHA before each search |
| How results appear | Results stream in as each platform answers | Grid of icons: green = free, dimmed = taken |
| Unclear or blocked answers | Unclear answers are labelled "Likely taken" or "Could not verify", never a guessed green | Two states shown: free or taken |
| Compare several names | Bulk username checker (ranks a shortlist) + bulk domain checker | No bulk checker listed on its site |
| When the name is taken | 0–100 identity score + variations to try next | Generators for new ideas |
| Taken domain expiry | Expiry date and drop stage on taken domains | Not shown in its results |
| Name ideas | 60-style generator, .com checked on every idea, swipe + shortlist | Username, business and domain name generators |
| Per-platform rules | Rules tester for every platform | Rules table for a few platforms |
| Beyond the check | Rarity score, rules tester, bio generator, QR codes for 28 platforms | Business-formation guides |
| Price | Free | Free |
Namechk's pitch is breadth: more than a hundred sites and 36 domain endings in one grid. That's useful if you want to see your name across old blogging platforms and niche communities at a glance.
handle.tools checks 44 platforms on purpose. Each one has its own check, built and tested against a real account and a made-up name before it went live, and re-tested when the platform changes. Instagram, TikTok and X all try to block automated lookups, so a checker can be shown an empty page and report "available" for a name that's taken. We'd rather tell you a result is Likely taken or Could not verify than paint it green.
Instagram is the clearest example: an Instagram "Available" on handle.tools only appears after an extra confirmation step. It takes a second longer, and it's why the green means something.
Namechk's own how-to tells you to complete a CAPTCHA and then run the search. That keeps bots off its servers, but it adds a step every time you try a new idea, and you'll try a lot of ideas.
On handle.tools you type a name and press Enter. The first ten platforms start at once and each row fills in the moment its answer arrives, so you usually know whether a name is worth pursuing before the last check finishes. Bot protection runs invisibly in the background instead of in front of you.
Every handle.tools search includes 15 domain extensions, with the .com crowned "Best pick" when it's free. When a domain is taken, the row shows when it expires and, if it's lapsing, which stage it's at (grace, redemption, pending delete), so you know whether it's worth waiting for.
Need more? Domain search checks 150+ extensions, the bulk domain checker tests a whole shortlist across up to 15 extensions, and the domain expiration checker gives any domain's full timeline.
Most people don't find a name on the first try. Every result scores the name out of 100 for how consistently you can own it and suggests variations to try next. The bulk username checker compares several names side by side and ranks them by free platforms and .com.
Stuck? The username generator has 60 styles with the .com checked on every idea, a swipe mode and a shortlist you can send straight to the bulk checker. The username rarity checker scores how rare a short handle is.
Found your name? Write a bio that fits each platform with the bio generator, make a profile QR code with the social QR code generator (28 platforms), and test your format against every platform's rules on the username character limits page. All free, no account.
Every tool on handle.tools is free, with no account.
There's nothing to set up. Type the name you'd search on Namechk into the box above and press Enter: socials and domains appear together as each check finishes.
Searching for one platform? Each has its own checker page with its username rules, such as the Instagram username checker and the TikTok username checker.
Quick answers to the most common questions.
Yes, if accuracy on the big platforms matters more to you than the length of the list. handle.tools checks 44 platforms plus 15 domain extensions, shows results as they arrive, and labels any answer it can't confirm instead of guessing.
No. Namechk lists more than 100 sites; handle.tools checks 44. We only add a platform once its check is reliable from a real test, and we cover the networks most people actually claim first.
No. Bot protection runs invisibly in the background, so you can type a name and press Enter. There's no account to create either.
Yes. The bulk username checker ranks a shortlist side by side, and the bulk domain checker tests many names across up to 15 extensions.
Yes. Every single check, the generator, domain search and the other tools are free. A Pro plan (launching soon) adds bigger bulk lists, CSV export and Handle Watch alerts.
No. handle.tools is an independent tool. Namechk is a trademark of its owner, and the details on this page are taken from Namechk's own site as of November 2026.
Namechk is a trademark of its owner. handle.tools is independent and not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by Namechk. Details about Namechk reflect its public website as of November 2026 and may have changed since. Spotted something out of date? Email hello@handle.tools and we'll correct it.