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>then Google would be cheaper than the other providers, as they sell it as an add-on

Godaddy also sells this as an addon, actually, every domain seller does, I don't know what is so special about Google's offert.

It's included with Google. Thus if it's something you use (and most people do), then Google's pricing is very competitive for domains.

It has been free for the first year with Namecheap for as long as I can remember.

It's free for Google indefinitely, not just for the first year.

NameSilo includes whois privacy and is cheaper than any alternative (.com is $9/domain).