.com vs .io vs .ai: Which TLD Should You Choose?
You've found the perfect name for your project. But wait—should you go for the .com, grab the .io, or ride the AI hype with .ai?
Let's break down the real differences.
The .com Advantage
.com is still king. Here's why:
- **Universal recognition**: Your grandmother knows what .com means
- **Default typing**: Users often type `.com` automatically
- **Maximum trust**: 48% of all websites use .com for a reason
- **Resale value**: .com domains appreciate; others depreciate
The catch? Good .com names are extremely scarce. Short, dictionary-word .coms have been registered for decades.
When to fight for .com:
- Consumer-facing products
- Businesses targeting non-tech audiences
- Long-term brand building
- When the .com is available at standard price
The .io Phenomenon
.io became the developer's TLD almost by accident. Originally the country code for British Indian Ocean Territory, it got adopted by tech startups because:
- **"I/O" resonates** with input/output in programming
- **Shorter names available** compared to .com
- **Tech credibility** among developer audiences
The downsides:
- More expensive ($30-60/year vs $12 for .com)
- Some users still don't recognize it
- Geopolitical concerns (the territory may be dissolved)
When .io makes sense:
- Developer tools and APIs
- B2B SaaS for technical audiences
- When your ideal .com is taken or costs $10,000+
The .ai Gold Rush
.ai has exploded with the AI boom. Benefits include:
- **Instant positioning** as an AI product
- **Still relatively available** compared to .com
- **Premium feel** without premium prices
The downsides:
- Expensive ($70-100/year)
- May feel dated when the AI hype cycle shifts
- Not all registrars support it easily
When .ai works:
- AI-first products and services
- Machine learning tools
- When you want to signal cutting-edge tech
Other Contenders
| TLD | Best For | Price Range | Trust Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| .co | Startups, "company" | $25-35/year | Medium-High |
| .dev | Developer tools | $15-20/year | High (tech) |
| .app | Mobile applications | $15-20/year | High (tech) |
| .xyz | Gen-Z brands, crypto | $12-15/year | Medium |
| .net | Networks, tech | $12-15/year | Medium-High |
| .co | Startups, "company" | $25-35/year | Medium-High |
|---|---|---|---|
| .dev | Developer tools | $15-20/year | High (tech) |
| .app | Mobile applications | $15-20/year | High (tech) |
| .xyz | Gen-Z brands, crypto | $12-15/year | Medium |
| .net | Networks, tech | $12-15/year | Medium-High |
| .co | Startups, "company" | $25-35/year | Medium-High |
|---|---|---|---|
| .dev | Developer tools | $15-20/year | High (tech) |
| .app | Mobile applications | $15-20/year | High (tech) |
| .xyz | Gen-Z brands, crypto | $12-15/year | Medium |
| .net | Networks, tech | $12-15/year | Medium-High |
| .dev | Developer tools | $15-20/year | High (tech) |
|---|---|---|---|
| .app | Mobile applications | $15-20/year | High (tech) |
| .xyz | Gen-Z brands, crypto | $12-15/year | Medium |
| .net | Networks, tech | $12-15/year | Medium-High |
| .app | Mobile applications | $15-20/year | High (tech) |
|---|---|---|---|
| .xyz | Gen-Z brands, crypto | $12-15/year | Medium |
| .net | Networks, tech | $12-15/year | Medium-High |
| .xyz | Gen-Z brands, crypto | $12-15/year | Medium |
|---|---|---|---|
| .net | Networks, tech | $12-15/year | Medium-High |
| .net | Networks, tech | $12-15/year | Medium-High |
|---|
The Decision Framework
Ask yourself these questions:
- General public → .com
- Developers → .io, .dev, .app
- AI enthusiasts → .ai
- Tight budget → .com, .xyz, .net
- Can invest → .io, .ai
- Yes → Get it
- No (premium/taken) → Consider alternatives
- Yes → Prioritize .com
- MVP/experiment → Any credible TLD works
The Pragmatic Approach
Here's what smart founders do:
The best domain is the one you can get, afford, and start building on today.
*Need help finding available domains across all major TLDs? Try AI-powered domain search to see real prices instantly.*
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