.ai vs .design
A detailed comparison of .ai and .design domain extensions — pricing, features, and best use cases.
Our Verdict
.design is the more affordable option, while .ai is trending upward. Choose .ai for ai companies, or .design for graphic designers.
| Feature | .ai | .design |
|---|---|---|
| Registration Price | $99.99/yr | $44.99/yr |
| Year Introduced | 1995 | 2015 |
| HTTPS Required | No | No |
| Est. Registrations | 500K+ | 100K+ |
| Growth Trend | Rising | Stable |
| Registry | Government of Anguilla | Top Level Design |
| Name Availability | High | High |
.ai Advantages & Disadvantages
Advantages
- Instant AI brand association
- Premium, modern perception
- Growing in recognition and value
- Short two-letter TLD
Disadvantages
- Most expensive mainstream TLD ($80-100/year)
- Limited to AI-adjacent businesses
- Country code (Anguilla) — renewal rules may change
.design Advantages & Disadvantages
Advantages
- Perfect for creative professionals
- Memorable and descriptive
- Good name availability
- Portfolio-friendly URLs
Disadvantages
- Premium pricing ($30-45/year)
- Very narrow audience
- Low general recognition
.ai Best For
- AI companies
- Machine learning startups
- AI-powered products
- Research labs
- Domain investors
.design Best For
- Graphic designers
- UX/UI designers
- Design agencies
- Creative studios
- Portfolio sites
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a .ai domain cost?
.ai domains typically cost $80-100/year for registration, making them among the most expensive mainstream TLDs. Premium .ai names on the aftermarket can cost thousands to millions of dollars.
Is .ai a real country domain?
Yes, .ai is the official country code TLD for Anguilla, a British Overseas Territory in the Caribbean. The Anguillan government has embraced the AI association and actively promotes .ai for tech companies.
Is .design good for a portfolio?
Yes, .design is one of the best domain extensions for design portfolios. A URL like 'yourname.design' is clean, professional, and immediately tells visitors what you do.
Ready to Find Your Domain?
Compare real-time prices for .ai and .design domains across multiple registrars.
Search Domains