.app vs .dev
A detailed comparison of .app and .dev domain extensions — pricing, features, and best use cases.
Our Verdict
.dev is the more affordable option, while .app is trending upward. Choose .app for mobile apps, or .dev for developer portfolios.
| Feature | .app | .dev |
|---|---|---|
| Registration Price | $14.99/yr | $12.99/yr |
| Year Introduced | 2018 | 2019 |
| HTTPS Required | Yes | Yes |
| Est. Registrations | 1M+ | 800K+ |
| Growth Trend | Rising | Rising |
| Registry | Google Registry | Google Registry |
| Name Availability | High | High |
.app Advantages & Disadvantages
Advantages
- HTTPS required (built-in security)
- Clear application association
- Google-backed registry
- Good name availability
Disadvantages
- Must configure SSL (no plain HTTP)
- Less recognized than .com or .io
- Google registry — single company dependency
.dev Advantages & Disadvantages
Advantages
- HTTPS required (security by default)
- Strong developer community association
- Affordable pricing ($12-15/year)
- Good name availability
Disadvantages
- Must configure SSL
- Narrow audience association
- Less brand recognition outside tech
.app Best For
- Mobile apps
- Web applications
- SaaS products
- PWAs
- Software companies
.dev Best For
- Developer portfolios
- Programming projects
- Documentation sites
- Dev tools
- Tech blogs
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does .app require HTTPS?
.app is included in the HSTS preload list, which means browsers enforce HTTPS for all .app domains. This was a deliberate security decision by Google Registry to make the entire TLD more secure by default.
Is .app good for mobile app landing pages?
Yes, .app is ideal for mobile app landing pages. The extension immediately signals to visitors that they're visiting a software product's website, and the required HTTPS ensures a secure experience.
Should developers use .dev for their portfolio?
Yes, .dev is an excellent choice for developer portfolios. It immediately signals your technical identity and is well-recognized in the tech hiring community. Plus, it's affordable at $12-15/year.
Is .dev better than .io for developers?
.dev is typically better for developer-focused sites like portfolios and documentation. It's cheaper ($12-15/year vs $30-50/year for .io), more specific to the developer audience, and has built-in HTTPS security.
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