.business vs .io
A detailed comparison of .business and .io domain extensions — pricing, features, and best use cases.
Our Verdict
.business is the more affordable option, while .io is trending upward. Choose .business for b2b companies, or .io for tech startups.
| Feature | .business | .io |
|---|---|---|
| Registration Price | $24.99/yr | $39.99/yr |
| Year Introduced | 2014 | 1997 |
| HTTPS Required | No | No |
| Est. Registrations | 100K+ | 2M+ |
| Growth Trend | Stable | Rising |
| Registry | Donuts | Internet Computer Bureau |
| Name Availability | High | Medium |
.business Advantages & Disadvantages
Advantages
- Clear professional association
- Excellent name availability
- No registration restrictions
Disadvantages
- Long TLD (8 characters)
- Low recognition compared to .com
- Higher pricing for less value
.io Advantages & Disadvantages
Advantages
- Strong tech brand association
- Better name availability than .com
- Short and memorable
- I/O computing connection
Disadvantages
- Premium pricing ($30-50/year)
- Country code controversy (BIOT)
- Not ideal for non-tech businesses
.business Best For
- B2B companies
- Consulting firms
- Professional services
- Corporate websites
.io Best For
- Tech startups
- SaaS products
- Developer tools
- API platforms
- Open-source projects
Frequently Asked Questions
Is .business worth it?
.business can work for companies that want a descriptive domain, but most businesses are better served by .com or a shorter alternative. The length of the TLD can make domains less memorable.
Is .io good for startups?
Yes, .io is widely accepted and even preferred in the startup ecosystem. Tech investors, developers, and early adopters recognize .io as a legitimate, modern domain choice. Many successful companies use .io domains.
Is .io good for SEO?
Google treats .io as a generic TLD for search purposes, not as a country code. This means .io domains are not geo-targeted and can rank globally, making them excellent for international SaaS products.
Ready to Find Your Domain?
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