.co vs .xyz
A detailed comparison of .co and .xyz domain extensions — pricing, features, and best use cases.
Our Verdict
.xyz is the more affordable option, while .xyz is trending upward. Choose .co for startups and scaleups, or .xyz for early-stage startups.
| Feature | .co | .xyz |
|---|---|---|
| Registration Price | $29.99/yr | $3.99/yr |
| Year Introduced | 2010 | 2014 |
| HTTPS Required | No | No |
| Est. Registrations | 2M+ | 5M+ |
| Growth Trend | Stable | Rising |
| Registry | .CO Internet S.A.S. | XYZ.COM LLC |
| Name Availability | High | High |
.co Advantages & Disadvantages
Advantages
- Short and memorable (only 2 characters)
- Strong global recognition
- Supported by all major registrars
- No registration restrictions
Disadvantages
- Users may accidentally type .com
- Higher renewal prices than .com
- Less established trust than .com
.xyz Advantages & Disadvantages
Advantages
- Very affordable registration and renewal
- High domain availability
- Backed by Alphabet (abc.xyz)
- Short and easy to remember
Disadvantages
- Less established trust than .com
- Associated with spam in some email filters
- Lower brand recognition for general audiences
.co Best For
- Startups and scaleups
- Modern tech companies
- E-commerce brands
- URL shortening
- Global commercial businesses
.xyz Best For
- Early-stage startups
- Creative projects
- Personal experiments
- Budget-conscious brands
- Side projects
Frequently Asked Questions
Is .co a good domain for a startup?
.co is a popular choice for startups, especially when the .com equivalent is taken. It's short, globally recognized, and carries a professional image. Many funded startups use .co as their primary domain.
What is the difference between .co and .com?
.com is the original commercial TLD and remains the most trusted. .co is a newer alternative that looks similar and works well for startups and modern brands. The main risk with .co is users accidentally typing .com.
Is .xyz a good domain for a startup?
.xyz is a popular choice for early-stage startups due to its affordability and availability. Alphabet's abc.xyz helped establish its credibility. It works well for tech startups and creative projects looking for something distinctive.
How much does a .xyz domain cost?
.xyz domains are among the most affordable, typically $1-5/year for the first year and $10-15/year for renewal. Compare registrars to find the best deal.
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