.com vs .design
A detailed comparison of .com and .design domain extensions — pricing, features, and best use cases.
Our Verdict
Both .com and .design are solid choices. .com is best for established businesses, while .design excels for graphic designers.
| Feature | .com | .design |
|---|---|---|
| Registration Price | $9.99/yr | $44.99/yr |
| Year Introduced | 1985 | 2015 |
| HTTPS Required | No | No |
| Est. Registrations | 150M+ | 100K+ |
| Growth Trend | Stable | Stable |
| Registry | Verisign | Top Level Design |
| Name Availability | Low | High |
.com Advantages & Disadvantages
Advantages
- Universal recognition and trust
- Best for direct-type traffic
- Affordable registration and renewal
- Protected by ICANN pricing regulations
Disadvantages
- Short, memorable names are mostly taken
- Premium aftermarket prices for desirable names
- Less distinctive than newer TLDs
.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
.com Best For
- Established businesses
- E-commerce stores
- Global brands
- Corporate websites
- Anyone prioritizing trust
.design Best For
- Graphic designers
- UX/UI designers
- Design agencies
- Creative studios
- Portfolio sites
Frequently Asked Questions
Is .com still the best domain extension?
For most businesses, yes. .com offers unmatched brand recognition and trust. However, if your ideal .com is unavailable, modern alternatives like .io, .ai, or .co can be excellent choices depending on your industry.
How much does a .com domain cost?
New .com domains typically cost $8-12/year from major registrars. Premium or aftermarket .com domains can range from hundreds to millions of dollars depending on the name's value.
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?
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