.com vs .dev
A detailed comparison of .com and .dev domain extensions — pricing, features, and best use cases.
Our Verdict
.com is the more affordable option, while .dev is trending upward. Choose .com for established businesses, or .dev for developer portfolios.
| Feature | .com | .dev |
|---|---|---|
| Registration Price | $9.99/yr | $12.99/yr |
| Year Introduced | 1985 | 2019 |
| HTTPS Required | No | Yes |
| Est. Registrations | 150M+ | 800K+ |
| Growth Trend | Stable | Rising |
| Registry | Verisign | Google Registry |
| 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
.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
.com Best For
- Established businesses
- E-commerce stores
- Global brands
- Corporate websites
- Anyone prioritizing trust
.dev Best For
- Developer portfolios
- Programming projects
- Documentation sites
- Dev tools
- Tech blogs
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.
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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