.design vs .dev
A detailed comparison of .design and .dev domain extensions — pricing, features, and best use cases.
Our Verdict
.dev is the more affordable option, while .dev is trending upward. Choose .design for graphic designers, or .dev for developer portfolios.
| Feature | .design | .dev |
|---|---|---|
| Registration Price | $44.99/yr | $12.99/yr |
| Year Introduced | 2015 | 2019 |
| HTTPS Required | No | Yes |
| Est. Registrations | 100K+ | 800K+ |
| Growth Trend | Stable | Rising |
| Registry | Top Level Design | Google Registry |
| Name Availability | High | High |
.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
.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
.design Best For
- Graphic designers
- UX/UI designers
- Design agencies
- Creative studios
- Portfolio sites
.dev Best For
- Developer portfolios
- Programming projects
- Documentation sites
- Dev tools
- Tech blogs
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
Ready to Find Your Domain?
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