.design vs .io
A detailed comparison of .design and .io domain extensions — pricing, features, and best use cases.
Our Verdict
.io is the more affordable option, while .io is trending upward. Choose .design for graphic designers, or .io for tech startups.
| Feature | .design | .io |
|---|---|---|
| Registration Price | $44.99/yr | $39.99/yr |
| Year Introduced | 2015 | 1997 |
| HTTPS Required | No | No |
| Est. Registrations | 100K+ | 2M+ |
| Growth Trend | Stable | Rising |
| Registry | Top Level Design | Internet Computer Bureau |
| Name Availability | High | Medium |
.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
.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
.design Best For
- Graphic designers
- UX/UI designers
- Design agencies
- Creative studios
- Portfolio sites
.io Best For
- Tech startups
- SaaS products
- Developer tools
- API platforms
- Open-source projects
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.
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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