.dev vs .net
A detailed comparison of .dev and .net domain extensions — pricing, features, and best use cases.
Our Verdict
Both .dev and .net are solid choices. .dev is best for developer portfolios, while .net excels for tech companies.
| Feature | .dev | .net |
|---|---|---|
| Registration Price | $12.99/yr | $12.99/yr |
| Year Introduced | 2019 | 1985 |
| HTTPS Required | Yes | No |
| Est. Registrations | 800K+ | 13M+ |
| Growth Trend | Rising | Stable |
| Registry | Google Registry | Verisign |
| Name Availability | High | Medium |
.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
.net Advantages & Disadvantages
Advantages
- Well-established and widely recognized
- More availability than .com
- Signals technical competence
- Affordable pricing
Disadvantages
- Less intuitive than .com for general audiences
- Some users may default to .com when typing
- Perceived as second choice to .com
.dev Best For
- Developer portfolios
- Programming projects
- Documentation sites
- Dev tools
- Tech blogs
.net Best For
- Tech companies
- Network services
- SaaS platforms
- IT consultancies
- .com alternative seekers
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Is .net as good as .com?
For SEO purposes, .net and .com perform equally. However, .com has stronger brand recognition with general audiences. For tech-focused businesses, .net can actually signal relevant expertise.
What does .net stand for?
.net stands for 'network.' It was originally intended for companies involved in networking technologies, internet service providers, and infrastructure services.
Ready to Find Your Domain?
Compare real-time prices for .dev and .net domains across multiple registrars.
Search Domains