.dev vs .xyz
A detailed comparison of .dev and .xyz domain extensions — pricing, features, and best use cases.
Our Verdict
.xyz is the more affordable option, while .dev is trending upward. Choose .dev for developer portfolios, or .xyz for early-stage startups.
| Feature | .dev | .xyz |
|---|---|---|
| Registration Price | $12.99/yr | $3.99/yr |
| Year Introduced | 2019 | 2014 |
| HTTPS Required | Yes | No |
| Est. Registrations | 800K+ | 5M+ |
| Growth Trend | Rising | Rising |
| Registry | Google Registry | XYZ.COM LLC |
| Name Availability | High | High |
.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
.xyz Advantages & Disadvantages
Advantages
- Very affordable registration and renewal
- High domain availability
- Backed by Alphabet (abc.xyz)
- Short and easy to remember
Disadvantages
- Less established trust than .com
- Associated with spam in some email filters
- Lower brand recognition for general audiences
.dev Best For
- Developer portfolios
- Programming projects
- Documentation sites
- Dev tools
- Tech blogs
.xyz Best For
- Early-stage startups
- Creative projects
- Personal experiments
- Budget-conscious brands
- Side projects
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 .xyz a good domain for a startup?
.xyz is a popular choice for early-stage startups due to its affordability and availability. Alphabet's abc.xyz helped establish its credibility. It works well for tech startups and creative projects looking for something distinctive.
How much does a .xyz domain cost?
.xyz domains are among the most affordable, typically $1-5/year for the first year and $10-15/year for renewal. Compare registrars to find the best deal.
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