.ai vs .app
A detailed comparison of .ai and .app domain extensions — pricing, features, and best use cases.
Our Verdict
.app is the more affordable option, while .ai is trending upward. Choose .ai for ai companies, or .app for mobile apps.
| Feature | .ai | .app |
|---|---|---|
| Registration Price | $99.99/yr | $14.99/yr |
| Year Introduced | 1995 | 2018 |
| HTTPS Required | No | Yes |
| Est. Registrations | 500K+ | 1M+ |
| Growth Trend | Rising | Rising |
| Registry | Government of Anguilla | Google Registry |
| Name Availability | High | High |
.ai Advantages & Disadvantages
Advantages
- Instant AI brand association
- Premium, modern perception
- Growing in recognition and value
- Short two-letter TLD
Disadvantages
- Most expensive mainstream TLD ($80-100/year)
- Limited to AI-adjacent businesses
- Country code (Anguilla) — renewal rules may change
.app Advantages & Disadvantages
Advantages
- HTTPS required (built-in security)
- Clear application association
- Google-backed registry
- Good name availability
Disadvantages
- Must configure SSL (no plain HTTP)
- Less recognized than .com or .io
- Google registry — single company dependency
.ai Best For
- AI companies
- Machine learning startups
- AI-powered products
- Research labs
- Domain investors
.app Best For
- Mobile apps
- Web applications
- SaaS products
- PWAs
- Software companies
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a .ai domain cost?
.ai domains typically cost $80-100/year for registration, making them among the most expensive mainstream TLDs. Premium .ai names on the aftermarket can cost thousands to millions of dollars.
Is .ai a real country domain?
Yes, .ai is the official country code TLD for Anguilla, a British Overseas Territory in the Caribbean. The Anguillan government has embraced the AI association and actively promotes .ai for tech companies.
Why does .app require HTTPS?
.app is included in the HSTS preload list, which means browsers enforce HTTPS for all .app domains. This was a deliberate security decision by Google Registry to make the entire TLD more secure by default.
Is .app good for mobile app landing pages?
Yes, .app is ideal for mobile app landing pages. The extension immediately signals to visitors that they're visiting a software product's website, and the required HTTPS ensures a secure experience.
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