.ai vs .dev
A detailed comparison of .ai and .dev domain extensions — pricing, features, and best use cases.
Our Verdict
.dev is the more affordable option, while .ai is trending upward. Choose .ai for ai companies, or .dev for developer portfolios.
| Feature | .ai | .dev |
|---|---|---|
| Registration Price | $99.99/yr | $12.99/yr |
| Year Introduced | 1995 | 2019 |
| HTTPS Required | No | Yes |
| Est. Registrations | 500K+ | 800K+ |
| 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
.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
.ai Best For
- AI companies
- Machine learning startups
- AI-powered products
- Research labs
- Domain investors
.dev Best For
- Developer portfolios
- Programming projects
- Documentation sites
- Dev tools
- Tech blogs
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.
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?
Compare real-time prices for .ai and .dev domains across multiple registrars.
Search Domains