.app vs .design
A detailed comparison of .app and .design domain extensions — pricing, features, and best use cases.
Our Verdict
.app is the more affordable option, while .app is trending upward. Choose .app for mobile apps, or .design for graphic designers.
| Feature | .app | .design |
|---|---|---|
| Registration Price | $14.99/yr | $44.99/yr |
| Year Introduced | 2018 | 2015 |
| HTTPS Required | Yes | No |
| Est. Registrations | 1M+ | 100K+ |
| Growth Trend | Rising | Stable |
| Registry | Google Registry | Top Level Design |
| Name Availability | High | High |
.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
.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
.app Best For
- Mobile apps
- Web applications
- SaaS products
- PWAs
- Software companies
.design Best For
- Graphic designers
- UX/UI designers
- Design agencies
- Creative studios
- Portfolio sites
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
Ready to Find Your Domain?
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