.art vs .io
A detailed comparison of .art and .io domain extensions — pricing, features, and best use cases.
Our Verdict
.art is the more affordable option, while .io is trending upward. Choose .art for artists, or .io for tech startups.
| Feature | .art | .io |
|---|---|---|
| Registration Price | $19.99/yr | $39.99/yr |
| Year Introduced | 2017 | 1997 |
| HTTPS Required | No | No |
| Est. Registrations | 200K+ | 2M+ |
| Growth Trend | Stable | Rising |
| Registry | UK Creative Ideas | Internet Computer Bureau |
| Name Availability | High | Medium |
.art Advantages & Disadvantages
Advantages
- Perfect for creative expression
- Short and memorable
- Affordable pricing
- Growing adoption in art world
Disadvantages
- Very niche application
- Low general recognition
- Limited commercial appeal outside art
.io Advantages & Disadvantages
Advantages
- Strong tech brand association
- Better name availability than .com
- Short and memorable
- I/O computing connection
Disadvantages
- Premium pricing ($30-50/year)
- Country code controversy (BIOT)
- Not ideal for non-tech businesses
.art Best For
- Artists
- Art galleries
- Museums
- Creative platforms
- NFT projects
.io Best For
- Tech startups
- SaaS products
- Developer tools
- API platforms
- Open-source projects
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should use a .art domain?
.art is ideal for anyone in the art world — individual artists, galleries, museums, art schools, and creative platforms. It's also popular with NFT projects and digital art platforms.
Is .io good for startups?
Yes, .io is widely accepted and even preferred in the startup ecosystem. Tech investors, developers, and early adopters recognize .io as a legitimate, modern domain choice. Many successful companies use .io domains.
Is .io good for SEO?
Google treats .io as a generic TLD for search purposes, not as a country code. This means .io domains are not geo-targeted and can rank globally, making them excellent for international SaaS products.
Ready to Find Your Domain?
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