.co vs .com
A detailed comparison of .co and .com domain extensions — pricing, features, and best use cases.
Our Verdict
Both .co and .com are solid choices. .co is best for startups and scaleups, while .com excels for established businesses.
| Feature | .co | .com |
|---|---|---|
| Registration Price | $29.99/yr | $9.99/yr |
| Year Introduced | 2010 | 1985 |
| HTTPS Required | No | No |
| Est. Registrations | 2M+ | 150M+ |
| Growth Trend | Stable | Stable |
| Registry | .CO Internet S.A.S. | Verisign |
| Name Availability | High | Low |
.co Advantages & Disadvantages
Advantages
- Short and memorable (only 2 characters)
- Strong global recognition
- Supported by all major registrars
- No registration restrictions
Disadvantages
- Users may accidentally type .com
- Higher renewal prices than .com
- Less established trust than .com
.com Advantages & Disadvantages
Advantages
- Universal recognition and trust
- Best for direct-type traffic
- Affordable registration and renewal
- Protected by ICANN pricing regulations
Disadvantages
- Short, memorable names are mostly taken
- Premium aftermarket prices for desirable names
- Less distinctive than newer TLDs
.co Best For
- Startups and scaleups
- Modern tech companies
- E-commerce brands
- URL shortening
- Global commercial businesses
.com Best For
- Established businesses
- E-commerce stores
- Global brands
- Corporate websites
- Anyone prioritizing trust
Frequently Asked Questions
Is .co a good domain for a startup?
.co is a popular choice for startups, especially when the .com equivalent is taken. It's short, globally recognized, and carries a professional image. Many funded startups use .co as their primary domain.
What is the difference between .co and .com?
.com is the original commercial TLD and remains the most trusted. .co is a newer alternative that looks similar and works well for startups and modern brands. The main risk with .co is users accidentally typing .com.
Is .com still the best domain extension?
For most businesses, yes. .com offers unmatched brand recognition and trust. However, if your ideal .com is unavailable, modern alternatives like .io, .ai, or .co can be excellent choices depending on your industry.
How much does a .com domain cost?
New .com domains typically cost $8-12/year from major registrars. Premium or aftermarket .com domains can range from hundreds to millions of dollars depending on the name's value.
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