.co vs .design
A detailed comparison of .co and .design domain extensions — pricing, features, and best use cases.
Our Verdict
Both .co and .design are solid choices. .co is best for startups and scaleups, while .design excels for graphic designers.
| Feature | .co | .design |
|---|---|---|
| Registration Price | $29.99/yr | $44.99/yr |
| Year Introduced | 2010 | 2015 |
| HTTPS Required | No | No |
| Est. Registrations | 2M+ | 100K+ |
| Growth Trend | Stable | Stable |
| Registry | .CO Internet S.A.S. | Top Level Design |
| Name Availability | High | High |
.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
.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
.co Best For
- Startups and scaleups
- Modern tech companies
- E-commerce brands
- URL shortening
- Global commercial businesses
.design Best For
- Graphic designers
- UX/UI designers
- Design agencies
- Creative studios
- Portfolio sites
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 .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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