.co vs .dev
A detailed comparison of .co and .dev domain extensions — pricing, features, and best use cases.
Our Verdict
.dev is the more affordable option, while .dev is trending upward. Choose .co for startups and scaleups, or .dev for developer portfolios.
| Feature | .co | .dev |
|---|---|---|
| Registration Price | $29.99/yr | $12.99/yr |
| Year Introduced | 2010 | 2019 |
| HTTPS Required | No | Yes |
| Est. Registrations | 2M+ | 800K+ |
| Growth Trend | Stable | Rising |
| Registry | .CO Internet S.A.S. | Google Registry |
| 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
.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
.co Best For
- Startups and scaleups
- Modern tech companies
- E-commerce brands
- URL shortening
- Global commercial businesses
.dev Best For
- Developer portfolios
- Programming projects
- Documentation sites
- Dev tools
- Tech blogs
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.
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.
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