.com vs .io
A detailed comparison of .com and .io domain extensions — pricing, features, and best use cases.
Our Verdict
.com is the more affordable option, while .io is trending upward. Choose .com for established businesses, or .io for tech startups.
| Feature | .com | .io |
|---|---|---|
| Registration Price | $9.99/yr | $39.99/yr |
| Year Introduced | 1985 | 1997 |
| HTTPS Required | No | No |
| Est. Registrations | 150M+ | 2M+ |
| Growth Trend | Stable | Rising |
| Registry | Verisign | Internet Computer Bureau |
| Name Availability | Low | Medium |
.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
.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
.com Best For
- Established businesses
- E-commerce stores
- Global brands
- Corporate websites
- Anyone prioritizing trust
.io Best For
- Tech startups
- SaaS products
- Developer tools
- API platforms
- Open-source projects
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
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