.com vs .tech
A detailed comparison of .com and .tech domain extensions — pricing, features, and best use cases.
Our Verdict
.com is the more affordable option, while .tech is trending upward. Choose .com for established businesses, or .tech for technology companies.
Built for the technology industry — clear, professional, and memorable
| Feature | .com | .tech |
|---|---|---|
| Registration Price | $9.99/yr | $49.99/yr |
| Year Introduced | 1985 | 2015 |
| HTTPS Required | No | No |
| Est. Registrations | 150M+ | 500K+ |
| Growth Trend | Stable | Rising |
| Registry | Verisign | Radix Registry |
| Name Availability | Low | High |
.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
.tech Advantages & Disadvantages
Advantages
- Clear industry signal
- High domain availability
- Professional and credible
- Shorter than .technology
Disadvantages
- Higher price point than .com or .net
- Less universally recognized
- Renewal prices can be steep
.com Best For
- Established businesses
- E-commerce stores
- Global brands
- Corporate websites
- Anyone prioritizing trust
.tech Best For
- Technology companies
- SaaS startups
- AI and ML products
- Tech conferences and events
- Developer tools
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 .tech good for a technology startup?
.tech is an excellent choice for technology companies that want to clearly communicate their industry focus. It's professional, memorable, and has good availability for shorter names already taken on .com.
How much does a .tech domain cost?
.tech domains typically cost $40-60/year. While more expensive than .com, the industry signal and availability of short names can make it worthwhile for tech brands.
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