.dev vs .io
A detailed comparison of .dev and .io domain extensions — pricing, features, and best use cases.
Our Verdict
.dev is the more affordable option, while .dev is trending upward. Choose .dev for developer portfolios, or .io for tech startups.
| Feature | .dev | .io |
|---|---|---|
| Registration Price | $12.99/yr | $39.99/yr |
| Year Introduced | 2019 | 1997 |
| HTTPS Required | Yes | No |
| Est. Registrations | 800K+ | 2M+ |
| Growth Trend | Rising | Rising |
| Registry | Google Registry | Internet Computer Bureau |
| Name Availability | High | Medium |
.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
.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
.dev Best For
- Developer portfolios
- Programming projects
- Documentation sites
- Dev tools
- Tech blogs
.io Best For
- Tech startups
- SaaS products
- Developer tools
- API platforms
- Open-source projects
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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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