Let's be real - choosing a domain extension feels like picking a license plate for your digital car. I remember when I launched my first blog years ago, I spent three days obsessing over .com vs .net while my actual website sat empty. Crazy, right? Today we're cutting through the noise with the most practical list of domain extensions you'll find anywhere.
Why trust this guide? Because I've personally registered over 200 domains across 42 extensions in the last decade. Made every mistake in the book so you don't have to. That .tech domain I bought for $100/year? Total ripoff. The .io that tripled in value? Pure luck.
Breaking Down Domain Extension Types
Not all extensions are created equal. The main categories:
Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLDs)
These are your classics. I call them the "blue jeans" of domains - reliable but not exciting. Around since the 80s:
| Extension | Original Purpose | Avg. Price | Good For |
|---|---|---|---|
| .com gTLD | Commercial entities | $10-$15/yr | Everything (but tough to find names) |
| .org gTLD | Organizations | $12-$20/yr | Non-profits, communities |
| .net gTLD | Networks | $10-$18/yr | Tech companies, infrastructure |
Watch out: Some registrars hike renewal prices dramatically. Had a .info jump from $3 to $22 in year two!
Country Code TLDs (ccTLDs)
Geographic extensions with secret superpowers:
| Extension | Country | Avg. Price | Unexpected Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| .io ccTLD | Indian Ocean | $30-$60/yr | Tech startups (input/output) |
| .co ccTLD | Colombia | $10-$30/yr | Companies (alternative to .com) |
| .tv ccTLD | Tuvalu | $25-$50/yr | Streamers, video creators |
Fun story: A client insisted on .ly (Libya) for their URL shortener. Bad idea. When political issues hit, their service went down for a week.
New gTLDs (The Wild West)
Post-2012 explosion of options. Some gems, some landmines:
| Extension | Launched | Avg. Price | Reality Check |
|---|---|---|---|
| .app | 2018 | $15-$30/yr | Actually useful for developers |
| .blog | 2016 | $20-$40/yr | Overpriced for what it offers |
| .guru | 2014 | $20-$50/yr | Feels spammy, avoid |
Domain Extensions by Industry
Matching your field to the right extension:
Tech & Startups
- .io: Still king for tech (despite the price)
- .dev: Google's developer-focused extension (requires HTTPS)
- .ai: Artificial intelligence projects
- .app: Mobile/web applications
Creative Fields
- .design: Surprisingly popular with agencies
- .studio: Clean alternative for creatives
- .art: Visual artists portfolio
- .photo: Better than .photography (too long)
Pro Tip: Many new extensions have registry restrictions. Tried registering .bank? Forget it unless you're actually a bank.
The Complete Domain Extensions List
Here's the meat - the most extensive list of domain extensions you'll need:
| Extension | Category | Ideal Use Case | Price Range | Trust Factor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| .com | gTLD | Businesses, global sites | $10-15 | ★★★★★ |
| .org | gTLD | Non-profits, communities | $12-20 | ★★★★☆ |
| .net | gTLD | Tech infrastructure | $10-18 | ★★★★☆ |
| .io | ccTLD | Tech startups, SaaS | $30-60 | ★★★★☆ |
| .co | ccTLD | Startups, .com alternative | $10-30 | ★★★☆☆ |
| .ai | ccTLD | AI companies, tools | $70-100 | ★★★☆☆ |
| .app | New gTLD | Web/mobile apps | $15-30 | ★★★☆☆ |
| .dev | New gTLD | Developers, tools | $12-20 | ★★★☆☆ |
| .xyz | New gTLD | Experimental projects | $1-10 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| .shop | New gTLD | E-commerce stores | $20-40 | ★★★☆☆ |
| .blog | New gTLD | Personal/professional blogs | $20-40 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| .me | ccTLD | Personal branding | $15-25 | ★★★☆☆ |
| .tv | ccTLD | Video content, streams | $25-50 | ★★★☆☆ |
| .design | New gTLD | Design agencies | $30-50 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| .tech | New gTLD | Tech blogs, products | $30-60 | ★★☆☆☆ |
Notice how prices vary wildly? That's why checking renewal costs matters more than initial price. Learned that the hard way with that .tech domain.
Choosing Your Perfect Domain Extension
Ask yourself:
- Is the extension available with YOUR business name?
- Does it make sense with your industry? (Using .law for a bakery is weird)
- Can visitors remember it without spelling it out?
- Will it look credible on business cards?
When my friend launched her pottery business, she grabbed clayhq.com but also bought clayhq.shop and clayhq.art. Smart move - she redirects them all to her main site.
SEO Impact: The Truth
Let's settle this once and for all: Your domain extension won't make or break SEO. Google says so. But indirectly, it matters:
- .com domains get slightly more trust from users (they click more)
- Country-specific extensions (.co.uk, .ca) help local rankings
- Spammy-looking extensions (.xyz, .biz) might raise eyebrows
So no, that .world extension won't magically rank globally. But yes, a .london helps if you're a London plumber.
Domain Extension Pitfalls to Avoid
Price Traps
Some extensions have brutal renewal fees:
- .io renewals: $35-60/year
- .app renewals: $20-30/year
- .cloud renewals: $30-50/year
Always check renewal prices before falling for a $1 first-year deal.
Availability Issues
Many extensions have restrictions:
- .bank requires bank certification
- .pharmacy needs license verification
- .edu is US colleges only
Confusion Factors
I almost lost a client because they typed .cm instead of .com. Also avoid:
- .co vs .com
- .net vs .com
- .org vs .com
Red Flag: If a registrar pressures you into buying dozens of extensions "for protection," push back. Only secure essential variations.
Your Burning Domain Extension Questions Answered
What's the most expensive domain extension?
.cars tops the charts at $2,500+/year. Luxury domains come with luxury prices. Not worth it unless you're Ferrari.
Can I change extensions later?
Technically yes, but you'll lose SEO equity and confuse users. Better to buy both extensions upfront if unsure.
Are new extensions trustworthy?
Generally yes, but check who operates them. Stick to extensions run by reputable registries like Google (.app), Donuts (.design), or Identity Digital (.live).
How many domain extensions exist?
Over 1,500 as of 2023. But only about 100 are commercially viable. Our curated list of domain extensions covers all practical options.
Do I need multiple extensions?
Only if:
- You're protecting your brand
- Targeting multiple countries
- Running distinct campaigns
Otherwise, it's just vanity spending.
Where's the cheapest place to buy domains?
NameSilo for .com ($9), Porkbun for .io ($35), Cloudflare for wholesale pricing. Avoid GoDaddy for renewals - their fees skyrocket.
Final Reality Check
After a decade in this space, here's my blunt advice:
.com is still king for global businesses. If available, take it. Otherwise:
- Tech companies: .io or .dev
- Local businesses: Country code (.co.uk, .ca)
- Creative pros: .design or .studio
The ultimate list of domain extensions doesn't mean much if you ignore fundamentals. Your domain should be:
- Memorable (say it aloud at a noisy conference)
- Spellable without confusion
- Available on social platforms
- Reasonable to renew for 5+ years
Last month, a client insisted on using .cyou because it was cheap. Their bounce rate? 78%. Sometimes conventional wisdom exists for a reason.
So bookmark this domain extensions list, but trust your gut too. If an extension feels awkward, it probably is. Now go claim your corner of the internet.
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