.com vs .io vs .ai: Which Domain Extension Should You Choose?

Should you spend months hunting for a .com, or embrace modern TLDs like .io and .ai? Here's what the data actually shows.

The Current Landscape

We analyzed 500 YC-backed startups to see what TLDs they actually use:

Key insight: While .com dominates, 32% of successful startups use alternative TLDs.

Deep Dive: Each TLD

.com (The Default)

Pros:

• Highest user trust globally
• What people type by default
• Works for any industry
• Best for non-tech B2C

Cons:

• Good names extremely scarce
• Premium names cost $5,000-100,000+
• May require compromises (longer names, hyphens)

Best for: Consumer brands, traditional businesses, maximum credibility

Price: $10-15/year (standard), $500-100,000+ (premium)

.io (The Startup Standard)

Pros:

• Strong tech/startup association
• Better availability than .com
• Developer credibility
• Short names still findable

Cons:

• Higher price (~$35/year)
• Less known outside tech
• Technically Chagos Islands ccTLD

Best for: Dev tools, tech startups, B2B SaaS

Price: $35-50/year

.ai (The AI Signal)

Pros:

• Perfect industry fit for AI companies
• Premium positioning
• Growing recognition
• Short names available

Cons:

• Higher price (~$65/year)
• Only makes sense for AI companies
• Technically Anguilla ccTLD

Best for: AI/ML companies, LLM applications, AI tools

Price: $65-80/year

.app (The Software Choice)

Pros:

• Requires HTTPS (built-in security)
• Clear software signal
• Google-owned (stable)
• Good availability

Cons:

• Only for software/apps
• Relatively new (2018)

Best for: Mobile apps, web apps, SaaS products

Price: $14-20/year

.co (The Modern Alternative)

Pros:

• Short and memorable
• Growing recognition
• Good availability
• Works for any company

Cons:

• Sometimes confused with .com
• Less established than .com

Best for: Modern brands, startups, when .com unavailable

Price: $25-30/year

.dev (The Developer Choice)

Pros:

• Requires HTTPS
• Developer-focused
• Google-owned
• Good availability

Cons:

• Only for dev-focused products
• Technical audience expected

Best for: Developer tools, APIs, technical products

Price: $14-20/year

Decision Framework

Use .com if:

• Targeting mainstream consumers
• Building a household brand
• Have budget for premium domains
• Non-technical audience
• Enterprise B2B (traditional buyers)

Use .io if:

• Building for developers or tech
• Need a short, brandable name
• .com would require compromises
• Startup credibility matters

Use .ai if:

• AI is core to your product
• Targeting AI industry
• Want premium tech positioning

Use .app if:

• Building software/apps
• Want HTTPS requirement built-in
• .io price is a concern
• Mobile app marketing

Use .co if:

• Want .com alternative for any industry
• Short name availability matters
• Building modern brand

The Real-World Impact

Does TLD Affect SEO?

Short answer: Minimal direct impact.

Google has stated that gTLDs (.com, .io, .app) are treated equally for ranking. Your content, backlinks, and user experience matter far more.

However, .com may have slight indirect advantages:

• Higher click-through rates (user trust)
• More natural backlinks (people assume .com)

Does TLD Affect Fundraising?

Short answer: Not really.

VCs care about your team, product, and market—not your domain extension. Successful companies have raised billions with .io domains.

Does TLD Affect User Trust?

Short answer: Depends on your audience.

• Tech users: .io, .ai, .app are fully trusted
• General consumers: .com still has an edge
• Enterprise buyers: Mix (depends on buyer persona)

Common Questions

Can I start with .io and get .com later?

Yes! Many companies do this:

• Start with brandname.io
• Acquire brandname.com when you can afford it
• 301 redirect .io to .com (or vice versa)

This is better than compromising on a bad .com name early.

Should I buy both .com and .io?

If budget allows, yes. It provides:

• Protection from competitors
• Type-in traffic capture
• Future flexibility

But don't stretch—a great product beats owning multiple TLDs.

What about country-code TLDs (.de, .uk)?

Use them if:

• Targeting that specific market
• Local credibility matters
• It's your primary market

Avoid them for global products (unless the extension has global appeal like .io or .co).

The Bottom Line

The best domain is one that:

1. Matches your brand name exactly
2. Is available now
3. Fits your industry
4. You can afford

Don't spend months hunting for a .com when a perfect .io is available. Your name matters more than your extension.

Find Your Perfect Domain

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