Top 10 Domain Extensions for Startups
Choosing the Right Extension for Your Startup
Your domain extension signals what kind of company you are before anyone visits your site. The right TLD can reinforce your brand, while the wrong one can undermine it. Here are the top 10 extensions for startups in 2026.
1. .com — The Gold Standard
Still the most trusted and recognized extension worldwide. If you can get a good .com, take it. Cost: ~$10/year.
2. .io — The Startup Classic
The go-to for tech startups and developer tools since the early 2010s. Signals innovation and technical chops. Cost: ~$30/year.
3. .ai — The AI Era Pick
Essential for any AI, ML, or data company. Instant category recognition. Premium pricing filters out low-quality sites. Cost: ~$80/year.
4. .co — The .com Alternative
Short, clean, and widely adopted by startups like angel.co. Works well when .com is taken. Cost: ~$12/year.
5. .dev — For Developer Tools
Google-owned, requires HTTPS by default. Perfect for dev tools, APIs, and open-source projects. Cost: ~$12/year.
6. .app — For Mobile-First Products
Another Google TLD with mandatory HTTPS. Clean signal for mobile apps and SaaS products. Cost: ~$14/year.
7. .xyz — The Budget Wildcard
Used by Alphabet (abc.xyz) and popular with Gen Z founders. Very affordable and widely available. Cost: ~$2-5/year.
8. .so — The Minimalist Choice
Short and memorable. Growing adoption among startups wanting something unique. Cost: ~$20/year.
9. .tech — For Tech Companies
Explicit tech signal. Works well for IT services, hardware startups, and tech media. Cost: ~$10/year.
10. .store — For E-Commerce
Clear commercial intent. Great for DTC brands and online retailers. Cost: ~$5/year.
How to Decide
Match your TLD to your audience. B2B SaaS? Try .com or .io. AI product? Go .ai. Developer tool? Consider .dev. E-commerce? Look at .store. When in doubt, .com wins.
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