Every domain extension we check, explained

The default extension of the web

.com is the oldest and most widely recognised generic top-level domain. Because almost every short, common word is already registered, the fastest way to find a free .com is to search variations and compound names rather than single dictionary words.

The extension AI companies actually use

.ai is the country-code extension for Anguilla, but it has been adopted worldwide as the shorthand for artificial intelligence. Anyone can register one, and availability is far better than .com for the same name.

The developer and startup favourite

.io became the default extension for developer tools, APIs and technical startups because it reads as input/output and short names stayed available long after .com ran dry.

A short stand-in when .com is gone

.co is Colombia's country extension, opened globally and marketed as short for company. It is the most common fallback when the .com of a brand name is already registered.

HTTPS-only by design

.app is a generic extension operated by Google Registry. Every .app domain is on the HSTS preload list, so browsers require HTTPS — a certificate is mandatory, not optional.

For developers, docs and tooling

.dev is a Google Registry extension aimed at developers. Like .app, it is HSTS preloaded, so HTTPS is required for every site.

Trusted by nonprofits and communities

.org has been open since 1985 and is associated with nonprofits, open-source projects, standards bodies and community groups — though anyone may register one.

The long-standing .com alternative

.net was originally intended for network infrastructure providers and is now open to everyone. It remains one of the most recognised alternatives when the .com is unavailable.