What is a Top-Level Domain (TLD)?
A top-level domain (or TLD) is the part of a web address that comes after the last dot, such as “com” or “net.” Like the rest of your domain name, the TLD you use is up to you. Whether you choose a classic like .com, or a newer extension like .xyz or .io, this handful of letters will help determine what people think about your website, and your brand too. It’s worth some serious thought.
In this guide, we’ll explore the most popular TLDs and help you narrow down the options. Your top-level domain should align with your budget, brand identity and overall goals—all while being memorable and easy to type.
Understanding Domain Extensions
Domain extension, top-level domain and TLD are different terms that describe the same thing—the 2 to 6 letters that appear at the end of your domain name.
TLDs can offer quick insights about a website, such as its geographic location (.uk), its purpose (.store), or even its personality (.guru or .ninja). Not every domain registrar offers the same selection of TLDs, so if you have a specific extension in mind, make sure the registrar you choose supports it.
As of November 2023, there were 1,508 TLDs available for registration, most introduced in the last decade. While .com still reigns supreme, there are many good alternatives if your .com domain is taken, or if you’re looking for something more unique. The vast selection might be daunting—but understanding the different types of TLDs is a great place to start.
There are a few different types of TLDs, including:
Generic TLDs (gTLDs) like .com, .net, .org & .info
Generic TLDs represent the majority of TLDs, and are open to everyone.
New gTLDs—an expanding category that includes .store, .xyz, .online and many others—offer a wide range of options.
Country-code TLDs (ccTLDs), like .de for Germany
Country-code TLDs are intended for residents of their respective countries, or companies with a regional presence.
Some ccTLDs—like .io and .co—have outgrown their original purpose and are now considered generic TLDs.
Sponsored TLDs such as .edu, .mil & .gov
Sponsored TLDs are designated for higher-education, the government, and other organizations.
Private organizations enforce strict eligibility criteria for these TLDs, which helps to create trustworthy online spaces.
What are the most popular TLDs?
The list below excludes country-code TLDs with significant global usage, like .de (Germany) and .cn (China). These 5 TLDs are a mix of enduring, respected extensions and newer favorites that have been making their mark online.
-
1
.com
The .com TLD is undoubtedly the most recognizable and widely-used TLD on the internet. It was one of the first extensions ever created, originally intended for commercial purposes. Today, it’s still the go-to TLD for businesses of all types, as well as personal websites, blogs, and more. As of November 2023, there were roughly 162 million registered .com domains worldwide.
Learn more -
2
.org
The .org TLD was created for non-profit organizations and remains a popular choice for nonprofits today. Its strong connection with charitable causes has established .org as a symbol of trust and community involvement. Using a .org domain can help to highlight your organization’s commitment to social responsibility and engagement.
Learn more -
3
.net
The .net TLD was originally intended for network infrastructure providers, but it’s now used by a variety of businesses and individuals. Because of its association with networks, .net domains can be a good fit for businesses that provide internet-related services or products, such as web hosting. But its all-around versatility makes it a smart choice for any web-based venture.
Learn more -
4
.co
The .co TLD, often viewed as an alternative to .com, is known for its association with startups, entrepreneurs, and innovative companies. Initially designated as the country code TLD for Colombia, it has since been adopted globally by a wide range of users. This TLD is a popular choice for anyone who needs a domain that’s concise, recognizable and trustworthy. Small businesses and entrepreneurs looking for a modern, accessible TLD often go with .co.
Learn more -
5
.io
The .io TLD is popular with technology startups and online gaming platforms, thanks to its tech-savvy connotations. Originally assigned as the country code TLD for the British Indian Ocean Territory, the extension has taken on a new meaning—partly due to “IO” being shorthand for Input/Output in computer science. This quirk has helped the concise, memorable TLD find a prominent place online.
Learn more
TLDs at a Glance
Epik offers a wide range of TLD options with essential features included for free—including WHOIS privacy, SSL Certificates, Domain Parking pages, and more. Bulk domain purchases get you access to our top-tier pricing (shown below).
TLD |
Type |
Country |
Ideal for… |
Register |
Renew |
Transfer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
.com |
gTLD | – | Any business, blog or brand | $9.99 | $9.99 | $9.99 |
.net |
gTLD | – | Web-based services | $11.10 | $11.10 | $11.10 |
.org |
gTLD | – | Nonprofits and community groups | $10.36 | $10.36 | $10.36 |
.co |
ccTLD | Colombia | Startups and global ventures | $22.43 | $22.43 | $22.43 |
.io |
ccTLD | British Indian Ocean Territory | Tech and innovation | $45.25 | $45.25 | $45.25 |
.ai |
ccTLD | Anguilla | Artificial intelligence businesses | $74.25 | $74.25 | $145.25 |
.us |
ccTLD | United States | American brands | $6.75 | $6.75 | $6.75 |
.xyz |
gTLD | – | Creative ventures | $10.43 | $10.43 | $10.43 |
.info |
gTLD | – | Informative content | $16.43 | $16.43 | $16.43 |
.me |
ccTLD | Montenegro | Personal websites and blogs | $17.95 | $17.95 | $17.95 |
View more domains ⇒
How to Choose the Best TLD
Ready to pick a TLD for your website? Following these steps will help you to choose one that’s aligned with your needs.
-
1
Define the purpose of your website
Before choosing a TLD, think about the purpose of your website. For e-commerce, .com is the traditional option—but you can also consider .shop or .store. If your focus is on design or writing, TLDs like .design or .blog might fit the bill.
-
2
Research your industry
It’s important to research the TLDs that are commonly used in your industry. For example, TLDs such as .tech and .app are commonly used by tech startups—along with up-and-comers .io and .xyz.
-
3
Check availability
Once you’ve identified potential TLDs that fit your purpose and industry, check their availability. This is where things can get tricky—especially if you’re set on a .com domain. Above all, it’s important to have a clear, unique and memorable domain name, so think about how your domain name reads as a whole with a few different extensions.
-
4
Consider your location
If your business operates in a specific country or region, using a country-specific TLD (like .de for Germany) or a city-level TLD (such as .nyc or .london) can help your website appeal to local customers. These location-specific TLDs were designed to connect companies and organizations with their target audiences at the local level.
-
5
Think about branding
Your domain name as a whole is a crucial part of your branding, so consider the role your top-level domain will play. Using an out-of-the-ordinary TLD such as .ninja or .ai could help your business stand out and appear more innovative, or you might decide you want the trustworthiness of a .com. You’ll also want to think about future growth—and make sure to chose a TLD that won’t limit your potential.
Find the right domain for your brand with our Domain Name Search
Frequently Asked Questions
Most TLDs are open to anyone, but some have eligibility criteria or restrictions. It’s important to research the requirements for each TLD before choosing one for your domain name.
Yes and no. Your website’s TLD won’t directly affect how Google ranks your website—Google’s algorithms treat .com domains the same as .xyz domains when it comes to crawling, indexing, and driving traffic. But here’s the caveat: customer trust and perception (whether someone trusts a .com website more than a .biz, for example) can influence your website’s click-through rate. And this traffic, or lack of it, can affect whether or not your website appears in the first page of search results.
No, not all TLDs are priced the same. The cost of a TLD can vary depending on several factors, including its popularity, demand, and the registrar offering it. Generally, more common TLDs like .com may have standard pricing, while specialized or newer TLDs might be priced differently. Additionally, some registrars may offer discounts or promotions for specific TLDs, so it’s a good idea to compare prices before making your selection.