You found the perfect name, but the .com is taken. Now what?
Ten years ago, anything other than .com was considered "second tier." Today, that has changed. Startups are launching on .io, AI companies are flocking to .ai, and creators are using .me.
However, not all extensions (TLDs) are created equal. Some carry prestige, while others scream "spam."
Top 10 TLD Comparison
| Extension | Category | Trust Level | Pricing | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| .com | Classic | High | $ | Everything (Default choice) |
| .io | Tech | High | $$$ | SaaS, Startups, Tech |
| .ai | Trending | Medium | $$$$ | Artificial Intelligence |
| .co | Modern | Medium | $$ | Startups, .com alternative |
| .net | Classic | Medium | $ | Infrastructure, ISPs |
| .org | Non-profit | High | $ | Non-profits, Communities |
| .app | Tech | Medium | $$ | Mobile Apps, Web Apps |
| .dev | Tech | Medium | $$ | Developers, Tools |
| .xyz | Generic | Low | $ | Web3, General |
| .store | E-comm | Medium | $$ | Online Shops |
Does the TLD Affect SEO?
Google has officially stated that their algorithm treats all new gTLDs (generic top-level domains like .io, .ai, .agency) the same as .com.
However, there is a catch: Human behavior affects SEO indirectly.
- Click-Through Rate (CTR): People are more likely to click on a .com than a .xyz because they trust it more. Higher CTR boosts SEO.
- Memorability: If someone remembers "brand.com" but types "brand.net" and lands on a competitor, you lose traffic.
Verdict: The TLD itself is a minor ranking factor, but user trust is a major one.
Trending Extensions in 2026
.ai (Anguilla)
Originally for Anguilla, it's now the gold standard for Artificial Intelligence companies. It's expensive (~$70/yr) but signals "cutting edge."
.io (Indian Ocean)
The favorite for tech startups and SaaS tools. It stands for Input/Output. Trusted, short, but prices are rising (~$40/yr).
Recommendation
If you can get the .com, get it. It's still the king.
If not:
- Tech Startup? Go for .io or .ai
- App? Go for .app or .co
- Local Business? Go for your country code (e.g., .co.uk, .de)
Nametastic checks all these extensions simultaneously so you can compare options side-by-side.