Ever tried to get that perfect .com domain? But it’s taken!

Frustrating, right?

But don’t worry. There’s hope.

In this post, we’ll explore 7 awesome alternatives to .com.

Ready to find your ideal domain?

Let’s dive in.

Best .com alternatives

1. .co domain

The .co domain has an interesting history.

Originally, it was the country code domain for Colombia, but it has been rebranded and opened up for global use since 2010.

Over the years, it has become a popular choice among startups and tech companies.

The appeal lies in its minimalism that resonates with modern businesses looking for a domain that’s easy to type and remember.

However, while .co is an attractive and innovative alternative to .com, it comes with a potential downside. It’s too similar to .com, when spoken aloud or skimmed quickly!

This often results in traffic being mistakenly directed to a .com site instead.

Despite this, the .co domain continues to grow in popularity!

When it comes to pricing, .co domains are reasonably affordable, typically costing between $25 and $30 per year, making them accessible for small businesses and startups.

Examples: Vsco.co, Hinge.co, Brit.co

2. .io domain

The .io domain is often mistaken as “input/output,” a term frequently used in tech circles.

However, .io is actually the country code domain for the British Indian Ocean Territory.

But, it has gained a strong modern appeal, particularly among startups and software companies.

Its clean, tech-savvy vibes aligns well with the branding needs of businesses in the technology sector.

That said, .io domains tend to be more expensive than other domains, with annual costs typically ranging from $40 to $50.

But, many startups and software companies are willing to invest in a .io domain because it sounds modern in the digital age.

Examples: Etherscan.io, Snov.io, Nas.io

3. .app domain

The .app domain is gradually gaining traction, although it remains less known compared to more established TLDs.

Introduced by Google in 2018, this TLD was specifically created with modern apps and SaaS apps in mind.

The .app domain offers excellent branding potential for developers and tech companies looking to showcase their software products with a domain that instantly signals, that it’s an app you can sign up for!

It instantly awakens that dopamine associated with the term “app”.

In terms of cost, .app domains are relatively affordable, generally priced between $10 and $20 per year.

This makes them an appealing option for startups and small businesses aiming to create a strong online presence without breaking the bank.

Example: Thelocal.app

4. .ai domain

The .ai domain has become popular with AI apps.

Originally the country code for Anguilla, .ai has been widely adopted by tech companies focused on AI due to its natural association with “artificial intelligence.”

AI’s taking over the software world!

But here’s the thing – as AI becomes and everywhere common, some folks might start thinking .ai domains are a bit “meh”.

You know, like wearing last season’s fashion. It’s still cool, but maybe not as cutting-edge as it used to be.

But as of now, the domain remains a powerful branding tool for businesses that want to highlight their AI features.

The .ai domain typically costs around $100 per year.

Example: Jasper.ai, Copy.ai, Stability.ai

5. .so domain

The .so domain, originally the country code for Somalia, has also gained popularity in SaaS space.

It’s a clever way to brand software-related sites, with the “.so” suffix often seen as short for “software.”

As for as I know, this TLD was popularized by Notion, hosting their app on Notion.so.

Pricing for .so domains generally falls between $50 and $70 per year.

Examples: Notion.so, Circle.so, Super.so, Tally.so

6. .blog domain

The .blog domain is designed specifically for bloggers, whether they’re individuals or companies looking to share content online.

It’s a straightforward choice for anyone starting a personal or professional blog.

However, while .blog is excellent for creating a clear, focused online presence, it does come with a limitation.

The domain is so closely tied to blogging that it can restrict your site’s growth beyond that niche.

The cost for a .blog domain typically ranges from $20 to $30 per year.

Example: Seth.blog

7. .me domain

Though .me started as the country code for Montenegro, it has been marketed globally as a domain for personal websites, portfolios, and personal branding.

It’s a popular choice for individuals who want a domain that feels personal and unique, perfect for showcasing personal brands or creative work.

The .me domain is widely recognized and embraced for its flexibility in representing personal identities online, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to establish a personal presence on the web.

The annual cost for .me domain is around $15 to $25.

Examples: About.me, Lirona.me

Conclusion

Choosing the right domain extension is crucial for your brand’s online identity.

Each TLD offers unique advantages, so align your choice with your goals and audience.

While .com remains top, alternatives like .co, .io, and .ai offer fresh opportunities to stand out in your niche.