Choosing a domain name used to be a single‑step chore—grab the .com, call it done.
In 2025 the landscape is richer: dozens of endings can sharpen a brand, signal a niche, or even boost security out of the box.
Below you’ll find a decision‑oriented guide to the 20 TLDs developers, indie hackers, and AI builders actually use today.
Skim the factor list, browse the pros/cons table, and walk through the flowchart before you click Buy.
Pro tip: try Namekit.app—it checks live availability of multiple domain name options in a single hit, so you don’t waste time on names that are already gone.
1 · Key factors to rank for your project
| Factor | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Brand familiarity & trust | Known endings (.com, .net) still convert better on ads, cold outreach, and SEO because users instinctively trust them. |
| Name availability / cost | New gTLDs are cheap and wide‑open; classics are picked‑over or pricey. |
| Audience signal | Some endings instantly tell visitors “this is for devs” (.dev) or “it’s AI‑driven” (.ai). |
| Platform & browser treatment | HSTS‑preload (.app, .dev) forces HTTPS—great for security, tricky for local testing. |
| Legal or geopolitical risk | Many “tech” TLDs are actually country codes (.io, .ai, .gg, .co, .vc); policies can shift. |
| Abuse reputation / spam score | Extensions with high phishing use (.zip, .men, etc.) hurt deliverability. |
2 · The 20 most‑used tech‑leaning TLDs in 2025
| # | TLD | Best for | When to choose | When to avoid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | .com | Any venture that wants mainstream reach | You can afford the aftermarket price or the exact name is still free | Many premium names are long gone and command “prime‑real‑estate” prices |
| 2 | .io | SaaS, dev tools, data APIs | Startup cred, short names still exist | Worry about ccTLD politics (British Indian Ocean Territory) |
| 3 | .dev | Portfolios, docs sites, OSS | Instantly reads “for developers”; HSTS by default | You need plain HTTP for early prototypes |
| 4 | .ai | AI products, ML platforms | AI halo effect; resale values rising | High renewal fees; ccTLD (Anguilla) |
| 5 | .app | Mobile / PWA landing pages | Secure‑by‑default HTTPS; pairs with app‑store names | Needs server‑side HTTP (local dev, IoT callbacks) |
| 6 | .tech | Hardware, deep‑tech, ed‑tech | On‑brand, reasonable cost | Some perception of spam if outreach is cold |
| 7 | .xyz | Web3, experimental projects | Cheap, abundant, Google’s parent uses it (abc.xyz) | Some users see it as less “serious” |
| 8 | .co | Start‑ups, maker projects | Short, punchy; many .coms upgrade later | Easy typo with .com; ccTLD (Colombia) |
| 9 | .net | Infrastructure, network tools | Second‑best classic; ~13 M in use | Can feel second‑choice if .com exists |
| 10 | .cloud | DevOps, hosting, SaaS | Speaks “cloud services”; promos often $2–5 USD | Niche outside infra buyers |
| 11 | .gg | Gaming, e‑sports tooling | “Good game” meme; booming YoY | Pure business audiences may not get it |
| 12 | .me | Personal sites, link hubs | Human, friendly & globally open | Corporate product sites (can feel informal) |
| 13 | .sh | CLI, DevOps scripts | Linux/Unix vibe; short | Email deliverability slightly lower |
| 14 | .so | APIs, backend services | Reads as “service‑oriented” | ccTLD of Somalia—higher risk profile |
| 15 | .digital | Agencies, media tech | Descriptive, still affordable | Lengthy; not memorable on voice |
| 16 | .vc | Investor platforms, funding tools | Signals venture‑capital angle | Confuses users unfamiliar with finance |
| 17 | .software | Dev shops, documentation hubs | Self‑descriptive; wide availability | Long; awkward in spoken word |
| 18 | .systems | Enterprise IT, integrators | Suggests robustness; cheap promos | Long; uncommon with consumers |
| 19 | .tools | Dev utilities, SaaS add‑ons | Literal branding (json.tools) | Slightly quirky outside dev circles |
| 20 | .site | Generic landing pages, MVPs | Ultra‑cheap first year; any niche | Renewal jumps; generic branding |
3 · Quick decision flow
-
Can you get the
.com?
Yes → buy it, plus a backup TLD for tests/micro‑sites.
No → go to step 2 (and let Namekit.app surface alternatives instantly). -
Does your audience expect a tech signal (
.io,.dev,.ai,.app,.tech)?
Yes → pick the most on‑brand of those that is available and within budget.
No → move to step 3. -
Need a short, memorable alt?
Consider.co,.gg(gaming) or.xyzfor maximum options. -
Is long‑term stability & email reputation critical?
Favor legacy gTLDs (.net) or trusted country codes with stable policies (.de,.us, etc.). -
Protect trademarks
Register common typo or hack versions (e.g.,mybrand.dev+mybrand.app).
4 · Final tips before you hit “buy”
- Budget for renewals – new gTLD promos can jump from $2 to $35 +/year after the first term.
- Lock SSL in early – some TLDs mandate HTTPS before they resolve.
- Think voice & radio – if you’ll ever say the domain aloud, longer names (
.software) can be painful. - Watch future‑proofing – geopolitical issues aren’t theoretical: if the UK ever grants sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago,
.iocould change hands overnight. - Save time with smart search – tools like Namekit.app cross‑check thousands of registrars and surface genuinely available names (including premium‑free bargains) while you sip coffee.
Wrap‑up
The web no longer revolves around a single three‑letter ending. Treat your TLD like a product decision: weigh audience expectations, technical constraints, and long‑term risk. Armed with the list above—and a real‑time search assistant such as Namekit—you’re ready to claim a domain that feels fresh today and scales with you tomorrow.
Happy building—and may your 2025 launches always ship on time 🚀