Popular Domain Extensions: Pick the Best TLD in 2025

Key highlights

• Know why popular domain extensions are crucial for building trust, branding and SEO success.
• Learn the differences between common domain extensions like .com, .org and .net and discover which one is the best TLD for your needs.
• Explore other domain extension options including niche, geographic and industry-specific TLDs that can highlight your brand’s identity.
• Understand how modern trends like .ai, .io and corporate top-level domains are shaping the future of online branding.
• Uncover how Bluehost helps you secure a good TLD with free domains, privacy protection and premium support trusted by millions.

Choosing the right domain extension is one of the first big steps in building your online identity. Think of it as the outfit your website wears, it makes an impression before anyone even clicks. At Bluehost, we’ve guided millions of businesses and personal brands in finding their perfect domain name and we know how much the most popular domain extensions matter for trust, branding and SEO.

Today, there are countless top-level domains (TLDs), but users still lean toward common domain extensions like .com, .org, or .net. And the trend keeps growing, the second quarter of 2025 closed with 371.7 million domain name registrations across all TLDs, up by 3.3 million from Q1. Clearly, the right domain extension is more important than ever.

What is a domain extension?

A domain extension, also known as a Top-Level Domain (TLD), is the part of a website address that comes after the dot. For example, in bluehost.com, “.com” is the domain extension and “bluehost” is the second-level domain (SLD). Together, they create the full domain name that users type into their browser.

Think of it like a house address: the SLD is the name of your house and the domain extension is the street it’s on. Some common domain extensions you see every day are .com, .org, .net, .co and .ai. These are considered popular domain extensions because they’re widely recognized and trusted.

Choosing the right domain extension isn’t just about availability, it influences how users, search engines and even AI tools like ChatGPT or Google’s algorithms interpret your site’s purpose, trustworthiness and relevance. For example:

• .com: widely recognized for businesses and general use.
• .org: often linked with nonprofits and online communities.
• .net: originally intended for network services but now a strong alternative to .com.

So when you’re picking your perfect domain name, don’t just think about the brand, consider how the domain extension options you choose can shape your site’s identity, SEO and even credibility in the eyes of your target audience.

Also read: What is a Domain Name? Beginner’s Guide for 2025

Types of domain name extensions

When choosing the right domain extension for your domain name, it helps to understand the different categories available. Each type of top-level domain (TLD) comes with its own purpose, rules and benefits. At Bluehost, we’ve guided millions of customers in finding the perfect domain, so here’s a breakdown you can trust.

Type	Description	Examples	Who can register?	Why choose them?
Generic domain extensions (gTLDs)	The most popular domain extensions like .com, .net and .org, plus newer TLD options like .xyz, .online and .shop.	.com, .net, .org, .xyz, .online, .shop	Anyone (no restrictions)	Widely recognized and trusted; often the best TLD for businesses, startupsand personal brands.
Sponsored domain extensions (sTLDs)	Special use domains overseen by governments or organizations with strict eligibility rules.	.gov (government), .mil (military), .edu (education)	Restricted to qualified organizations	Carry authority and trust; ideal for official government agencies or educational institutions.
Country code domain extensions (ccTLDs)	Two-letter extensions representing countries or regions can be restricted or open.	.uk (UK), .in (India), .de (Germany), .co (Colombia)	Varies, some restricted to locals, some open globally	Great for local SEO, regional trust and building a strong online identity in specific markets.

1. Generic domain extensions (gTLDs)

Generic top-level domains are what most people think of when they hear popular domain extensions. These include classics like .com, .net and .org, as well as newer TLD options like .xyz, .online and .shop. Anyone can register a gTLD, there are no geographic or industry restrictions.

• Example: bluehost.com “bluehost” is the second-level domain (SLD) and “.com” is the generic domain extension.
• Why choose them? They’re widely recognized, trusted and often the best fit for businesses, personal brands and startups.

2. Sponsored domain extensions (sTLDs)

Sponsored TLDs are special domain extension options overseen by organizations, governments, or industries. They come with strict eligibility rules, which makes them highly credible and special use domains.

For examples:

• .gov: restricted to U.S. government agencies.
• .mil: reserved for the U.S. military.
• .edu: only for accredited educational institutions.

Because they’re exclusive, these sponsored domain extensions are not open to the general public, but they carry unmatched authority and trust online.

3. Country code domain extensions (ccTLDs)

Country code top-level domains represent individual countries or regions. They are always two letters long for example, .uk for the United Kingdom, .in for India and .de for Germany.

• Some ccTLDs are strictly limited to citizens or local businesses (like .us), while others (like .co for Colombia) have become popular extensions worldwide, often used as a shorter alternative to .com.
• Why choose them? They’re perfect for businesses targeting a local audience, improving SEO for regional search results and building a trustworthy online identity within that country.

New to domains? Here are 3 tips to get started. Watch our video to learn more.

What are the most popular domain extensions?

With over 1,200 possible TLDs available today, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. The good news? You don’t always need to chase premium-priced domains or wait for the “perfect” name to free up. By exploring popular domain extensions across categories, you can still secure a domain name that fits your brand, your target audience and your online goals.

Here are some of the most popular domain extensions this year, organized by trending categories:

Extension	Total registrations	Market share (%)	Best use
.com	157.9 million	~42%	Commercial, global, universal trust
.net	12.6 million	~3.5%	Tech, networks and backup for .com are unavailable
.org	10.6 million	~4%	Non-profits, education, communities
.co	4 million	~1%	Startups, brands, short memorable names

1 .com

The .com domain extension is the world’s most widely recognized TLD, powering almost half of all registered websites. It’s often the default choice because people naturally type “.com” when searching for a site. For businesses, startups and even personal brands, securing the perfect domain name with .com builds instant credibility. It’s the go-to TLD for many businesses, making it the safest option if it’s available.

Also read: .com vs .net: Which Domain Extension Should You Choose?

2 .net

The .net extension was originally intended for network services and web-based companies. Over time, it has become a popular alternative to .com. If your desired domain name is taken on .com, .net is often a shorter alternative that still feels professional and trustworthy. Many tech companies and service-based websites choose .net to build a solid online identity without paying a premium price for .com.

3 .org

The .org extension is strongly linked to non-profits, political parties and online communities. Because of this association, users often view .org as more trustworthy and reliable than other TLDs. If your site focuses on informational websites, education, or causes, .org can be the right domain extension to connect with a target audience that values credibility and transparency.

4 .co

Originally the country code TLD (ccTLD) for Colombia, .co has grown into a popular choice for global brands and tech startups. It’s short, easy to remember and often used as a shorter alternative to .com. Many businesses prefer .co when they want a modern and creative online identity without waiting for their perfect domain name to become available in .com.

Whether you go with .com, .net, .org, or .co, you’re choosing from the top domain extension list that has shaped the web for decades. And with Bluehost, a premium, reliable partner in domains and hosting, you’re not just picking a name; you’re securing your brand’s future with a company trusted by millions.

Note: When you host your website with Bluehost, you’ll get a free domain name for the first year, whether you choose a popular domain extension like .com or explore other TLD options such as .store, .online, or .biz. It’s the easiest way to start your online journey with a perfect domain name and reliable hosting in one place.

Also read: Free Domain Name with Hosting in 2025

Other domain extension options

While popular domain extensions like .com, .net, .org and .co remain the go-to choices, there are plenty of other domain extension options that might be a better fit depending on your brand, audience, or industry. Exploring these alternatives can help you find a good TLD that’s available, affordable and aligned with your online identity.

Popular domain extensions: Country code domains

When it comes to building trust with a target audience, few things work better than a Country Code Top-Level Domain (ccTLD). A ccTLD is a domain extension made of two letters that represent a specific country or region. They act as geographic TLDs, instantly signaling that your website is local, relevant and trustworthy to users in that region.

Extension	Country	Total registrations	Market share (%)	Best for
.cn	China	21 million	4.5%	China-focused brands/businesses
.de	Germany	17.7 million	3.5%	German businesses, trusted in Europe
.uk	United Kingdom	10.8 million	3.1%	British/local businesses, regional SEO
.ru	Russia	5.8 million	1.5%	Russian market, local/government
.nl	Netherlands	6.14 million	0.49%	Dutch entities, e-commerce, local SEO
.br	Brazil	5.39 million	1.5%	Portuguese language, Brazil-based
.au	Australia	3.6 million	1.0%	Australian companies, .com.au trusted
.fr	France	4.0 million	~1%	French services, geo-targeting
.in	India	3 million	Not stated	India brands, national focus
.eu	European Union	3.6 million	1%	Pan-European presence, EU-wide sites

As of June 30, 2025, there were 316 global ccTLD extensions in the root zone, including internationalized domain names (IDNs). Out of these, the top 10 ccTLDs accounted for a massive 58.1% of all ccTLD domain registrations. The leaders were:

• .cn: China
• .de: Germany
• .uk: United Kingdom
• .ru: Russia
• .nl: Netherlands
• .br: Brazil
• .au: Australia
• .fr: France
• .in: India
• .eu: European Union

These local TLDs are not just widely recognized, they’re also growing. The second quarter of 2025 closed with 371.7 million domain name registrations across all TLDs, up by 3.3 million from Q1. ccTLDs contributed significantly to this growth, proving that businesses and personal brands increasingly see the value in choosing the right domain extension for local trust and SEO.

Renewal rates also show their stability: recent quarterly renewal estimates ranged from 84.0% for .eu to 73.1% for .ru, which reflects strong long-term adoption.

For businesses, nonprofits, government agencies and even tech startups, a ccTLD can be the perfect domain to connect directly with a market. For example, a company in India choosing .in or a brand in Germany selecting .de signals credibility in that region, while also giving a boost in local SEO rankings.

At Bluehost, we recommend ccTLDs for brands that want to go beyond a generic domain extension and create an online identity that feels authentic, trustworthy and tailored to their community.

Popular domain extensions: Industry-specific TLDs

Not every website needs to fit into the same mold as .com or .org. In recent years, industry-specific TLDs have become a popular choice for businesses and personal brands that want their domain name to instantly communicate what they do. These domain extension options are tailored for specific industries, making it easier for your target audience to understand your site at a glance.

Extension	Total registrations	Market share (%)	Best for
.tech	~ 679,423	~0.14% (estimated)	Technology companies, startups, software, AI, robotics, data science
.shop	3.2 million	~1.06% (estimated)	E-commerce stores, online shopping websites, retail brand presence
.law	Restricted, ~30,000+	<0.01% (restricted use)	Licensed legal professionals, law firms, legal services, courts
.store	1.8 million	~0.27% (estimated)	Online stores, e-commerce, product sellers, inventory and storage solutions

Here are some of the most popular industry-specific domain extensions today:

• .tech: Perfect for tech startups, technology companies and innovators in the digital space. If your business name or online identity is built around technology, this TLD option makes sense.
• .shop: Designed for e-commerce websites, this extension clearly signals that your site is about shopping. It’s a shorter alternative to traditional domains and a great fit for retailers.
• .law: Built for law firms, legal consultants and government agencies that want to project authority and trust. With .law, your domain extension itself acts as proof of credibility.
• .store: Another e-commerce-focused extension, .store is a perfect domain for businesses that want to stand out in online retail. It’s one of the fastest-growing industry-specific TLDs in recent years.

Why choose these special use domains? Because they combine branding and clarity. A user landing on brandname.shop instantly knows it’s a shopping site. A startup with innovate.tech doesn’t just tell people they’re in tech, the domain extension reinforces it.

From an SEO perspective, Google treats all TLDs equally. What matters is building trust, relevance and authority. But an industry-specific TLD can give you a marketing edge by making your domain name more memorable, relevant and aligned with your brand story.

At Bluehost, we’ve seen how these TLD options help businesses create the perfect domain name that connects directly with their target audience while boosting their online identity. If your brand lives in a specific industry, choosing an industry-specific TLD could be the smartest step you take this year.

Popular domain extensions: trending / modern

The world of domain extensions is evolving fast. While common domain extensions like .com, .net and .org remain strong, many businesses and personal brands are turning to trending and modern TLD options that feel fresh, creative and industry-driven. These popular domain extensions are especially appealing to tech startups, digital-first companies and creators who want a unique online identity that stands out.

Extension	Total Registrations	Market Share (%)	Best For
.ai	Over 600,000	~0.16% (estimated)	AI companies, startups, tech innovation
.xyz	Around 4.8 million	~1.3% (estimated)	Creative brands, next-gen websites, startups
.io	About 1.6 million	~0.44% (estimated)	Tech startups, developer tools, SaaS platforms
.top	Approximately 3.2 million	~0.87% (estimated)	Trendy brands, marketing campaigns, general use

Here are some of the most popular modern extensions making waves today:

• .ai: Once a country code TLD (ccTLD) for Anguilla, .ai has exploded in popularity among tech startups and AI companies. If your business name relates to artificial intelligence, this domain extension instantly signals relevance and innovation.
• .xyz: Known as the extension “for the next generation,” .xyz is a shorter alternative that has become a popular choice for creative projects, startups and even blockchain/crypto communities. It’s modern, flexible and designed for personal brands as well as businesses.
• .io: Originally a ccTLD for the British Indian Ocean Territory, .io has become widely recognized in the tech world. Many web-based services, apps and SaaS companies use .io because it’s short, memorable and tech-focused.
• .top: Designed as a general use TLD, .top positions itself as a “universal domain.” It’s affordable, catchy and often chosen by businesses that want their brand to feel bold and accessible.

Why are these modern TLDs trending? Because they reflect shifts in consumer behavior and technology. In recent years, brands want more than just availability, they want a perfect domain that matches their target audience and industry identity. And while Google treats all TLDs equally in terms of SEO, a creative extension can give you a marketing edge, helping your site stand out in search results and in memory.

At Bluehost, we’ve seen these modern TLDs rise because they match how businesses and creators actually think today: fast-moving, innovative and global. A .ai instantly connects you with the AI industry, while a .io signals that you’re part of the startup and SaaS ecosystem. Extensions like .xyz and .top give brands freedom to be bold, creative and memorable.

Popular domain extensions: restricted and sponsored

Not all popular domain extensions are available for anyone to register. Some are what we call restricted or sponsored TLDs, special domain extension options that are reserved for very specific groups and purposes. These special use domains carry an extra layer of trust and credibility, which is why they’re so widely recognized across the internet.

Extension	Total Registrations	Market Share (%)	Best For
.edu	Approx. 1.8 million	Very small, highly restricted	Educational institutions, universities
.gov	Very limited 16,050, official government use only	Negligible, exclusive	Government agencies and departments
.mil	Very limited 699, exclusive military use	Negligible	US military and defense-related organizations

Here are the three most important restricted extensions:

.edu : The .edu domain extension is reserved strictly for accredited, post-secondary educational institutions. Universities, colleges and some training organizations use .edu to signal authority and expertise. Because it’s so tightly controlled, a .edu domain name is a powerful way to build an online identity rooted in learning and knowledge. When users see .edu, they immediately associate it with verified, reliable and informational websites.

.gov: The .gov extension is exclusive to U.S. government agencies. It requires rigorous verification before approval, which is why it’s one of the most trusted domain extension options online. From city websites to federal programs, .gov domains make it clear that the site represents an official source. If you want credibility in the government sector, there is no shorter alternative .gov is the right domain extension.

.mil: The .mil domain extension is reserved for the United States Department of Defense and military organizations. It’s not available for public use, but it remains one of the most important special use domains on the web. For users, a .mil domain provides assurance that the site is official and secure, backed by a government defense body.

Unlike common domain extensions such as .com or .org, these restricted TLD options aren’t about branding or personal choice. They exist to provide trust, authority and verification in fields where credibility matters most education, government and military services.

How to choose the best domain extension

The best TLD depends on your audience, brand identity, SEO goals, scalability and cost. At Bluehost, we’ve seen that the most popular domain extensions like .com, .org and .net remain strong, but other domain extension options are gaining ground.

Here’s what to consider when choosing the right domain extension:

1. Audience & target market
2. Brand identity & positioning
3. SEO & search engine signals
4. Future scalability
5. Cost & availability

Let’s explore each factor in detail to help you find the perfect domain name and a good TLD that builds long-term trust.

1. Audience & target market

If your site targets a global audience, .com is often seen as the most popular domain extension and still the safest choice. But if you’re aiming at a regional market, country code TLDs like .in or .de can be a good TLD to connect with your target audience locally.

2. Brand identity & positioning

Your domain extension is part of your brand’s online personality. Common domain extensions like .org work well for nonprofits, while corporate top-level domains allow large organizations to create their own branded extensions (e.g., .google). If you’re building one brand that you want to scale globally, choosing the right domain extension becomes even more critical.

3. SEO & search engine signals

Search engines like Google treat every different TLD equally in rankings, but user behavior tells a different story. People are more likely to click popular domains like .com or .org because they’re widely recognized. Still, newer popular domain extensions like .ai, .biz and .store are gaining traction in the modern internet economy.

4. Future scalability

If you’re just starting, you may pick from common domain extensions, but think about growth. A good TLD today should support tomorrow’s expansion. For example, an e-commerce brand may choose .shop now but later secure other domain extension options like .store or .biz to protect their online identity.

5. Cost & availability

Some of the most popular domain extensions like .com are in high demand, while newer TLD options may be easier to find and more affordable. At Bluehost, we offer premium domain names for businesses that want SEO-rich, high-value web addresses, giving you an edge without compromising your perfect domain name.

Whether you choose a common domain extension, explore corporate top-level domains, or experiment with different TLD options, Bluehost helps you secure the best TLD for your brand, article, or business site, trusted by millions, premium in service and built for the future of the internet.

Also read: Official Bluehost Coupon Codes for 2025: Save Big on Hosting & More

Future trends in domain extensions

The future of domain extensions is moving beyond just .com and common domain extensions, opening up other TLD options that shape how businesses, startups and personal brands build their online identity.

Here are the key trends to watch:

1. AI-driven recommendations
2. The rise of .ai & .io
3. Geo-targeted ccTLDs for local SEO
4. Niche domains for specialized brands
5. .com always dominates

Let’s look at each of these top TLD trends in detail and see how to choose the best TLD or good TLD for your brand.

1. AI-driven recommendations

Tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity are already helping users brainstorm the perfect domain name with smart, AI-driven recommendations. Instead of manually testing dozens of ideas, AI can suggest the best TLD and popular domains based on your business name, target audience and industry. At Bluehost, we offer an AI Domain Name Generator to make this process even easier.

2. The rise of .ai & .io

As tech startups and AI companies continue to grow, .ai and .io are quickly becoming popular domain extensions. What started as niche or even country-code TLDs are now widely recognized in the tech community as signs of innovation. If you’re in AI, SaaS, or digital products, these may be the good TLDs to consider over more traditional choices.

3. Geo-targeted ccTLDs for local SEO

Country code TLDs (ccTLDs) like .in, .uk, or .de are seeing renewed importance as businesses compete for local SEO. Search engines often boost geographic TLDs in regional searches, making them a trusted way websites end for companies focused on local markets. If your strategy is regional, a ccTLD could be the right domain extension for building local trust and visibility.

4. Niche domains for specialized brands

We’re also seeing growth in niche domain extensions like .eco, .health, .crypto, .biz and .agency. These industry-specific TLDs let you immediately communicate your focus, helping your target audience know what your site is about before even clicking. For example, a brand using .eco signals sustainability, while a .biz shows it’s business-oriented. These popular domains give you more creative room when building your online identity.

5. .com always dominates

The big question: will .com continue to rule the top TLDs? The answer is yes, for now. It remains the most widely recognized and trusted domain extension, making it the go-to TLD for many businesses. But the growth of other domain extension options shows that the future will be more diverse. The perfect domain for your brand might not always be .com, it could be one of the many popular domain extensions rising today.

The future of domain extensions is about choice, flexibility and branding power. Whether you stick with the most popular domain extensions like .com, explore good TLDs like .ai or .io, or venture into niche domains, Bluehost is here to help you secure the best TLD for your brand’s future on the internet.

Case study: How a .com domain helped Midfield Lavender Farm bloom online?

When Jeannie and Brian Miller of Midfield Lavender Farm decided to take their Tennessee getaway from a family retreat to a full-grown business, they knew they needed more than word-of-mouth. They needed a trusted online presence. That’s when they chose MidfieldLavenderFarm.com a .com domain that immediately gave their website recognition and credibility.

Why .com made the difference:

• Widely recognized & trusted: As the most popular domain extension, .com helped the farm’s website feel instantly professional to new visitors.
• Easy to remember: Guests traveling from six different states during their first U-Pick season could easily recall and share the farm’s domain name.
• SEO & search signals: With a common domain extension like .com, Midfield Farm showed up in local searches faster, driving event bookings and product sales.
• Brand alignment: Choosing a good TLD like .com gave them a perfect domain that matched their family-friendly, professional image, not just a farm, but a trusted brand.

The results speak for themselves:
Since launching their .com website with Bluehost, the farm’s sales have grown by 300% in just 5 years. Their digital presence now supports online product sales, ticket bookings for events and seasonal updates that keep their community engaged year-round.

For Midfield Lavender Farm, securing a .com domain wasn’t just about having a website address, it was the foundation for building a brand that’s now recognized both locally and online.

To know more about stories like Midfield Lavender Farm, explore our customer case studies and see how others built success with Bluehost.

Final thoughts

Choosing the right domain extension is one of the most important steps in building your online presence. From common domain extensions like .com, .net and .org to modern popular domains such as .ai or .store, your choice influences trust, branding and SEO. While .com remains the most popular domain extension and often the best TLD for global reach, there are plenty of other domain extension options that can highlight your niche, location or industry. At Bluehost, trusted by millions, we make it easy to find a good TLD and secure your perfect domain name, one of the most trusted ways websites end.

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