Should I use .io or .dev? According to W3Techs[1], both TLDs rank among the most-used extensions for tech websites. Choose .io for a tech company or SaaS product with broad appeal. Choose .dev for developer tools, open source projects, or portfolios. It costs less ($12-20 vs $30-60) and enforces HTTPS by default.
.io vs .dev
Choosing between two developer-friendly TLDs
| Feature | .io | .dev |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $30-60/year | $12-20/year |
| HTTPS Required | No | Yes |
| Best For | Tech companies | Dev tools/portfolios |
| Recognition | Wider tech | Developer community |
| Registry | ICB | |
| Availability | Good | Excellent |
.io for Startups and Products
You're building a tech company. .io has been the default startup TLD for over a decade. Verisign's Domain Name Industry Brief reports that total domain registrations across all TLDs continue to grow, and .io holds a strong position within the tech-focused segment of that market[3]. SaaS platforms, API services, and developer tools all sit comfortably under .io without narrowing your audience.
Your product serves a broad tech market. If your users include designers, marketers, and product managers alongside developers, .io communicates "tech" without the code-specific connotation that .dev carries.
You want established credibility. According to W3Techs, .io ranks among the most-used TLDs for technology websites globally[1]. VCs, journalists, and tech buyers recognize .io instantly. For a detailed breakdown against the traditional default, see our .com vs .io comparison.
You're targeting a broader audience. Outside the developer community, .dev is less recognized. .io works for both technical and non-technical audiences, making it safer if your market extends beyond engineers. See how .io stacks up against another tech TLD in our .io vs .ai comparison.
.dev for Developer Tools
You're building developer tools. CLIs, SDKs, libraries, and developer platforms belong on .dev. Google Registry reports that .dev was designed specifically for the developer community[2], and the extension signals exactly what your audience expects. Cloudflare Radar data shows that .dev domains see disproportionately high traffic from developer-heavy regions and technical audiences[5], confirming the extension reaches the right users.
You want a developer portfolio. Personal sites showcasing code, open source contributions, or technical writing fit .dev perfectly. It tells recruiters and collaborators you write code before they even click.
HTTPS matters to you. Every .dev domain enforces HTTPS through browser-level HSTS preloading. No configuration needed, no mixed-content warnings, no forgetting to set up SSL. Data from W3Techs shows that HTTPS adoption continues to climb across all TLDs[1], and .dev removes that setup step entirely.
Budget is a factor. At $12-20/year, .dev costs roughly half what .io charges. For side projects, open source landing pages, or a brandable domain for your next tool, .dev delivers strong positioning at a lower price point.
Check .io and .dev availability together
Our AI generates names and checks both .io and .dev so you can find the right fit for your project.
Making the Call
For tech companies and SaaS: .io is the safer pick. It carries broader recognition, works across technical and non-technical audiences, and has a proven track record with startups and investors.
For developer tools and portfolios: .dev is the sharper choice. It costs less, enforces HTTPS by default, and speaks directly to the developer community. Browse our domains for tech startups guide for more options.
The practical test: Would your users describe your product as "a developer tool" or "a tech product"? Developer tool points to .dev. Tech product points to .io.
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Try DecideDomain FreeFAQ
Is .dev only for developers?
Not strictly, but .dev carries a strong developer connotation. Google Registry markets it toward software developers, and the mandatory HTTPS requirement reinforces its technical audience. Non-technical businesses would find .io or .com a better fit.
Does .dev require HTTPS?
Yes. Google added .dev to the HSTS preload list, meaning all browsers enforce HTTPS on .dev domains automatically. You need an SSL certificate before your site will load. This is a security benefit, not a drawback - most modern hosting providers include free SSL.
Is .io or .dev better for SEO?
Neither has an SEO advantage. Google treats both as generic TLDs with no geographic bias. Your content quality, backlinks, and site performance determine rankings - not which extension you use.
Why is .io more expensive than .dev?
According to ICANN, .io is classified as a country-code TLD (ccTLD) managed by ICB (Internet Computer Bureau), while .dev is a generic TLD (gTLD) operated by Google[4]. ccTLDs and gTLDs follow different governance and pricing structures, which is why .io carries higher wholesale costs. The price difference is structural - .io's registry fees run higher than Google's .dev pricing.
References
- W3Techs TLD Usage Statistics: Distribution of top-level domains for websites (updated monthly)
- Google Registry: .dev is part of Google's new gTLD program with mandatory HTTPS
- Verisign Domain Name Industry Brief: Quarterly report on domain name registrations across all TLDs
- ICANN Registry Information: Registry listings and governance structure for ccTLDs and gTLDs
- Cloudflare Radar: Internet traffic and domain usage trends and analytics