.ai Domain Guide
Everything you need to know about .ai domains
What is .ai?
.ai is Anguilla's country code, but artificial intelligence companies turned it into the de facto TLD for AI products. The match between the country code and "artificial intelligence" abbreviation was too perfect to ignore.
The AI boom sent .ai registrations soaring. Major players like Stability.ai, Character.ai, and Perplexity.ai established the extension as standard for AI companies. Investors now expect AI startups to consider .ai alongside .com.
Anguilla, a small Caribbean island with 15,000 residents, now earns millions annually from .ai registrations. The government has capitalized on demand with premium pricing and a 2-year minimum registration requirement.
Who Should Use .ai?
AI-first companies: If artificial intelligence is your core product - chatbots, image generators, LLM applications - .ai tells customers exactly what you do.
Machine learning tools: Developer tools for ML, data science platforms, and AI infrastructure companies fit naturally under .ai.
AI research organizations: Labs, research groups, and academic AI projects benefit from the instant categorization .ai provides.
Who should avoid .ai: Companies where AI is a feature rather than the product. Using .ai for a CRM that happens to have AI-powered suggestions will confuse customers expecting a dedicated AI tool.
Pricing & Registration
.ai domains cost $50-100/year, making them among the more expensive TLDs. The Anguilla registry mandates a 2-year minimum registration, so expect $100-200 upfront.
Premium .ai domains (short words, AI-related terms) can cost significantly more. Names like "chat.ai" or "learn.ai" sell for thousands. However, creative combinations often remain available at standard pricing.
Registration is open to anyone. No connection to Anguilla required. Most major registrars offer .ai domains, though prices vary significantly - shop around before purchasing.
How .ai Compares
| TLD | Best For | Price Range | Credibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| .ai | AI/ML companies | $50-100/year | High (in AI) |
| .io | Tech startups broadly | $30-60/year | High (in tech) |
| .com | Everything | $10-15/year | Highest |
| .dev | Developer tools | $12-20/year | High (in dev) |
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Try DecideDomain FreeFrequently Asked Questions
What does .ai stand for?
.ai is the country code for Anguilla, a Caribbean island. The AI/ML industry adopted it because it perfectly matches the "artificial intelligence" abbreviation. This made .ai the default choice for AI-focused companies.
Is .ai good for non-AI companies?
Using .ai when you're not an AI company can confuse customers. They'll expect AI features or capabilities. Stick to .ai only if artificial intelligence is core to your product, not just a feature.
Why is .ai so expensive?
.ai domains cost $50-100/year because the Anguilla registry sets high wholesale prices. Demand from the AI industry keeps prices elevated. The 2-year minimum registration also increases upfront costs compared to other TLDs.
Can anyone register a .ai domain?
Yes. Despite being Anguilla's country code, .ai is open to anyone globally. The only restriction is a 2-year minimum registration period. No local presence or business connection to Anguilla is required.