.com Domain Guide
The original commercial TLD and still the gold standard
What is .com?
.com launched in 1985 as one of the original top-level domains. "Com" stands for commercial, though the distinction between commercial and non-commercial no longer applies. Anyone can register a .com.
Four decades later, .com remains the default. When someone says "check our website," listeners assume .com. When typing a URL from memory, fingers add .com automatically. This muscle memory creates real business value.
The downside: availability. Over 150 million .coms are registered. Most dictionary words, common names, and obvious phrases are taken. Finding a good available .com requires creativity or budget.
Who Should Use .com?
E-commerce businesses: Customers trust .com with their credit cards. The trust gap between .com and alternatives is largest for online shopping.
Mainstream consumer brands: Your parents know .com. Your grandparents know .com. If your audience spans demographics, .com works everywhere.
Enterprise companies: Fortune 500 companies use .com almost exclusively. Corporate spam filters trust .com more than newer TLDs.
Anyone prioritizing credibility: Banks, healthcare, legal services - industries where trust matters most typically stick with .com.
Pricing & Availability
.com is the cheapest major TLD at $10-15/year through most registrars. This low price makes it accessible to anyone starting a business or project.
Availability is the challenge. Simple names are taken. Good available .coms typically require invented words, unusual combinations, or three-word phrases. Premium .coms (owned by others) can cost anywhere from $1,000 to millions.
Domain name generators help find creative available options. They combine words, test variations, and check real-time availability. Worth using before giving up on .com.
How .com Compares
| TLD | Best For | Price Range | Credibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| .com | Everything | $10-15/year | Highest |
| .io | Tech startups | $30-60/year | High (in tech) |
| .co | Startups, short names | $25-35/year | Good |
| .net | Tech, networks | $10-15/year | Good |
Find Your Perfect Domain
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Try DecideDomain FreeFrequently Asked Questions
Why is .com still the best domain extension?
.com has 40+ years of recognition. People type it automatically. Email deliverability is highest. No one questions a .com. While alternatives work for specific audiences, .com remains the only universally trusted extension.
How much does a .com domain cost?
Standard .com registration costs $10-15/year through major registrars. Premium domains (short words, popular terms) can cost hundreds to millions. Most good two-word combinations are taken but still affordable when available.
Should I pay more for a .com than use an alternative TLD?
Depends on your audience. For e-commerce, mainstream businesses, and non-tech audiences, .com is worth a premium. For tech startups, developer tools, or audiences that recognize alternatives, a better name in .io or .co often beats a worse name in .com.
Are all good .com domains taken?
Most single-word .coms are taken. Many two-word combinations remain available, especially with invented words or uncommon pairings. Using a domain name generator helps find available options. Premium domains can also be purchased from current owners.