.dev Domain Guide
The secure TLD made for developers
What is .dev?
.dev launched in 2019 specifically for developers and development-related projects. Google Registry operates it and uses it prominently for developer documentation sites like web.dev and opensource.dev.
The defining feature is mandatory HTTPS. .dev is on the HSTS preload list, meaning browsers refuse to connect without encryption. Every .dev site is secure by default. This isn't a burden for developers who configure SSL anyway - it's a feature.
Availability is excellent. Unlike .com where most good names are taken, .dev has millions of unclaimed options. Common developer words and patterns remain available at standard prices.
Who Should Use .dev?
Developer portfolios: YourName.dev immediately signals you're a developer. The HTTPS requirement even proves you can configure SSL. Perfect for job applications and freelance profiles.
Developer tools and libraries: CLI tools, SDKs, and frameworks fit naturally under .dev. The audience expects the extension and understands what it means.
Open source projects: Documentation, project homepages, and community sites work well on .dev. Many major projects use it alongside their GitHub repos.
Development agencies: Teams that build software for clients can use .dev to signal technical competence before the first conversation.
Who should avoid .dev: Non-technical businesses. If your customers don't know what "dev" means, the extension adds confusion rather than clarity.
The HTTPS Requirement
.dev domains only work over HTTPS. Browsers block HTTP connections entirely. This happens because .dev is on the HSTS preload list - a browser-level security feature.
For most developers, this is simple. Free SSL certificates from Let's Encrypt work fine. Most hosting providers (Vercel, Netlify, Cloudflare) handle SSL automatically.
The requirement filters out people who can't configure basic SSL. This keeps the .dev namespace technically competent and professional.
How .dev Compares
| TLD | Best For | Price Range | HTTPS Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| .dev | Developer portfolios, tools | $12-20/year | Yes |
| .io | Tech startups, SaaS | $30-60/year | No |
| .app | Mobile/web apps | $14-20/year | Yes |
| .com | Everything | $10-15/year | No |
Find Your Perfect Domain
Ready to find available .dev domains for your project? Our AI-powered generator creates unique, developer-friendly suggestions in seconds.
Try DecideDomain FreeFrequently Asked Questions
Why does .dev require HTTPS?
.dev is on the HSTS preload list, meaning browsers will only connect via HTTPS. Google implemented this as a security feature when launching the TLD. You must have an SSL certificate for your .dev site to work.
Is .dev good for developer portfolios?
Yes, .dev is perfect for developer portfolios. It signals technical competence, has excellent availability for names, and costs less than .io. The HTTPS requirement even demonstrates you know how to configure SSL.
Should I use .dev or .io for my project?
.io is better for tech startups targeting broader audiences. .dev is better for developer tools, portfolios, and projects where the developer audience is primary. .dev also costs less ($12-20 vs $30-60 for .io).
Who manages the .dev registry?
Google Registry operates .dev. This provides stability and credibility. Google uses .dev itself for properties like web.dev and opensource.dev.