In the fast-paced tech world, every detail matters—including your domain extension. While .com is still widely used, modern tech startups are breaking the mold with bold, brandable domain endings like .io, .ai, .tech, and .dev.
If you’re launching a SaaS, app, AI tool, or any tech solution in 2025, this guide will help you choose the best domain extension for your brand and market.
💡 What Is a Domain Extension?
A domain extension (also called a Top-Level Domain or TLD) is the part that comes after the dot in a web address—for example, .com, .net, or .tech.
Choosing the right one influences your:
- Brand image
- SEO signals
- Investor perception
- Customer trust
🔝 Most Popular Domain Extensions for Tech in 2025
Here’s a breakdown of top domain extensions used by tech startups today:
1. .COM – The Gold Standard
- Trust Level: ★★★★★
- Use Case: Universal. Still the most recognized and credible.
- Pros:
- Easy to remember
- Trusted by all age groups
- Ideal if available for your brand name
- Cons:
- Most good names are already taken
- Expensive aftermarket prices
Example: Stripe.com, Slack.com
2. .IO – Startup Favorite
- Trust Level: ★★★★☆
- Use Case: Tech products, SaaS tools, developer tools
- Pros:
- Short and trendy
- Seen as “Input/Output” in tech
- Available names compared to .com
- Cons:
- More expensive to register
- Less recognized by non-tech users
Example: Parcel.io, Etherscan.io
3. .AI – AI & Machine Learning Brands
- Trust Level: ★★★★☆
- Use Case: AI, automation, robotics, data-driven apps
- Pros:
- Highly relevant for artificial intelligence
- Makes branding intuitive (like
ChatBot.ai)
- Cons:
- Higher annual cost (~$60+)
- Not for every tech niche
Example: Jasper.ai, Runway.ai
4. .TECH – Broad Tech Identity
- Trust Level: ★★★☆☆
- Use Case: General tech brands, blogs, services, influencers
- Pros:
- Memorable and relevant
- Great availability
- Cons:
- Newer TLD, not always taken seriously
- Needs strong brand support to gain trust
Example: EdTech.tech, NextGen.tech
5. .DEV – Developer-Focused Sites
- Trust Level: ★★★☆☆
- Use Case: Portfolios, developer tools, documentation sites
- Pros:
- Perfect for developer-targeted products
- Enforces HTTPS (secure by default)
- Cons:
- Doesn’t fit non-dev businesses
- Limited mainstream appeal
Example: Google.dev, Glitch.dev
6. .APP – Great for Mobile Startups
- Trust Level: ★★★☆☆
- Use Case: App landing pages and marketing websites
- Pros:
- Ideal for Android/iOS apps
- Google-owned, secure by default
- Cons:
- Not suitable beyond mobile niche
- Forced HTTPS may cause setup issues for some users
Example: Budgeting.app, FitnessTracker.app
🧠 How to Choose the Right Extension?
Ask yourself:
- Who is my target audience?
- Is my brand B2B or consumer-facing?
- Will I expand into non-tech areas?
- Can I afford premium domain costs?