The .io domain extension is one of my favorites after .com. It’s not as popular as .com, but it’s widely used among tech startups, and it’s well recognized and trusted by users. There are also many available .io domains compared to .com.
One of the drawbacks of .io is its high price. It’s not too expensive though, and you can find good deals on it at some registrars.
The cheapest .io domain registrars that I use and trust the most are Spaceship, Dynadot, and Namecheap. Here is my two cents on these and a couple more registrars:
1. Spaceship
Registration price: $14.98 (with promo code IO85)
Renewal price: $46.58
Spaceship has become my favorite domain registrar lately. They have low registration and renewal prices, free WHOIS privacy protection, and a modern dashboard.
You can get a .io domain from Spaceship for just $14.98 using the promo code IO85. This is the cheapest registration price I could find, and the renewal price is also one of the lowest compared to other registrars.
2. Dynadot
Registration price: $32.10
Renewal price: $49.99
Dynadot is another affordable provider where you can get a .io domain. They offer free WHOIS privacy and a free email account (1 GB storage). I’ve been using Dynadot for a long time and I’ve never had any issues with them. Their prices are fair and transparent.
3. Namecheap
Registration price: $34.98
Renewal price: $62.98
Namecheap is also one of the registrars I trust with my domains. They offer a discounted registration price for .io, but the renewal price is a bit on the higher end. They have some worthy extras like premium SSL certificates and premium DNS at low prices.
4. NameSilo
Registration price: $34.99
Renewal price: $47.99
NameSilo may not have the most competitive prices for all TLDs, but for .io, both their registration and renewal rates are very competitive. I’m not a fan of their outdated dashboard, but other than that, it’s a solid place to register your domains at.
5. Hostinger
Registration price: $31.99
Renewal price: $67.99
I prefer to use Hostinger more as a web host, but they also have a good deal on .io domains, at least for the first year. If you plan to renew the domain or want to register it for multiple years, you’ll save much more if you go with Spaceship or Dynadot instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the .io domain extension?
The .io domain extension is a country code top-level domain (ccTLD) assigned to the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT). However, it has gained a lot of popularity in the tech industry, and many startups and developers use .io as an alternative to .com.
Why do tech companies and startups use .io domains?
The .io TLD is often associated with technology and programming because of the acronym I/O, which stands for “input/output”, a fundamental concept in computing. This makes .io attractive to developers, startups, and tech companies as a way to convey a modern, tech-focused brand image.
Can anyone register a .io domain?
Yes, anyone can register a .io domain name. Unlike some other ccTLDs, there are no specific residency requirements for registering a .io domain. It is open to everyone worldwide.
Is .io a good domain extension for SEO?
Google and other search engines treat .io the same as any other generic TLD (like .com or .net). So, technically, a .io domain can rank as well as a .com domain in search results. The fact that this TLD is widely recognized by tech-savvy users makes it a good choice for SEO for any tech-related website.
Why are .io domains expensive?
The .io TLD is more expensive than traditional generic TLDs due to the high wholesale price set by the .io registry. In addition to that, there is a markup added by each individual registrar, so the final retail price varies from one registrar to another.
Some registrars offer a discounted initial registration price but charge a higher price for renewal. Make sure you check the renewal rate before you buy a .io domain from any registrar.
What are the advantages of using a .io domain?
- Tech association: The .io TLD is popular in the tech and startup world, so it can help boost credibility.
- Short and memorable: The .io extension is short and easy to remember.
- Availability: There’s a greater chance of your preferred name being available for registration compared to more saturated TLDs like .com.
What are the drawbacks of using a .io domain?
- Higher cost: It’s more expensive than other generic TLDs, especially when it comes to renewals.
- SEO and trust: Although it’s not a major issue, some users may still see .com as more legit or trustworthy. So, if another website uses the .com version, it may negatively affect your site’s SEO and click-through rates.
Are .io domains secure?
Yes, .io domains are secure, and the security of the domain depends on the registrar and the user’s security practices (e.g., enabling two-factor authentication for the account). Some .io registrars may offer additional security features for added protection, such as DNSSEC.
Can you add WHOIS privacy to a .io domain?
Yes, the .io TLD supports private registration, so you can keep all your personal contact details hidden from spammers and bots. Many registrars enable WHOIS privacy by default and at no additional cost.
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