Top 10 Most Popular Domain Extensions

 

Top 10 Most Popular Domain Extensions

When it comes to domain name popularity across the globe, .com continues to dominate the scene. In fact, among the top 10 most widely used domain extensions in 2024 and into 2025, only two do not end with .com 

Here’s a rundown of the top 10 domain extensions based on global recognition and usage 

.com – The undisputed leader, originally created for commercial entities but embraced universally for all types of websites.
.org – Traditionally used by non-profits, it now serves a broad range of communities, open-source initiatives, and educational sites.
.net – Short for “network,” it was originally intended for infrastructure providers, but today hosts a variety of tech companies and organizations.
.co – The country code for Colombia that has become a trendy — and shorter — alternative to .com for businesses and startups.
.io – The country code for the British Indian Ocean Territory; it’s gained massive popularity in the tech world due to its ties to “input/output.”
.ai – Originally the domain for Anguilla, it’s now a go-to choice for AI-related companies and innovative tech startups.
.info – Designed for informational websites, but broadly used across many industries today.
.biz – Created with business in mind — a professional-sounding option when .com isn’t available.
.xyz – A modern, flexible alternative embraced by startups and trend-driven companies.
.de – Germany’s top country-code domain, one of the most registered in the world 

A Brief Context on TLD Popularity
According to registry data as of early 2025, the aggregate number of registered domain names surpassed 368 million 
Among these, .com leads by a wide margin—boasting approximately 154 million domains—far ahead of .net (12.4 million), .org (11.1 million), .de (17.2 million), and .cn (10.8 million) 

Why It Matters for Your Brand
Choosing the right domain extension plays a major role in how your brand is perceived and remembered:
Opting for .com offers instant recognition and trust.

.org, .net, and .co offer elevated branding opportunities based on your industry or purpose.

Extensions like .io, .ai, or .xyz carry a modern, tech-savvy connotation—perfect for startups and innovators.

Country-specific TLDs like .de boost localization and regional relevance.