Key takeaways:
- Both .com and .net are well-known domain extensions that serve different purposes. These differences affect availability, memorability, and cost.
- At standard registration rates, .net domains usually cost more. However, the higher demand causes .com domains to sell at premium prices.
- Many businesses choose .com as their domain name of choice. Still, .NET may be a better fit for a tech-focused or niche brand.
So, you’re ready to create a website? That’s great! But now, you’re stuck between .com and .net. You see them everywhere, but how do you know which one is right for your business?
You’re not alone. It’s a tough choice many website owners face. The good news is, we’re here to help you figure it out. Join us as we talk about what makes each extension special, how they affect your brand, and which one will best serve your business website’s goals.
What are .COM and .NET domain name extensions?
Both .com and .net are what you’d call generic top-level domains (gTLDs), or simply domain extensions. They’re the most common ones you’ll come across when creating a website. Along with other popular gTLDs like .org, .co, and .io, they make up 43% of all registered domain names—meaning nearly half of all websites in the world use one of these.
| Feature | .com | .net |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Commercial | Network |
| Best for | Businesses, personal brands | Tech companies, developers |
| Popularity | 43.7% of all domains | 2.3% of all domains |
| SEO impact | Neutral, but higher CTR | Neutral, niche relevance |
| Availability | Limited | More available |
What is a top-level domain name?
A top-level domain (TLD) is the part of your domain that comes after the dot (like .com, .net, etc.). While the part before the dot requires some careful thought, your TLD is just as important. It can have a significant impact on your site’s online visibility and credibility.
Here’s an example: If you search for “Atlantis,” you’ll find articles, research, and content related to the sunken city. But if you type in atlantis.com, you’ll land on websites that specifically use “Atlantis” with the .com extension in their URL.
Each TLD has its own purpose. Knowing which one aligns with your website’s goals will help it stand out and get great search rankings.
What is .COM?
The .com domain stands for “commercial.” It was created in 1985, when businesses began to go online. Back then, the internet was mostly used for research and communication, and the .com domain helped distinguish businesses from the academic world.
These days, anyone can use a .com. What started as a business-only domain is now used by small groups, personal brands, and even individuals. In fact, 38.10% of websites use the .com extension, making it one of the most common and recognizable out there.
What is .NET?
Just like .com, the .net domain extension emerged in 1985. As businesses moved online, they required companies to manage their network systems, and this booming market led to the creation of the .net extension. Originally intended as an identifier for businesses involved in network infrastructure and services, it has since evolved into the go-to extension for companies in internet services, networking, and technical support.
What are the main differences between .NET and .COM?
History and usage reveal key differences between .com and .net—but there’s more to consider. To help you decide, explore the table we’ve created below.
| Factor | .COM | .NET |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | Almost everyone associates .com with a website. Most high-value names are already taken, making it harder to register your ideal domain. | The .net extension hasn’t evolved as much and remains a niche domain. This is why it’s used by just 3.11% of sites versus 38.11% for .com, so more names remain available. |
| Memorability | Users instinctively type .com. That’s why its .net counterpart can be easily overlooked, even with identical content. | A .net domain stands out because it’s rare. However, if your site doesn’t offer a unique appeal, even a catchy .net name might not stick with users. |
| Credibility | Established brands almost always use .com. This adds instant trust and authority to your site. | Sites on .net are seen as credible, especially towards tech audiences. |
| Trademarks | Trademark protection covers confusingly similar names. If you secure chocolate.com but someone else holds chocolatesss.com, you could face a dispute. | .net is more niche, so most competitors share the same extension. Once your desired name is available, you’re unlikely to encounter trademark conflicts with a .net domain. |
| Affordability Note: Pricing is subject to change. Please check the official website for the current rates. | Premium .com names often carry an extra cost. However, our standard rates start at $11.99. | Because .net domains are less common, they typically register at standard rates. At Network Solutions, the starting price is $14.99. In contrast, many .com names—if available—command premiums in the thousands of dollars. |
When to use .COM domain extension?
There’s absolutely no limitation to a .com. Unlike country-specific TLDs (ccTLDs), which are tied to a particular region, .com is global and accessible to anyone. Any brand, group, or entity can use it. This has made the .com extension a trusted and highly sought-after domain.
So, if you’re looking to create a website for a broad audience, .com might be your perfect match. It’s especially ideal for:
- eCommerce sites. Commercial organizations and service providers can enhance the credibility and visibility of their websites with a .com domain.
- Personal blogs. Personal brands and individuals often haven’t established their brand yet. A .com domain offers them more opportunities to highlight their brand.
- Charity sites. Nonprofit organizations and charities need that instant trust factor, which .com provides.
- Portfolios. Websites for professionals and freelancers to showcase their work and establish their brand can benefit best from a generic .com domain.
Examples of .com websites:
- amazon.com
- wikipedia.com
- nike.com
When to use the .NET domain extension?
If your website is focused on technology, innovation, or serves a niche community, .net could be the perfect choice for your online presence.
It’s an ideal option for technology companies, as it helps convey a focus on networking and tech to your audience.
Consider .net for:
- Networking and infrastructure businesses. If your company specializes in network infrastructure or internet services, .net is a natural fit for your domain.
- Tech-oriented sites. A .net is perfect for software companies, tech blogs, or businesses in the networking service industry.
- Product and project sites. Developers and tech projects can use .net to showcase their work and offers.
Examples of .net websites:
- slideshare.net
- speedtest.net
- behance.net
Pros and cons: .COM vs .NET
Now that you know what each TLD is for, it’s a lot easier for you to decide which to choose. To give you an even clearer picture, let’s look at what each has to offer and why you might steer clear of the other.
Here’s an overview of their benefits and limitations:
| Extension | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| .COM | Globally recognized and trusted No usage restrictions SEO-friendly and boosts visibility Easy to remember Perceived as professional and credible | High competition Desired domain names often unavailable |
| .NET | Popular among tech and networking companies Strong niche appeal for tech audiences Relevant for evolving internet technologies | Less familiar to general audiences Limited branding potential outside tech industries |
Pros of .com
Here’s why you might use .com as your website domain name:
- Global reach. .com is universally recognized and not tied to any specific country or region. As such, it’s ideal for businesses targeting a global audience.
- No limitations. There’s no restriction on who can use it, meaning any brand, business, or individual can register a .com domain.
- Search engine optimization (SEO) benefits. Since .com is the most trusted and familiar domain, it can help with visibility in search engines, which leads to higher click-through rates (CTR).
- Easy to remember. People naturally associate websites with .com, which makes it easier for users to recall and type into their browser.
- Widespread credibility. Because .com is the most common extension, it’s often perceived as more professional and trustworthy, which can help improve user confidence.
Cons of .com
Here are some potential drawbacks of using a .com domain extension:
- Availability is a challenge. Since the .com extension is so popular, the domain you want may already be taken.
- Competition is high. With so many brands using .com, it’s tough to stand out. Let’s say you sell bicycles. Even if cycleworld.com is available, you’ll be competing with all sites that have “cycle” and “.com” in their names.
Pros of .net
Here are reasons to have a .net domain name:
- The .net domain is widely popular among tech companies and internet services. It’s a natural fit for businesses in the networking and technology sectors.
- It has niche appeal. .net is ideal for network-related websites that focus on networking and internet infrastructure.
- There’s a need for it. Technology is constantly evolving, and .net remains an important domain extension that’s unlikely to disappear anytime soon.
Cons of .net
Here are a few reasons to think twice before using a .net domain:
- Less recognized. A .com domain extension works for almost any business, but with a .net, people may wonder what it’s specifically for. This is part of the reason why .net has been slowly diminishing in popularity.
- Limited branding opportunities for non-tech businesses. Unless your audience and brand are deeply rooted in the tech world, .net might not be the best fit for your business.
Which one should you choose?
Now, back to the big question: Which is best for you? The answer is simple—it depends on your business. Both .com and .net are excellent choices, but it’s more than just choosing which one is available, cheaper, or more popular. What matters most is which domain extension aligns with your brand.
Honestly, though, .com is often the preferred choice. If you want to secure a .net as well, you can absolutely do that. In fact, it’s a good idea to purchase multiple extensions relevant to your brand (e.g., yourbrand.com, yourbrand.net, yourbrand.org, etc.).
Wondering what to do with all those extra domains? Well, there are these amazing techniques called domain parking and domain forwarding. But that’s a topic for another day.
What to consider when buying a domain
Whether you’re going for a .com or .net domain, you’ll need to tread carefully. It’s not just about choosing your TLD, but your domain as a whole. Here’s what you need to consider:
- Search engine optimization
- Domain name availability
- Pricing
- Future proofing
Let’s explore what each of these really means. Read on to get the full breakdown.
Search engine optimization
The goal of your website is to showcase your brand online, and your domain is a key way to achieve that.
Let’s say you’re in tech. If you use a .net domain extension, search engines treat your site as tech or network-heavy. They’ll scan your content for relevant terms like devices, technology, innovation, networks, infrastructure, and security.
Sure, a .com is the safest bet, but a .net might be a better fit if you’re aiming to establish a strong presence in the tech industry.
Domain name availability
The next step is to check if your desired domain name is available. Use our domain name checker to see if it’s up for grabs. If not, it’s wise to explore alternatives. You can always go back to the drawing board. Better yet, try an AI domain generator. You’ll be surprised at how good its suggestions are.
Pricing
Both .com and .net are fairly popular, but the cost can vary depending on the second-level domain—that’s the “yourbrand” in yourbrand.com. While you might be able to find cheaper rates for a .net domain, the price ultimately depends more on your brand name than the TLD itself.
You’ll often see the word “Premium” attached to certain domains, and these come with a higher price tag. So, pricing is really about your unique domain name and what you’re willing to invest in securing it.
Future-proofing
Your domain is your brand, and your brand is your domain. They should grow together. While .com is the safest and most reliable choice for long-term success, it’s important to consider other factors as well. How much are you willing to pay? Are there any alternatives? These are questions you’ll need to ask when choosing your domain.
That said, whether you opt for a .com or .net domain, be sure to safeguard it. Once you’ve secured it, protect it.
Frequently asked questions
Both domain extensions can be used for different purposes. However, both have their own expertise, .com is for commercial use, while .net is for network and technology services.
Prices can vary depending on the registrar. However, .com and .net extensions generally have a minor difference in cost. Go to Network Solutions to check your ideal .com or .net domain name’s price.
There’s not much of a difference between .com and .net domains. Your overall SEO strategy matters more for Google and other search engines than the domain extension itself.
From a trademark standpoint, .net can be the safer choice since many .com names are already taken. For real security, both TLDs offer the same protection. To amp it up, you can enable domain privacy protection and domain expiration protection.
The .net domain extension is a niche TLD designed for network-focused sites. While it’s still well-known, it often gets compared to .com. Most people type “.com” by default, so .net doesn’t get much thought.
Yes, .net can be a solid alternative for .com and vice versa.
Yes, websites with a .net extension are credible. It was originally created for network and technology companies.
Secure the right TLD for your online success
Choosing the right TLD shouldn’t be stressful. Both .com and .net have their own strengths in different areas. For businesses that are trying to make a commercial impact, .com is your go-to. If you’re nurturing and developing tech solutions, .net is the one for you.
Both domain extensions can serve different purposes, so it’s important to learn about their uses and limits. This allows you to be mindful and make the most out of your online address name. Our guide to domain names for small businesses goes into more depth on this topic.
Ready to claim your space online? Secure the right TLD and start making your mark online.
