The 10 Most Expensive Domain Names Ever Sold 

Key takeaways: 

• Investing in the right domain can provide long-term growth, strong brand recognition, and potential resale value. 
• A premium domain builds brand authority, enhances visibility, and drives traffic immediately. 
• Domains with high-value keywords boost SEO, help you rank higher, and attract the right audience. 

Your domain name is your first impression and a valuable brand asset. You may think owning one worth millions sounds like a dream, but for some domains like cars.com and business.com, which have sold for record-breaking amounts, it’s a reality. They’re powerful assets that shape industries and drive massive traffic. 

In this article, we’ll explore the 10 most expensive domain names ever sold, what factors make them so valuable, and how you can find one that resonates with your brand. 

The 10 most expensive domains 

Here’s a quick look at the top 10 most expensive domain names ever sold: 

Domain Name	Sale Amount	Buyer	Location	Expiry Date
360.com	$17 million	Qihoo 360	Beijing, China	March 2026
internet.com	$18 million	QuinStreet, Inc.	Foster City, CA	May 2031
voice.com	$30 million	Block.one	George Town, Cayman Islands	August 2025
privatejet.com	$30.18 million	Don’t Look Media	Fort Lauderdale, FL	August 2027
vacationrentals.com	$35 million	Vrbo	Austin, TX	May 2025
insurance.com	$35.6 million	QuinStreet, Inc.	Foster City, CA	January 2027
carinsurance.com	$49.7 million	QuinStreet, Inc.	Foster City, CA	August 2025
lasvegas.com	$90 million	Vegas.com LLC	Las Vegas, NV	October 2034
business.com	$345 million	Business.com	Carlsbad, CA	March 2025
cars.com	$872 million	Cars.com, LLC	Chicago, IL	February 2025

Let’s dive deeper into what made each of these domain names so valuable: 

10. 360.com – $17 million 

360.com was sold for $17 million, a high price for a relatively short and simple domain. The value of 360.com comes from its versatility, as it easily fits into industries like technology, online services, and cybersecurity. 

This domain is highly brandable and memorable, which made it an ideal asset for Qihoo 360, a Chinese internet security company. After acquiring it, Qihoo used the domain to strengthen its global presence.  

• Owner: Qihoo 360 
• Owner Location: Beijing, China 
• Expiration: March 7, 2026   

9. internet.com – $18 million 

When QuinStreet, Inc. purchased internet.com for $18 million, they capitalized on its SEO power and its strong association with the internet industry. The domain has massive keyword value, as it contains the exact term “internet,” a search term that drives significant traffic.  

internet.com carries strong authority in digital media which makes it an asset for QuinStreet, who leveraged the domain to enhance their visibility in the tech space. QuinStreet has improved their search engine rankings and traffic, which made the high price worthwhile. 

• Owner: QuinStreet, Inc. 
• Owner Location: Foster City, California, USA 
• Expiration: May 8, 2031  

8. voice.com – $30 million 

voice.com was purchased for $30 million by Block.one, the parent company of the Voice social media platform. The value of this domain comes from its short, memorable nature. It aligns perfectly with the company’s vision, especially as blockchain technology becomes more prominent online.  

The domain directly connects to the concept of “voice” in social media and blockchain. This makes it a top choice for a platform focused on user engagement and decentralized content.  

• Owner: Block.one 
• Owner Location: Hong Kong 
• Expiration: August 30, 2025   

7. privatejet.com – $30.18 million 

privatejet.com was sold for $30.18 million because it is a perfect fit for the luxury travel industry. This domain immediately conveys exclusivity and attracts wealthy customers looking for private aviation options.  

Don’t Look Media, the buyer, has been able to use the domain to position itself as a leading brand in the luxury travel market.  

• Owner: Don’t Look Media 
• Owner Location: USA 
• Expiration: August 6, 2027   

6. vacationrentals.com – $35 million 

Vrbo paid $35 million for vacationrentals.com because it offers a perfect description of the vacation rental business. The name is straightforward and directly communicates vacation rentals.  

Vrbo, which already had a strong presence in the vacation rental space, used the domain to further solidify its position as a leading player in the market.  

• Owner: Vrbo (Expedia Group) 
• Owner Location: Austin, Texas, USA 
• Expiration: May 15, 2025   

5. insurance.com – $35.6 million 

insurance.com is one of the most searched keywords in the world, especially in highly competitive industries like insurance.  

QuinStreet, Inc. acquired the domain to capitalize on the search traffic generated by this keyword. True enough, the domain is a powerful asset for lead generation, as it drives significant traffic to QuinStreet’s insurance services.  

• Owner: QuinStreet, Inc. 
• Owner Location: Foster City, California, USA 
• Expiration: January 8, 2027   

4. carinsurance.com – $49.7 million 

carinsurance.com was sold for a high price because it is one of the most searched for keywords in the insurance industry. QuinStreet, Inc. bought the domain to generate significant web traffic and create more leads for its insurance services.  

With the high volume of searches for car insurance, this domain allows QuinStreet to dominate organic search results and capture a large share of the market.  

• Owner: QuinStreet, Inc. 
• Owner Location: Foster City, California, USA 
• Expiration: August 30, 2025   

3. lasvegas.com – $90 million 

lasvegas.com was sold for $90 million to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), which recognized the tourism potential in this domain. The domain’s value reached this amount because of the massive traffic to Las Vegas-related content, from tourism information to event bookings.  

lasvegas.com is a perfect example of geographic branding. Owning this domain gives the LVCVA a marketing tool for promoting tourism in one of the world’s most popular travel destinations.  

• Owner: LVCVA 
• Owner Location: Las Vegas, Nevada, USA 
• Expiration: October 9, 2034   

2. business.com – $345 million 

business.com became one of the most expensive domain names ever sold at $345 million. This high price is due to its connection to the business-to-business (B2B) market.  

The owner gained immediate authority in the B2B space and could attract business customers seeking solutions online. The domain’s broad appeal across various industries and its strong brand authority made it one of the most valuable domain names in the market. 

• Owner: Business.com, LLC 
• Owner Location: USA 
• Expiration: March 20, 2025   

1. cars.com – $872 million 

cars.com broke records when it sold for $872 million in 2014. Its relevance to the automotive industry has made it one of the sought-after domains since 1996. It is highly keyword-rich and can rank for a variety of automotive-related search terms. 

cars.com has been a dominant player in the online automotive space, and this domain’s strong SEO value and traffic potential made it a worthwhile investment at a staggering price. 

• Owner: Cars.com, Inc. 
• Owner Location: Chicago, Illinois, USA 
• Expiration: February 11, 2025   

What makes a domain valuable? 

Several factors contribute to a domain’s worth, each playing a role in determining its overall price. 

• Keywords 
• Length of the domain 
• Top-level domain 
• Industry or market demand 
• Traffic and backlink history 

Keywords  

The value of a domain increases when it contains high-search-volume keywords that are relevant to a profitable industry. Keywords related to popular industries like insurance, real estate, or automotive are highly valuable because they generate organic traffic.  

Domains like Insurance.com or CarInsurance.com are prime examples of how a relevant keyword can drive traffic and boost the domain’s value. 

Length of the domain  

Shorter domains are always more valuable because they are easier to remember, easier to type, and easier to brand. Short, memorable names like 360.com and Voice.com not only stand out but are easier for users to remember. They also have more marketing potential, as they can easily integrate into advertising campaigns and promotions. 

Top-level domain (TLD) 

The TLD of a domain can significantly impact its value. .com is the most recognized TLD worldwide, making it more valuable than other extensions like .net or .org. People trust .com domains more, which increases their demand.  

For businesses looking to establish a strong online presence, .com domains are often seen as the gold standard, making them worth more. 

Industry or market demand 

Domains related to industries that are growing or in high demand will always be more valuable. For example, as blockchain and cryptocurrency have grown in popularity, domains like voice.com have become more valuable.  

Understanding which industries are growing and which keywords are gaining traction can help predict the future value of a domain and establish your business effectively. 

Traffic and backlink history 

Domains that have established traffic or a strong backlink history are more valuable because they come with built-in SEO benefits. These domains are already trusted by search engines and have a history of ranking well for important keywords.  

This traffic and authority can help businesses build their online presence more quickly than starting with a brand new domain. 

Are premium domains a good investment for businesses? 

Premium domains are smart investments for businesses because they provide long-term value and offer immediate advantages. A strong domain name often serves as a shortcut to brand recognition and helps businesses establish authority and stand out in competitive markets. It’s also easier to remember, which can help attract direct traffic and enhance your brand’s online presence. 

Premium domains can be valuable for future resale. As demand for online real estate grows, the right domain can increase in value, which is a profitable return if sold later. 

Whether boosting brand visibility or providing a digital asset with growth potential, investing in a premium domain is a smart move for many businesses. 

How to pick a domain name  

Choosing a domain name that aligns with your brand identity can be a powerful marketing tool. A well-thought-out domain name can secure your spot in the digital landscape, boost discoverability, and help customers learn more about you and your services. Here are some tips to help you decide on the perfect domain name:  

• Keep it short and simple. A short and memorable domain name will attract customers.  
• Consider the long term. Select a domain that aligns with your brand and its future growth.  
• Avoid special characters and numbers. Using special characters or numbers will limit your SEO performance. 

Start making an impact online with the right domain 

A strong domain name is your first chance to make a lasting impression. Domains like cars.com and business.com sold millions and became game-changers in their industries. With the right domain, you can build authority, attract traffic, and boost your brand’s visibility from the start. 

Choosing the right domain can make all the difference for your business. If you’re ready to take the next step for your brand, find the perfect domain with Network Solutions. Take control of your online presence today! 

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