Key takeaways:
- .io domains give your brand a bold, modern edge that clicks with startups, SaaS tools, and digital-first companies.
- It ranks globally, like .com, because Google treats it as a generic domain, not a country code extension.
- Higher cost and lower public awareness are trade-offs to weigh, but .io works for brands chasing relevance in the tech world and modern markets.
You’ve probably seen .io domains on tech sites and startup pages, but what are they really, and should your brand use one? It’s techy and has a modern edge. The question is: does .io speak your brand?
In this guide, we’ll break things down so you can decide with confidence.
- What a .io domain actually is
- Why it’s become popular with startups and developers
- What to consider before you register one
.io domain fast facts
Before diving deeper, here’s a quick snapshot of what the .io domain offers:
| Category | Detail |
| Registry | It’s managed by the Internet Computer Bureau (ICB), the official registry operator for .io. |
| Price range | It usually costs $30 to $100/year, depending on the domain registrar. |
| Renewal cost | It’s often the same as the first-year rate and no major renewal hikes. |
| TLD type | It was originally a ccTLD (country code for British Indian Ocean Territory), but Google now treats it as a generic top-level domain (TLD). |
| Used by | It’s popular with tech and SaaS startups, developers, Web3 brands, and businesses building innovative .io websites. |
| Google treatment | Unlike most country-targeted domains, .io is treated as a generic TLD by Google, so it ranks globally. |
| Why it’s trendy | Short and memorable, “.io” signals innovation and serves as a matching domain for tech-forward brands. |
What is a .io domain extension?
.io is a country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for the British Indian Ocean Territory. It’s originally tied to a military base in the Chagos Islands, but now powers brands in the tech space with its sharp look and strong branding punch.
Today, .io is a domain that caters to tech startups, SaaS platforms, and even non-tech ventures. Tech brands use it because I/O refers to input and output in computer science, and it mirrors how data flows through digital systems. So, it’s no surprise developers and tech-forward startups gravitate to using it for their brands.
Though technically a ccTLD, Google sees .io as a generic domain. That gives it wide search engine recognition like .com or .net.
Who uses .io domain names?
Today, the .io domain is no longer a simple country code. It’s been a popular choice for modern websites, especially in tech and digital business. Here are some of its go-to use cases:
- Gaming platforms. The .io extension is now a category of its own in multiplayer browser-based games.
- SaaS services. Software-as-a-service companies use .io to emphasize innovation and speed.
- Blockchain and Web3 tools. Crypto projects and open-source apps use .io to signal trust and decentralization.
- eCommerce and online services. Sites like onecommerce.io and educative.io show how brands outside technology use .io to signal credibility.
- Blogging platforms and creators. Entrepreneurs looking for a short, brand-friendly domain name often turn to .io when .com options are unavailable.
.io websites signal credibility and innovation. That’s why if you’re after a future-ready option, .io fits even for education or online commerce.
Pros of a .io domain
.io gives your brand a sharp, forward vibe. And its perks run deeper than surface-level appeal. Here’s why .io earns its place across modern brand strategies.
- Modern reputation in tech. .io thrives in tech and gaming and stands strong for digital-first brands.
- Brand-friendly and short. A single word domain ending in .io can create a bold, modern business name. Its simplicity supports strong brand recognition.
- Better availability than .com. Compared to crowded domains like .com or .net, .io names are more likely to be available.
- Ranking potential. Though born as a ccTLD, .io gets global search visibility just like the big-name domains.
- Creative use cases. Many brands use .io for domain hacks that works well as a keyword-friendly domain like scenair.io or portfol.io.
These .io domain benefits push it ahead for brands chasing digital relevance. But no choice is perfect. Let’s check out what might hold it back.
Cons of a .io domain
Sure, the .io domain extension has its strengths, but it’s not for everyone. Here are a few things to think about before you lock it in.
- Higher price tag. .io domains often cost more than other domain names, averaging between $30 and $60 per year. Premium names can cost much more.
- Limited public awareness. .io may be unfamiliar to audiences outside of the tech industry, which can affect trust and recognition.
- Not ideal for local SEO. If your audience relies on geo-targeted search, .io may underperform unless you apply local SEO strategies or use a strong hosting provider.
- Political controversy. The .io registry is tied to the Chagos Islands, raising legal and ethical concerns for some users.
- Privately managed registry. The Internet Computer Bureau manages .io domains, which may raise transparency concerns compared to nonprofit-managed TLDs like .org.
- Understanding these potential drawbacks can help you avoid surprises, especially if you’re targeting a broad audience or planning for long-term domain use.
Is .io safe and future-proof?
Because the .io domain is tied to a politically sensitive region, some users worry about its long-term stability. Here’s what you need to know:
- Trust data. W3Techs shows .io accounts for 0.6% of all domains, which is higher than many niche TLDs.
- 2024–25 timeline. The UK plans to return the Chagos Islands by 2024–25, and the Internet Computer Bureau is tracking related treaty updates since it manages the .io domain.
- Domain phaseout protocol. If .io ever gets phased out, you won’t be left hanging. Registrars are required to notify you early and help with the switch.
Bottom line: .io remains reliable for businesses that want a modern domain, with support from the Internet Computer Bureau and accredited domain registrars.
.io vs. other TLDs
If you’re comparing the .io domain extension with others like .ai, .dev, or .gg, here’s a quick snapshot to guide your choice:
| Extension | Typical Cost | Search Visibility | Best For |
| .io | $30–60/yr | Treated as generic top level domain | Tech companies, startups, gaming platforms |
| .ai | $60–120/yr | Treated as ccTLD but ranks globally | AI, tech industry, and tools |
| .dev | $12–20/yr | Secure-only TLD Google-managed | Developer portfolios and computer science sites |
| .gg | $40–100/yr | Niche Ranks globally | eSports and streamers |
| .com | $10–20/yr | Universal recognition | All business name types |
Note: Please check with the provider directly for the most up-to-date pricing.
As you can see, .io gets recognized globally in search. That’s why it ranks alongside .com and .net.
How to register a .io domain on Network Solutions
Here’s how you can get your .io domain through Network Solutions:
- Visit Network Solutions, hover over the Domains menu, and click Domain Name Search.
- Type in the .io domain you want and hit Search.
- If it’s available, you’ll see a prompt. Before moving forward, you can choose to add domain privacy for better protection.
- Pick your domain package to match your website’s goals.
- Select any add-ons you’d like, then select Continue to Cart.
- Review the Order Summary and then proceed to checkout.
- Fill in your billing details and add any promo code you have. When you’re ready, click Submit Payment to wrap it up.
Ready to secure your .io domain?
A .io domain gives your brand a fresh, tech-forward edge. And with less competition than .com, it’s easier to find the name you want.
When you’re set to claim yours, Network Solutions makes the process quick and fast. Add-ons like SSL certificate and domain privacy are available to help keep your brand secure from the start.
Your .io is waiting. Go claim it today.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. .io domains are safe when bought through a trusted domain provider. They follow global rules like any standard domain. Just keep your contact details updated and avoid using the domain for anything shady or illegal.
.io domains don’t come cheap because they’re in high demand. Tech brands and startups want names that are short, bold, and easy to brand. That popularity pushes them into premium territory.
.io domains can be an excellent option for tech companies or any tech startup as they offer a modern image and are often available when other domains are already taken. However, they might not be the best fit for all industries and can be unfamiliar to some users. The choice to use a .io address should correspond to your business’s needs and goals.
No. The .io extension is active and widely used. While it’s technically a country code top-level domain, Google classifies it like a generic one (gTLD). There’s no current plan to retire it.
Yes. .io domains can be transferred between registrar services. The process usually follows three main steps:
1. Prep your domain. Unlock it, get your transfer code, and check for any holding period.
2. Start the transfer. Enter your code with the new registrar and approve the transfer.
3. Complete the move. Wait for confirmation and make sure your site and services stay active.
For a full step-by-step reference guide, check out our blog on How To Transfer a Domain from GoDaddy to Network Solutions.
