Key takeaways:
- .web is a new domain extension run by Verisign, but you can’t register a .web domain yet.
- .com remains the most widely used domain extension, with over 166 million registered names.
- While waiting for .web, shortlist domain names and watch for confirmed launch dates, pricing, and early registration rules.
.com is the familiar default domain extension, while .web is a new option expected to become available soon after Verisign recently secured the rights to operate the TLD. With its launch approaching, now is a good time to understand how the two compare.
You’ve probably seen .com on everything from local business websites to online stores. Once .web opens for registration, it will give businesses and individuals another option for their web address. Both are top-level domains, but what makes them different?
This guide looks at what each extension means, who operates it, and where registration stands. We’ll also explain the general SEO considerations, so you can understand how .web fits alongside .com and other domain extensions.
What is a .com domain?
A .com domain is a domain name that ends in .com, such as example.com. The .com meaning comes from “commercial.” Introduced in 1985, it was originally intended for commercial businesses, but today it’s used for online stores, personal websites, blogs, and more.
Verisign operates the .com registry under an agreement with the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), the organization that coordinates the internet’s domain name system. With around 166.6 million registered domains as of June 30, 2026, .com remains the largest extension by registration count—a scale that helps explain its global reach and why it’s so widely recognized.
What is a .web domain?
.web is a new generic top-level domain (TLD). It attracted attention as a possible alternative to .com because it’s short, memorable, and closely tied to the internet, with potential to compete with .com.
According to IANA’s official record, Verisign is the current .web registry operator. Verisign plans to use its existing technology and registrar network to establish .web as another domain option worldwide.
In July 2026, .web was added to the global Domain Name System (DNS). This step is called delegation. It adds the extension to the internet’s naming system, but it doesn’t open individual names for public registration.
Verisign announced that it plans to start offering .web domain names through registrar partners later in 2026, although it did not give a general availability date or registration prices.
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.web vs. .com at a glance
The biggest difference today is simple: .com is established and open for registration; .web is preparing to launch. Here’s how the two top-level domains compare based on confirmed information.
| Feature | .com | .web |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Short for “commercial”; now used for many kinds of websites | Refers to the web |
| Registry/operator | Verisign, under an ICANN registry agreement | Verisign, as listed by IANA |
| Status | Open for registration; 166.6 million registrations as of June 30, 2026 | Added to the DNS, but public registration has not opened |
| Launch timeline | Introduced in 1985 | Delegated in July 2026; Verisign announced plans to begin offering names later that year |
Note: Registry operation is separate from individual domain ownership: the operator manages the extension, while customers register names under it. For example, Verisign runs the .com registry, while you can register yourbusiness.com through a domain registrar such as Network Solutions.
For more information, check out our guide on the differences between registrar vs. register vs. registry?
What this means for now
You can check your desired domain with a .com ending today, but .web registration hasn’t opened yet. The launch is expected to happen in stages, though the dates and final rules are yet to be confirmed:
- A sunrise period for eligible trademark holders: Under ICANN’s standard launch rules, trademark holders whose marks and proof of use are verified by the Trademark Clearinghouse get an early opportunity to apply for matching names.
- A separate period for matching .com owners: Verisign said it intends to give existing .com registrants a chance to register the matching .web name before general registration opens. The detailed eligibility rules are not yet published.
- General registration afterward: Remaining names would then become available to the public, subject to the final launch rules.
What can you do while you wait?
- If you’re a trademark holder: Check the Trademark Clearinghouse requirements and watch for the .web sunrise announcement.
- If you own a matching .com: Keep your registration current and look for updates from your registrar about eligibility and deadlines.
- If you don’t own a .com and are still deciding: Shortlist names and wait for confirmed .web pricing and registration details before comparing your options. Buying a .com now shouldn’t be treated as a guarantee of .web priority.
We’ll update this .web vs .com comparison when the launch dates and final terms are announced. For a look at other extensions, read our comparison of .com, .net, and .org.
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Does your domain extension affect SEO?
A generic domain extension alone won’t give you a boost in Google search rankings. Google says it generally treats new generic TLDs like established ones. Keywords in the extension don’t provide a ranking advantage or disadvantage.
For search engine optimization, focus on useful content, clear navigation, and pages that search engines can access. These matter more than expecting a particular domain ending to improve your position in search results.
Frequently asked questions
.web is a new generic domain extension operated by Verisign. It was added to the global DNS in July 2026, ahead of its public registration launch.
.web is not yet open for public registration. Verisign’s July 2026 announcement said it plans to begin offering names later, without giving a general availability date.
The main difference between .web and .com today is their history and registration status: .com has been established since 1985, while .web is awaiting its public launch. Both are generic domain extensions operated by Verisign.
No. A domain name is your website’s address, while the website contains the pages and content people visit. A .web domain is simply a domain name ending in .web; it isn’t a website on its own.
A .com ending doesn’t guarantee that a website is safe. Any website can be used for scams, so check the full address and who runs it before sharing information.
.com, .net, and .org are called top-level domains, or TLDs. They’re also known as domain extensions.
No domain extension is best for every website. The right choice depends on your brand, audience, budget, and whether your preferred name is available.
More domain options, more room for your ideas
.web adds a new option to watch as its launch approaches. If you’re exploring a name for your online business or personal brand today, you can check your desired .com domain with Network Solutions.
There’s no need to commit just to see what’s available. When you register your domain with us, you also get access to useful marketing apps to help you build and promote your online presence and give your next idea a place to start.
Explore your .com options while waiting for .web
Have a domain name in mind? Check its availability now as you weigh your options.
