.COM vs. The Rest: Who Still Rules the Internet?

One three-letter extension has endured over the years in domain names: .Com. But in an era where hundreds of domain extensions—from .io to .xyz—have entered the scene, many are asking the same question: Is .COM still king, or are the new kids on the block taking over?

Let’s break it down.

The Reign of .COM

Launched in 1985, .COM was one of the original top-level domains (TLDs) and quickly became the gold standard for businesses, brands, and websites around the globe. Why?

• Global recognition: Everyone knows .COM. It’s the default people type when they can't remember a website.

• Trust factor: Users are more likely to trust a .COM domain simply because of its long-standing presence.

• SEO advantage (sort of): While Google says all TLDs are treated equally, user trust and click-through rates often favor .COM—so indirectly, it wins.

Rise of the Alternatives

Over the past decade, the domain landscape has exploded with creativity:

• .IO: The darling of tech startups. Short, sleek, and vaguely “techie.”

• .AI: Booming in popularity thanks to artificial intelligence trends.

• .CO: Promoted as a.COM substitute, particularly for new businesses.

• .XYZ, .ONLINE, .SITE: Catchy, affordable, and available.

These extensions offer something .COM can’t: freshness and availability. It’s tough to get a good .COM these days unless you’re willing to pay a premium. Newer TLDs give startups more freedom to name their brands creatively.

What the Numbers Say

• .COM still holds about 45% of all domain registrations globally.

• In contrast, the next most popular—.NET and .ORG—trail far behind.

• New TLDs combined still make up a smaller slice, but they're gaining ground fast, especially in niche markets.

So… Who Really Rules?

The short answer? .COM still rules—but its throne is no longer uncontested.

• If you're building a global, traditional, or e-commerce brand, going with .COM still gives you authority and trust.

• If you're in tech, AI, or a creative field, new extensions like .io, .ai, or .dev might better reflect your brand’s personality.

• And if you’re perfect .COM is taken? Don’t be afraid to get creative with a modern TLD that speaks to your audience.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a domain extension today is about strategy, not tradition. .COM may still reign, but it’s no longer the only path to credibility or success online. Your domain can change along with the digital world.