Master TLD comparison table
Click any column header to sort. Use the filters or the search box to narrow the list. Prices are indicative annual figures in USD and vary by registrar — see methodology.
| TLD | Type | Meaning / intended use | Registry | Example sites | Typical price |
|---|
Data last updated · source: IANA root zone & registry data · how we compile this
How to read this TLD list
Every row is one top-level domain — the extension at the end of a web address. The columns answer the questions people actually ask before registering a domain:
- Type — gTLD generic (open, not country-bound), ccTLD country-code (a two-letter national extension), or sTLD sponsored (run for a defined community, e.g. .gov, .edu, .museum).
- Meaning / intended use — what the extension signals and who it is aimed at. Most generic TLDs have no registration restrictions, so the "intended" use is a branding convention, not a rule.
- Registry — the organization that operates the TLD in the root zone (for example Verisign runs .com and .net; the Public Interest Registry runs .org).
- Example sites — well-known live websites using that extension, so you can see how it reads in the wild.
- Typical price — an indicative annual cost in US dollars at mainstream registrars. Promotional first-year prices are often much lower than renewals; always check the renewal rate.
Looking for the "why" and "how"? This site is the data & comparison reference — the structured list. For each extension, open its detail page (click the TLD in the table) for definition, restrictions, pros and cons, and where to register.
Generic vs country-code vs sponsored TLDs
The fastest way to understand the list is the three-way split that IANA uses:
| Category | What it means | Examples | Registration |
|---|---|---|---|
| gTLD | Generic top-level domain — open, global, not tied to a country. | .com .net .org .io .ai .dev .app .xyz | Usually open to anyone |
| ccTLD | Country-code top-level domain — a two-letter code for a country or territory. | .us .uk .de .fr .ca .au .jp .in | Some require local presence |
| sTLD | Sponsored top-level domain — operated for a specific community under eligibility rules. | .gov .edu .mil .museum .aero | Restricted / verified |
Frequently asked questions
What is a TLD?
A TLD (top-level domain) is the last part of a domain name — the segment after the final dot, such as .com in example.com. TLDs sit at the top of the internet's domain name system and are managed in the root zone by IANA on behalf of ICANN. They come in three main flavours: generic (gTLD), country-code (ccTLD) and sponsored (sTLD).
How many TLDs are there in total?
As of 2026 the IANA root zone lists roughly 1,440 active top-level domains: about 1,150 generic TLDs, around 310 country-code TLDs, plus a handful of sponsored and infrastructure TLDs. This page curates the 100+ most relevant ones; ICANN's New gTLD program added most of the long tail (.xyz, .shop, .app and hundreds more) from 2013 onward, with a new application round opening in 2026.
What is the difference between a gTLD and a ccTLD?
A gTLD (generic) is open and not tied to any country — .com, .org, .io and .ai are used generically. A ccTLD (country-code) is a two-letter extension assigned to a country or territory — .us for the United States, .uk for the United Kingdom, .de for Germany. Some ccTLDs (like .io and .co) are repurposed and marketed globally; some require a local presence to register.
Which TLD is best for SEO and ranking?
Google treats all valid generic TLDs equally — there is no ranking boost or penalty for choosing .com over .xyz or .io. Country-code TLDs can send a geo-targeting signal (a .de site is associated with Germany). The practical choice comes down to trust, memorability, availability and price, not search ranking. .com still carries the most user trust worldwide.
How are the prices in this table calculated?
Prices are indicative annual figures in USD based on mainstream registrar pricing. They represent a typical standard rate rather than a promotional first-year discount, which can be significantly lower. Actual prices vary by registrar, currency and promotions — always confirm the renewal price before buying. See our methodology for sources and update cadence.
Explore by category
.gTLDs
Generic extensions — .com, .org, .io, .ai, .dev, .app and the new-gTLD long tail.
.ccTLDsCountry-code domains — .us, .uk, .de, .ca, .au, .jp and global favorites like .io and .co.
.compareSide-by-side TLD matchups — .com vs .net, .io vs .ai, .co vs .com and more.
.methodologyWhere our data comes from, how prices are gathered and how often the list is refreshed.