2025 Domain Trends: Why Startups Are Choosing .io, .tech, and .com

Would you believe that 75% of people check a company’s website first before trusting them? That’s why a startup’s website and domain name aren’t just technical details—they’re key to building trust, visibility, and long-term success. And in today’s fast-changing online world, picking the right domain name and extension is just as important as choosing a good web host.

Even though it’s getting harder to find available .com domains because so many are taken, it’s still the most popular and trusted extension by far. It’s what most people expect to see.

But don’t worry! The growth of the tech startup scene has made other domain extensions like .tech and .io more popular. These are especially common among companies in the tech and software world.

Each of these extensions comes with pros and cons. .tech is great for companies in the tech space. .io has become a favorite among software and SaaS startups. Still, .com continues to be the most well-known and reliable.

Let’s dive into what makes .com, .tech, and .io different—so by the end, you’ll know how to choose the best domain extension for your startup, based on your industry, audience, and future goals.

Find a Domain Name: Understanding the Extensions

1. .com Domain – The Classic Choice

The .com extension has been around since 1985 and was meant for commercial use. Over time, it’s become the go-to choice for big brands and companies. Having a .com domain can boost credibility and help a business look more professional.

Pros:

SEO-Friendly: Google tends to trust .com sites more.

Widely Known: Easy for users to remember and less chance of typos.

Cons:

Hard to Find: Most good .com names are already taken.

Expensive: Short and catchy .com names can cost a lot.

Tip: To save money, look for hosting plans that include a free domain.

2. .tech Domain – Ideal for Tech Companies

.tech is perfect for startups in the technology space. It clearly tells users that your business is in the tech field, which helps with branding.

Pros:

Targeted: Great for tech-focused companies.

Modern: Gives a fresh, innovative image.

More Options: Easier to find short, brandable names.

Cons:

Less Common: Not everyone is familiar with .tech.

Limited Scope: Might not work if your business expands beyond tech.

3. .io Domain – A Startup Favorite

Originally meant for the British Indian Ocean Territory, .io is now a popular choice among tech startups, especially those in software and SaaS.

Pros:

Short and Catchy: Easy to remember and ideal for branding.

Cool Factor: Widely used in the tech world.

Better Availability: More names are still up for grabs.

Cons:

Confusing Origin: It’s technically a country code.

Getting Pricey: Popular names can be expensive.

Not Mainstream: May be unfamiliar to non-tech audiences.

Choosing the Right Extension: What to Consider

1. How People See Your Brand

Your domain extension should reflect your brand and speak to your audience.

.com: Trusted and familiar—great for any audience.

.tech: Highlights a tech-focused identity.

.io: Appeals to younger, tech-savvy users and startup fans.

2. Who Your Customers Are

Know who you're targeting.

.com: Works best for the general public.

.tech: Good for tech-savvy users and professionals.

.io: Best for developers, early adopters, and startup circles.

3. Domain Name Availability and Cost

.com domains are in high demand and can be expensive.

.tech is usually more affordable and available.

.io is becoming pricier but still easier to get than .com.

Note: Renewal prices for .tech and .io can be higher. You can save by transferring to a cheaper domain registrar.

4. SEO (Search Engine Optimization)

Google has said domain extensions don’t directly affect rankings anymore. What matters is good content, backlinks, and user experience. But because .com is more familiar, it can help with trust and clicks.

Tips:

Use keywords naturally in content.

Build quality backlinks.

Make sure your site loads quickly and works well on mobile.

5. Think Long-Term

Your domain should grow with your business.

.com gives you room to expand into other industries.

.tech or .io are great for tech businesses, but may feel limiting later.

Some investors prefer companies with a .com domain because it’s familiar and trusted.

Real-World Examples

.com – Trusted and Reliable

Dropbox.com: Chose .com to build global trust and reach.

Stripe.com: Uses .com to show credibility, especially in finance.

.tech – Modern and Tech-Focused

Shadow.tech: A cloud gaming platform that uses .tech to show it's innovative.

Innovate.tech (Intel): Reinforces Intel’s position in tech development.

.io – Short and Startup-Friendly

Opensea.io: A leading NFT marketplace using .io for its tech audience.

Postman.io: Started with .io to connect with developers, then upgraded to .com for broader appeal.

Tips for Choosing the Perfect Domain

Keep it Short: Under 15 characters is best.

Easy to Say and Spell: Avoid tricky or confusing words.

No Hyphens or Numbers: These make domains harder to remember.

Check for Trademarks: Make sure your name isn’t already taken to avoid legal trouble.

Think Ahead: Choose a name that will still work as your business grows.

Would you like a downloadable checklist or table comparing .com, .tech, and .io side-by-side for easy reference?