Are you currently facing the tough decision of choosing between a .com and a .ai domain? Is that why you clicked on this link? It must be, I can’t think of any other reason you’d be here. Well, good news, we’re here to help you make an informed choice and register the best domain for you and your business.
What Audiences Do .com And .ai Reach?
When it comes to target audiences and credibility, .com domains have been around for a looong time and are therefore widely recognised. They have established themselves as the go-to choice for e-commerce businesses and individuals alike. With a .com domain name, you can reach a broad audience and instantly gain trust.
In contrast, .ai domain extensions are experiencing increasing popularity among tech-savvy individuals and businesses in the artificial intelligence industries. If you’re looking to target a niche audience in these fields, opting for a .ai domain name can help you position yourself as a key player.
Is Domain Availability Going to Be a Problem For .com Or .ai?
Since the .com domain extension has been around for as long as the internet itself most popular names have already been registered, but with a little creativity and flexibility, you can still find a suitable .com domain that fits your needs.
However, you will still be more likely to register your brand name under .ai. Since it’s a relatively new domain, there is still a wide range of available options to choose from. So if you’re looking for a short and memorable domain name, .ai might be the way to go.
Check the Availability Of Your Domain Name Now
.com vs .ai SEO
Regarding the SEO benefits of .com domains, there is no indication to suggest that search engines give preferential treatment to website addresses ending in .com.
While .ai domains are gaining recognition among tech companies and start-ups, search engines are gradually acknowledging their relevance. In a Google SEO Office hours session, Google further clarified the treatment of .ai domains.
“As of early June, 2023, we treat .ai as a gTLD in Google Search, so yeah, you can use it for your global presence!”
Gary Illyes, Google. Source: Search Engine Journal
However, there is no evidence that having a .ai domain will enhance your online discoverability. It is essential to remember that the quality and relevance of your website content are crucial factors when it comes to your search engine visibility.
What About Price Differences Between .com And .ai?
When it comes to pricing, .com domains are generally more affordable and widely available. The industry average price for a .com domain is reasonable, making it a cost-effective choice for many individuals and businesses. At OnlyDomains, you can register your .com domain starting at $US10.99/ year, while .ai domains tend to be more expensive, starting at $US77.99/ year. Considering other companies can charge you over $US100/ year, OnlyDomains is a rare place where you can register a relatively cheap .ai domain. Nevertheless, it’s worth considering the potential benefits and target audience before making a decision.
Do .com Or .ai Have Any Special Requirements?
When it comes to domain registration requirements, .com domains have no specific restrictions. Anyone can register a .com domain, making it a hassle-free registration process.
We haven’t touched upon this fact yet, but it’s worth noting that the .ai domain was not originally created specifically for artificial intelligence purposes. Instead, it is the country-code top-level domain (ccTLD) designated for Anguilla, a British Overseas Territory situated in the Eastern Caribbean. Unlike many country domains that typically demand a local presence for registration, .ai is open for registration to anyone, which is why it is so widely used in the unintended context of artificial intelligence (we call that a domain hack).
.com vs .ai – The Final Showdown
| .com | .ai | |
| Price (in USD) | $10.99/yr | $77.99/yr |
| Target audience | Global for-profit businesses | Tech, artificial intelligence, machine learning |
| Availability | Lower chance your domain is available | Higher chance your domain is available |
| SEO | No benefits or penalties | No benefits or penalties |
| Requirements | Open to everyone | Open to everyone |
Choosing between a .com and a .ai domain name depends on your specific needs and target audience. If you’re looking for a widely recognised and established domain, you can’t go wrong with a .com domain name extension. But if you’re in the tech industry and want to show your innovative spirit and Zeitgeist, buying a .ai domain can help you stand out. Good luck!
