As of 2026 there are 1,400+ top-level domains, split into gTLDs, ccTLDs and new gTLDs. No TLD is universally "best" — the right choice depends on your business.
Quick Comparison
| TLD | Type | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| .com | gTLD | Any business | Highest trust and resale liquidity |
| .cn / .com.cn | ccTLD | Mainland China | Local trust; requires ICP filing |
| .ai | ccTLD (Anguilla) | AI startups | Biggest premium lately, ~$70-90/yr |
| .io | ccTLD (BIOT) | Dev tools, SaaS | Strong dev-community recognition |
| .app / .dev | new gTLD (Google) | Apps, open source | HSTS-preloaded (HTTPS only) |
| .shop / .store | new gTLD | E-commerce | Semantic and cheap to register |
Notes on "Generic" ccTLDs
Purposed ccTLDs like .ai, .io, .co and .tv are governed by their territories' registries: renewal prices can jump (.ai has repriced several times) and some impose local-presence rules. Check each TLD info page for the registry before committing.
Does the TLD Affect SEO?
Google confirms new gTLDs rank on par with .com, while ccTLDs act as a geo-targeting signal (.ai is treated as generic). Content quality and brand signals matter far more than the extension itself. Browse 1,400+ TLD registry records in our TLD wiki.