Should I Buy a .IO Domain? Complete Guide for 2025

1.1 The Origins of .IO Domains

The .IO extension was officially assigned to the British Indian Ocean Territory as part of the standard country code top-level domain (ccTLD) system. For many years, it remained primarily used for local BIOT websites and related entities.

The abbreviation "I/O" (input/output) in computing made this extension particularly appealing to the tech community. The technical connotation of "I/O" resonated with developers and tech startups, creating a natural fit for software, data, and hardware projects.

1.2 The Tech-Driven Expansion

While .IO domains were available for years, they gained significant traction with the rise of tech startups and developer communities. The extension has seen remarkable growth over the past decade:

• 2015: The rise of ".IO games" like Agar.io and Slither.io brought mainstream attention to the extension
• 2021: Approximately 660,000 .IO domains registered
• 2023: Over 1.09 million .IO domains registered (32% year-over-year growth)
• 2025: More than 1.6 million .IO domains registered

This represents significant growth that has solidified .IO's position as one of the most popular alternative TLDs for tech businesses.

1.3 Adoption by Tech Startups

The .IO extension has become particularly popular among tech startups and developers. According to a 2023 HackerNoon startup survey, 11% of participating startups used .IO domains, up from approximately 5% two years prior.

While .COM remains the top choice (57% in 2023, down from 66% in 2021), .IO now outpaces other alternatives like .CO or .AI in overall startup usage. This underscores .IO's identity as a "startup TLD," often chosen when the ideal .COM is unavailable or to cultivate a tech-forward brand image.

2.1 Ideal Use Cases for .IO Domains

A .IO domain is particularly well-suited for:

• Tech startups and SaaS (Software as a Service) companies
• Developer tools, API services, and open-source projects
• Data analytics and technology consultancies
• Gaming platforms and web-based applications
• Blockchain and Web3 projects
• Developer-focused content sites and documentation
• Tech educational resources and communities

2.2 When to Consider Alternatives

You might want to consider a different domain extension if:

• Your business has little or no connection to technology or development
• You're targeting a broad, non-technical audience unfamiliar with alternative TLDs
• Your business requires maximum universal trust and recognition
• You operate in a very traditional industry where innovation might not be valued
• You're concerned about the potential geopolitical uncertainties of a ccTLD
• You already have strong brand recognition on another domain

In these cases, traditional extensions like .COM or alternatives like .CO might be more appropriate.

3.1 How Google Treats .IO Domains

Good news: Google officially treats .IO domains as generic top-level domains (gTLDs) rather than country-specific domains. This means that .IO websites are not automatically associated with the British Indian Ocean Territory in search results.

In practical terms:

• A .IO site can rank globally, not just for BIOT-related searches
• There's no need to specify geographic targeting in Google Search Console
• Google's algorithms treat .IO domains the same as .COM, .NET, or other generic domains when calculating rankings

This neutrality removes what might otherwise be a potential SEO concern about using a ccTLD like .IO.

3.2 Domain Extensions as Ranking Factors

It's important to understand that the domain extension itself (.IO, .COM, etc.) is not a direct ranking factor. Google focuses on content quality, relevance, backlinks, user experience, and hundreds of other signals when determining search rankings.

However, domain extensions can indirectly influence SEO through:

• User Behavior: If tech-savvy users see a .IO domain for a tech-related search, they might be more likely to click, potentially improving click-through rates
• Relevance Perception: For tech-specific topics, a .IO domain might signal topic relevance to both users and potentially search algorithms
• Memorability and Sharing: A relevant, memorable domain could lead to more direct traffic and natural links

These indirect effects can complement (but not replace) a solid SEO strategy.

3.3 Real-World SEO Performance of .IO Domains

Several case studies demonstrate that .IO domains can perform excellently in search:

• ReadTheDocs.io hosts documentation for thousands of projects and often appears in top search results for queries about those tools
• CodePen.io ranks highly for code-related searches and development tools
• Agar.io became the top Google result for "agar game" and related terms, demonstrating a .IO can top rankings even for huge traffic volumes
• OpenSea.io, the leading NFT marketplace, ranks on page one for many NFT-related searches, competing with .COM sites

These examples confirm that .IO domains face no inherent SEO disadvantage. In fact, the alignment between the domain extension and content topic could potentially be beneficial for user engagement metrics.

4.1 .IO vs .COM

The classic .COM remains the most recognized and trusted extension globally, but it comes with significant limitations in 2025:

• Availability: Finding a short, meaningful .COM that isn't taken or prohibitively expensive is nearly impossible
• Differentiation: A .COM doesn't communicate anything specific about your business

By contrast, .IO offers:

• Better name availability at registration prices
• Immediate association with technology and development
• Tech industry-specific credibility

For tech-focused ventures, a relevant .IO domain may provide more value than a compromised .COM (like adding hyphens or extra words). Studies show .COM URLs are approximately 33% more memorable than others, but many tech startups prioritize getting a clean, short .IO over a longer, less memorable .COM.

4.2 .IO vs .AI

The .AI extension (originally Anguilla's ccTLD) has surged in popularity alongside the artificial intelligence boom. Comparing .IO and .AI:

• Target Association: .IO is broader "tech," while .AI specifically signals artificial intelligence
• Cost: .IO is typically cheaper, around $30-55/year vs. $83.99/year for .AI
• Growth: .AI has been growing faster (7.8% in late 2024 compared to 0.7% for .IO), reflecting the AI boom
• Availability: .AI has fewer registrations (610K+ vs. 1.6M+), so name availability may be better

Choose .AI if your primary focus is artificial intelligence specifically. Choose .IO for a broader tech appeal or if your business spans multiple tech disciplines.

4.3 .IO vs .TECH and .CO

.TECH is designed for technology companies broadly, while .CO has positioned itself as a shorter alternative to .COM.

.TECH considerations:

• Similar price point to .IO (typically $40-50/year)
• Explicitly states "tech" in the domain, less subtle than .IO
• Good option for tech companies that want a more descriptive extension
• Less cultural cachet in startup and developer communities than .IO

.CO considerations:

• Moderately priced ($25-30/year)
• High trust scores (similar to .COM in some surveys)
• Often confused with .COM (both pro and con)
• Generic business focus with no specific industry association

Both offer good alternatives if .IO doesn't fit your specific needs, but neither has the same developer and startup community recognition that .IO has built over the years.

5.1 Registration and Renewal Costs

Unlike most domain extensions that cost $10-15 per year, .IO domains command a moderate premium price:

• New Registrations: .IO domains typically cost between $30-50/year for new registrations, with many registrars offering first-year discounts
• Renewal Fees: Renewals are typically around $45-55/year, with some registrars charging more after recent price increases
• Transfer Costs: Transferring a .IO domain usually requires renewing for at least one additional year

In 2021, the .IO registry raised wholesale prices by approximately 30%, driving renewal costs higher at many registrars. Despite this price increase, .IO domains maintain strong renewal rates, indicating that most registrants find the value worth the cost.

5.2 Aftermarket Values and Investment Potential

The secondary market for .IO domains has shown impressive growth, with some notable sales:

• Mint.io: Sold for $230,000 (2021)
• Fluid.io: Sold for $199,995 (November 2024)
• Defi.io: Sold for $75,000 (2022)
• Sweep.io: Sold for $68,000 (2022)
• Live.io: Sold for $45,000 (2022)

The overall marketplace volume reflects this growth:

• 2021: 2,241 .IO domain sales totaling $4.2 million
• 2022-2024: Continued strong performance with multiple six-figure sales

Domain investors report that .IO sales velocity remains strong, with even lesser-known one-word names often quickly finding buyers in the $1,000-$5,000 range, pointing to a healthy resale market.

5.3 Return on Investment Considerations

When evaluating whether a .IO domain is worth the investment for your business, consider these factors:

• Target Audience: Does your audience consist of tech-savvy individuals who would recognize and appreciate a .IO domain?
• Branding Value: Does the .IO extension align with your business focus and enhance your brand identity in the tech space?
• Name Quality: Is the exact name you want available in .IO but not in .COM without compromises?
• Marketing Budget: Is $30-55/year a reasonable expense within your overall marketing and branding budget?
• Long-term Plans: Will technology remain central to your business model for the foreseeable future?
• Risk Tolerance: Are you comfortable with the potential geopolitical uncertainties associated with a ccTLD?

For many tech-focused businesses, the moderate premium price is justified by the branding clarity, improved name availability, and tech industry relevance a .IO domain provides.

6.1 Developer Tools and Platforms

• GitHub Pages (github.io): GitHub uses the .IO extension for user-hosted pages (e.g., username.github.io), indirectly popularizing .IO among developers. This service hosts millions of personal and project pages, demonstrating reliability at scale.
• CodePen.io: A popular code editor and front-end web development playground that allows developers to showcase their creations. Their .IO domain aligns perfectly with their developer-focused audience.
• ReadTheDocs.io: A documentation hosting platform serving thousands of open-source projects. The site ranks highly in search results and has become an essential resource for developers.
• Kubernetes.io: The official site for the Kubernetes project (container orchestration by Google) uses .IO. It serves documentation to huge numbers of visitors, showing a major open-source project trusting .IO for its primary domain.
• Redis.io: The home of Redis, a popular in-memory database, uses a .IO domain to effectively reach its developer audience.

6.2 SaaS and Tech Startups

• Segment.io: A customer data platform that launched on segment.io. The startup grew rapidly and was ultimately acquired by Twilio for $3.2 billion. While they later secured segment.com, their .IO domain served them well during their growth phase.
• Greenhouse.io: A popular recruitment software platform used by many enterprise companies. Their .IO domain hasn't hindered their ability to secure major clients and become a leader in HR tech.
• Heap.io: An analytics company that used heap.io for years before obtaining heap.com. They achieved a strong B2B presence while using their .IO domain.
• Shorthand.io: A storytelling platform used by major news organizations and brands, showing that even non-tech end users are comfortable with .IO domains for specialized tools.

6.3 Gaming and Consumer Web

The phenomenon of ".IO games" created a whole genre named after the TLD:

• Agar.io and Slither.io: These simple browser-based multiplayer games went viral, attracting hundreds of millions of plays. They not only scaled technically on .IO but also created an entire gaming category.
• Itch.io: A popular marketplace for indie games with millions of users. Their choice of a .IO domain aligns with their tech-savvy, indie developer community.
• Kano.io: The coding platform for Kano's DIY computer kits uses a .IO domain to emphasize its technical learning focus, while their main site uses kano.me.

6.4 Blockchain and Web3

The crypto/blockchain space embraced .IO early:

• OpenSea.io: The largest NFT marketplace started on .IO and continues to operate primarily on this domain, demonstrating that even high-value transactional platforms can succeed with a .IO domain.
• ShapeShift.io and Exodus.io: These cryptocurrency exchanges and wallet providers chose .IO domains to reach their tech-savvy user base.
• Various ICO Projects: Many blockchain startups during the 2017 ICO boom favored .IO domains, establishing a trend that continues in the Web3 space.

7.1 Finding a Registrar

When choosing a registrar for your .IO domain, compare not just the initial registration price, but also renewal costs, user interface, customer support, and additional features like privacy protection and DNS management.

Popular registrars for .IO domains include:

• Register.Domains
• GoDaddy
• Name.com

7.2 Registration Process

7.3 Special Considerations for .IO Domains

• Registration Period: .IO domains can be registered from 1 to 5 years at a time, allowing flexibility in your commitment.
• WHOIS Privacy: Most registrars offer WHOIS privacy protection for .IO domains, though it may come at an additional cost.
• DNSSEC Support: .IO supports DNSSEC (Domain Name System Security Extensions) for additional security, which you can enable through most registrars.
• SSL Certificates: There are no restrictions on obtaining SSL/TLS certificates for .IO domains. Certificate authorities treat .IO like any other public suffix.
• Grace Periods: .IO domains typically have a 30-day grace period after expiration during which the original owner can still renew.

8.1 Registration Growth Predictions

After the rapid growth of recent years, experts predict .IO domain registrations will continue to increase but at a more moderate, sustainable pace:

• The .IO extension has reached a level of maturity in the tech startup ecosystem
• While growth has slowed (0.7% in late 2024 compared to 7.8% for .AI), the extension remains popular with over 1.6 million registrations
• New tech trends create opportunities for continued adoption as new projects launch

Domain investor surveys in late 2024 showed optimism for .IO's continued popularity through 2025, though tempered by awareness of potential geopolitical issues.

8.2 Geopolitical Considerations

A factor to consider is the sovereignty dispute over the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT). In recent years, the UK has agreed in principle to return the Chagos Islands (including Diego Garcia) to Mauritius after decades of disputes.

If BIOT ceases to exist as a separate territory, the ISO country code "IO" could theoretically be retired. However, there are several mitigating factors:

• Transition Period: Even if .IO were to be retired, ICANN would likely allow a 5-10 year phase-out, giving businesses ample time to migrate
• Exceptional Retention: The ISO could assign .IO an "exceptionally reserved" status to prevent immediate deletion, similar to .SU (Soviet Union) which still exists long after the USSR dissolved
• Economic Value: Given the economic value of the .IO registry (approximately $40 million in annual revenue), there are strong incentives to maintain it
• Mauritius' Potential Interest: Mauritius might choose to retain .IO for revenue purposes, potentially negotiating with Identity Digital for a share or joint operation

Domain experts like Luc Seufer (EuroDNS CLO) see "very little risk of .IO being retired anytime soon," highlighting mechanisms to preserve it and the unlikelihood of a sudden takedown.

8.3 Competition and New Trends

The domain landscape continues to evolve, presenting both challenges and opportunities for .IO domains:

• Rise of .AI: The surge in artificial intelligence has driven rapid growth for .AI domains, which grew 10× faster than .IO in late 2024
• New gTLDs: ICANN is planning new TLD launches in the coming years, potentially introducing more competition
• Web3 Domains: Blockchain domains (like .eth, .crypto) represent an alternative naming system, though their impact on traditional domains remains limited
• Domain-Agnostic Startups: Many startups now launch on whatever domain is available (.io, .xyz, .app), focusing on product first, then upgrading domains later if needed

Despite these challenges, .IO has established a strong position in the tech ecosystem that will likely insulate it from dramatic shifts in the short to medium term.

8.4 Evolving User Perception

Each year, more people encounter .IO websites, meaning general familiarity and acceptance continue to grow:

• In the mid-2010s, explaining your .IO domain to a non-tech person was sometimes necessary
• By 2025, especially among younger internet users, .IO is no longer considered unusual
• The success of ".IO games" has introduced millions of casual users to the extension
• Major platforms using .IO subdomains (like github.io) have further normalized the extension

This trend suggests .IO's public acceptance will continue to increase, potentially narrowing the trust gap with .COM domains over time.