.net domains
Introduced in 1985 alongside .com, .org, .gov, .edu, .mil, and .arpa as one of the original top-level domains, .net was originally designated for network infrastructure organizations — internet service providers, telecommunications companies, and the technical backbone of the early internet. Administered by Verisign (the same registry that manages .com), .net has evolved far beyond its original scope and today is used by businesses, individuals, and organizations of all kinds worldwide. With over 13 million registered domains, it remains the second-most registered open gTLD after .com.
The .net domain is one of the internet's original top-level domains, with a history stretching back to 1985 and over 13 million registered names. Originally intended for network and telecommunications organizations, it has since become a broadly adopted, open extension recognized worldwide. While it carries slightly less universal consumer recognition than .com, it is a credible and familiar choice for technology companies, internet service providers, and any business whose preferred .com name is unavailable.
What to know
- - One of the six original top-level domains, introduced in 1985 alongside .com — making it one of the most historically significant domain extensions.
- - Administered by Verisign, the same stable and long-established registry that manages .com.
- - Over 13 million registered domains, making it the second-most registered open gTLD globally after .com.
- - No registration restrictions — open to any individual, business, or organization worldwide.
- - Widely recognized by internet users, though .com remains the default expectation for most consumers.
Who uses .net
Technology & ISPs
The natural home for internet service providers, network operators, and telecommunications companies where the original .net identity still resonates strongly.
Software & SaaS
A credible and widely recognized alternative for technology products and platforms when the preferred .com is unavailable.
Developer Communities
Works well for technical forums, developer tools, and open-source community hubs where a .com alternative is needed.
Media & Publishing
A practical choice for news outlets, content networks, and media brands that want a globally recognized extension with broad consumer familiarity.
Personal & Portfolio Sites
A clean and affordable option for individuals building a professional web presence when their .com name is already taken.
Naming guidance
Treat .net as a true .com alternative — choose a name that is short, memorable, and free of hyphens. The .net extension works best when the name itself is strong enough to carry the domain without relying on .com recognition. Defensive registration of the matching .com is worth considering if the budget allows, to capture users who navigate there out of habit.
Check availability
Search for your name as a .net domain.
.net vs the alternatives
When to choose a different extension instead.
Choose .com when maximum global trust and consumer recognition are the priority and your preferred name is available.
Choose .co for a short, modern alternative with a startup and business-oriented identity that does not carry .net's historical network connotations.
Choose .org for a nonprofit, open-source project, or community organization where the extension reinforces a mission-driven identity.
Choose .io for a developer tool, SaaS product, or technology startup where the extension carries strong resonance with a technical audience.
Choose .tech for a technology business or event where the audience spans both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Pricing
Register
$19.00/yr
Renew
$19.00/yr
Transfer
$19.00/yr
Registration and renewal prices are the same - no introductory rates.
Free WHOIS privacy included on this extension.
Already own a .net domain?
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Related extensions
.com
The .com domain is the world's most recognized and trusted domain extension, with no registration restrictions and global availability.
.org
.org is one of the internet's original and most trusted domain extensions, recognized globally as the home of nonprofits, charities, open-source projects, and community organizations.
.co
The .co domain is a globally recognized, open alternative to .com with no registration restrictions.
.io
The .io domain is the most widely adopted tech-sector domain extension outside of .com, recognized globally as a signal of technology, innovation, and startup culture.