.io domain — the extension of startups, SaaS and tech products
The .io has become the visual signal that you are looking at a serious tech product. From socket.io to itch.io, the most creative digital projects in the world chose .io as their identity.
From $58.99/year · Renewal $58.99/year · No hidden fees
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About the .IO domain
What is the .IO domain?
It has no documentary restrictions: anyone in the world can register one. It is significantly more expensive than other extensions because its demand — especially from Silicon Valley and the global startup ecosystem — far outstrips the supply of good available combinations. A .io domain immediately conveys modernity, technical depth and digital-product ambition, making it valuable beyond its registration price.
Uses of .IO
Who is the .IO domain for?
These are the most common situations where .IO is the ideal extension.
Tech startups
The extension the global startup ecosystem adopted. Launch a startup and .io is your first tech-identity signal to investors and early adopters.
SaaS platforms
Online tools, software as a service, dashboards and web applications. The .io says 'this is a professional digital product' without you having to explain it.
APIs and web services
If your product is an API, microservice or technical infrastructure, .io immediately reinforces the technical profile of your project to developers.
Games and online platforms
itch.io is the benchmark. Browser games, entertainment platforms and interactive apps that want a domain with personality.
Dev tools and documentation
Many open source projects and engineering teams use .io for their product pages, technical documentation and landing pages.
Indie projects and side projects
The favorite extension for developers launching their own projects who want to visually distinguish them from a traditional business.
Real examples
Well-known websites with .IO domain
.IO vs other extensions
Which extension suits you best?
Each extension has its own profile. Here we compare .IO with the most common alternatives to help you choose.
| Extension | Best for | Restrictions | Registration price |
|---|---|---|---|
| .io This page | Startups, SaaS, digital tools | None | $58.99/year |
| .com | Global projects, businesses, stores | None | $14.99/year |
| .app | Web and mobile applications | None | $17.99/year |
| .dev | Developers, code projects | None | $15.99/year |
| .tech | Technology sector in general | None | $44.99/year |
Registration process
How to register your .IO domain at miHosting
Check availability
Type the name you want in the search bar. We show you in seconds whether it's available or if you need to look for alternatives.
Complete registration
Fill in the registrant details and choose whether to add hosting. The entire process takes less than 5 minutes.
Your domain is live
Within minutes your .IO domain is active and visible from anywhere in the world. DNS propagates in under 24 hours.
Frequently asked questions about the .IO domain
How much does it cost to register a .io domain with miHosting?
Registration costs $58.99/year and annual renewal is the same price. The .io is more expensive than other extensions due to its extremely high demand in the global tech ecosystem and the limited supply of short available combinations.
What does .io mean in technology?
The .io is the national domain of the British Indian Ocean Territory, but its tech popularity comes from the fact that I/O (Input/Output) is one of the most fundamental concepts in computing. That coincidence turned it into the favorite extension for startups, SaaS and digital tools that want their URL to signal they are a technology product.
Is .io safe for the long term?
In 2024 the UK agreed to transfer sovereignty of the British Indian Ocean Territory to Mauritius, raising questions about the future of the .io extension. ICANN is evaluating the situation. While the process could take many years and ICANN has clear commitments to protect existing registrations, it is a factor to consider for projects with a very long time horizon. For most projects and startups, the current risk is low.
Why is .io so expensive compared to .com?
Demand for .io in the global startup and tech ecosystem is enormous, especially for short combinations. As a ccTLD managed by a small entity with limited supply, the price directly reflects that demand pressure. It also includes the perception of exclusivity and tech branding that creates brand value for startups.
Do I need to be in the tech sector to register a .io?
No. The .io has no documentary restrictions: anyone can register it regardless of their sector. However, given its high cost and clear association with the tech world, it makes more economic sense for technology projects, digital tools or startups where tech branding adds real value.
Is .io or .com better for a startup?
It depends on your goals. The .io conveys pure tech identity and is widely recognized in the startup and investor ecosystem. The .com is more universal and affordable. If your main audience is developers, investors and tech early adopters, .io can be worth the price difference. If your product targets the general public or non-technical businesses, .com gives more recognizability. Many successful startups began with .io and added the .com later.
Register your .IO today
Your .IO domain.
Your online identity.
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