If you follow the startup world, you have probably noticed that .io domains are everywhere. But .io is actually a country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for the British Indian Ocean Territory. So how did it become the favorite domain extension of Silicon Valley?
The Origin of .io
The British Indian Ocean Territory was assigned the .io country code in 1997. In computer science, "IO" stands for input/output — the fundamental concept of data flowing in and out of a system. For tech companies, using .io became a subtle signal: we are technical, we are modern.
Why Tech Startups Prefer .io
- Brand identity — .io immediately signals a tech-focused company or product
- Availability — when every .com you want is taken, .io often still has good names available
- Credibility — in developer communities, .io has become as respected as .com
- No restrictions — .io can be registered by anyone worldwide
- Short and memorable — two letters, punchy, easy to type
What Does a .io Domain Cost?
.io domains cost roughly $28–$70 per year depending on the registrar. Prices vary substantially — use .io price comparison on EasyTLDs to find the cheapest registrar before you register.
Should You Use a .io Domain?
- Yes, if you are building a tech product, SaaS tool, API, or developer-focused service
- Yes, if the .com equivalent is unavailable or too expensive
- Consider alternatives if you are building a consumer brand targeting non-technical audiences
Alternatives to .io for Tech Companies
- .dev — Google TLD for developers, HTTPS-required
- .app — great for mobile and web applications
- .ai — if your product has an AI component
- .tech — affordable, broadly tech-signaling
Compare live prices for all these TLDs on EasyTLDs.