24.5M+ live .net domains. Compare registrar pricing and explore premium listings – instantly.
What is a .net domain?
A .net domain is a generic top-level domain created in 1985 for network providers and infrastructure companies. Verisign runs it on the same systems as .com, and there are no restrictions on who can register. Today it is a general-purpose extension, and the usual reason to pick it is that the name you want is taken in .com.
Type
Generic (gTLD)
Created for
Network infrastructure
Registry
Verisign
Since
1985
Who can register
Anyone, worldwide
Registration
$10–$18/year
Renewal
$12–$20/year
Quick overview
A snapshot of the .net market – how many domains exist, what’s being registered, and what premium pricing looks like right now.
Total domains
10% YoY
25M
Total number of .net domains registered worldwide.
New this month
39.9% MoM
333K
New .net domains registered this month.
Average premium price
86.1% YoY
$20,864
Average sale price of .net domains on the secondary market.
Why choose a .net domain?
A .net domain works for tech companies, online platforms, and anyone who missed out on their preferred .com. It’s been around since 1985, carries real credibility, and signals a connection to networks—whether that’s internet infrastructure or online communities. Better name availability is the practical advantage.
Best for:
Original TLD credibility - One of the first domain extensions, trusted since 1985
Better availability - Find names that are long gone in .com
Tech association - Natural fit for software, SaaS, and internet services
Same infrastructure as .com - Managed by Verisign with identical reliability
YoY growth
+10%
30M22.5M15M7.5M0
2020202120222023202420252026
Who uses .net?
Tech platforms, creative communities, and internet infrastructure companies use .net—often by design, not as a fallback. These sites prove .net can be a deliberate branding choice.
Premium .net domains trade at lower prices than equivalent .com names, making quality names more accessible. Single-word .net domains that would cost millions in .com might be available for thousands.
.net vs other domain extensions
How .net compares to alternatives. It sits between .com’s universal recognition and newer TLDs’ availability, offering a balance of credibility and options.
Standard .net registrations run $10-15/year, similar to .com pricing. Verisign operates both registries, so wholesale costs are comparable. Renewals typically match registration prices.
Registration
$10–$18/year
Renewal
$12–$20/year
Transfer
$10–$15one-time fee
Where to register a .net domain
Compare .net pricing across major registrars. Prices are similar to .com, with most registrars offering both at comparable rates.
Tips:
Compare registration + renewal rates
Look for DNS management and easy transfers
Consider support quality if this is a core brand domain
“Network.” The .net extension was created in 1985 as one of the original top-level domains, specifically intended for organizations involved in networking technologies—internet service providers, infrastructure companies, and network operators. Over time, it expanded to general use, but the network association remains.
For universal recognition, no—.com is still the default most people expect. But .net isn’t a “consolation prize” either. It’s a legitimate choice with 40 years of history and strong credibility. The practical difference is that users might type .com by default if they forget your exact domain.
Three main scenarios: (1) The .com you want is taken or too expensive, and .net is available with the exact name you want. (2) Your business relates to networks, platforms, or connectivity—where .net reinforces your brand. (3) You’re building an online community or collaborative platform where the “network” meaning adds value.
Technically, yes—there are no restrictions. But perception matters. A restaurant or law firm on .net might confuse visitors or seem like they couldn’t get the .com. For non-tech businesses, .com is almost always the better choice.
Verisign operates both .net and .com registries under contracts with ICANN. They’ve managed .net since 2000, providing the same infrastructure, security, and reliability as .com.
If you’re using .net as your primary domain, buying the .com and redirecting it is smart—it prevents competitors from grabbing it and catches visitors who type .com by habit. If your primary is .com, buying the .net is less critical but still worth considering for brand protection.
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