What Is a .app Domain?
.app is a generic TLD (gTLD) operated by Google Registry, designed for software applications of all kinds — mobile apps, web apps, SaaS platforms, and developer tools. It launched in 2018 after Google won it in ICANN's new gTLD program, paying $25 million at auction.
What makes .app unique:
- HTTPS required:
.appis on the browser HSTS preload list, meaning every.appsite must use HTTPS. There's no option to serve over unencrypted HTTP. This is a security feature enforced at the browser level. - Google-operated: Backed by Google's infrastructure for reliability
- Clear intent: Instantly communicates "this is software"
- Affordable: $12–20/year at most registrars
Search .app domains to check availability.
.app Pricing
- Registration: $12–20/year
- Renewal: $12–20/year
One of the more affordable modern extensions, and significantly cheaper than .io or .ai.
.app and HTTPS
Every .app domain requires SSL/TLS. This is non-negotiable — browsers will refuse to load .app sites over HTTP.
What this means in practice:
- You need an SSL certificate before your site will work
- Most hosting providers include free SSL (Let's Encrypt) — this isn't an extra cost
- Your site gets a security boost from mandatory encryption
- No mixed-content issues since everything must be HTTPS
For modern web development, HTTPS is standard practice anyway. The .app requirement just enforces what you should already be doing.
.app vs. Other Tech Extensions
| Extension | Best For | Price | HTTPS Required |
|---|---|---|---|
.app | Software applications | $12–20/yr | Yes |
.dev | Developer portfolios, tools | $12–20/yr | Yes |
.io | Tech startups, SaaS | $32–80/yr | No |
.ai | AI/ML companies | $80–140/yr | No |
.com | Everything | $10–18/yr | No |
Both .app and .dev are Google-operated and require HTTPS. Choose .app if you're building a software product; choose .dev if you're building developer tools or a portfolio.
.app and SEO
Google treats .app the same as any other TLD for ranking purposes. No inherent SEO advantage or disadvantage. The HTTPS requirement is marginally positive since Google uses HTTPS as a minor ranking signal — but this effect is negligible.
When to Choose .app
Good fit:
- Building a mobile app, web app, or SaaS product
- You want the security of mandatory HTTPS built in
- Name availability is better than
.comfor your keywords - Your audience is tech-literate and expects modern TLDs
Not ideal:
- Non-software businesses (a consulting firm on
.appwould be confusing) - If you need to serve content over HTTP for any reason
- Mainstream consumer brands that need
.comrecognition
Search .app domains or explore all domain extensions to compare options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does .app require HTTPS?
Google added .app to the HSTS preload list, which tells browsers to only connect via HTTPS. This is enforced at the browser level — there's no way to serve a .app site over HTTP. It's a security feature, not something you configure.
Is .app only for mobile apps?
No. .app works for any software — web apps, SaaS platforms, desktop software, browser extensions, and more. "App" broadly means software application.
How much does a .app domain cost?
Standard .app registration costs $12–20/year at most registrars. Renewals stay in the same range. It's one of the more affordable modern TLDs.
How does .app compare to .io?
.io has broader tech/startup connotations and works for any tech company. .app specifically signals software product. .app is cheaper ($12–20/year vs $32–80/year for .io). Choose based on whether you're building an app or a general tech company.