What Are the Cheapest Domain Extensions?

Co-authored by Cory Stillman

Last Updated: October 3, 2021 References

Buying a new website domain doesn't have to be expensive. In fact, there are several highly affordable domain extensions that can still help your website attract visitors. Using prices from popular domain registrars GoDaddy and NameCheap, this wikiHow will guide you through some of the cheapest domain extensions available. ^{[1]
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Method 1

Method 1 of 6:
Promote Your Business With .shop

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A .shop extension is ideal for small businesses or online sellers. If you want to make it clear to your website's visitors that you are an online store, a .shop extension is a clear and effective way to do so. And with over one million registered domains, .shop has the popularity needed to drive traffic to your site. ^{[2]
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Research source}Go here to learn more about the .shop domain.
- Pricing: Purchase a .shop domain here for just $1.80/year.
- Be aware: The .shop extension first launched in 2016, and users may still confuse it with similar extensions like .store or .shopping.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 6:
Expand Your Online Audience With .xyz

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A .xyz extension is a great way to connect with a more global userbase. Inspired by Generations X, Y, and Z, the .xyz extension is universally recognizable to internet users of any national or linguistic background.
- Pricing: Purchase a .xyz domain here for just $0.99/year.
- Added bonus: In June of 2016, the .xyz extension became the fourth most popular domain extension in the world, trailing only .com, .net, and .org. Few extensions marry affordability and popularity like .xyz.

Method 3

Method 3 of 6:
Be a Part of Something New With .icu

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The .icu extension is a newcomer in the domain extension space. The extension, which refers to the phrase "I see you," launched in 2018. ^{[3]
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Research source} Despite being so new, .icu domains have already been purchased by companies like Facebook, Apple, and Amazon. Go here to learn more about this new and unconventional domain extension.
- Pricing: Purchase a .icu domain here for just $2.05/year.
- Be aware: The .icu extension's affordability also puts it at risk for spam and online abuse. The domain's owners, ShortDot, are working to cut down on such activity ^{[4]
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Method 4

Method 4 of 6:
Share Your Writing With .blog

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A .blog domain is ideal for writers and creators. Few domain extensions are as readily brandable, immediately indicating your site is a blog of some kind. And with support from WordPress owners Automattic Inc., users can rest assured that their blog is in good hands. ^{[5]
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- Pricing: Purchase a .blog domain here for $6.99/year.
- Be aware: Due to its specificity, a .blog extension is slightly pricier than other domain extensions on this list. Whenever shopping for a domain, however, be sure to compare prices across several different registrars.

Method 5

Method 5 of 6:
Stand Out With .space

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A .space extension offers your website some extra personality. It is popular amongst entrepreneurs and freelance creatives, and even supports popular sites in areas ranging from astrology to astronomy. ^{[6]
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Research source}Go here to learn more about this unique extension.
- Pricing: Purchase a .space domain here for just $2.00/year.
- Potential use: Despite its versatility, the .space domain extension is particularly popular in promoting physical spaces, such as coworking spaces or convention centers.
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Method 6

Method 6 of 6:
Engage Your Audience With .fun

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A .fun domain extension is perfect for entertainers and creators. Whether your site is dedicated to comedy, gaming, or event planning, a .fun domain is likely to encapsulate what you are trying to do.
- Pricing: Purchase a .fun domain here for just $0.99/year.
- Be aware: While exciting, a .fun domain has a lighthearted connotation, so you may only want to purchase a .fun domain if you are certain it matches your brand and tone.