Most Popular Top-Level Domains List for 2025
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Getting a domain name is an important step in launching any personal or professional website, whether you opt for the popular .com extension or choose something more suitable for your industry, such as .ai.
Knowing which top-level domains (TLDs) are the most popular can be a useful first step toward finding the right fit, especially as you battle other website owners for the domain.
Key Takeaways 🔍
- The .com TLD is the most popular option worldwide and is seen as the go-to extension
- Country code TLDs (ccTLDs) are great for local SEO and reaching specific markets
- China (.cn), Germany (.de), and the UK (.uk) are the most commonly used ccTLDs
- Some website builders, like Wix, include a custom domain name and TLD as part of your subscription
What Is a Top-Level Domain?
A top-level domain, also known as a TLD or domain extension, is the end part of your web address. It identifies the purpose of the website. For example, .com is often used by businesses, whereas .edu is for educational institutions.
There are four main types of TLDs to understand:
- Generic TLDs (gTLDs) – Used by a variety of websites worldwide, particularly online stores. Examples include .com and .net.
- Country code TLDs (ccTLDs) – Two-letter domains referring to countries, such as .us or .uk.
- Sponsored TLDs (sTLDs) – These domains have restricted use and are usually managed by select groups, like the US government. They include .edu and .gov.
- New generic TLDs (new gTLDs) – New extensions for niche purposes, such as .store and .tech.

What Is the Most Popular TLD?
Unsurprisingly, the most popular TLD in 2025 is .com. With .com being one of the oldest TLDs available, it has become the default extension on the web. As a result, it’s favored by most when choosing a domain name, from blogs to online stores. Plus, it’s recognizable and trusted by people browsing online.
According to Statista, 43.7% of sites worldwide run on the .com TLD (as of September 2025).
Other Common TLDs
While the .com TLD dominates the market, there are other common TLDs, such as .org, .net, and .co. In addition, select country-specific TLDs are among the most popular TLDs in 2025, including .cn for China.
Popular Top-Level Domains by Country
As of 2025, .cn (China) is the most popular ccTLD. Country-specific TLDs work for websites and businesses operating in the country and looking to target the local audience.
According to a report from Domain Name Industry Brief in June 2025, these are the most popular top-level domains by country:
| Rank | ccTLD | Country | Registrations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | .cn | China | 21M |
| 2 | .de | Germany | 17.6M |
| 3 | .uk | United Kingdom | 10.2M |
| 4 | .ru | Russia | 6.7M |
| 5 | .nl | Netherlands | 6.1M |
| 6 | .br | Brazil | 5.5M |
| 7 | .au | Australia | 4.3M |
| 8 | .fr | France | 4.3M |
| 9 | .in | India | 4.2M |
| 10 | .eu | Europe | 3.7M |
Did You Know? 💭
Some ccTLDs have restricted use. For example, .us can only be used by US citizens or businesses with a presence in the country. In comparison, ccTLDs like .tk (Tokelau) and .ai (Anguilla) are open globally. The .ai TLD has become increasingly popular over the last few years given its suitability for AI and tech companies, but it also remains the country code for Anguilla. In fact, the country earns roughly $3 million each month from domain sales.Most Popular Generic Top-Level Domains
The most popular generic TLD is .com, with over 150 million registered domains. With .com being the go-to domain for most personal sites and businesses, it’s not surprising to see it being used by trusted brands, such as Google, Facebook, and Amazon.
Which top-level domain should I pick?
I’d always recommend choosing the .com TLD if it’s available. It’s memorable, trusted, and professional. If you don’t register the .com extension for your business’s name, someone else might. This could confuse visitors and customers, especially since most people will naturally type your web address with .com at the end if they don’t know you’re using another TLD.
According to a report from Domain Name Industry Brief in June 2025, these are the most popular gTLDs to use:
| Rank | gTLD | Registrations | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | .com | 157.9M | General use, professional sites, online businesses |
| 2 | .net | 12.6M | Tech businesses and startups |
| 3 | .org | 11.2M | Non-profit organizations, charities, community projects |
| 4 | .xyz | 4.6M | Unique brands |
| 5 | .top | 4.3M | Industry leaders and experts |
| 6 | .info | 4M | Informational websites |
| 7 | .shop | 3.2M | Online stores, retail |
| 8 | .online | 3M | General use, online businesses |
| 9 | .store | 1.8M | Online stores |
| 10 | .site | 1.6M | General use, online businesses |
Top-Level Domain Registration: How To Secure Your TLD
Now that you have an understanding of the best top-level domains, you need to claim a domain name and TLD as your own, from choosing a registrar to buying a domain name:
- Choose your domain name registrar – find a dedicated domain registrar or choose a website builder, like Wix, that bundles a domain name with its website builder plans (you can typically get a custom domain name for free for the first year of your subscription!)
- Decide on a domain name – brainstorm a few ideas since not every domain name will be available, but it’s best to focus on names that match your brand or personal personality and vision
- Select the TLD you want – a .com TLD is your best option, but see what other alternatives are available too, depending on your target market and website needs
- Purchase your domain name – a .com domain with Wix can cost $13.35 per year, but the average domain name cost is around $10 to $20

Top Tip 💡
If you want to keep your domain name and TLD secure, remember to renew your registration each year to avoid it expiring. If you don’t pay, someone else could snap up your domain, which could cause a real headache for businesses and customers alike.What’s the Best Top-Level Domain for You?
Choosing the right top-level domain has an impact on your website visibility, local SEO, and brand trust. Popular TLDs, like .com, are great for most cases, since they’re already perceived as credible and professional.
That said, competition for domain names is fierce, and the TLD you choose will depend on your business needs and budget. With Wix, you can use its free domain name generator to see what’s available. If you’re looking to target a local audience, pick a country-specific TLD. If you’re running a charity, a .org TLD might be more suitable. But, as a general rule of thumb, it’s best to go for a .com TLD if you can.
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