Since both .com and .net are generic top-level domains, many people assume that they’re interchangeable. Knowing the difference between .com vs .net domain extensions is essential to choose which one is best for you.
.com is the most popular domain name extension, used on 51.2% of the websites on the internet. That’s because it mainly represents commercial intent, and it’s also very easy to guess.
If a customer wants to find your website, their first option will certainly be yourbrandname.com. Thus, .com is a domain name extension suitable for all types of businesses, from eCommerce sites to blogs and corporate pages.
On the other hand, a .net domain extension isn’t as generic as a .com domain. Businesses that use .net extensions are mostly network services, database providers, and technology companies, such as ThemeForest.
.com vs .net – Pros and Cons
If you’re still debating between using .com vs .net, make sure to factor in the advantages and disadvantages that each may bring to your website. To help you out, we’re going to compare .com vs .net domain extensions in this section.
When it comes to using .com domain extensions, the main pros are:
· Memorable. The .com extension dominates domain addresses, making it more recognizable than other extensions. People will instinctively type the .com domain extension when looking for your site.
· Credibility. The .com domain will help present your website as business-oriented, helping to instill trust in customers.
· Easier to type. A lot of devices have a dedicated .com button on the keyboard for quick typing, making your address mobile-friendly as well.
· Affordable. This domain name extension is available from $8.99/year.
However, there are a couple of cons to consider:
· Unavailability. It can be tough to find a domain name with .com available, as many websites already use it.
· Too generic. If you provide services in a specific location or language, it might be more interesting to use a country-code top-level domain. It will help potential customers know that your business caters to their region.
As for the .net extension, some of its pros are:
· Technology-oriented. The .net domain extension is a great choice for businesses that specialize in networking and internet services.
· Availability. Compared to .com, there’s a higher chance of registering a .net extension for your chosen domain name.
· Marketing. The .net extension is best for promoting internet service providers and networking websites since potential customers will immediately associate .net domain extensions with your industry.
On the other hand, using a .net domain name also has its cons:
· Limited in scope. Not many businesses can use the extension .net since it is associated with technology services.
· Higher costs. A .net domain extension costs around $12.99/year.