You probably don’t give much thought to URLs. If you wanted to go to the Shopify website, for instance, you’d probably instinctively just type “shopify” into the address bar, knowing your browser will take it from there.
In the background, several systems work to load https://www.shopify.com: HTTPS allows browsers to request and load pages from a web server, the top-level domain (TLD) “.com” tells your browser which server to check, and the second-level domain (SLD) “shopify” directs to the specific website IP address.
There are many TLD types, including generic (.com, .net, and .org), country code for a specific country (.jp for Japan or .pl for Poland), and limited for select organizations (like .edu for accredited educational institutions). Most professional websites use the .com domain extension by default for its familiarity and authority, making it the most popular domain with 44.4% of overall usage, but some new businesses are now turning to .net TLDs.
Here are the main differences, similarities, and benefits of .com and .net TLDs.
.com vs. .net: What’s the difference?
The .com and .net generic top-level domains (gTLDs) are two of the internet’s oldest and most widely recognized domain extensions. Though originally created for two different types of websites, the differences between .net and .com have faded over time.
The .com domain
The .com domain extension is ubiquitous across the internet. The world’s biggest websites, including Google, Facebook, and Amazon, all end in .com. The .com TLD stands for “commercial” and was originally intended for commercial businesses and organizations.
It quickly became the most popular top-level domain extension, used for everything from business websites and ecommerce stores to personal blogs and social media networks. The .com domain’s popularity and acceptance have led to increased trust. Establishing trust in your ecommerce business ensures customers feel comfortable sharing their financial data during online purchases—and nearly half of consumers are more worried about data security now than they were before the pandemic. Thus, .coms are the standard gTLD for ecommerce.
The .net domain
The .net domain extension stands for “network” and was originally intended for organizations involved in network infrastructure, such as internet service providers (ISPs). Many network-related tech companies still use the .net extension, but it’s also expanded to become a more general-purpose TLD.
Since users have already registered many common domain names with the .com extension, some commercial websites turned to the .net TLD. However, .net domains don’t have the same widespread recognition and credibility as .com. Some people—especially those who spend less time online—might perceive a .net domain name extension as less established or less professional than a .com.
.com vs. .net: How to choose between the two
User familiarity is the main difference between .com and .net TLDs. If both .com and .net are available from your domain registrar, use .com for your business—the general public more widely recognizes it.
In terms of functionality, there’s no technical difference between .com and .net domain extensions. The domain name system (DNS) and search engines treat both TLDs identically, and all major domain registrars offer .com and .net domain names.
Deciding on .net vs. .com comes down to availability, branding, and perceived professionalism. If your desired .com domain is taken, a .net domain can be a viable alternative. However, make sure your target audience won’t be confused by a website name that ends in .net and that the existing .com domain with that name won’t draw in your traffic.
When to consider a .com TLD
The .com gTLD is the most widely used extension on the internet, with over 156 million registered websites, making it ideal for online businesses and for-profit organizations. (Nonprofit organizations typically use the .org domain to signify their status.)
If you’re building a business website, registering a .com domain name can help establish website credibility and trust, as many businesses and consumers instinctively associate it with legitimate commercial organizations. Though both .com and .net TLDs offer the same search engine optimization (SEO) benefits, .com’s familiarity and authority may cause users to favor .com search results.
Here are some entities that might benefit from a .com TLD:
- For-profit businesses. A .com domain is generally the best choice for any commercial organization. Your small business can use .com to add credibility and establish a professional online presence.
- Established brands. Using your business’s exact name in your online address supports brand recognition and consistency. Limited domain name availability may make obtaining a .com TLD with your business name impossible, but register it if it’s available for your site.
- Organizations looking to boost website traffic. Google and other search engines treat all gTLDs similarly in search rankings. However, some users instinctively type “.com” when searching for a website, leading to higher direct traffic.
- Website investors. A .com domain is a valuable asset that can appreciate over time, allowing owners to flip .com domains for a profit.
When to consider a .net TLD
There are nearly 13 million .net registrations worldwide. While .com remains the dominant TLD, there are specific situations where a .net domain might be a suitable choice.
Here’s when .net might be the right domain extension for you:
- You want to build domain security. Many businesses purchase their domain name across multiple extensions and redirect them to their main domain. For instance, you could buy example.net and redirect it to example.com to prevent other businesses from using your name to capture mistaken traffic.
- Your desired .com name is unavailable. The .com extension has limited availability due to its popularity. A .net domain can be an alternative for many businesses.
- Your business offers internet services. If your company specializes in networking technologies or tech sector services, a .net domain can signify your expertise and credibility. Many web hosts and technology-based businesses use .net to highlight their connection to the internet infrastructure.
- You have a non-commercial website. If your website doesn’t require customer buy-in or trust, such as a personal blog, you can use a .net extension—or any other gTLD. Less popular gTLDs have far more domain name availability, and they may be cheaper.
.com vs. .net FAQ
Should I use .net or .com for my business?
If both .com and .net are available from your domain registrar, use .com for your business—the general public more widely recognizes it. Many businesses purchase their domain name across multiple extensions and redirect them to their main domain. For instance, you could buy example.net and redirect it to example.com to prevent other businesses from using your name to capture mistaken traffic.
Which domain extension is better for SEO?
Leading search engines like Google and Bing treat .com and .net websites equally in search rankings. However, many people instinctively type “.com” when searching for a website, leading to higher direct traffic.
Is a .net website credible?
Yes, a .net website is credible and widely used. The .net extension is not as broadly recognized as the .com extension, but a sizable number of internet users have interacted with websites that end in .net. For strong credibility, avoid a free domain name via free domain name registration services like .tk, .gq, and .cf.
Do people still use .net domains?
Yes, people still use .net domains, often in the tech sector (e.g., a hosting provider). According to the Domain Name Industry Brief, there are nearly 13 million .net registrations worldwide.
