Updated November 2026 · Reviewed by the DomainFinch editorial team · Editorial policy
What is a .io domain?
- Type
- Country code (ccTLD)
- Registry
- Internet Computer Bureau (registry services by Identity Digital)
- Who can register
- None - open to anyone worldwide.
- Typical cost
- Premium
Who should use .io?
- Tech startups
- SaaS products
- Developer tools and APIs
- Browser games
.io pros
- Strong tech and startup association
- Short, memorable extension
- Treated as generic by Google
.io cons
- Typically pricier than .com to register and renew
- Long-term uncertainty after the UK agreed in 2024 to transfer Chagos Islands sovereignty to Mauritius
Is .io good for SEO?
Google lists this ccTLD among those it treats as generic, so it is not geotargeted to its country and can rank globally like a .com. Read more in do domain names affect SEO?
How to register a .io domain
- Search your name in the box above to see if the .io is free.
- Check the rules: None - open to anyone worldwide.
- Compare first-year and renewal prices at a few registrars.
- Register it, then turn on auto-renew, registrar lock and two-factor login.
.io domain name ideas
Starting points that suit typical .io users. Tap one to check it.
.io compared
.io FAQ
What is a .io domain?
The country-code TLD for the British Indian Ocean Territory, .io has become a favorite of tech startups, developer tools and SaaS products because 'IO' reads as input/output. Most .io sites today have no connection to the territory.
Who can register a .io domain?
None - open to anyone worldwide.
Is .io good for SEO?
Google lists this ccTLD among those it treats as generic, so it is not geotargeted to its country and can rank globally like a .com.
How do I check .io domain availability?
Type a name into the search box on this page. DomainFinch checks .io and 30+ other extensions live using DNS and official registry data.
Is a .io domain worth it?
It is worth it if you fit its audience (tech startups, saas products). Weigh the premium price tier and the trade-offs: typically pricier than .com to register and renew.