Are cheap TLDs like .xyz worth it?
Pros of cheap TLDs
TLDs like .xyz, .top, and .online often cost just a few dollars for the first year, making them attractive for side projects, experiments, or temporary sites. They can also be a creative way to get a short, memorable name when .com is taken.
Some tech communities and startups use .xyz successfully; for example, Alphabet (Google's parent company) uses abc.xyz. If your audience is tech-savvy, a cheap TLD may not hurt credibility.
Cons and considerations
Cheap TLDs sometimes have higher renewal prices after the first year, and they may be associated with spam or low-quality sites because of their low cost. Some email providers and corporate networks block or flag them more aggressively.
For a business or professional site, a .com or country-specific TLD often inspires more trust. If you plan to build a long-term brand, the extra cost of a .com may be worth it. Also, check that your registrar supports the TLD with the features you need, like DNS management and privacy.
- Low first-year cost, but renewals can be higher.
- May be perceived as less trustworthy by some users.
- Good for personal projects or when .com is unavailable.
- Check renewal price and registrar support before committing.
Common mistakes
- Assuming a cheap TLD will always stay cheap: renewal prices often rise.
- Using a cheap TLD for a business without considering brand perception.
- Ignoring email deliverability issues: some filters treat certain TLDs as suspicious.