--- title: "A Brief Overview of .io Domain Names | Grit Brokerage" description: "A brief overview of .io domain names: who uses them, why tech companies like them, what they cost, how safe they are and the benefits of wordplay domains." url: https://gritbrokerage.preview.multisites.ai/post/io-domain-names publisher: Grit Brokerage contact: https://gritbrokerage.preview.multisites.ai/contact offer: https://gritbrokerage.preview.multisites.ai/inquiry --- [Domain guides](https://gritbrokerage.preview.multisites.ai/blog?topic=domain-guides) # A Brief Overview of .io Domain Names This guide explains the .io domain extension. It is reserved for the British Indian Ocean Territory but open to anyone. Tech companies favor it because IO means input/output. The post covers high prices, safety tips such as two-factor authentication and private Whois, and wordplay options like Pistach.io. By Grit BrokerageSep 6, 20243 min read ![Browser address bar showing a .io domain name](https://gritbrokerage.preview.multisites.ai/_astro/a53ed9_9134f7767c2c4f32b7f0e796a724d4af.GNA3Zxy8_ZldbgM.webp) Entrepreneurs understand the importance of choosing the right business name. It is the first thing a customer learns about the business, so the name should give them an idea of what it offers. However, they need to put the same thought into choosing a domain name. The domain name ensures customers find the company on the Internet, and the top-level domain extension is important when selecting the domain name. ## What is the .io Domain Extension? The .io domain name is reserved for the British Indian Ocean Territory, but any person or company can register an .io domain. Why would they wish to do so? ## Who Might Use the .io Domain Extension? A person might want to use the .io domain extension for many reasons. Tech companies often choose this extension because, in the tech world, IO or I/O refers to input/output. When people see this extension, they assume it belongs to a tech company. However, it might also be used for a website with a domain name that ends in “io.” Pistachio is an excellent example of a word that could be used to create a fun domain name. A company that sells pistachios could make their domain name “[Pistach.io](http://pistach.io/)” rather than using something more generic like “[Pistachio.com](http://pistachio.com/)”. Doing so will allow this business to stand out from its competitors. Studio is another word that works well with the .io extension. ## The Cost of .io Domains When looking at domain names, one of the first things a person might notice is .io domains come with a high price tag. The popularity of these domains boosts the price along with their marketability. Every business owner must determine whether the extension will provide the desired return on investment. Over one million individuals and businesses have registered domains with the .io extension. While this is nothing compared to the over 155 million companies and individuals with .com domains, it shows many people are interested in owning an .io domain. As this domain extension becomes widely recognized, more businesses and individuals will choose it when registering a domain. People must act quickly to get their desired domain name before others do. ## The Safety of .io Domain Names When anything new is introduced, people have questions. They want to ensure the domain name they select is safe. As with all domains, .io domain names have rules and security restrictions. The registrant is investigated to ensure it is authentic. However, the domain owner should also work to protect the domain, such as keeping the owner’s contact information private rather than allowing it to appear on the public Whois database. They should also choose a premium DNS with uptime guarantees and site security. Many owners choose two-factor authentication for an added level of security. When comparing domain name providers, ensure the selected provider is reputable and known within the industry. Saving money when obtaining a domain name may cost more in the long run. ## Benefits of Using .io Domain Names Many benefits come with choosing an .io domain. People will remember the domain, particularly when associated with a tech company. In addition, this domain extension allows people to have fun with wordplay. Think of all words ending in “io” and try to incorporate one into the domain name to make it more memorable. When it is, the company holding the domain name will see an excellent return on its investment in the form of more visitors and more leads, which is always appreciated. ## Questions this post answers ### What is the .io domain extension? The .io domain is reserved for the British Indian Ocean Territory, but any person or company can register one. Tech companies often choose it because IO, or I/O, means input/output in the tech world, so people assume the site belongs to a tech company. ### Are .io domains expensive? The post says .io domains come with a high price tag, driven by their popularity and marketability. It advises every business owner to decide whether the extension will give the return on investment they want. It notes over one million .io domains are registered, compared with over 155 million .com domains. ### How can I keep a .io domain safe? The registrant is investigated to confirm it is authentic, but owners should also protect the domain. The post suggests keeping contact information private rather than on public Whois, choosing a premium DNS with uptime guarantees and security, using two-factor authentication and using a reputable provider. ### What are examples of creative .io domain names? The post suggests wordplay on words ending in io. A company selling pistachios could use Pistach.io instead of Pistachio.com. It also names Studio as a word that works well with the extension, and says such names can be more memorable. ## Terms in this post - [Domain Name System](https://gritbrokerage.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/dns) - [Top-level domain](https://gritbrokerage.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/top-level-domain) - [Registrant](https://gritbrokerage.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/registrant) - [WHOIS](https://gritbrokerage.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/whois) - [.com](https://gritbrokerage.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/dot-com) - [.io](https://gritbrokerage.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/dot-io) ## Keep reading - [.com vs .ai vs .io vs .co: How to Choose a Domain Extension.com is still the safest default because buyers, investors and email systems expect it. Choose .ai if your product is AI and you accept higher renewals. Choose .io for developer tools with some registry risk. Choose .co mainly as a cheaper fallback. Whatever you pick, try to own the .com too.](https://gritbrokerage.preview.multisites.ai/guides/com-vs-ai-vs-io-vs-co) - [.ai Domain Names: What Are They and Do You Need One?The .ai extension is the country code domain for Anguilla, and tech companies now use it to signal AI work. The post says you.ai sold for around $700,000 and more than 350,000 .ai domains are registered, double the prior year. Grit Brokerage notes prices for sought-after .ai names are rising quickly.](https://gritbrokerage.preview.multisites.ai/post/ai-domain-names) - [Domain Broker Fees and Commissions: What You Will Actually PayDomain brokers usually charge a commission on the sale price, often in the range of 10% to 30% depending on the model. Some add an upfront fee, such as GoDaddy's $99.99 for buyers. Escrow adds a separate fee. Each broker sets its own terms, so ask for them in writing.](https://gritbrokerage.preview.multisites.ai/guides/domain-broker-fees) - [Domain Lease-to-Own and Payment Plans: How They WorkDomain lease to own lets a buyer pay for a domain in monthly installments. The domain stays locked, held by the platform or an escrow service, until the last payment. The buyer can usually use it during the plan. After the final payment, ownership transfers. Terms differ by provider, so read the agreement.](https://gritbrokerage.preview.multisites.ai/guides/domain-lease-to-own) - [How Much Is My Domain Worth? Domain Valuation ExplainedA domain is worth what a specific buyer will pay for it. Start with comparable sales of similar names, then adjust for length, extension, keywords, and brand fit. Treat automated appraisals as rough guides. The same name can be worth far more to an end user than to an investor.](https://gritbrokerage.preview.multisites.ai/guides/domain-name-valuation) - [How to Negotiate a Domain Name Purchase Without OverpayingSet a walk-away price before you write. Open below your target, but not insultingly low. Use comparable sales as evidence, keep your identity and budget private, move up in small steps, and close through escrow. If the price passes your ceiling, walk away.](https://gritbrokerage.preview.multisites.ai/guides/negotiate-domain-purchase) ## Buying or selling a domain? Call, text or email. Responsiveness is our trademark, and a broker answers, not a form robot. [Talk to a broker](https://gritbrokerage.preview.multisites.ai/contact) [Call (442) 500-GRIT](tel:+1-442-500-4748)