.net launched alongside .com in 1985 and for most of the internet's history was the obvious secondary choice when a .com was taken. At its peak, .net was recognized by virtually every internet user as a legitimate alternative. Those days are fading. The rise of .io (tech audiences), .ai (AI products), and .co (general alternative) has eroded .net's position. In 2026, .net is no longer the default second pick — but it retains legitimate use cases and remains a stable, Verisign-operated extension with zero governance risk.
Key Facts About .net
- Registry operator: Verisign
- Launched: 1985
- Total registrations: ~13 million
- Best for: ISPs, network infrastructure, technical services, defensive registrations
- Our scoring engine multiplier: 10% of the equivalent .com value
The long slow decline
.net registrations peaked around 15 million in 2017. By 2026 they're closer to 13 million and continuing to decline. This isn't collapse — it's gradual rebalancing as the broader TLD ecosystem diversifies.
Aftermarket sale prices have followed. While top .net sales have hit seven figures historically (Sex.net at $2M, Poker.net at $1M), current average sales are around $20,864 — substantially lower than comparable .com transactions. Our scoring engine values .net at 10% of the equivalent .com.
When .net still makes sense
- Defensive registrations for major brands (protecting against typosquatting)
- Network infrastructure companies where the original meaning still applies
- Projects where the .com is taken and .net is available at reg fee
- Portfolios of aftermarket domains where .net pricing is attractively discounted
When to skip .net
For new startup launches where you have flexibility in the name itself, there's usually a better option. A creative .com name or a .io/.ai/.co will typically outperform a .net for modern brand-building.
What's your .net domain worth?
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Appraise a Domain →Notable .net Sales
| Domain | Sale Price | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Sex.net | $2,000,000 | 2014 |
| Poker.net | $1,000,000 | 2012 |
| Liquor.net | $700,000 | 2007 |
| Cloud.net | $260,000 | 2015 |
| Blog.net | $250,000 | 2010 |
| Brand.net | $100,000 | 2014 |
Pros and Cons
Advantages
- Recognizable and trusted — legacy TLD status
- Operated by Verisign (same as .com) — high technical reliability
- Priced similarly to .com
- Original intent (network infrastructure) still fits ISPs, CDNs
- Available for many premium words that are taken in .com
- Valid defensive registration for major brands
Drawbacks
- Overtaken by .io and .ai as the tech-credible alternative
- Declining active registrations since 2022
- Aftermarket prices at 10% of .com equivalent or less
- Feels dated for new startup launches
- Users often still type .com by default when hearing a .net
Where to Register .net
Pricing varies significantly across registrars. The numbers below are typical current market rates — always check the registrar's site for current offers, especially renewal pricing.
| Registrar | First Year | Renewal | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spaceship Recommended | $11.98 | $13.98 | Register |
| GoDaddy | $14.99 | $22.99 | Register |
| Namecheap | $11.98 | $16.98 | Register |
| Dynadot | $11.99 | $11.99 | Register |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is .net still relevant in 2026?
Yes, but its role has narrowed. .net is best for defensive registrations, network-related businesses, and situations where you specifically want legacy-TLD credibility.
How much does a .net cost?
$11-$15/year, similar to .com pricing since both are operated by Verisign.
Should I choose .net over .io for a startup?
For tech startups specifically, .io still has stronger modern credibility. For general businesses, .net feels more traditional.
Why is .net declining?
New TLDs (.io, .ai, .co, .app) have taken market share for secondary use cases. Most demand that used to go to .net now goes to those alternatives.
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