Buy .io domains at the best price
Looking for .io domains? If .com is taken and you are building a tech product, .io is the most recognized alternative in the startup world. It is short, brandable, and your audience already trusts it.
Before you buy, compare prices. Right now the cheapest .io registration is $14.98 for the first year at Namesilo, renewals start at $38.95/year at Dynadot, and transfers start at $35.88 at Cloudflare. This guide breaks down .io domain costs, the cheapest registrars, and how to register — so you never overpay.
What is a .io domain?
The .io extension is technically the country code for the British Indian Ocean Territory, but the tech world adopted it as shorthand for input/output. It became the signature domain of startups, SaaS products, and developer tools — and Google treats it as a generic extension for ranking.
How much does a .io domain cost?
.IO pricing has three parts — and most buyers only look at the first. Here are the cheapest current prices Nomlen tracks across 24 registrars:
- Registration: $14.98 first year at Namesilo
- Renewal: $38.95/year at Dynadot
- Transfer: $35.88 at Cloudflare
- Best overall value: Cloudflare ($32.98 registration / $35.88 renewal)
See the full live .io price comparison — prices update regularly.
Cheapest .io registrars compared
The cheapest .io registration today is at Namesilo ($14.98) — but the first year is only the beginning. Over five years, the renewal price matters far more than the intro deal. A $14.98 first year with $38.95/year renewals costs more long-term than a slightly pricier start with cheap renewals.
For the lowest long-term cost, Dynadot currently has the cheapest .io renewals at $38.95/year. If you already own a .io domain elsewhere, moving it to Cloudflare costs $35.88 and usually adds a year to your registration.
How to register a .io domain
- Find an available name. Generate brandable .io names with Nomlen's AI — it checks availability as you go.
- Compare the full price. Check registration and renewal on the TLD price comparison before you commit.
- Register at the cheapest registrar for year one, then set a calendar reminder to review renewal pricing — or transfer to the cheapest renewal registrar before it renews.
- Verify ownership. Use Nomlen's WHOIS checker to confirm the domain is registered in your name.
.IO renewal and transfer tips
Renewal pricing is where registrars make their money. The cheapest .io renewal right now is $38.95/year at Dynadot — if your current registrar charges more, transfer out. .IO transfers start at $35.88 at Cloudflare; just unlock the domain and grab your authorization (EPP) code first. Transfers typically complete within a few days and add one year to your expiry.
.IO domain FAQs
How much does a .io domain cost?
New .io registrations start at $14.98 for the first year at Namesilo. Renewals start at $38.95/year. Prices change frequently — check the live price table for today's numbers.
Where is the cheapest place to buy a .io domain?
Right now it is Namesilo at $14.98 for new registrations. For the lowest cost over several years, weigh the renewal price too — Dynadot renews from $38.95/year.
What does .io stand for?
Officially it is the country code for the British Indian Ocean Territory. In practice, the tech industry reads it as input/output — which is why startups and developer tools adopted it.
Can I transfer my .io domain to a cheaper registrar?
Yes. .IO transfers start at $35.88 at Cloudflare. Unlock the domain at your current registrar, get the authorization code, and start the transfer — it usually completes in a few days and extends your registration by a year.
Is .io good for SEO?
Yes. Google treats .io as a generic extension for ranking. What matters is your content and backlinks, not the TLD.
What are good alternatives to .io?
If your ideal .io name is taken, consider .ai domains .com domains — or run your keywords through Nomlen's AI name generator to find an available brandable name.
Prices from Nomlen's TLD pricing data, checked September 2026. Always verify live prices before purchase. Ready to find your name? Generate .io domain ideas free.
