STARTUP DOMAIN REGISTRATION
Register Your .IO Domain Today
The startup world's favorite domain. 80% of top YC startups use .IO. Short, techy, and instantly recognizable in the developer ecosystem — from just $45/year.
.IO Domain Pricing
The startup and developer favorite
| Extension | Best For | Price | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| .io | The startup world's favorite domain — used by 80% of top YC startups | $45/yr | Register |
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Why Register Your .IO Domain with Hostao?
Startup Standard
80% of top Y Combinator startups choose .IO — it's the startup world's default domain.
Developer Cred
.IO resonates with developers and tech audiences — Input/Output is in the name.
Short & Memorable
Two characters make .IO domains shorter and more brandable than most alternatives.
Tech SEO Boost
Google treats .IO as a generic TLD, giving it the same SEO weight as .COM globally.
Investor Signal
VCs and investors recognize .IO as the domain of innovative tech companies.
Instant Credibility
A .IO domain immediately signals that you're a technology-focused company.
Frequently Asked Questions about .IO Domains
Why do startups love .IO domains?
.IO domains have become the de facto standard for technology startups for several reasons. First, the extension mirrors the programming concept of Input/Output (I/O), giving it an inherent tech connotation. Second, .IO domains are short and memorable — two letters means cleaner URLs and better brand recall. Third, adoption by Y Combinator alumni and Silicon Valley startups created a powerful social signal: a .IO domain says 'we are a serious tech company.'
Is .IO a country code or a generic domain?
.IO is technically the country-code TLD for the British Indian Ocean Territory, but Google and other search engines treat it as a generic TLD (gTLD). This means your .IO domain receives full global SEO treatment with no geographic restrictions or penalties in international search results.
How does .IO compare to .COM for startups?
For tech startups, .IO is often preferred over .COM because it signals innovation and a developer-first culture. If your desired .COM is taken or expensive, a .IO domain is the most credible alternative in the startup ecosystem. Many well-funded companies keep their .IO domain even after achieving significant scale.
Why is .IO more expensive than .COM or .NET?
.IO domains are priced higher due to the British Indian Ocean Territory administration fees and the premium demand from the startup community. At $45/year, .IO remains one of the most cost-effective ways to establish a credible tech startup identity — far cheaper than acquiring a premium .COM on the aftermarket.
Can I transfer my existing .IO domain to Hostao?
Yes. Hostao supports full .IO domain transfers. Unlock your domain at your current registrar, obtain the EPP authorization code, and submit the transfer request through your Hostao account. The process is smooth and your website remains live throughout the transfer period.
What is the renewal price for .IO domains?
.IO domains renew at $45/year through Hostao — the same as the registration price. We send renewal reminders ahead of time and offer auto-renewal to ensure your domain never expires. Given the brand equity that builds around a .IO domain, protecting your renewal is important.