Is .xyz a good domain?

Yes, a .xyz domain can be a great option, depending on your goals. The extension is globally recognized and unrestricted, so any industry can use it. Compared with .com, competition for new registrations is low, which lowers cost and shortens the search.

That said, .xyz isn’t as well-known as .com, so it might not feel as familiar to some people. However, that’s changing, and a growing number of brands are choosing .xyz for their website.

In this article, we’ll examine the pros and cons of the .xyz domain, including where it might fall short. We’ll also review its impact on SEO, brand perception, security, and resale value so you can decide if .xyz is the right fit for your website.

What is the .xyz domain?

A .xyz domain is a generic top-level domain (gTLD) that works for any kind of website. ICANN launched it in 2014 to give people more options beyond .com.

This extension is designed to be universal and open to anyone, including individuals, startups, nonprofits, or even global brands such as Alphabet and Gennius XYZ.

Here’s why domain names with the .xyz extension caught on:

• Alphabet’s legacy: Google’s parent company used abc.xyz in 2015, which showed that .xyz was serious enough for big tech.
  
• More availability: With so many .com names taken, .xyz still offers short domain options.
  
• Modern appeal: It’s a popular option for newer generations for Web3 projects, Gen Z creators, and tech-forward brands. It also helps make quite memorable domain names.
  
• Rising value: Premium .xyz domain extensions are starting to rise in resale value, making them attractive options for investors.

Pros and cons of using a .xyz domain

In August 2024, .xyz also became the most popular non‑legacy extension. According to nTLDStats, it accounts for 10.5% of non‑legacy gTLD registrations. That kind of adoption suggests that individuals, startups, and even established businesses rely on it.

As DomainTools shows, over 4.2 million websites are currently registered with a .xyz domain. This means it makes up 16.71% of all gTLDs, which puts it ahead of other rising alternatives like .online and .site.

It’s apparent that there’s a positive shift, but is .xyz a good domain for your business? And what should you consider before registering?

Below, we break down the most significant advantages and drawbacks so you can weigh them against your goals and budget.

Advantages of using a .xyz domain

The .xyz extension is a reliable option for startups, solo founders, creatives, and even enterprise-level business websites. Here are its top advantages over legacy endings like .com or .net:

1. High availability and memorable names

A memorable name is necessary when building a personal blog or brand, launching a product, or starting a side project. If your ideal .com has already been taken, an xyz domain name might still be available.

At Hostinger, we’ve helped users register thousands of domain names, including the .xyz extension. It also lets you check your domain name availability by simply typing it in.

2. Cheaper than legacy domains

Most .xyz domains are cheaper to register and renew than extensions like .com or .net. The price difference can be an important factor for site owners on a tight budget.

You can buy and sell .xyz domains, but the resale value really depends on the name. For example, a short domain with a keyword like crypto.xyz will be worth more than something like jennyskitchencorner.xyz.

It’s a good idea to check your renewal costs and parking fees beforehand. They can add up if you’re planning domain flipping, which is basically holding the domain while waiting for the right buyer.

3. Branding flexibility and creative freedom

An .xyz extension can stand for anything, which makes it neutral and open-ended. The name you choose is not tied to any industry, country, or niche as opposed to extensions like .studio, .ie, .fashion.

That makes it an attractive option for startups, artists, developers, and anyone who wants a bold identity and strong brand recognition.

4. High-profile usage and social proof

Alphabet’s launch of abc.xyz put the extension in the spotlight, and other brands soon followed suit. Block Inc. uses block.xyz, Paradigm.xyz funds major Web3 projects, and Mirror.xyz powers thousands of NFT publications.

Each of these high-profile domains shows that .xyz is a long-term choice for many major brands and is here to stay.

5. Future-proofing for modern audiences

A .xyz domain can be a good fit if you’re part of Gen Z, creating in the Web3 space, or just looking to reach those communities, as it helps create a tech savvy image. This extension has become synonymous with an inclusive online identity that aligns well with how these groups interact with the web.

Disadvantages of using a .xyz domain

The .xyz does have its downsides. Here are a few things to consider and how to address them:

1. Trust and perception issues

Because .xyz is less familiar than traditional extensions like .com, some users and spam filters may initially treat it with caution. We explore this further in the next section.

Web hosting providers like Hostinger offer easy-to-set-up key security features like free SSL certificates and DMARC setup. These security markers help signal to visitors and inbox providers that your site is safe and well-configured.

2. Less recognition than traditional extensions

Many people reflexively type “.com,” so a .xyz address can lose direct-type or word-of-mouth traffic. However, this doesn’t happen if the extension is clearly reinforced in your branding.

Take abc.xyz, for example. Can you spot the memorable symmetry in this domain name?

3. SEO is neutral, but user perception affects clicks

Google treats .xyz like any other top-level domain, so using it won’t hurt your search rankings. From an algorithmic perspective, it’s on equal footing with .com, .net, and others.

Google’s own John Mueller confirmed this in the Ask Googlebot video series, saying:

“The newer top-level domains (TLDs) are equivalent to other generic top-level domains like .com when it comes to SEO. Pick something you like, there are lots of options out there now.”

The real difference comes down to how people perceive your site. Users are less familiar with the extension, and some associate it with spam websites, so they may be less likely to click.

Spammy content, keyword stuffing, shady backlinks, or security issues will hurt your visibility regardless of what TLD you use. The key is following SEO best practices to reach the top of search pages.

4. Limited availability of short .xyz domains

According to the Global Domain Report, as of early 2025, about 75% of three-letter names and most common English words are already taken. There’s still more room to find good options than with .com.

However, premium names are getting harder to come by, and domain resale prices are going up. If you’re thinking about a .xyz domain, it’s a good idea to move sooner rather than later.

Is .xyz trusted by users?

A .xyz domain works seamlessly across the web. It delivers the same level of security, compatibility, and search performance as .com or .net. Major browsers, SSL providers, and search engines treat it as a standard, trusted option.

Unfortunately, perceived trust can still lag behind. While the tech side checks out, how users feel about .xyz can change based on their background and expectations.

In online forums, developers and indie creators often appreciate the flexible aspects of .xyz. On the other hand, IT professionals and some small business owners point out that corporate spam filters may still treat it with caution.

Low registration costs once made this extension a target for spammers. That’s why new .xyz domains may face lower email deliverability until proper authentication records (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) are in place.

Many users admit to being conditioned over decades to automatically type “.com” when entering domain names. This can lead to minor traffic leaks unless you reinforce your domain when marketing your brand.

A well-designed site, a visible SSL padlock, user-generated reviews, and clear contact info usually go a long way in creating a trustworthy .xyz business website.

Here are some practical tips for building trust with a .xyz domain:

• “Warm up” your email – Gradually increase your email sending volume over time (known as “warming up”)  and set up proper authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) to improve deliverability and reputation with inbox providers.
  
• Know your audience – Web3 users and tech-savvy communities are generally fine with .xyz. For broader or non-technical audiences, you may need to offer extra clarity about its credibility and how it compares to more familiar domains like .com.
  
• Choose a solid registrar – Choose a domain and web hosting provider that includes key trust features like WHOIS privacy, DNS management, and free SSL. For example, Hostinger includes all of this plus a free domain for your first year.

.xyz vs other new domain extensions

There are nearly 1,600 domain extensions available today. Choosing the right domain name is important since it can make or break how your brand is perceived online.

Here’s a side-by-side comparison of some of the popular new generic top-level domains (gTLDs):

Feature	.xyz	.tech	.io	.app
Popularity	Most popular new gTLD	Popular in tech/startup niche	Widely used in tech and SaaS	Gaining traction in mobile/web dev
Cost	Very affordable	Mid-to-high cost	Often premium-priced	Moderate cost, Google-backed
Use cases	Broad, open-ended (any industry)	Tech, hardware, developer tools	Startups, SaaS, APIs	Apps, software, consumer tech
Availability	High – many names still open	Medium – many names taken	Low – high demand limits options	Medium – curated by Google
Security	Standard	Standard	Standard	HTTPS is required by default
Recognition	Growing, but not mainstream	Niche but credible in tech circles	Strong in tech/startup scenes	Solid in developer communities
Email deliverability	Sometimes flagged by spam filters	Generally safe	Generally safe	Safe, backed by Google policies

When is .xyz a better choice?

A .xyz domain is a good choice if you want a short and impactful name that’s still available outside of .com. It’s especially great for side projects, startups, or creative work.

It also connects well with Gen Z and Web3 audiences who are used to newer domain styles, as well as tech companies. Besides, it’s one of the more affordable options, which helps if you’re on a tight budget.

When might another domain extension be better?

Another extension might be a better fit if you’re in a specific industry. For instance, .app for apps or .tech for developer tools, and anywhere the domain matches what you do.

If first impressions really matter in what you do, keep in mind that some people still see .xyz as less trustworthy. In that case, a more familiar or industry-specific domain might feel stronger.

Also, if email communications and outreach are a big part of your business, .xyz can be a bit tricky. Some inbox providers still treat it more aggressively, which could affect deliverability compared to domains like .app or .io.

Conclusion: Should you choose a .xyz domain?

Go with .xyz if you’re building something modern and don’t mind standing out. A strong visual identity and clear messaging can help address biases visitors might have.

A .xyz domain is definitely a simple way to get a digital address without breaking the budget. Just make sure to check for hidden costs, especially around privacy protection and renewal fees.

With Hostinger, you get the full package, including free WHOIS privacy, 24/7 support, and an easy setup process when you register your .xyz domain.

Is .xyz a good domain? FAQ

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