Top Level Domain: The Full List & Key Insights for 2025

What Does “Top Level Domain” Mean?

A top-level domain (TLD) is the last part of a domain name, which is the short extension that appears at the end of a web browser, like .com, .org, or .net. It sits at the highest level of the hierarchical Domain Name System (DNS), which translates human-friendly website names into numerical IP addresses that computers use to communicate.

Above the TLD is the root domain, the central starting point of the Internet’s naming structure. It doesn’t store websites but acts like a directory that tells the DNS where to find the right TLD. From there, it routes the query to the exact domain.

The TLD is delegated from the DNS root zone, which is managed by the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA). That means IANA maintains the official list of TLDs that are live and valid. Your choice of TLD influences how others perceive your site — whether local, professional, niche-oriented, or global.

Categories & Types of TLDs

All TLDs fall into categories based on purpose, restrictions, or scope. Here are the main types you should know:

Generic TLDs (gTLDs)

These are extensions not tied to any country. Anyone can register (unless there are restrictions). Examples: .com, .net, .org, .info.

New Generic TLDs (ngTLDs)

These are newer generic extensions launched through ICANN expansion. You see ones like .blog, .shop, .app, .design. They give you more naming flexibility.

Sponsored TLDs (sTLDs)

These are managed by specific communities or organizations with eligibility rules. Examples: .gov (U.S. government), .edu (accredited institutions), .aero (aviation sector).

Country Code TLDs (ccTLDs)

Every nation or territory has its own two-letter TLD, known as a country code TLD (ccTLD). These extensions often signal localization and build regional trust.

Some common examples include:

• .us – United States
• .de – Germany
• .jp – Japan
• .jo – Jordan

Some ccTLDs are also used more broadly outside their original country. For example, .tv (Tuvalu) has become popular for video platforms and media brands.

Infrastructure and special-use TLDs

These TLDs are reserved for technical functions, not public registration. The best-known example is .arpa, which supports reverse DNS lookups that help route traffic on the Internet.

Others, like .example, .test, and .localhost, are set aside by IETF and ICANN for testing or technical stability. They make sure the DNS works smoothly behind the scenes without interfering with regular domain use.

Generic-Restricted TLDs (grTLDs)

Some generic TLDs impose restrictions; for example, .pro may require proof of professional credentials, or .name is intended for personal naming.

How Many TLDs Are There in 2025?

The number of top-level domains continues to grow steadily, but most domain registrations remain concentrated in just a few familiar extensions.

• As of June 2024, there were 1,447 delegated TLDs (including both ASCII and IDN) in the root zone, according to the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) IDN Annual Report
• In the first quarter of 2025, there were 368.4 million domain name registrations across all TLDs
• Among these, .com and .net together accounted for 169.8 million registrations.
• Country-code TLDs (ccTLDs) held about 142.9 million registrations during the same period

This shows that while there are over a thousand TLDs in existence, most registrations are concentrated in a small group of high-volume extensions.

Most Popular TLDs by Registration Volume

Which TLDs dominate the market? Here’s what the data shows:

• As of March 2025, the top 10 TLDs by number of domain names were: .com, .cn, .de, .net, .org, .uk, .ru, .nl, .br, .au
• Among generic TLDs, the top ones in Q1 2025 were: .com, .net, .org, .xyz, .info, .shop, .top, .online, .store, .site

Here are a few notable trends:

• .com remains far ahead, often exceeding 150 million registrations alone
• New gTLDs are growing; for example, .shop is among the top gTLDs in usage
• Country code domains maintain strength, especially for localized identity

These patterns highlight that while TLD diversity increases, a handful still dominate usage and recognition.

Top Domain Registrars in 2025

Because choosing a registrar goes hand in hand with picking a TLD, it helps to know which companies lead the market.

The top three registrars for .com domains are:

• GoDaddy
• Namecheap
• Newfold Digital

GoDaddy remains the largest registrar worldwide, managing tens of millions of domains. Namecheap stands out for its pricing and transparency, while Newfold Digital operates major brands like Bluehost and HostGator, making it a significant force in the industry.

When choosing a registrar, it’s smart to look beyond the price tag. Make sure the provider offers support for the TLDs you actually need, since not every registrar carries every extension. Compare pricing and renewal terms, as some registrars have low upfront costs but higher renewal rates.

A good registrar should also give you strong DNS tools and a simple domain management dashboard to make handling multiple domains easier. Security features like DNSSEC and two-factor authentication are a must for protecting your domain. Finally, check the registrar’s reputation and uptime record to avoid headaches down the line.

Tips for Choosing the Right TLD

• Choose a country code TLD (ccTLD) when your target audience is local or regional. It helps build trust and signals where your business operates
• Use a new gTLD for branding when .com isn’t available or doesn’t fit your niche. These can make your domain more memorable
• Avoid risky or confusing TLDs, especially those that look like file extensions (such as .zip), since they can be linked to phishing or abuse
• Make sure you meet the requirements before registering a sponsored TLD, as many of these have eligibility rules
• Always check renewal costs and long-term stability, since some niche TLDs can have higher renewal fees or may not be as reliable over time

Final Thoughts

Top-level domains do more than sit at the end of a web address. They shape how people perceive your brand, signal where your audience is, and can even influence visibility in search.
There are now more than a thousand active TLDs, but most websites still use a handful of familiar extensions like .com, .net, and popular country codes. Choosing the right one isn’t just a technical step — it’s a strategic decision.

Pick a TLD that fits your audience and goals, and pair it with a registrar that offers the right support, dependable tools, and a strong track record. A smart choice at this stage can make your online presence more trusted, recognizable, and future-proof. For a broader look at what’s available, explore our full reviews in the web hosting services category, use our comparison tool to view top choices side by side, and browse our educational articles for deeper insights into features and pricing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between a TLD and a domain name?
 A domain name includes both your chosen label (like yourbrand) and the TLD (like .com). The TLD is just the suffix.

Do all registrars support all TLDs?
 No. Some registrars don’t offer certain new or regional TLDs. Always verify before you commit.

Do TLDs affect SEO directly?
 Search engines treat most TLDs neutrally. What matters more is content quality, trust, and user engagement.

Can TLDs change over time?
 Yes, new TLDs are added via ICANN, and some may retire or change policies.

Where is the official TLD list?
 The definitive list lives in the IANA root zone database, updated frequently by IANA.