Originally assigned as the country code top level domain (ccTLD) for the British Indian Ocean Territory, the .io extension has found an unexpected second life in the tech world. Developers and startups latched onto it in the early 2010s, drawn by its resemblance to “I/O” (input/output), a fundamental computing concept.
Today, .io is widely recognized as a TLD of choice for software companies, SaaS platforms, developer tools, and Web3 projects. Some of the most recognizable .io sites include Notion.io, Itch.io, and Hackr.io.
As of 2026, millions of .io domains are registered globally, and current registration data shows that it remains a coveted domain extension. Here’s a look at the data shaping the .io domain landscape in 2026.
How fast is the .io domain growing in 2026?
The growth numbers tell a clear story. According to the DNIB Quarterly Report Q1 2026, the .io extension recorded 1.2 million registrations in Q1 2026 alone. That represents:
- A 15% increase compared to Q1 2025
- A 31% increase compared to Q1 2023
Sustained growth over three years is notable in an increasingly competitive domain market. The demand is not a spike driven by a single trend. It indicates a structural shift in how startups and developers choose to present their brands online.
What are .io domains selling for on the aftermarket?
Premium .io domains are increasingly valuable assets. The aftermarket data from the past year highlights just how much buyers are willing to pay for the right .io domain name.
Notable .io aftermarket sales (2025–2026), according to namebio.com:
- mb.io: $220,000
- thunder.io: $179,995
- queen.io: $108,500
- velocity.io: $100,000
- sigma.io: $100,000
Short, memorable, and single-word .io domains are commanding serious prices. If you’re considering registering a .io domain for your brand, doing it sooner rather than later is worth thinking about. The best names go fast, and aftermarket prices reflect that scarcity.
How much does a .io domain cost in 2026?
New .io registrations can be more accessible than aftermarket prices suggest. Standard registration costs vary by registrar, but you can check current pricing directly on name.com’s .io domain page for up-to-date rates and availability. As of the publication of this blog, a .io domain can be registered for a promotional price of $53.99 a year.
How are .info domains being used in 2026
Looking at .io domain purchases in 2025-2026 across English-speaking geographies, the .io TLD continues to be favored by websites serving the tech and tech-adjacent industries, specifically in the following areas:
- Artificial Intelligence and machine learning
- Crypto, Web3 & next-gen finance
- Dev tools, infrastructure & CyberSec
- B2B SaaS
- Gaming, betting & digital entertainment
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