Anyone can buy a .com domain. There are no restrictions in place.

You can register a .com domain for an initial period of 1-10 years. After this period has passed, you can always renew the domain. Keep in mind that registering a domain for multiple years at once often ends up being cheaper than paying and renewing on a yearly basis!

Simply use the domain search bar at the top of this page and enter the name of your choice. A new window will open, and you will immediately see if the name you want is still free. If the name of your choice is not available, our system will automatically show you some options that are still free instead.

Yes, this is possible for this extension. You can enable this option when you purchase a domain through the Openprovider control panel.

You can easily renew your domain through the Openprovider control panel. You will receive multiple reminders by email when your domain is due to be renewed. Another option is to turn on the auto-renew feature in the control panel, which ensures that your domain is automatically renewed as long as you have sufficient balance on your account.

.com domain names should be between 3-63 characters in length. They may contain letters (a-z), numbers (0-9) and hyphens. Internationalized domain names are supported for over 100 different languages. A full overview of these languages is available here.

Your .com domain will be renewed automatically if you have the auto-renew feature turned on and if you have enough balance in your account. If your domain is expired, you have five days to restore your domain for free before it is deleted. If you want to reactivate your .com domain after these five days have passed, you will need to contact our support team.

In the early days of the internet, the .com domain was created in January 1985 as one of the original top-level domains (TLDs). Initially, .com was intended for commercial entities, setting it apart from other TLDs like .org for non-profits and .edu for educational institutions. During this period, the internet was a novel concept, mostly utilized by academics and researchers. However, as businesses began to recognize the potential of an online presence, .com domains quickly became synonymous with commercial ventures. The simplicity and memorability of .com addresses helped them gain traction, making them the preferred choice for businesses looking to establish a professional and trustworthy online identity. This early adoption set the stage for the .com domain’s enduring popularity and dominance in the digital landscape, where the .com domain extension stands as a symbol of credibility and widespread usage.

As the internet evolved, so did the role of .com domains. In the 1990s, the rise of dot-com companies marked a significant turning point. Businesses across various industries rushed to secure .com addresses, seeing them as valuable digital real estate. This rush led to the dot-com bubble, a period marked by rapid investment and speculation in internet-based companies. After the bubble burst, the internet continued to grow more sophisticated, and .com domains remained a staple for businesses. Companies realized the importance of not just having an online presence, but also ensuring their domain name was easy to remember and type. As search engines became more advanced, .com domains often ranked higher in search results, further solidifying their value. Today, .com domains are more than just a digital address; they are a symbol of legitimacy and professionalism in the business world, with domains registered globally highlighting their widespread use and credibility.

The growth of .com domains is marked by several key milestones. In 1985, the first .com domain, symbolics.com, was registered, paving the way for many more to follow. By the mid-1990s, .com domains surged in popularity as businesses recognized the need for an online presence. In 1997, the one millionth .com domain was registered, showcasing the rapid adoption rate. Fast forward to 2010, and the number of registered .com domains had exceeded 80 million. This exponential growth reflected the increasing reliance on the internet for commerce, communication, and information. The introduction of automated domain registration services made it easier for businesses and individuals to secure their desired .com addresses. Today, there are over 150 million .com domains, a testament to their enduring appeal and trustworthiness. These milestones highlight the .com domain’s journey from a novel concept to an integral part of the digital economy.

- Global awareness: One of the key advantages of .com domains is their global recognition. Across the world, internet users are familiar with .com addresses, associating them with established and credible businesses. This universal awareness stems from the early dominance of .com domains during the internet’s formative years. As a result, a .com address can lend instant credibility to a business, regardless of its actual size or location. This widespread recognition also extends to consumer confidence. When users see a .com domain, they often perceive it as more trustworthy and reliable compared to other, less common TLDs. For businesses aiming to reach an international audience, a .com domain can be a significant asset, providing a sense of legitimacy that can help in building customer trust. With a variety of domain extensions available today, choosing the right one is crucial for standing out and being remembered in the digital space. This global awareness makes .com domains an ideal choice for businesses looking to establish a strong and credible online presence.
- Consumer perceptions: Consumer perceptions play a crucial role in the success of a business, and the choice of a domain name can significantly influence these perceptions. Studies have shown that consumers tend to trust .com domains more than other TLDs. This trust is rooted in familiarity; for decades, .com has been the standard for commercial websites. When consumers encounter a .com domain, they often associate it with established, reputable businesses. This perception is especially important in e-commerce, where trust is a key factor in purchasing decisions. A .com domain can help reduce hesitation and build confidence among potential customers, leading to higher conversion rates. Additionally, in cases where a business name is common, having a .com address can help distinguish it from less credible sources. Thus, securing a .com address for your desired domain name is crucial for branding purposes, as it helps build a trustworthy and professional online presence.
- Availability and versatility: One of the practical advantages of .com domains is their availability and versatility. Although many .com domains have been claimed, there are still countless combinations available, allowing businesses to find a suitable and memorable domain name. The versatility of .com domains is another benefit. They are not restricted to any specific industry or type of business, making them a universal option. Whether you run an e-commerce store, a consultancy, or a blog, a .com domain can suit your needs. Additionally, .com domains are highly adaptable to various marketing strategies, including offline advertising. Consumers instinctively recognize and trust .com addresses, making them an effective tool for brand reinforcement. For businesses looking to expand globally, a .com domain can easily be localized with subdomains or country-specific content, offering both flexibility and consistency in branding efforts.
- Investment value: Investing in a .com domain can offer substantial long-term value. As the most recognized and trusted top-level domain, a .com address often appreciates over time, making it a valuable digital asset. In the domain market, .com domains consistently fetch higher prices compared to other TLDs, reflecting their desirability and prestige. For businesses, owning a sought-after .com domain can enhance brand equity and increase market value. Furthermore, a .com domain can provide a competitive edge by preventing competitors from securing similar domain names. This exclusivity can protect your brand and ensure consistent traffic and customer loyalty. Additionally, a strong .com domain can attract potential buyers or investors, adding to the overall worth of your business. Therefore, the investment value of a .com domain extends beyond its initial cost, offering significant returns in terms of brand strength and market positioning.
- Professional image and credibility: A .com domain significantly enhances a business's professional image and credibility. In the eyes of consumers, a .com address often conveys a sense of legitimacy and reliability. This perception is crucial for new businesses trying to establish trust and for established companies looking to maintain their reputation. A professional image can influence customer decisions, leading to higher conversion rates and customer loyalty. For B2B interactions, having a .com domain can also make a positive impression on potential partners and clients, signaling that your business is reputable and serious. Moreover, emails associated with a .com domain tend to be perceived as more professional, which can improve communication and engagement with stakeholders. Overall, the credibility associated with .com domains provides businesses with a solid foundation to build their brand and foster trust, making it a practical choice for any business aiming to succeed online.

Many successful companies owe part of their brand recognition to their .com domains. Take Amazon, for example. Amazon.com has become a household name, synonymous with online shopping. The .com domain has played a key role in establishing Amazon’s global presence and trustworthiness. Another example is Google, which originally started as google.stanford.edu before securing google.com. The transition to a .com domain was pivotal in Google’s journey to becoming the world’s leading search engine. Similarly, Facebook transitioned from thefacebook.com to facebook.com, a move that aligned with its growth strategy and global reach. These case studies illustrate the power of .com domains in helping businesses build strong, recognizable brands. By choosing a .com domain, businesses can leverage the inherent trust and familiarity associated with this TLD to enhance their credibility and facilitate growth. Alternatively, businesses can consider a net domain for branding purposes, offering another viable option for domain registration.

Looking ahead, the future of .com domains appears promising despite the emergence of numerous new TLDs. The enduring trust and recognition of .com domains continue to make them the preferred choice for businesses worldwide. As the internet evolves, .com domains are expected to maintain their relevance due to their established credibility. One notable trend is the increasing value of premium .com domains, reflecting their status as prime digital real estate. Businesses are willing to invest more in securing these valuable assets, recognizing their impact on brand visibility and trust. Additionally, advancements in technology, such as voice search and AI, are likely to favor simpler, more recognizable domains like .com, making them easier for users to recall and access. Overall, while the digital landscape may change, the foundational benefits of .com domains suggest they will remain a cornerstone of online business strategies for years to come.

As for innovation relating to the .com domain, one important area we expect this to take place is the integration of .com domains with emerging technologies such as blockchain and decentralized web structures. This adaptation can enhance security and transparency, providing additional layers of trust for users. Another trend is the use of .com domains in conjunction with advanced marketing and SEO tools, allowing businesses to maximize their online presence more effectively. Personalization and AI-driven customer experiences can be seamlessly integrated into .com websites, providing tailored interactions that enhance user engagement. Additionally, .com domains are increasingly being used in innovative ways, such as integrating augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) experiences to offer immersive customer interactions. These innovations ensure that .com domains remain versatile and valuable assets in the ever-changing digital world.

Meanwhile, the long-term value of .com domains remains significant, largely due to their established history and ongoing trustworthiness. As digital assets, .com domains have shown consistent appreciation in value, making them a wise investment for businesses. The enduring preference for .com domains ensures their relevance, even as new TLDs enter the market. This long-term value is also reflected in the resale market, where premium .com domains often command high prices. For businesses, owning a .com domain provides a lasting competitive edge, as it conveys professionalism and credibility to customers and partners alike. Additionally, the long-term value of a .com domain can enhance a company's brand equity, making it more attractive to investors and potential buyers. As the internet continues to grow and evolve, the foundational benefits and trust associated with .com domains suggest they will remain valuable assets for businesses aiming for lasting success.