Did you know there are more than 1.1 billion websites in the world? And that over 43% of them use a .com domain?
While .com may be the most recognisable web address ending (known as a top-level domain, or TLD), it’s far from the only option. In fact, there are now more than 1,500 TLDs active worldwide.
In this article, we’re putting the spotlight on .net. We’ll cover where it came from, clear up a few common myths, see how it compares to .com, and help you decide which domain makes the most sense for your website.
What is a Top-Level Domain (TLD)?
A domain extension, or “Top-Level Domain” (TLD), is the last part of a website address — the part that comes after the final dot. For example, it’s the .co.uk in 123-reg.co.uk.
A TLD does more than help browsers find your site. It also says something about you. Some, like .co.uk or .fr, show where your business is based. Others, like .org or .ai, suggest what your site is about. Picking the right TLD helps your web address stand out and feel more personal. It can make your business look local, professional or creative.
At 123 Reg, you can choose from over 400 domain extensions to find one that fits your brand.
For more on domain extensions, read: What is a Top-Level Domain?
The story behind .net
.net is one of the internet’s original TLDs, launched on 1 January 1985 alongside .com, .org, .edu, .gov, and .mil. The name comes from “network” (as you may have guessed) and was first intended for organisations involved in networking tech, like internet service providers or other digital communications companies.
The first-ever .net domain was nordu.net, registered by NORDUnet, which connects research and education institutions across the Nordic countries. That site is actually still active today!
Over time, the use of the .net domain ending broadened. Today, it’s used by all kinds of organisations — from tech firms and startups to estate agents and creative agencies. More than 13 million websites now use .net, making it one of the six most popular TLDs globally.
How .com became the world’s favourite
.com was introduced on the same day as .net: 1 January 1985. Short for “commercial”, it was originally designed for businesses and commercial organisations.
The first .com ever registered was symbolics.com, owned by the Symbolics Computer Corporation. While the company no longer operates, the domain remains active — often cited as the starting point of the commercial internet.
Today, .com is still the most recognised domain extension worldwide, with over 150 million registrations on record, making it the largest TLD by far.
To learn more buying domains, check out: How to Buy a Domain Name
.net: Pros and cons
Why you might love a .net
The .net extension has real staying power. It’s been part of the internet since the early days and still feels like a solid, tech-friendly choice. It’s often linked with networks, hosting and online services, which makes it a natural fit for digital-first ideas — though it works just as well for plenty of other projects too.
Another big plus is availability. With around 13 million .net registrations compared to .com’s roughly 161 million, you’ve got a much better chance of landing the name you actually want. Those figures come from Verisign’s 2024 Domain Name Industry Brief.
Can people trust a .net domain?
Absolutely. .net has been around for nearly 40 years and sits comfortably alongside .com and .org as one of the most familiar domain extensions online.
In reality, trust usually comes down to what visitors see once they land — clear branding, a matching email address, and a site that looks looked-after, rather than the domain ending itself.
What to watch out for
The main catch is habit. Some people still type “.com” by default, especially if they’re guessing a web address. A common workaround is to register both versions and forward the .com to your .net — a simple way to catch those visits and keep things tidy.
.com: Pros and cons
Why .com is still the go-to
There’s a reason .com is everywhere. It’s short, familiar, and works for almost any kind of website. From small side projects to big international brands, a .com address usually feels like the obvious choice.
The tricky bit with .com
That popularity comes at a cost. With so many .com domains already taken, finding a short or catchy name can be tough. You may need to get creative — or look at alternatives like .co.uk — to find something that fits without compromise.
How to choose between .com and .net
You don’t always have to pick just one!
You don’t have to choose between .com and .net. Many website owners register both and point them to the same site using domain forwarding. This helps catch visitors who type the wrong ending, protects your brand from copycats and lookalike sites, and keeps all your traffic and emails going to one place.
The benefits of having multiple TLDs
Registering more than one domain is a practical way to protect your name and reduce confusion.
Why owning both .com and .net can help
Owning both extensions can help you:
✓ Protect your brand by stopping others from registering similar domain names.
✓ Avoid confusion if another organisation uses the same name with a different ending.
✓ Catch missed traffic from visitors who guess the wrong TLD.
What if your first choice is already taken?
No need to panic if your preferred .com or .net isn’t available. There are hundreds of newer and more niche TLDs that can suit your industry or style.
From industry-specific options like .tech or .agency, to more creative choices like .shop or .online, these can give you a short, easy-to-remember (and type!) web address that fits what you do.
Our Domain Names page is a good place to compare extensions and see what’s available.
See also: .com vs .co.uk – which one’s best for your British business?
Wrap up
While .com is still the most widely used domain, .net is a well-known, long-standing alternative with plenty of recognition. Both have their own strengths, and registering them together can help protect your name, avoid confusion, and catch visitors who type the wrong ending. For many website owners, securing both .com and .net is a simple, affordable way to cover all bases and keep everything pointing to one place.
Choose from 400+ domain extensions and find your perfect domain
FAQ
Is a .net domain only for tech companies?
No. While .net was originally intended for networking and technology organisations, it’s now used by all kinds of websites. From creative agencies to service-based businesses, there are no restrictions on who can register or use a .net domain.
Is .com better for SEO than .net?
Search engines don’t favour one generic TLD over another. A .net domain can rank just as well as a .com — what matters more is your content, site quality, and how well your website meets user needs.
Should I buy both .com and .net?
If your budget allows, owning both is a sensible option. It helps avoid confusion, protects your name, and means visitors will still find you even if they guess the wrong domain ending.
Can I change my domain from .net to .com later?
Yes. Many websites start with one domain and switch later. If you do, redirects can guide visitors — and search engines — from the old address to the new one.
Are .net domains cheaper than .com?
Pricing varies depending on availability and offers, but .net domains are often similar in price to .com. Bundle deals can sometimes make registering both more cost-effective.
How do I check if a .net domain is available?
You can search for available domain names using a domain checker. If your first choice isn’t available, it’s worth trying small variations or looking at alternative TLDs.
What is domain forwarding?
Domain forwarding is when one domain automatically redirects visitors to another. For example, typing yourcompany.net could send users to yourcompany.com.
It’s one of several tools available when managing your domains through providers like 123 Reg.
For more, check out: Make Every Domain Count: What is Domain Forwarding?
