Overview
Introduction
Domain extensions have multiplied well beyond .com since ICANN opened up new generic TLDs in 2012, and it's easy to lose track of which are restricted, which are country codes wearing a generic hat, and which are wide open.
This tool is a searchable reference covering the TLDs that actually come up in day-to-day domain decisions, tagged by type so you know what you're looking at.
What Is TLD List & Reference?
A filterable table of common TLDs across four categories: original generic TLDs, sponsored TLDs, country-code TLDs, and the post-2012 new generic TLDs.
It's part of this site's DNS & Domain Tools collection and is a static reference; it doesn't check registration or availability for any specific domain.
How TLD List & Reference Works
Each entry pairs a TLD with its type classification and a short description of its intended use or origin.
Typing in the search box filters by TLD or description text, and the type buttons narrow the list to just one category.
When To Use TLD List & Reference
Use it while brainstorming domain names to understand what a given extension actually signals before committing to it.
It's also useful for quickly checking whether an unfamiliar extension you've seen is a country code, a sponsored TLD, or open to anyone.
Often used alongside Domain Suggestion Generator.
Features
Advantages
- Groups TLDs by type so you can compare options within a category rather than scrolling an alphabetical dump.
- Notes when a ccTLD is more commonly used as a generic-sounding brand extension, which isn't obvious from the letters alone.
Limitations
- Covers a curated subset of common TLDs, not the full 1,500+ entry IANA root zone.
- Descriptions are general context, not registration policy; always check the specific registry's current rules before registering.
Examples
Best Practices & Notes
Best Practices
- Double check a specific registry's current eligibility rules before assuming a sponsored TLD like .edu is out of reach; some categories have narrower requirements than others.
- Remember that a ccTLD marketed as generic (like .io or .co) is still ultimately subject to its country's registry policy, which has occasionally changed pricing or rules with little notice.
Developer Notes
The dataset intentionally classifies by primary real-world usage rather than strict ISO/IANA taxonomy alone, ccTLDs like .io and .co are tagged 'new-generic' since that's how the vast majority of registrants actually use them, with the ccTLD origin noted in the description instead.
TLD List & Reference Use Cases
- Understanding what a given TLD signals before choosing it for a new project
- Checking whether an unfamiliar extension is a country code, sponsored, or open registration
- Browsing new generic TLD options by category while brainstorming a domain name
Common Mistakes
- Assuming every short, catchy TLD is a new generic TLD, when several (like .io, .co, .me, .tv) are technically country codes.
- Treating this list as exhaustive when scouting a truly obscure or newly delegated TLD.
Tips
- Pair this with the Domain Suggestion Generator to pick a TLD before generating name ideas across it.