The public TLD Observatory

Explore the domain namespace as a living atlas

Navigate every delegated top-level domain through meaningful type and registry territories, inspect source-backed signals and compare several extensions side by side. No account or paywall required.

  • 1,446 public profiles
  • Authoritative provenance
  • Interactive comparison
A magnifying lens exploring extension categories across a connected digital globe.
1,446 profilesThe delegated namespace
6 source streamsProvenance stays attached
53 deep guidesHuman-written context
Open accessNo account required

Public Observatory

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Know what you are choosing

Generic TLD, country-code TLD or registration suffix?

The distinction matters when you compare policies, eligibility and registrar support. A complete domain can use more than one label to the left of the actual top-level domain.

.com

Generic extension

A top-level domain designed for broad or themed use rather than one country.

.uk

Country-code extension

A two-letter top-level domain associated with a country or territory.

.co.uk

Registration suffix

A structured ending beneath a TLD where registrants commonly obtain names.

Editorial extension guides

Move from data to naming judgement

These human-written profiles add brand fit, eligibility and ownership context to the factual Observatory. Search with or without the leading dot.

53 guides shown

A six-point fit check

Choose an ending that strengthens the complete name

A memorable pairing can create clarity and confidence. Slow down long enough to test how the name sounds, what the audience expects and what ownership looks like after the promotional year.

01

Brand fitDoes the full name feel intentional and easy to say?

02

AudienceWill visitors recognise or understand the ending?

03

GeographyDoes a local signal support the project or limit it?

04

EligibilityCan the intended owner satisfy registry requirements?

05

Ownership costAre renewal, transfer and restore costs comfortable?

06

HistoryIs the complete domain clean, relevant and legally safe?

Extension questions

Understand the namespace before choosing the name

The final registrar and registry remain the source for live price, policy and availability information.

What is a top-level domain or TLD?

A top-level domain is the final label in a domain name, such as com, org or uk. People often use “TLD” more loosely for a registration suffix such as co.uk, so this directory clearly distinguishes the two.

Is co.uk a TLD?

The TLD is uk. The co.uk ending is a second-level registration suffix within the .uk namespace. Registrants commonly buy names directly beneath co.uk, which is why it remains useful to search and compare as a complete suffix.

Does the extension affect the value of a domain?

It can influence recognition, audience fit, availability and buyer demand, but it is only one part of value. The words, memorability, history, comparable sales, restrictions and intended use all matter.

Are country-code domains only for local businesses?

Not always. Policies differ by registry: some have eligibility or local-presence rules, while others are used more broadly. Confirm the current requirements for the exact suffix before committing to a name.

Why do prices differ so much between extensions?

Registries set different wholesale structures and premium-name policies, while registrars add their own promotions, services and margins. Always compare registration, renewal, transfer and restore costs in the same currency.

Can DHG check every extension shown here?

Extension information and DHG availability-checking support are separate datasets. Use the current software and member documentation to confirm which suffixes are supported by a particular DHG workflow.

The right ending deserves the right opportunity

Discover domains across the extensions that fit your strategy

Use Domain Hunter Gatherer to move from a keyword or seed website to a well-researched shortlist of available and expiring names.