* .com (Commercial): Originally intended for commercial organizations, .com quickly became the most popular TLD. It is now used by a vast majority of websites, regardless of their purpose. This makes it a general-purpose domain suitable for businesses, personal websites, blogs, and more.
* .net (Network): Designed for organizations and services related to networking. It's often used by internet service providers (ISPs), network infrastructure companies, and technology-focused businesses. However, like .com, it has become more broadly used over time and can be found on websites of various types.
While they both fall under the umbrella of general TLDs, they are not always interchangeable. The best choice for you depends on the nature of your website and its target audience.
Here's a quick comparison:
| Feature | .com | .net |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Commercial | Network |
| Popularity | Most popular TLD | Widely used, but less popular than .com |
| Typical Use | Businesses, personal websites, blogs, etc. | ISPs, network infrastructure companies, technology-focused businesses |
| Best for | General-purpose websites | Websites related to networks, technology, or services |
Ultimately, the best TLD for your website depends on your specific needs and preferences.