.app

.app Domain Guide

Application

Another Google-operated gTLD designed for mobile and web applications. Like .dev, it requires HTTPS for all connections, making it secure by default.

Price

$14-20/year

Trust Level

High

Popularity

Growing

Type

gTLD

History

Google launched .app in 2018 as part of its new gTLD portfolio. It was the first TLD to require HTTPS for all websites, setting a new security standard. The extension quickly attracted app developers, from indie creators to major companies like Square (cash.app). Its clear association with applications and Google's backing have made it a popular choice for mobile and web app businesses.

Best For

Mobile apps

Web applications

SaaS products

App landing pages

Who Should Use .app

Mobile app developers
Web application companies
SaaS businesses
App landing pages and marketing sites
Indie app developers

Who Should Avoid .app

Non-app businesses
Sites unable to implement HTTPS
Traditional service businesses
Companies where 'app' doesn't fit the brand

Pros

Perfect for app businesses
HTTPS required (built-in security)
Clean, modern feel
Good availability

Cons

HTTPS requirement adds complexity
May not suit non-app businesses
Some premium pricing for desirable names

Technical Details

Registry	Google Registry
Restrictions	HTTPS required (HSTS preloaded)
Length	1-63 characters
IDN Support	Yes
DNSSEC	Supported
Privacy Protection	Available

SEO Impact

Neutral with HTTPS benefit. No special treatment from Google, but secure by default aligns with ranking preferences.

Registration Tips

Plan for HTTPS before launching

Many app store landing page builders support .app

Consider if your app name works well with .app suffix

Check App Store and Play Store for name conflicts

Complete Guide

The Complete Guide to .app Domains

The .app TLD is the natural choice for application businesses. With mandatory HTTPS and clear association with apps, it provides perfect branding for mobile and web applications.

Why .app for Applications

The Perfect Fit: Your domain tells users what you do:

brandname.app = your brand's app
No explanation needed
Works for mobile and web apps

Trust Signal: .app domains are secure by default:

HTTPS enforced at registry level
Users can trust .app sites
Professional and modern feel

.app Domain Strategy

For Mobile Apps: .app works as your app's web presence:

App Store/Play Store link page
Marketing and feature highlights
Support and documentation
Press kit and media resources

For Web Applications: Many SaaS companies use .app:

Primary application domain
User-facing product URL
API endpoints (api.yourapp.app)

The HTTPS Requirement

What You Need:

Valid SSL certificate
HTTPS-only hosting
Proper certificate renewal

Easy Implementation: Modern platforms handle this automatically:

Vercel, Netlify, GitHub Pages
Most cloud hosting providers
App landing page builders

Branding on .app

Naming Considerations:

Keep names short and memorable
Ensure it works with ".app" suffix
Check app store naming conflicts
Consider verbal marketing ("download dot app")

Brand Examples: Top .app domains show good naming:

cash.app - Simple, clear, actionable
linear.app - Product name, clean
notion.app - Brand consistency

.app vs Alternatives

vs .com:

.app signals application focus
.com has broader recognition
Use .app for app-specific marketing

vs .io:

.app is more specific (applications)
.io is broader (tech startups)
.app has mandatory HTTPS

vs custom TLDs:

.app is more recognized than most new TLDs
Established trust in app ecosystem
Google's backing adds credibility

Technical Implementation

Standard Setup:

Register your .app domain
Choose hosting with automatic SSL
Configure DNS records
Deploy your app landing page

Advanced Uses:

Subdomains for different purposes
API documentation at docs.yourapp.app
Developer resources at dev.yourapp.app

Popular .app Domains

cash.appSquare's payment app

notion.appNotion's app domain

linear.appProject management tool

height.appProject management tool

craft.appDocument creation app

around.appVideo calling app

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use .app for something other than an application?

Yes, there are no restrictions. However, using .app for non-app content wastes the branding value and may confuse users who expect to find an application.

Is .app better than .com for apps?

For app-focused businesses, .app provides clearer branding. For broader business purposes or mainstream consumer recognition, .com still has wider trust.

How difficult is the HTTPS requirement?

Not difficult at all with modern hosting. Platforms like Vercel, Netlify, and most web hosts provide free automatic SSL certificates. It's essentially seamless.