Register .app Domain — Price Comparison 2026
The .app TLD is Google's premium domain for mobile applications and web apps. It's HTTPS-only by design, which makes it uniquely secure. Compare all registrar prices here.
| Registrar | Registration | Renewal | Transfer | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
$4.98 $10.55 SPSR86 | $14.69 |
$14.69 | Get Deal | |
|
$4.99 | $13.99 |
$13.99 | Get Deal | |
|
$11.99 | $14.89 |
$14.89 | Get Deal | |
|
$12.18 | $12.18 |
$12.18 | Get Deal |
What is a .app domain?
.app is a generic top-level domain operated by Google Registry. It was specifically designed for application developers — both mobile and web — and launched in May 2018 after Google's successful ICANN auction bid.
One thing makes .app technically unique: it's on the HSTS preload list, meaning browsers require HTTPS connections automatically. There's no way around it — a .app domain without a valid SSL certificate simply won't load.
Why the forced HTTPS is a good thing
Every .app site is encrypted by default. You don't need to remember to enable HTTPS or redirect HTTP traffic — the browser handles it at the protocol level. This means:
- No accidental exposure of sensitive data over plain HTTP
- No "Not Secure" browser warnings scaring users away
- A small SEO signal (Google uses HTTPS as a ranking factor)
For any serious web application, you'd be running HTTPS anyway. .app just enforces what you should be doing regardless.
.app vs .io vs .dev
| Extension | Best for | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| .app | End-user apps and products | ~$15–20/yr |
| .io | Tech startups (broad) | ~$35–55/yr |
| .dev | Developer tools and docs | ~$12–18/yr |
.app sits in a sweet spot — more focused than .io, cheaper than either, and directly descriptive of what you're building.
Pricing tips for .app
- Google-owned TLDs tend to have consistent pricing with fewer steep promotional deals
- Cloudflare and Porkbun regularly offer competitive .app registration pricing
- HTTPS isn't just required — it's free via Let's Encrypt, so factor that in positively
Compare all current registrar prices in the table above.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Yes — .app is on the HSTS preload list, which means browsers enforce HTTPS connections automatically. You cannot serve a .app domain over plain HTTP. This is a feature, not a bug: it means every .app site is encrypted by default, which users and search engines value.
- Google owns the .app TLD, which it acquired at ICANN auction for $25 million in 2015. It launched publicly in May 2018. Google operates the registry through its Google Registry division.
- .app is an excellent choice if you're building a web app, mobile app, or SaaS product. The name is self-explanatory, the HTTPS requirement is genuinely useful for security, and it's become recognisable in the developer community. Prices are reasonable compared to .io or .ai.
- Both are Google-owned, HTTPS-required TLDs. .dev is aimed at developers and developer tools, while .app is focused on end-user applications and products. Use .dev if your site serves developers; use .app if your site is an app that end users interact with.