About .best domain
.best is a brand gTLD operated by BestTLD Pty Ltd. It was delegated to the Root Zone in February 2014 as part of ICANN's New gTLD Program. The TLD was established to serve as a dedicated namespace for the registry operator's own use.
Who can register .best domain
Registration is restricted. The registry, BestTLD Pty Ltd., is the sole registrant. Domain names under .best are intended to be registered and used exclusively by the registry operator itself.
How to register .best domain
.best is a closed, brand TLD not issued through commercial registrars to the general public. The registry operator is the only entity eligible to register domains. Allocation is managed internally by BestTLD Pty Ltd. for its exclusive use, and there is no standard public registration or checkout process.
Typical uses of .best domain
As a brand TLD, .best is used exclusively by its registry operator, BestTLD Pty Ltd., to create a unified and authoritative online presence. The primary use case is to clearly distinguish the company's official websites, products, and communications from competitors. It serves as a single, trusted channel for information and services directly associated with the BestTLD brand.
Tips for registering .best domain
- The TLD is a closed registry, meaning domain registration is not available to external parties.
- There is no public registration, renewal, or transfer process for standard domain names.
- The registry manages all domains internally for its exclusive branding and operational purposes.
Frequently asked questions about .best domain
How much does it cost to register and renew a .best domain?
As of today, .best domains start from $1.64/yr on NameBeta, with prices ranging up to $160.95/yr across 29 registrars. See the registrar comparison table on this page for live prices.Which registrars support .best domains?
NameBeta tracks 29 registrars that support .best domain registration, with the cheapest option at $1.64/yr. Full list on this page.Who operates .best domain?
The registry for .best domains is BestTLD, administered by BestTLD Pty Ltd.
Who can register a .best domain?
Only the registry operator, BestTLD Pty Ltd., can register domains under .best. It is a closed, brand TLD, so there is no public registration process. External individuals or companies cannot purchase .best domain names through registrars.
Can I transfer a .best domain between registrars?
Domain transfers between registrars are not applicable, as the registry is the sole registrant. Any changes in ownership or management of the TLD itself, such as the sale of the BestTLD Pty Ltd. subsidiary, require ICANN approval for the transfer of the registry agreement.
Can I register a .best domain if I have a trademark?
No, trademark ownership does not grant registration rights for .best domains. Even during its historical Sunrise period, which was for trademark holders, the TLD ultimately transitioned to being a closed registry. The TLD is now exclusively for the registry operator's use.
What was the original launch plan for .best?
The registry initially planned a Sunrise period for trademark holders, followed by a Landrush phase. However, due to low engagement, the Landrush phase was canceled, and the TLD moved directly to General Availability. It was later established as a fully closed, brand TLD.
Who operates the .best TLD registry?
The registry operator is BestTLD Pty Ltd. In 2018, ICANN approved the sale of this subsidiary to a Paris-based company called The Best SAS. The registry maintains distribution agreements with registrars like GoDaddy for technical resolution, but not for public sales.
