What's The Difference Between com and in Extensions?

What's The Difference Between com and in Extensions?

5 mins read1 Comment
Anshuman
Anshuman Singh
Senior Executive - Content
Updated on Aug 1, 2024 14:51 IST

One of the main differences between com and in extensions is their target audience. While .com extensions are suitable for anyone looking to create a website, .in extensions are primarily intended for those based in or connected to India. 

Difference between com and in

Another difference is their domain registration requirements. To register a .com domain, you need to provide minimal information, such as your name, address, and contact details. But to register a .in domain, you need to provide additional information, such as proof of identity and address, which complicates the registration process. 

Table of Content (TOC)

Difference Between COM and IN 

To give you better clarity, let's explore the difference between these two domain extensions in a tabular format. 

Bechmark .com  .in 
Target Audience Global, suitable for anyone looking to create a website. Primarily intended for those based in or connected to India.
Registration Requirements Minimal information required (name, address, contact details). Additional information needed (proof of identity and address).
Primary Use Commercial use, but now widely used for various purposes including personal blogs, e-commerce sites, etc. For individuals, businesses, and organizations based in or connected to India.
SEO Impact Minimal direct impact, more important to have a domain that reflects brand and contains relevant keywords. Slight influence on search engine preferences for local searches, but content and backlinks are more crucial.
Technical Specifications Managed by Verisign, supports DNSSEC, SSL/TLS certificates, and two-factor authentication for added security. Same as .com, with robust infrastructure and security features including DNSSEC, SSL certs.
Geographic Restrictions No geographic restrictions, available for use worldwide. Generally available worldwide, but some third-level domains may have residency requirements.
Cost Implications Varies by registrar; GoDaddy offers starting at $2.99 for the first year. Varies; Hostinger lists the registration price at $6.99, with renewal and transfer at $9.99.
Intended Purpose Initially for businesses and profit entities, now widely popular across various sites. Specifically for connections to India, including informational or service-oriented sites catering to an Indian audience.
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What is a .com Domain Extension?

A .com extension is a top-level domain (TLD) for commercial use. It was initially intended for use by businesses and other for-profit entities. However, over time, it has become the most popular TLD and is now used by various websites, including personal blogs, e-commerce sites, and more. 

What is a .in Domian Extension?

A .in extension is India's country code top-level domain (ccTLD). It is intended for individuals, businesses, and organizations based in or connected to India. 

What are .com and .in Domain Extensions Used For?

The .com and .in domain extensions identify different types of websites. The .com extension is generally used by businesses and organizations that operate for profit. 

In contrast, the .in extension is used by individuals, businesses, and organizations based in India or affiliated with the country. It is also used by websites that provide information about India or cater to an Indian audience.

How do .com and .in Extensions Impact SEO?

The impact of domain extensions such as .com and .in on SEO is relatively minor. While there's a belief that country-specific extensions may slightly influence search engine preferences for local searches, it's more important to have a domain name that reflects your brand, is easy to remember, and contains relevant keywords from an SEO perspective.

The quality and relevance of your site's content and backlinks play a much more significant role in SEO outcomes. So, while choosing a domain extension, it's essential to prioritize branding and keyword relevance over the extension type.

What are the Technical Specifications of com and in Extensions? 

COM and IN extensions have certain technical specifications that govern their DNS, infrastructure, and security features. 

The Domain Name System (DNS) for both COM and IN extensions is managed by Verisign, a trusted global provider of domain name registry services. Both extensions have a robust infrastructure that ensures their availability and stability. 

Regarding security features, both extensions support DNSSEC (Domain Name System Security Extensions), providing an added security layer by digitally signing DNS records. This helps prevent DNS spoofing and other types of attacks. 

COM and IN extensions also support other security features, such as two-factor authentication, which adds an extra layer of security to domain name management. Additionally, both extensions support SSL/TLS certificates, which encrypt data sent between a user's browser and a website, protecting it from interception (man-in-the-middle attack) and tampering.

Are There Any Geographic Restrictions for Using .com and .in?

The .com extension is a generic top-level domain and has no geographic restrictions. Therefore, it can be used by anyone anywhere in the world. 

The .in extension is a country-code top-level domain for India. While it's generally available for registration by individuals and businesses worldwide, some specific third-level domains under the .IN domain, such as .co.in (for commercial entities) and .gov.in (for government institutions), may have residency requirements.

What are the Registration Requirements and Cost Implications for com and in?

The registration requirements and cost implications for .com and .in can vary depending on the country and state where you seek registration. Companies seeking registration are generally required to provide proof of ownership, tax identification numbers, and business licenses. Individuals may need to provide personal identification, tax identification numbers, and other relevant documentation. 

The registration type and jurisdiction play a significant role in cost implications. For instance, GoDaddy offers low initial registration costs for a ".com" domain, starting at $2.99 for the first year. Hostinger lists the registration price for a ".in" domain at $6.99, with a renewal and transfer price of $9.99. 

Must Read Article: 

Com vs. Net – How Are These Popular Domain Name Extensions Different?

FAQs

Can I transfer a .com domain to a .in domain, and vice versa?

Yes, domain transfers are possible between different extensions, including .com and .in. However, the process involves changing your domain's registrar and possibly updating your website's branding and SEO strategies to reflect the new domain.

How does the choice between .com and .in affect my website's credibility?

The credibility of a website is more influenced by its content, design, and user experience than its domain extension. However, a .com domain might be perceived as more internationally oriented, while a .in domain can enhance credibility among Indian audiences or topics related to India.

Are there any differences in the renewal process for .com vs. .in domains?

The renewal process for both .com and .in domains is generally similar and involves paying a renewal fee to your domain registrar before the domain's expiration date.

About the Author
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Anshuman Singh
Senior Executive - Content

Anshuman Singh is an accomplished content writer with over three years of experience specializing in cybersecurity, cloud computing, networking, and software testing. Known for his clear, concise, and informative wr... Read Full Bio

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