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Which is better, .bi vs .com.

If you want attention online, then you need to stand out, and to stand out, you need a strategy.

That strategy means something that can identify you uniquely.

And, part of that something is a domain.

How is that so?

bi vs com

Well, your domain is like your digital storefront, and when walking in a street with several physical storefronts, there are those ones that you can’t miss and others that you never notice.

When you pick the wrong domain, no one ever notices your site, and that means missed customers or bloated costs.

This guide puts to test two domains, .bi vs .com, to see how they stack on each other, with a focus on what works best for US businesses. 

We’ll go through:

  • What .bi and .com domains are and who they’re for
  • Key differences in cost, availability, SEO, and branding
  • Which one is a smart pick for US entrepreneurs
  • How to register your .bi domain with Truehost in minutes

Let’s find the domain that makes your brand shine, without breaking the bank.

What is a .Bi Domain?

A .bi domain is the country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for Burundi.

As much as it’s for Burundi, it’s also open to anyone in the world, with no residency required

One good thing about .bi is that it’s relatively new, so it’s not as crowded, which means you have a greater chance to grab a sleek domain.

The .bi extension has been around since 1996 but only recently gained traction in the US. 

In the .bi vs .com debate, .bi stands out for its availability and unique branding potential, especially for industries like tech, biotech, or consulting. 

With Truehost, registering a .bi domain is straightforward, often costing less than a premium .com, and comes with perks like easy setup and reliable support.

What is a .Com Domain?

The .com domain is the king of the internet—or so it seems. 

bi vs com

Short for “commercial,” it’s the go-to generic top-level domain (gTLD) for businesses, blogs, and e-commerce sites worldwide. 

Think of global giants like Amazon.com or even local heroes like Mike’s Coffee Shop (mikescoffee.com).

The .com domain was introduced in 1985, and it’s synonymous with credibility and trust.

Unfortunately that popularity comes with a catch: it’s incredibly hard to find an available .com that matches your brand.

In the .bi vs .com comparison, .com’s universal recognition is its biggest strength, but it’s also its Achilles’ heel. 

With millions of .com domains registered, you might end up settling for a long, clunky name or paying thousands for a premium one. 

Truehost offers .com domains too, but the platform’s push for .bi reflects the growing need for affordable, memorable alternatives in the US market.

Main Differences Between .Bi and .Com Domains

Now, let’s look at .bi vs .com in detail to help you make an informed choice. 

Here’s how these domains stack up across key factors, with insights tailored for US businesses looking to stand out.

1) Availability and Registration

In the .bi vs .com showdown, availability is very critical. 

The .com space is like a packed Times Square—good luck finding a short, brandable name without adding random numbers or hyphens. 

For instance, a Mike’s Coffee Shop would have to settle for mikescoffeeseattle.com because mikescoffee.com was taken. 

Meanwhile, .bi domains are less crowded, letting you claim names like mike.bi or mycoffee.bi with ease. 

2) Cost and Pricing

Let’s now talk money talks.

Here, a .bi often wins for budget-conscious entrepreneurs. 

A .com domain can cost anywhere from $10-$50 annually for standard names, but premium ones (like business.com) can fetch millions. 

In contrast, .bi domains through Truehost typically start at $15-$30 per year, with renewals staying affordable. 

Here’s a quick breakdown:

DomainStarting Cost (Annual)Renewal CostPremium Names
.Com$10-$50$10-$50$1,000-$1M+
.Bi$15-$30$15-$30Rarely premium

For startups like Sarah Chen’s, .bi’s lower costs meant more budget for marketing. 

Check Truehost’s pricing page to lock in a deal.

3) SEO and Search Engine Impact

Google treats .bi and .com domains equally, as long as your site is optimized. 

Both are indexed based on content quality, backlinks, and user experience—not the extension itself. 

However, .bi’s uniqueness can help you rank for niche searches like “coffee in Burundi” or even “Burundi art” queries. 

A site can easily climb SERPs for certain keywords thanks to its memorable .bi domain. 

Truehost’s hosting packages also include SEO tools to boost your visibility, regardless of the domain.

4) Branding and Global Recognition

.Com screams “established business,” but that’s not always what you need. 

In the .bi vs .com branding battle, .com wins for universal trust—think Coca-Cola or Nike. 

But .bi offers a fresh, innovative edge, perfect for US startups in tech or creative fields, especially being able to mimic BI for business intelligence.

For instance, a San Francisco-based biotech firm, BioWave, could use biowave.bi to stand out in a sea of .coms. 

The .bi extension feels modern and aligns with trends like AI and data analytics, making it a smart pick for forward-thinking brands.

5) Use Cases and Restrictions

Both .bi and .com are versatile, but their ideal use cases differ. 

.Com is the default for e-commerce, blogs, or global brands, while .bi shines for specialized niches like tech, consulting, and personal brands or location-specific brands for Burundi. 

There are no major restrictions on .bi for US users—anyone can register one via Truehost. 

Compare that to .com, where you might need to negotiate with brokers for taken names. 

6) Security and Reliability

Both domains offer similar security features, like SSL certificates and WHOIS privacy, especially when registered through Truehost. 

The platform ensures your .bi or .com domain is protected with robust DNS management and optional hosting bundles. 

In the bi vs com lens, security isn’t a differentiator—it’s about choosing a registrar like Truehost that prioritizes uptime and support.

Pros and Cons: .Bi vs .Com

Here’s a snapshot of the .bi vs .com trade-offs to guide your decision:

.Bi Domains

  • Pros:
    • Affordable, with Truehost pricing starting at $15/year
    • High availability for short, brandable names
    • Perfect for US startups in tech, AI, or consulting 
    • Easy registration process via Truehost
  • Cons:
    • Less immediate recognition than .com
    • Niche appeal may not suit all industries

.Com Domains

bi vs com
  • Pros:
    • Universal trust and credibility
    • Strong resale value for premium names
  • Cons:
    • High competition for desirable names
    • Premium domains can cost thousands

In the .bi vs .com race, .bi’s value and uniqueness make it a compelling choice for US entrepreneurs like you.

Why Choose .Bi Domains for the US Market?

For US businesses, the .bi vs .com decision often boils down to value and opportunity. 

The .com market is saturated—finding a memorable name feels like winning the lottery. 

Now there is .bi: affordable, available, and packed with branding potential. 

And you get to choose a short, memorable name over a clunky .com alternative, saving thousands and aligning your domain with your mission. 

Truehost makes .bi a no-brainer for US users with 24/7 support, US-friendly payment options, and bundled hosting that’s optimized for speed. 

In a tough economy, .bi’s lower costs let you invest more in marketing or product development. 

Plus, its modern vibe resonates with tech-conscious customers, especially in niches like AI or business intelligence.

Ready to stand out? Register your .bi domain with Truehost and claim your digital edge.

How to Register a .Bi Domain with Truehost

Securing a .bi domain is as easy as ordering coffee. 

Here’s how to do it with Truehost:

  1. Search Availability: Visit Truehost.com, enter your desired .bi domain (e.g., yourbrand.bi), and check availability.
  2. Select and Customize: Add your domain to the cart, choosing add-ons like hosting or SSL if needed.
  3. Complete Payment: Use US-friendly options like credit cards or PayPal. Truehost’s pricing starts at $15/year for .bi.
  4. Set Up Your Site: Link your domain to Truehost’s hosting or your preferred platform in minutes.

Pro tip: Register for multiple years to lock in savings. Don’t wait—secure your .bi domain now at Truehost before someone else grabs it.

FAQs

1. Is a .bi domain better than .com for SEO?
No, Google treats .bi and .com equally for SEO. Success depends on your site’s content and optimization, but .bi can help you rank for niche keywords.

2. How much does a .bi domain cost with Truehost?
Pricing starts at $15-$30/year, depending on the name and add-ons. Check Truehost for exact rates.

3. Can anyone in the US register a .bi domain?
Yes, .bi has no residency restrictions, making it accessible to all US users via Truehost.

4. Why is .bi good for branding?
Its short, memorable nature and similarity to “business intelligence” make it ideal for tech and consulting brands.

5. What if my .bi domain is taken?
Try variations or check Truehost’s suggestions for similar names. Availability is higher than .com, so you’re likely to find a great fit.

Conclusion

By now, you should be able to choose between .bi vs .com domains easily. 

While .com offers unmatched recognition, .bi delivers affordability, availability, and a modern edge that’s perfect for US startups, small businesses, and creators. 

Currently, .bi domains are helping US entrepreneurs stand out without breaking the bank. 

With Truehost, you get a seamless registration process, reliable support, and a domain that screams innovation.

Make the smart choice today and build your brand with confidence.

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