Best .ai Domain Registrars (2024)

The .ai domain is the country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for Anguilla, a British overseas territory in the Caribbean. However, it is also commonly used as an abbreviation for “artificial intelligence” because of its relevance in the tech industry.

The .ai domain is often sought after by companies and individuals involved in technology, artificial intelligence, and innovation. And so, it’s a valuable and distinctive domain extension.

Whether you’re blogging about artificial intelligence or running an AI-based startup, this guide to the best AI domain registrars suits you. You’ll discover the top registrars for .ai domains based on crucial criteria like pricing plans, support availability, domain tools, security measures, and additional value-added services.

My criteria for evaluating each platform involve reputation, domain management tools,  user interface, customer support, and pricing. Read on to learn more!

What Is the Best Registrar for .ai Domains?

Below are the top .ai domain registrar service providers that you can use.

1. Namecheap

Namecheap is a well-known domain registrar and web hosting company that has gained a strong reputation for its affordable pricing, user-friendly interface, and commitment to customer service. It offers a wide range of domain extensions, including .ai domains.

The company provides a straightforward domain search and registration process that enables you to quickly secure your desired domain name. Domain privacy protection is available as an add-on service to shield your personal information from public WHOIS databases.

Also, Namecheap offers various hosting solutions, including shared hosting, WordPress hosting, reseller hosting, VPS hosting, and dedicated servers. These hosting options cater to individuals, small businesses, and larger enterprises.

In addition to domain registration and hosting, Namecheap offers email hosting, website builder tools, domain transfers, and a marketplace for buying and selling domains.

Namecheap Pros and Cons

• ✅ Marketing tools such as a site maker and logo maker
• ✅ Responsive and helpful customer support with 24/7 live chat and ticket-based support
• ✅ Integration with various other site builders and productivity tools, including Weebly and Google Workspace
• ✅ WhoisGuard privacy protection, two-factor authentication, Fix Hacked Website, Cyber Insurance, and other security features to safeguard your websites and online activities
• ✅ FastVPN, Namecheap’s fast and affordable VPN for work and browsing
• ✅ More add-ons, including Premium DNS, Social Media Manager, and SiteLock Website Protect
• ❎ Poor domain negotiation agent service
• ❎ Some international domains can’t be purchased directly on the platform

Namecheap .ai Domain Pricing

The pricing for a .ai domain name on Namecheap is $79.98/year.

2. Hostinger

Hostinger is another well-established ICANN-accredited domain registrar and web hosting provider known for its affordable pricing and user-friendly interfaces. As one of the largest registrars globally, it has registered millions of domains across all TLDs.

As an established player since 2004, Hostinger has a strong track record for system uptime and domain resolution. SSL certificates are included free on all hosting plans to protect and encrypt your site’s data.

Another thing about this .ai domain registrar is that it provides an easy-to-use control panel. You get full domain management capabilities like DNS settings, WHOIS protection, and transfers.

Besides .ai domains, Hostinger offers other extensions, including .com, .net, and .org. All you need to do is head to the site and search for a domain name with the extension included.

Hostinger even has a system that suggests AI-generated domain name alternatives. These recommendations can either include other related domain names or simply a different extension.

Web hosting, reseller hosting, shared hosting and VPS plans are available alongside domain products and services. You even get a free domain on some annual hosting packages.

Hostinger Pros and Cons

• ✅ 100+ domain extensions
• ✅ Free SSL certificate
• ✅ AI website builder for creating a site automatically
• ✅ Free web hosting for 1 website
• ✅ Support is available 24/7 via live chat, email, and knowledge base articles. Response times tend to be quick for common issues.
• ❎ No phone support
• ❎ Missing features on its low-budget hosting plan (Single), such as WordPress Multisite and WordPress Staging Tool

Hostinger .ai Domain Pricing

Hostinger charges $79.99/year for a .ai domain.

3. GoDaddy

GoDaddy is the world’s largest domain name registrar, known for its massive domain portfolio and comprehensive suite of products and services. As a major player in the domain industry for over 20 years, GoDaddy has registered well over 80 million domains globally.

GoDaddy’s infrastructure is robust with global data centers and 24/7 monitoring ensuring high uptime rates. This platform offers an all-in-one dashboard that allows easy management of domains, hosting, emails, and more. Advanced DNS features are provided.

GoDaddy offers additional comprehensive offerings like shared hosting, VPS, dedicated servers, website builder, online stores, and more.

GoDaddy Pros and Cons

• ✅ 20 website builder templates for different types of sites, such as e-commerce, non-profit, and portfolio
• ✅ Auctions for domain names where you can bid
• ✅ Domain broker service to get a domain that’s not available
• ✅ Phone, chat, email, and community forums are available for support
• ❎ Customer support response times tend to be slower than competitors
• ❎ Higher renewal domain prices

GoDaddy .ai Domain Pricing

While not the most affordable, GoDaddy is a great choice for established businesses due to its reliability, wide range of products, and large customer base. The .ai domains cost £52/1st year and £109.99 starting the second year.

4. IONOS

IONOS (formerly 1&1) is one of the largest European web hosting companies with over 8 million customer websites hosted globally. IONOS  is well-suited for both individuals and businesses and has registered millions of domains since 1990 as an ICANN-accredited registrar.

IONOS provides an intuitive and user-friendly control panel for managing domains, hosting, and other related services. Advanced DNS management tools and features are available to give you full control over your domain settings.

IONOS has excellent multilingual support worldwide. The company also owns its infrastructure which consists of energy-efficient data centers.

IONOS Features

• ✅ AI features for designing your site
• ✅Modern and highly responsive templates
• ✅ Advanced developer features
• ✅ Email marketing tools that can create campaigns and analyze performances
• ✅ A multilingual support team to ensure that customers from diverse regions can receive assistance in their preferred language
• ❎ Limited SSL provider options
• ❎ Extra charges for features such as its email marketing tools

IONOS .ai Domain Pricing

.ai domains cost $77/1st year on IONOS.

5. OnlyDomains

OnlyDomains has been in the domain registration business for over a decade, and it offers a comprehensive suite of domain-related services. The company, founded in 2009, offers a wide range of domain extensions, including .ai.

One thing about OnlyDomains is that it offers easy registration for your domain name. What’s more, navigating your dashboard to manage your domains is a simple process.

OnlyDomains has WordPress hosting packages that you can choose from to ensure that your site is accessible and ready to serve your readers or customers. As if that’s not enough, the company also provides website builders and e-commerce solutions to cater to the diverse needs of its customer base.

OnlyDomains Pros and Cons

• ✅ Bulk domain search and registration
• ✅ Drag and drop website builder with e-commerce capabilities
• ✅ Business email hosting service with read receipts and email templates
• ✅ While the company’s customer support is not available 24/7, they generally respond to inquiries promptly
• ❎ Its website builder and SSL certificates (Essential, Wildcard, and EV), among other functionalities, are priced separately

OnlyDomains .ai Domain Pricing

The cost is $77.99/1st year and a renewal fee of $120 for the subsequent years.

How to Register a .ai Domain

 Here are the steps to register a .ai domain in point form:

• Select a domain registrar accredited by the .ai registry. Popular options include Hostinger, Namecheap, and GoDaddy. 
• Choose your desired .ai domain name. You can find out its availability on the registrar’s website.
• Set up an account on the registrar’s website if you don’t already have one.
• Add the .ai domain name to your cart and proceed to checkout.
• Enter your contact details like name, address, and phone number as the registrant.
• Select a registration period (usually 1-10 years). Longer terms offer discounted rates.
• Select a secure payment method like a credit card or PayPal to complete registration. 

Once done, you’ll receive a confirmation email with registration and login details. You can then sign in to your new account to manage the domain and start building your site.

Factors to Consider when Selecting a .ai Domain Registrar 

You can’t just pick any service provider out of nowhere. Here are the key factors to keep in mind when choosing a .ai domain registrar:

• Domain pricing: You have to consider registration, renewal, and additional service fees. Look for competitive rates and promotional offers.
• Ease of Use: It would be wise to evaluate the registrar’s user interface and management tools. A user-friendly platform can make domain management, DNS settings, and transfers much easier.
• Security features: Ensure the registrar provides advanced security features like two-factor authentication and domain locking to prevent unauthorized transfers or hacking attempts.
• Customer support: You have to look for a registrar with reliable and responsive customer support. This is crucial in case you encounter technical issues or need assistance with your domain.
• Add-on services: Check out whether there are any value adds or bundles offered by the registrar. Additional services such as website builders, SSL certificates, email hosting, etc. might be useful for your needs.
• Additional fees and services: Also check for any hidden fees, transfer costs, or additional services included (e.g., WHOIS privacy protection, DNS management, email hosting, etc.).

Is .ai a Good Domain Name Extension?

The .ai domain has become increasingly popular as artificial intelligence technologies have advanced. As the suffix relates to artificial intelligence, a .ai domain can clearly convey to visitors that a website is focused on AI-related topics, products, or services.

This direct association provides branding advantages and allows you as a site owner to easily target your content to those interested in AI. The relevance of the domain to cutting-edge technologies also gives it credibility and modern appeal. 

However, there are some potential downsides to consider with a .ai domain. As a newer domain, it still has less recognition than more established TLDs like .com or .org. This means search engines may rank .ai websites lower initially until the domain gains more traction and authority over time.

There are also fewer examples of well-known companies using .ai domains currently, something that reduces the opportunity for brand recall or association. But all in all, its strengths outweigh its limitations.

Why Are .ai Domains Expensive?

.ai domains tend to be more expensive than other domain extensions but with reasons. I’ll list some of them below:

• Limited availability: As a newer generic top-level domain (gTLD), only a finite number of .ai domains have been registered so far. This restricted supply drives up prices for available names.
• High demand: Artificial intelligence is a booming industry with immense interest. Companies want to secure .ai domains to match their AI focus, fueling competitive bidding that inflates prices.
• Direct association with AI: The .ai suffix immediately conveys a site’s AI or machine learning relevance. For AI businesses, a perfectly matching .ai name has immense branding value worth higher costs.
• Auction pricing: Many desirable .ai domains that receive multiple bids end up in extended auctions where prices escalate rapidly between competing buyers.
• Resale potential: With future AI industry growth virtually guaranteed, .ai domains are seen as holding strong resale value down the road for domain investors and speculators.

Conclusion

When it comes to registering a .ai domain, the top choice for many is Namecheap. As one of the largest and most reputable registrars globally, this platform was an early adopter of the .ai extension and remains at the forefront.

They offer competitive .ai pricing, a user-friendly interface, powerful domain management tools, and excellent customer service. For those seeking an alternative, Hostinger is another major player in the .ai space with an enormous existing user base and similar capabilities.