Free Domain Availability Checker
Enter a domain name to instantly check availability across 10 popular TLDs including .com, .io, .dev, .app, .co, .net, .org, .ai, .so, and .me.
How to Check Domain Availability
Finding the right domain name is one of the first steps in launching a new project, startup, or SaaS product. Simply enter a domain name (without the TLD) into the search box above, and the tool will check whether that name is available across 10 popular top-level domains simultaneously.
The checker uses DNS resolution to determine availability. If a domain has active DNS records (A records or NS records), it is marked as taken. If no DNS records are found, the domain is likely available for registration. For a deeper dive into a taken domain, use our WHOIS Lookup tool to see registrar details, expiration dates, and more.
Choosing the Right TLD
The TLD (top-level domain) you choose sends a signal about your brand and audience. Here is a quick guide to the TLDs this tool checks:
- .com -- The most recognized and trusted TLD. Ideal for any business or product. Always check .com first.
- .io -- Popular with tech startups and developer tools. Widely recognized in the SaaS industry.
- .dev -- Designed for developers and technology projects. Requires HTTPS (HSTS-preloaded).
- .app -- Great for mobile and web applications. Also HSTS-preloaded for security.
- .co -- A shorter alternative to .com. Popular with startups and used as a "company" abbreviation.
- .net -- Originally for network infrastructure, now a solid general-purpose alternative to .com.
- .org -- Traditionally for organizations and nonprofits, but open to anyone.
- .ai -- Extremely popular for AI and machine learning startups. Premium pricing but high brand value.
- .so -- A clean, memorable TLD. Sometimes used creatively (e.g., "let.so", "build.so").
- .me -- Great for personal brands, portfolios, and about-me style sites.
What to Do When a Domain Is Taken
If the .com you want is taken, do not panic. Here are a few strategies:
- Try a different TLD. If
myapp.comis taken,myapp.ioormyapp.devmight be available. - Add a prefix or suffix. Consider
getmyapp.com,trymyapp.com, ormyapphq.com. - Check WHOIS for expiration. Use our WHOIS Lookup to see if the domain is expiring soon. Expired domains can sometimes be acquired.
- Explore domain marketplaces. Platforms like Sedo, Afternic, and Dan.com list domains for sale by their current owners.
- Verify DNS records. Use our DNS Lookup to see if a taken domain is actually being used or is just parked.
Custom Domains for SaaS
If you are building a SaaS platform, domain availability is not just about finding a name for your product -- it is also about enabling your users to bring their own custom domains. Whether you are building a website builder, email platform, or any white-label service, letting users connect their own domains creates a professional, branded experience.
Implementing custom domain support involves DNS verification, SSL certificate provisioning, and request routing -- all of which can be complex to build and maintain. SaaSKevin automates this entire workflow: your users add a CNAME or A record pointing to your infrastructure, and SaaSKevin handles verification, SSL issuance, and traffic routing automatically.
With SaaSKevin, you can offer custom domain support to your users without building the infrastructure yourself. Get started with 3 free custom domains.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How does the domain availability checker work?
- The tool checks domain availability by performing DNS lookups against each TLD. It first attempts to resolve A records (IPv4 addresses) for the domain. If that fails, it checks for NS (name server) records as a fallback. If neither resolves, the domain is likely available for registration.
- Is this checker 100% accurate?
- DNS-based checks are a fast way to gauge availability, but they are not always 100% accurate. Some registered domains may not have active DNS records, and some newly registered domains may not have propagated yet. For definitive results, check with a domain registrar before purchasing.
- What TLDs does this tool check?
- The tool checks 10 popular TLDs: .com, .io, .dev, .app, .co, .net, .org, .ai, .so, and .me. These cover the most common choices for businesses, startups, SaaS products, and developer tools.
- Can I register a domain directly from this tool?
- This tool only checks availability. To register a domain, you will need to use a domain registrar such as Namecheap, Google Domains, Cloudflare Registrar, or GoDaddy. Once you find an available domain here, head to your preferred registrar to complete the purchase.
- Why does a domain show as available but I cannot register it?
- Some domains may appear available via DNS checks but are actually reserved, premium-priced, or held by the registry. Certain TLDs also have registration restrictions (e.g., .app requires HTTPS, .dev is HSTS-preloaded). Always verify with a registrar for the most up-to-date status and pricing.
Need setup examples for real SaaS products? Browse our industry guides and explore all free domain tools.