Published: 20.10.2026
The .compare zone is a generic extension for sites that put products, services or plans side by side so that readers can judge them. A name in .compare tells visitors straight away that the site is about comparison, whether it reviews phones, insurance policies, software tools or training courses. Because the purpose is to inform a choice, trust matters more than the ending itself. Use the availability form just below this text to see whether your name in .compare is still available.
Check if a .compare domain is available .compare Check
A short history
Comparing options before a purchase is an old habit. It began in market squares, where buyers inspected several goods side by side, and it continued in printed buyers' guides and magazine tests. Online, the same habit now runs through tables, filters and reviews that let people set several options against each other. The .compare extension is a generic ending that is not tied to any country, and it fits any site that compares things across categories.
Who runs it
A registry operator runs the zone, publishes the registration policy and keeps the central database. Registrars sell names to customers and forward orders to the registry. The operator's acceptable use terms apply to comparison content, so read the current policy before you publish, particularly if your site includes affiliate links or sponsored entries.
Rules in practice
- Open registration: the zone is generic, so most businesses and reviewers can apply, subject to the operator's terms.
- Disclosure: if a site earns money from the products it compares, say so clearly before readers make a choice.
- Characters: names use letters, digits and hyphens, and a label can be up to 63 characters.
- Renewal: keep the registration active, because readers who bookmark a comparison page expect it to stay online.
Who uses .compare
- Independent review sites that test products and publish side-by-side tables.
- Service directories that set out providers, features and terms for each option.
- Software and tool reviewers who compare features, support and the effort of setting them up.
- Schools, universities and training providers that explain the differences between courses.
Strengths
- The word states the purpose of the site, which helps readers who want to choose carefully.
- It is short and easy to say, so people can recommend a comparison page by name.
- It can sit above several categories, from kitchen appliances to professional services.
Things to keep in mind
- Any figures in a comparison, such as specifications or terms, should show their source and the date they were checked.
- A comparison that leaves out important differences can mislead readers, so the criteria should be stated openly.
- Rules on advertising and misleading statements apply to comparison sites in many countries, so check the local requirements.
- Visitors may still search with .com first, so decide whether to own both addresses.
Tips before you register
- Check the name in .com and on the search tools and review platforms where your readers start their research.
- Publish a short method page that explains how you choose and test the items you compare.
- Show who runs the site, how it is funded and how to reach the editors.
- Set up SPF, DKIM and DMARC records before you send newsletters or alerts from the domain.
- Limit the registrar account to two named editors, so the site is never left without a manager.
Frequently asked questions
Can a single reviewer use .compare? Yes. An independent writer can use the name, as long as the comparisons are fair and the site explains its methods.
Can a comparison site earn money from the products it covers? It can, but readers must be told clearly how the site is paid, and advertising rules apply wherever you publish.
Does .compare help a review site rank in search? It may help people understand the topic, but clear methods, original testing and up-to-date pages usually matter more.
