Most Expensive Domain Names

When most people think about the price of a domain, they usually imagine it costs around $15. However, domain names can sell for much more, especially in the secondary market, where domains are bought from someone who already owns them. The average price of such a domain is often in the thousands of dollars. Public domain sales can frequently be seen reported in the tens or hundreds of thousands, and sometimes even in the millions.

The Market for High-Value Domains

Nailing down the most expensive domain names isn’t easy, as many transactions are kept private for various reasons, such as keeping competition in the dark or not revealing spending capabilities. Despite this, enough sales are public to give a good idea of the domain market's health over the years.

For instance, in 2022, unlock.com sold for $1,228,200, and NFTs.com fetched a staggering $15 million in early August. Tracking these sales can provide insight into current trends and market strength.

A Record-Breaking Sale

The highest price ever paid for a domain name is an eye-watering $872 million for cars.com, as revealed in an SEC filing by its parent company, Gannet Co., Inc. While not all sales are publicly reported, this sale stands out as a landmark in the domain market.

The 27 Most Expensive Domain Names Publicly Reported

Here is a list of the 27 most expensive domain names ever reported:

1. Cars.com — $872 million
2. Business.com — $345 million
3. LasVegas.com — $90 million
4. CarInsurance.com — $49.7 million
5. Insurance.com — $35.6 million
6. VacationRentals.com — $35 million
7. PrivateJet.com — $30.18 million
8. Voice.com — $30 million
9. Internet.com — $18 million
10. 360.com — $17 million
11. Insure.com — $16 million
12. NFTs.com — $15 million
13. Fund.com — £9.99 million
14. Sex.com — $14 million*
15. Hotels.com — $11 million
16. Porn.com — $9.5 million
17. Shoes.com — $9 million
18. Porno.com — $8.8 million
19. Fb.com — $8.5 million
20. We.com — $8 million
21. Diamond.com — $7.5 million
22. Beer.com — $7 million
23. Z.com — $6.8 million
24. iCloud.com — $6 million
25. Israel.com — $5.8 million
26. Casino.com — $5.5 million
27. Slots.com — $5.5 million

*Note: The domain sex.com sold twice—once in 2005 for $14 million and again in 2010 for $13 million.

Evaluating Domain Value

Wondering what your domain name is worth? Tools like NameBio.com allow you to search by specific domain or word and use filters to find sold domains similar to yours. Additionally, GoDaddy’s domain valuation tool provides resale value estimates.

If you're interested in buying domains and selling them for a profit, starting slow and doing thorough research is crucial. GoDaddy Auctions is a great platform to find domains with good resale potential. With patience and due diligence, you might find yourself owning a highly valuable domain name.

Factors Influencing Domain Value

Several factors contribute to a domain's value:

Brand Relevance: Domains relevant to specific industries or niches are more valuable.

SEO: Domains with high SEO scores are easier to find in search engines.

Existing Traffic: Domains with existing websites or high traffic are more valuable.

Domain Extension: Extensions like .com tend to have the highest selling prices.

Brand Recognition: Domains associated with well-known brands hold more value.

Investment Potential: Domains can be valuable investments, often appreciating over time.

Trends in the Domain Market

The domain market is ever-evolving. Some recent trends include:

• Decline in demand for generic domain names.
• Increase in demand for brand names and keywords.
• Rising prices for premium domains.
• Growing importance of new domain extensions like .xyz and .io.

Choosing the Right Domain Name

Here are a few tips for selecting a suitable domain name:

• Keep it short and concise: Memorable domains are easy to remember and type.
• Use relevant keywords: Choose a name relevant to your products or services.
• Ensure uniqueness: Avoid using a name that’s already in use.
• Make it easy to spell: Avoid special characters and numbers.
• Think long-term: Choose a name that will remain relevant in the future.

By following these guidelines, you can increase the chances of your domain becoming a valuable asset.