.top gTLD
The .top TLD is a generic top-level domain originally proposed to serve as a specialized namespace for ranking, competition, and premium branding, especially within the Chinese internet ecosystem. Its name reflects the common Chinese cultural association with 'top' as in '排行榜' (ranking lists), making it popular for businesses, media, and content creators seeking to signal excellence or leadership.
Open for registration by anyone; no local presence or trademark requirements
.top Domain Overview
The .top extension is a generic top-level domain (gTLD) in the Domain Name System (DNS). It is managed by Hong Kong Zhongze International Limited. .top was introduced in 2014. There are currently 12,789,745 domains registered under this extension. Registration prices start from USD 1.63 - 9.09. DNSSEC adoption stands at 1.5%.
Registration Info
Price range based on 3 registrars. Actual prices may vary.
Security Features
- DNSSEC
- CAA Record Support
Where to Register a .top Domain — Price Comparison
Compare .top domain registration and renewal prices across 3 registrars. Prices are in USD and updated daily.
| Registrar | Registration | Renewal | Transfer |
|---|---|---|---|
| porkbun Cheapest | $1.63 | $4.63 | $4.63 |
| dynadot | $2.21 | $4.84 | $4.84 |
| resellerclub | $9.09 | $10.79 | $9.09 |
Prices checked April 7, 2026. Prices exclude ICANN fees where applicable and may vary by registrar promotions or contract terms.
What Is the History of .top?
The .top domain was applied for by Jiangsu Bangning Science & Technology Co., Ltd. under ICANN’s New gTLD Program. It was approved and signed into registry agreement on March 20, 2014, and officially delegated to the DNS root zone on August 3, 2014. A Sunrise period began October 15, 2014. In January 2026, the registry operator transitioned from Jiangsu Bangning to Hong Kong Zhongze International Limited.
Did you know?
The .top TLD serves a specific purpose in the domain ecosystem, providing users with clear context about the websites using this extension.
What Is .top Used For?
The .top TLD is commonly used for the following purposes:
Ranking websites
E-commerce highlighting top products
Media and entertainment rankings
Brand promotion in Chinese markets
Casual and memorable domain branding
Popular Websites
How Many .top Domains Are Registered?
Total Registrations
12,789,745
DNSSEC Adoption
1.5%
How Does .top Compare?
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Extension | .top |
| Type | Generic TLD (gTLD) |
| Total Registrations | 12,789,745 |
| DNSSEC Adoption | 1.5% |
| Registration Price | USD 1.63 - 9.09 |
| Renewal Price | USD 4.63 - 10.79 |
| Registry Operator | Hong Kong Zhongze International Limited |
| Introduced | 2014-08-03 |
| Restrictions | Open for registration by anyone; no local presence or trademark requirements |
How Available Are .top Domain Names?
Registration density analysis for .top domains by character length. Currently 6,117,290 domains are registered across all lengths.
Total Registered
6.1M
Peak Saturation
>99.9%
3-char names
DNSSEC Adoption
2.8%
Top Provider
Cloudflare
| Length | Registered | % Full | Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 char | 19 | 73.1% | |
| 2 chars | 249 | 36.8% | |
| 3 chars | 22,500 | >99.9% | |
| 4 chars | 304,990 | 66.7% | |
| 5 chars | 1,949,312 | 16.4% | |
| 6 chars | 1,926,852 | 0.62% | |
| 7 chars | 584,162 | 0.01% | |
| 8 chars | 454,400 | <0.01% | |
| 9 chars | 257,016 | <0.01% | |
| 10 chars | 284,306 | <0.01% | |
| 11 chars | 182,793 | <0.01% | |
| 12 chars | 150,691 | <0.01% |
Top DNS Providers
Updated daily from zone file analysis. Alpha density = registered / 26^length.
Compare across all TLDs →How Do I Register a .top Domain?
Eligibility
No restrictions apply. Open to all individuals and organizations globally.
Open Registration
The .top TLD is available for registration through accredited domain registrars.
Registration Process
- Choose an accredited domain registrar that offers .top domains
- Check domain availability using the registrar's search tool
- Complete the registration process and provide required information
- Pay the registration fee (typically USD 1.63 - 9.09)
- Manage your domain settings through your registrar's control panel
.top vs Related Domain Extensions
How does .top compare to similar top-level domains? This comparison covers pricing, type, and availability to help choose the right domain extension.
View the full TLD Directory to browse all 1,900+ top-level domains with pricing, registration density analysis, and DNSSEC adoption rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Is This .top Data Compiled?
DNS Checker maintains a comprehensive TLD directory covering all 1,900+ active top-level domains. The data on this page combines multiple authoritative sources to provide information not found in standard TLD listings.
Zone File Analysis
Domain registration counts and density analysis are computed daily from TLD zone files, providing accurate registration statistics rather than estimates.
DNSSEC Adoption Tracking
DNSSEC deployment percentages are measured by scanning actual DNS records across all registered domains in each TLD zone.
Registrar Price Monitoring
Registration, renewal, and transfer prices are checked hourly across multiple accredited registrars and compared automatically.
Provider Market Share
DNS provider distribution is calculated from nameserver records, showing which hosting providers serve the most domains in each TLD.
Use DNS Checker tools to inspect any .top domain: run a full DNS health check, check DNS propagation, look up WHOIS records, or verify email authentication.
Disclaimer: The information on this page is sourced from IANA, ICANN, and respective registry operator publications, then structured and formatted with the assistance of AI. While accuracy is a priority, details such as pricing, registration requirements, and policies may change. Always verify with the official registry or an accredited registrar before making registration decisions.