Extension
.cloud
.cloud in short
The .cloud domain is an open generic top-level domain (gTLD) launched in 2016 for cloud computing, hosting, SaaS and infrastructure brands. It is operated by Aruba PEC and open to anyone.
.cloud at a glance
Type
gTLD — Generic top-level domain
Registry
Aruba PEC
Launched
2016
Country / scope
Generic — no country
Restrictions
Open to anyone — no eligibility requirement
Typical price
$18/yr
Example sites
hosting/SaaS sites
Source: IANA root zone database & registry data · methodology
Where to register a .cloud domain
Prices are indicative and set by each registrar; renewal rates may differ from first-year promotions. Links may be sponsored. tldlist.us is an independent reference and not a registrar.
What does .cloud mean?
The .cloud extension points straight at cloud computing — hosted software, storage, infrastructure and services delivered over the internet. Delegated in 2016 and operated by Aruba PEC (the Italian hosting and data-centre group), it is a natural fit for SaaS products, hosting and IaaS providers, developer platforms and any business whose offering lives “in the cloud.”
It is descriptive and modern: name.cloud instantly frames a product as a hosted service, which is exactly the positioning most SaaS and infrastructure companies want.
Who uses .cloud?
SaaS startups and platforms, web-hosting and server providers, storage and backup services, DevOps and infrastructure tools, and enterprise IT teams labelling internal or customer-facing cloud services. It also gets used for product or environment subdomains where “cloud” describes the offering. Its mid-tier price and clear meaning have made it one of the more successful tech-oriented gTLDs.
.cloud registration rules and requirements
None. .cloud is fully open: no eligibility, no documentation, no local presence. Registration is first-come, first-served to anyone worldwide under standard ICANN rules — you do not need to be a cloud or hosting company to register one.
How much does a .cloud cost?
A .cloud domain typically costs about $18–$25 per year at standard rates, with first-year discounts common. It sits comfortably in the mid-tier for a descriptive tech extension. As always, the renewal price is the number to plan around.
| Registrar | Typical .cloud price (per year) |
|---|---|
| Porkbun | ~$18/yr |
| Cloudflare Registrar | At wholesale cost |
| Namecheap | ~$20–25/yr |
.cloud pros and cons
Pros
- Instantly frames a product as a hosted cloud service.
- Strong, modern fit for SaaS and infrastructure brands.
- Open to anyone, with good name availability.
- Mid-tier price, reasonable for a tech extension.
Cons
- Pricier than .com and budget generics.
- Best suits cloud/SaaS/hosting themes only.
- Lower type-in recall than .com.
- Some short names flagged premium.
Example .cloud websites
- SaaS and platform products on name.cloud.
- Hosting, storage and backup providers using the descriptive extension.
- Enterprise cloud services and developer-platform domains.
.cloud — frequently asked questions
What is the .cloud domain?
The .cloud domain is an open generic top-level domain (gTLD) launched in 2016 for cloud computing, hosting, SaaS and infrastructure brands. It is operated by Aruba PEC and open to anyone.
Who can register a .cloud domain?
Anyone. .cloud is an open generic TLD with no eligibility or documentation requirement — you do not need to run a cloud or hosting company. It is available first-come, first-served worldwide.
How much does a .cloud domain cost?
A .cloud domain typically costs around $18–$25 per year at standard rates, often with a discounted first year. Confirm the renewal price before buying.
Is .cloud good for a SaaS product?
Yes — it frames the product as a hosted cloud service the moment someone reads the URL, which suits SaaS, hosting and infrastructure brands. It offers no SEO advantage, but the clear positioning helps branding versus a generic .com.