Using your .net
A .net comes from the same registry as a .com and works the same way. Here is what differs, plus the setup basics.
Basics
Is a .net domain good for business?
A .net works for any business but carries no official meaning: Verisign markets it to businesses, and anyone can register one. If the .com is available too, get both; check them together.[1]
How much does a .net cost over time?
A .net costs $12.52 a year at Porkbun, with no cheaper first year. Verisign's contract with ICANN lets it raise its price to registrars by up to 10% each year.
Compare every ending's renewal price in Which domain ending should I pick?[2, 3]
What rules apply to how you use a .net?
Your registrar's terms must ban malware, botnets, phishing, piracy, trademark or copyright infringement and fraud, with suspension as a possible penalty. Verisign can also lock, cancel or redirect a name to fix mistakes, obey a court order or protect the network.[4]
Advanced
How do you set up email, DNS and HTTPS on a .net?
The same way as on a .com. The full steps are on Using your .com.
| Step | What to know |
|---|---|
| Nameservers | Turn off DNSSEC at your registrar first; the switch can take up to 24 hours |
| Set up SPF or DKIM before you send; over 5,000 a day to Gmail needs both, plus DMARC | |
| HTTPS | Cloudflare issues free certificates to every domain active on its service, on any plan |
Sources (7)
- PrimaryVerisign: Why choose .net?
- PrimaryPorkbun: domain name pricing, the public price list our checker reads daily
- PrimaryICANN: .net Registry Agreement (section 7.3, maximum price)
- PrimaryVerisign: .net Registry-Registrar Agreement (section on registrant terms)
- PrimaryCloudflare docs: Full setup
- PrimaryGoogle Workspace Admin Help: Email sender guidelines
- PrimaryCloudflare docs: Universal SSL