Quick Decision Guide
Choose .uk if:
- • You want the shortest UK domain
- • You're building a modern brand
- • Better availability is important
- • You prefer the simpler extension
Choose .co.uk if:
- • You want maximum UK recognition
- • Your audience expects traditional domains
- • You're an established business
- • You prefer the familiar standard
Key Differences Between .uk and .co.uk
.uk Extension:
- Shorter and more modern
- Better domain name availability
- Introduced in 2014
- Less familiar to some users
.co.uk Extension:
- Maximum recognition and trust
- Established since 1985
- Expected by UK audiences
- Limited availability of popular names
Pricing Comparison at namepick.co
Modern UK
.uk Domain
Shorter & Modern
Both extensions cost the same - choose based on preference
Recognition and Trust in the UK Market
Both are official UK domains, but they have different levels of public recognition.
.uk Public Perception:
- • Newer, modern feel
- • Growing acceptance since 2014
- • Preferred by tech companies
- • Some users still unfamiliar
- • Seen as more international
.co.uk Public Perception:
- • Instantly recognizable as UK
- • Trusted by all age groups
- • Expected by traditional businesses
- • Universal UK acceptance
- • Associated with established companies
.co.uk has universal recognition, while .uk is gaining popularity but may require brief explanation to some audiences.
Right to Register Protection
If you own a .co.uk domain, you have automatic rights to the corresponding .uk domain.
Protection Example:
If you own:
example.co.uk
You can claim:
example.uk
This protection exists until June 2025. After that, .uk domains will be available to anyone on a first-come, first-served basis.