Most Expensive Domain Names Sold in 2023

In 2023, the demand for premium domain names reached new heights, with many selling for impressive amounts. Short and easy-to-remember domains, along with popular keywords, were especially sought after as businesses aimed to strengthen their online presence.

This trend not only shows the value of owning premium domains but also opens doors for resellers. With platforms like Verpex Hosting, resellers can combine selling these valuable domains with web hosting services, providing customers with a complete package.

This approach helps resellers increase their profits while taking advantage of the booming market for digital assets.

Here’s the list of the five most expensive domain names that sold in 2023. As you’ll see, all of the sales over 1 million dollars were of the .com extension. This is a TLD (Top Level Domain extension), which is more valuable. For more information about TLDs, see the article Most Popular Top Level Domains.

This list does not include websites with their content. This is only the domain name. The most expensive domain names sold in 2023 were:

1. AI.com - $11 million
2. Help.com - $3 million
3. Max.com - $1.8 million
4. Hurt.com - $1.5 million
5. You.ai - $700 thousand

AI.com

AI.com was purchased by OpenAI for 11 million dollars. This was the most expensive domain name of the year, and it is one of the most expensive domains ever sold. The name is short and is easily identifiable. It will be easy to build authority around this domain name.

Help.com

Help.com was purchased for 3 million dollars by Above.com. The word “help’ has a high search volume with 673,000 searches per month. This means the domain has a high potential for being on the first page of search results.

Max.com

Max.com was purchased for 1.8 million dollars by NameExperts.com. The word “max” has extremely high search volume with over 1 million searches per month. The chances of this domain appearing in search results are extremely high.

Hurt.com

Hurt.com was purchased for 1.5 million dollars by a private party. The word “hurt” has a monthly search volume of 246,000 searches. It has a lot of potential around that specific keyword.

You.ai

You.ai was purchased for 700,000 dollars by Sedo. The word “you” has the highest search volume on this list at 46 million searches per month. This domain name has great potential for any topic.

There have been many domain names sold for several million dollars. Several sources have listed many of the most expensive domains that have sold. I’ve used them to compile a list of the 50 most expensive domain names that have been publicly reported as of 2023:

1. Business.com - sold for $345 million in 2007
2. LasVegas.com - sold for $90 million in 2005, to be completed in 2040
3. CarInsurance.com - sold for $49.7 million in 2010
4. Insurance.com - sold for $35.6 million in 2010
5. VacationRentals.com Price - sold for $35 million in 2007
6. PrivateJet.com - sold for $30.1 million in 2012
7. Voice.com - sold for $30 million in 2019
8. Internet.com - sold for $18 million in 2009
9. 360.com - sold for $17 million in 2015
10. Insure.com - sold for $16 million in 2009
11. NFTs.com - sold for $15 million in 2022
12. Sex.com - sold for $13 million in 2010
13. Fund.com - sold for $12 million in 2008
14. AI.com - sold for $11 million in 2023
15. Tesla.com - sold for $11 million in 2014
16. Hotels.com - sold for $11 million in 2001
17. Connect.com - sold for $10 million in 2022
18. Porno.com - sold for $8.8 million in 2015
19. Fb.com - sold for $8.5 million in 2010
20. HealthInsurance.com - sold for $8.13 million in 2019
21. We.com - sold for $8 million in 2015
22. Diamond.com - sold for $7.5 million in 2006
23. Beer.com - sold for $7 million in 2004
24. Z.com - sold for $6.8 million in 2014
25. Slots.com - sold for $5.5 million in 2010
26. Casino.com - sold for $5.5 million in 2003
27. Toys.com - sold for $5.1 million in 2009
28. AsSeenOnTv.com - sold for $5.1 million in 2000
29. Korea.com - sold for $5 million in 2000
30. Clothes.com - sold for $4.9 million in 2008
31. Medicare.com - sold for $4.8 million in 2014
32. IG.com $4.6 million - sold for in 2013
33. iCloud.com - sold for $4.5 million in 2011
34. GiftCard.com - sold for $4 million in 2012
35. Yp.com - sold for $3.8 million in 2008
36. IT.com - sold for $3.8 million in 2021, to be completed in 2024
37. HG.com - sold for $3.77 million in 2016
38. Mi.com - sold for $3.6 million in 2014
39. Shop.com - sold for $3.55 million in 2003
40. Ice.com - sold for $3.5 million in 2018
41. Christmas.com - sold for $3.15 million in 2020, to be completed in 2024
42. Wine.com - sold for $3.3 million in 2003
43. AltaVista.com - sold for $3.3 million in 1998
44. Software.com - sold for $3.2 million in 2005
45. Whisky.com - sold for $3.1 million in 2014
46. Help.com - sold for $3.0 million in 2023
47. Place.com - sold for $3.0 million in 2021
48. California.com - sold for $3.0 million in 2019
49. Candy.com - sold for $3.0 million in 2009
50. Vodka.com - sold for $3.0 million in 2006

With prices in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, and going as high as several million dollars, this raises the question: why are some domain names so expensive? After all, it’s just a name, right? Well, not really. It is much more than a name.

It’s all about name recognition, authority, branding, length, and keywords. It’s also about keeping the name as simple and short as possible. With this in mind, it’s easy to see why the domain names on this list were expensive. For more information about domain authority, see the article What is Domain Authority?

All of the domains on this list have between 2-4 letters. They either spell a simple word or are an extremely popular abbreviation. They’re easy to remember and they make sense. Some have extra branding potential that can apply to a lot of things. They sound like an authority in anything they want to create. They can easily become the go-to website for their topic.

For more information about domains, see the article URL Vs. Domain. For more information about choosing a premium domain, see the article What are Premium Domains?

This example is Domain Price Check from pc.domains.

Since domain names can fall within many price ranges, how can you know the value of your domain name? There are several tools online that can help you price your domain name. The best way to find them is to search for keywords such as “domain name value” or similar keywords.

There are a lot of options, and their accuracy may vary from one to another. Most are free, but they want you to pay for more detailed information. I recommend using several tools to get the best results.

Many of the online tools include the value of the website as well as the domain name. This includes using popular keywords, domain authority, traffic, the age of your website, your site’s ranking, sales of similar domains, niches, etc.

As we’ve seen, expensive domain names are always premium and there’s a reason they’re expensive. In this section, we’ll see how to find and purchase an expensive domain name.

Avoid Copyrights and Trademarks

Before purchasing any domain name, make sure it doesn’t infringe on someone’s copyright or trademark. A company may have trademarked a name and it’s not possible to use it. It’s also possible that using it could result in legal action. There are plenty of websites that show if a name is copyrighted or trademarked. Search databases such as the US Patent Office to determine whether a name is trademarked.

Find the Domain Name You Want to Purchase

First, you’ll need to find the domain name you’d like to purchase. Unless you’ve created your own word, and it’s more than a few letters, chances are high that it’s already taken. You can easily find this information by searching for your desired domain name through your web host. Many web hosts, including Verpex, provide domain name registration. If the name is available, you can purchase your domain name from a web host.

This example is from our domain registration page.

Simply enter the domain you’d like to purchase in the search field and run the search.

You’ll see if the domain is already taken, and you’ll see a list of related domain names that are available. If your desired domain name is already taken, the name may be for sale. Next, we’ll see how to purchase a domain name if it’s already taken. There are several options.

Enter the Domain Name in Your Web Browser

Another option is to simply enter the domain name into your web browser and see where it takes you. If the domain name is taken, it may be parked or still in use. If the owner hasn’t posted in a while, or if the name is parked, you can reach out to them to see if the name is for sale. The parked domain name could display a link to where the name could be purchased.

Purchase the Expensive Domain Name Through a Domain Broker

A popular option for purchasing a domain name that’s already taken is to use a domain broker. A domain broker is someone who can purchase the domain name for you. They contact the seller and make an offer. They handle all of the legal issues involved in the sale, removing the risk and possible headaches surrounding trademarks or other legal issues and negotiating prices. The broker usually gets a portion of the sale.

Purchase the Expensive Domain Name Through a Domain Auction Site

Domain auction sites allow owners to sell their domain names through an auction. Potential buyers would bid on the domain name, increasing the price until the sale ends. This method can become competitive, so the prices for popular names can become expensive.

Purchase the Expensive Domain Name from the Owner

The owner may be willing to sell the domain name directly to you. The best option is to contact the owner and ask. You’ll still need to consider any legal issues, but this could be an easy way to purchase the domain name.

Don’t Join the Wait List

If the domain name you want is already taken, you may have the option to backorder the domain name or get on the waitlist, so you’ll be informed when the domain name is available. I don’t recommend this method.

Unfortunately, the domain name would become available only if the owner does not renew their ownership. With this method, the domain may never be available, and if it is, someone else might take it first. For more information about domain renewal, see the article When Does a Domain Expire?

There are several ways to sell your domain name. You could sell just the name, or the website with its content. It’s okay if your website already has content. Some prefer to purchase a site with content because that includes an audience and site authority already in place. It can also give them an idea of the potential for monetization.

You could sell your domain name through many of the same places that you could purchase one. For example, you could contact a domain broker, place your domain name on an auction site, or sell the domain name to an individual who asked for it.

It is okay to purchase and sell domain names, but you’ll want to avoid the illegal practice of domain squatting. For more information about domain squatting, see the article What Is Domain Squatting?

1. Market Expertise: Resellers are typically well-versed in identifying trends and keywords that can drive the value of a premium domain. Their expertise allows them to curate a selection of domains that appeal to businesses or individuals looking for a specific niche.

2. Access to Exclusive Inventory: Some resellers have access to domain auctions, expired domains, or pre-registered premium domains that are not readily available to the general public. This provides customers with exclusive opportunities to purchase high-value domains.

3. Valuation and Pricing: Resellers often set the pricing for premium domains based on factors such as search volume, brand potential, and industry demand. Their role is to assess the value of a domain and offer it to buyers at competitive prices.

4. Customer Support and Negotiation: Acting as the liaison between buyers and domain registrars, resellers assist in negotiations and provide customer support throughout the domain acquisition process. They often facilitate payment plans or broker deals for premium domain transactions.

5. Reseller Hosting Integration: Many resellers, particularly those offering services through platforms like Verpex Hosting, bundle premium domain sales with hosting packages, creating an all-in-one solution for clients looking to establish an online presence.

Resellers can package domain registration and hosting solutions together, creating a full-service option for clients. This adds immense value, especially for premium domains, as it provides an all-in-one solution for businesses looking to establish an online presence. Instead of just selling a domain, resellers can offer hosting packages that complement high-priced domain names, enhancing their appeal to buyers.

Key Benefits of Reseller Hosting for Domain Businesses

1. Scalability: Reseller hosting is flexible, allowing businesses to scale their operations as needed. As the domain business grows, more hosting resources can be added to accommodate additional clients and domain sales.

2. Cost-Efficiency: Resellers purchase hosting resources in bulk at discounted rates and resell them at a profit. This reduces overhead costs and allows small businesses to enter the domain and hosting market with minimal financial risk.

3. Bundling Domain Registration with Hosting Services: With reseller hosting, domain resellers can offer a full suite of services, including domain registration, hosting, and even email solutions. This creates a more compelling offering for clients and adds value to the domain sales process.

Domain resellers can tap into valuable sales opportunities by employing smart strategies tailored to market demand.

• Invest in Short, Memorable Domains: Focus on acquiring single-word or short domains, as these are highly sought after and tend to command higher resale prices. Domains that are easy to spell and brand are prime assets in the premium domain market.

• Leverage Market Trends: Keeping a pulse on industry trends is essential for resellers. For instance, in 2023, AI-related domains saw a surge in value. By staying informed on emerging sectors, resellers can secure domains that align with future demand.

• Use Reseller Hosting for Added Services: Increase the value of your premium domains by bundling them with hosting services. Offering a complete package makes it easier for buyers to establish their online presence, increasing the attractiveness of your domains.

Verpex’s reseller hosting services are designed to help domain resellers manage their business efficiently. Features like white-label hosting, easy domain management, and a scalable platform allow resellers to manage multiple customers while providing premium services.

The top domain sales of 2023 showcase the ongoing value and profitability of premium domains, offering immense investment opportunities for domain resellers. By focusing on short, memorable domains or bundling services to add value, domain reselling remains a thriving business.

Combining it with hosting services can amplify success for those entering the domain resale market. Verpex Hosting provides an excellent platform, with reseller-hosting-with-whmcs options that streamline domain management and sales. Start your journey toward building a successful domain reselling business with Verpex today.

To learn more about valuing, buying, or selling domains, explore the related articles: Most Expensive Domain Names Sold in 2022 and Most Expensive Domain Names Sold In 2021 And Ever.

We want to hear from you. Have you bought a premium domain name for your website? Let us know about your experience in the comments.