You’ve seen them around—those short, four-letter domain names that stick in your head. Bing.com, live.com, zoom.com. They’re everywhere in our online lives — a fact which both disguises their exclusivity and hints at their exceptional value.

Take fund.com, which sold for $10 million, or beer.com, which fetched $7 million. Just recently, OpenAI made waves by splashing out on chat.com, for a reported price tag of $15.5M.

These eye-popping prices aren’t flukes—they reflect the premium placed on short, memorable domains. But what is the value of 4-letter domain names? And with millions of possibilities, are any four-letter .coms still up for grabs?

Are There Any 4 Letter .Com Domains Left?

No — every 4 letter .com domain has been registered, meaning it’s owned by an individual or organization. Some are for sale, but these exclusive domains were snapped up years ago by early internet brands and investors.

Let’s talk numbers. There are 456,976 possible four-letter .com combinations. That’s every permutation from “aaaa.com” to “zzzz.com”. Sounds like a lot, right? Not quite, when you consider the millions of businesses online.

How Much is a 4-Letter Domain Worth?

The value of a domain depends on its extension (such as .com or .ai) and the commercial value of what comes before that extension — the name. 4-letter domains can be worth anything from a few thousand dollars up to tens of millions. A single-English word .com domain like chat.com will sit at the top end of this range, while a made-up word at an alternative extension like .co or .ai will be at the bottom end.

Let’s look at a few 4-Letter domain name sales figures:

• Fund.com: $10 million
• Beer.com: $7 million (cheers to that)
• Toys.com: $5.1 million
• Shop.com: $3.5 million

Fast forward to 2024, and the market’s still hot. JMB acquired $8.5 million of intangible assets that included Gold.com’s domain name. Remember, these are exceptional cases. Most 4-letter domains won’t hit seven figures. Their worth depends on factors like meaning, memorability, and industry relevance.

4-Letter Domains in Alternative Extensions

Can’t get that perfect 4-letter .com? No worries. You can get 4-letter domains in alternative extensions such as:

• .co: Originally Colombia’s domain, it’s now used globally. It’s shorter than .com and often cheaper. Many businesses choose it as a .com alternative.
• .ai: With the rise of artificial intelligence, .ai domains are in high demand. Tech startups and AI companies are particularly interested in these.
• .io: A favorite in tech, especially among startups and developers. It’s become synonymous with online services and tech-forward companies.

In proven alternative extensions, 4-letter domains can become a powerful platform for new brands, and are often available for an investment of a few thousand dollars. Payment plans can also be used to make elite domains more accessible.

With over 1600 extensions, brands should be careful: very few of these are credible for new businesses and many are actively mistrusted. Choose a domain that your audience is familiar with, which can vary significantly across demographics.

Wrapping Up

Four-letter domains are highly sought after, and it’s easy to see why. They’re short, catchy, and easy to remember. Their scarcity only adds to their appeal, making them valuable assets for businesses and individuals.

Before you decide on a 4 letter domain, consider your specific needs. Are you launching a global brand? A local business? A personal blog? Your answer will help guide your domain choice.

Budget plays a key role, too. While some 4-letter domains are expensive, others are more affordable. The cost varies based on the extension, the specific letter combination, and current market demand, all of which influence the overall value of 4-letter domain names.

If you’re serious about getting a 4-letter domain, check out our Marketplace.  We offer a variety of high-quality domains that might be ideal for your next project. You could find your ideal domain without breaking a sweat.