What are The Most Expensive Domain Name Ever – Top 10 Highest Sales in History

In the digital era, domain names are more than just web addresses—they’re powerful digital assets. For businesses, owning a premium domain name can significantly enhance branding, SEO rankings, user trust, and online visibility.

Some domain names are so valuable that they’ve been sold for millions, making headlines and history alike.

Read more: 10 Most Expensive Domains That Shook the Internet (Updated 2025)

1. Cars.com – $872 Million

Cars.com - The Most Expensive Domain Name Ever

Sold for: $872 million

Year of Sale: 2015

Cars.com holds the record for the most expensive domain name ever sold. This eye-watering figure wasn’t just for the domain itself, but it was a key asset in the acquisition deal of the company. Still, the domain name alone was valued at $872 million—making it by far the highest publicly known sale in domain history.

Why it’s valuable:

• Extremely broad market (automotive)

• High commercial intent

• One of the most memorable and brandable names in the industry

2. Business.com – $345 Million

Business.com

Sold for: $345 million
Year of Sale: 2007

Once hailed as one of the smartest domain investments in history, Business.com was purchased by R.H. Donnelley Corporation. The domain and business were sold together for $345 million, underscoring the massive value of a single word, high-demand keyword domain.

Why it’s valuable:

• One of the broadest commercial terms

• Ideal for B2B services and corporate branding

• Strong historical web presence

3. LasVegas.com – $90 Million

LasVegas.com

Sold for: $90 million
Year of Sale: 2005 (payment over time through 2040)

LasVegas.com is the ultimate geo-domain name. This sale, structured as a long-term payment deal, reflects the immense value of city-based domains—especially for top-tier travel destinations.

Why it’s valuable:

• One of the most popular tourist destinations in the U.S.

• High SEO and advertising potential

• Generates significant booking and tourism revenue

Read more: How to Get a Free Domain Name: A Complete Beginner’s Guide

4. CarInsurance.com – $49.7 Million

CarInsurance.com – $49.7 million

Sold for: $49.7 million
Year of Sale: 2010

Sold to QuinStreet, a performance marketing company, CarInsurance.com is a classic example of how exact-match domain names (EMDs) can command high prices in industries like insurance, where leads are worth a fortune.

Why it’s valuable:

• High CPC keyword

• Massive demand in the insurance industry

• Direct commercial application

5. Insurance.com – $35.6 Million

Insurance.com

Sold for: $35.6 million
Year of Sale: 2010

Also acquired by QuinStreet, Insurance.com complements CarInsurance.com and positions the buyer as a digital powerhouse in the insurance sector.

Why it’s valuable:

• Generic and highly sought-after industry term

• Dominant presence in online insurance markets

• Huge potential for organic and paid traffic

6. VacationRentals.com – $35 Million

Sold for: $35 million
Year of Sale: 2007

This domain was acquired by Brian Sharples, co-founder of HomeAway (now part of Vrbo/Expedia Group), simply to keep it out of the hands of competitors. The price tag—$35 million—was worth it in a highly competitive travel niche.

Why it’s valuable:

• Describes an entire market sector

• High revenue potential from bookings

• Strategically defensive acquisition

7. Internet.com – $35 Million

Internet.com

Sold for: $35 million
Year of Sale: 2009

Internet.com is as broad as it gets—representing the entire web. This domain was part of a larger acquisition deal, but its standalone value has been estimated at $35 million.

Why it’s valuable:

• Universal relevance

• Powerful branding potential

• Strong authority for tech or media companies

8. PrivateJet.com – $30.2 Million

Sold for: $30.2 million
Year of Sale: 2012

PrivateJet.com targets a wealthy, niche audience, and it commands attention in the luxury travel space. Sold to Nations Luxury Transportation, the price reflects the ultra-premium nature of the market it serves.

Why it’s valuable:

• High-ticket clientele

• Prestigious branding

• Premium keyword targeting wealthy consumers

9. Voice.com – $30 Million

Voice.com

Sold for: $30 million
Year of Sale: 2019

MicroStrategy sold Voice.com to a blockchain-based social media platform, making it one of the largest all-cash domain transactions ever. The word "voice" is short, brandable, and broad in scope.

Why it’s valuable:

• One-word, dictionary domain

• Massive branding flexibility

• Short, memorable, and meaningful

10. 360.com – $17 Million

360.com

Sold for: $17 million
Year of Sale: 2015

Sold to Qihoo 360, a Chinese internet security firm, 360.com reflects the growing value of numeric and brand-related domains in the Asian market. The purchase helped consolidate the company’s global branding.

Why it’s valuable:

• Short and numeric (very desirable in China)

• Global brand reinforcement

• Strong recall value

Why Are Premium Domains So Expensive?

Premium domain names can cost millions because they offer:

• Instant brand recognition

• SEO advantages due to exact-match keywords

• Trust and authority with customers

• Competitive edge in digital marketing

• Scarcity – there’s only one of each .com domain

Conclusion

Domain names are digital real estate—and just like prime physical locations, the best web addresses come with a hefty price tag. Whether it’s a one-word brand like Voice.com, a high-value industry term like CarInsurance.com, or an empire-defining domain like Cars.com, these names represent more than just web links—they’re strategic business assets.

As online competition continues to grow, securing a strong domain name could be one of the smartest investments a company makes.

FAQs About Expensive Domain Names

Q: Why are .com domains more expensive than others?

A: .com is the most recognized and trusted top-level domain (TLD), making it highly valuable for branding and credibility.

Q: Can I still buy premium domains today?

A: Yes, but prices can range from thousands to millions. Check marketplaces like Sedo, GoDaddy Auctions, or contact owners directly.

Q: Are expensive domains always worth the cost?

A: Not always, but in high-competition niches, a premium domain can deliver long-term ROI through SEO, branding, and authority.

Q: What's the best way to find high-value domains for investment?

A: Look for short, one-word, brandable domains with commercial relevance and strong keyword demand.