What is Namecheap Hosting?
Remember when GoDaddy got into trouble for their founder shooting at elephants? Well, Namecheap took the moral high road and helped customers who were shocked to move over to its platform. When you need a domain, they’re your first choice. But what about their hosting services?
This company was founded in 2000 by Richard Kirkendall, and it is owned and operated independently. Initially, Namecheap only provided domain name registrars, but since 2007, they have expanded to offer shared hosting. Based in Los Angeles, Namecheap boasts a client list of over two million and is ICANN-accredited.
How Good is Namecheap Hosting?
Namecheap is best known for its cheap domain names but is now claiming a spot in web hosting, offering introductory pricing as low as $10 per year. With over 15 years in business, they’ve built a strong reputation as a domain registrar, and while their hosting isn’t as remarkable as some other sites, it’s acceptable. Namecheap’s main selling point is its price, complemented by good customer service and all the essentials for setting up a website. If you’re looking for simplicity and affordability, Namecheap may be a decent option. However, for more robust needs, Namecheap may feel limiting.
Best Features of Namecheap Hosting
1. Cost-Effective
Namecheap shines in affordability, offering four plans that are extremely cost-effective compared to competitors. The introductory prices are particularly appealing.
| Hosting Plan | Starting Price | Sale Price | Domain Name | Websites | Storage | Domain-Based Mailboxes | Extra Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stellar | $4.48/mo | $1.98/mo | 1 | 3 | 20 GB SSD | 30 | – |
| Stellar Plus | $6.48/mo | $2.98/mo | 1 | Unlimited | Unmetered SSD | Unlimited | AutoBackup |
| Stellar Business | $9.48/mo | $4.98/mo | 1 | Unlimited | 50 GB SSD | Unlimited | AutoBackup & Cloud Storage |
2. Quick and Easy Onboarding
When signing up, Namecheap makes onboarding extremely simple with a welcome email and an intuitive login process. The layout is efficient, reducing the need for customer support.
3. Support
Customer reviews are mixed regarding support; some find it excellent, while others express dissatisfaction. Our experience shows response times are generally quick. Live chat support is available, while phone support is not.
4. Website Management
Namecheap’s management interface is minimalist and user-friendly, ideal for simpler needs but limited for those requiring extensive functionality.
5. Backup Options
Namecheap backs up data twice a week, though it’s advised to perform your own backups regularly. This feature is helpful if you forget.
6. Website Features
Namecheap offers:
- Softaculous: One-click third-party script and application installer.
- CloudFlare: Site performance enhancer for mobile use.
- Google Apps: Integration available for those who prefer Google services.
7. Uptime
Namecheap claims high uptime reliability, and no significant issues have been noted, although they don’t specify compensation should it fall short of 99%.
8. Domain Registrar
As a domain registrar, Namecheap performs well. Many users buy domains here and host them elsewhere due to Namecheap’s cost-effectiveness and ease of use.
Downsides of Namecheap Hosting
1. Limited Options
Namecheap’s hosting services are capped on domains, databases, and storage depending on the plan. Here’s the breakdown:
| Plan | Domains | Disk Space | Databases | Email Accounts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Value Package | 3 | 20 GB | 50 | 50 |
| Professional | 10 |
