Namecheap vs Name.com: guide for 2024

Namecheap vs Name.com: Final verdict

Looking over Namecheap vs. Name.com, it’s clear why both hosts are so popular. They have both hosted millions of
websites that run on WordPress for decades, building up a loyal customer base.

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  Name.com (Overall grade: 7.3)
  
  
  holds a slight edge in overall reliability and performance with superior response times and a higher uptime guarantee of 99.99%. It supports a variety of hosting types including scalable cloud hosting which broadens its appeal to tech-savvy users needing flexibility. Name.com’s robust security measures, including free daily backups and SSH access, strengthen its reliability. Although it lacks a built-in website builder and free SSL certificates, its simple interface and efficient customer support make it a sound choice for those seeking solid performance and ease of use.
  
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  Namecheap (Overall grade: 7.2)
  
  
  provides an extensive range of hosting options including shared, VPS, and dedicated hosting, suited for various needs from small businesses to high-traffic websites. Its standout features include SSD storage, quick WordPress load times, and a user-friendly website builder. However, Namecheap falters in performance consistency and response times, despite compensating with free hosting in cases of downtime. The inclusion of comprehensive security measures and robust email services further enhances its attractiveness, making it a worthy contender, especially for new and budget-conscious users.
  

Hosting types offered

Both platforms provide a variety of hosting types, each designed to meet the different needs of users.

Although both offer a variety of hosting plans tailored to different needs, in
certain cases, one platform may prove to be more suitable.

Detailed comparison

🏆 Winner Name.com: Offers superior reliability and faster response times for site owners.

Name.com presents a higher uptime guarantee at 99.99%, ensuring minimal interruptions. Its average response time of 220ms significantly surpasses the shared hosting market average. The hosting provider demonstrates reliable performance with only one minute of downtime recorded during a monitored period. Additional features include free automated backups, secure web hosting, and intuitive management tools, catering well to beginners and experienced users alike.

Namecheap, while offering a solid uptime guarantee of 100% for some services, shows variability in actual performance with an average uptime of 99.96%. The average response time of 1.05 seconds is slower compared to other market options. Namecheap’s testing period had 16 outages leading to 31 minutes of downtime. Customers benefit from up to a month of free hosting as compensation for downtime, though, which adds value to its service. The host uses tools like StatusCake and Uptime.com to monitor performance and response times.

🏆 Winner Name.com: Name.com offers a reliable and scalable hosting solution that balances performance and ease of use for diverse needs.

Namecheap and Name.com both present competitive hosting services. Namecheap boasts SSD storage and provides a stellar performance with 0.7 seconds fully loaded time for their WordPress hosting. They offer unmetered bandwidth across most plans and free CDN. Name.com hosts on DigitalOcean’s cloud, featuring powerful 2nd gen Intel Xeon Scalable processors. They provide global data centers and built-in performance enhancements. For CDN services, Namecheap includes it for free with their WordPress hosting, whereas Name.com’s offering isn’t detailed but leverages DigitalOcean’s infrastructure for efficient distribution.

Website Speed

Namecheap’s WordPress hosting loads pages in just 0.7 seconds, and it maintains a Time to First Byte of 192 milliseconds, reflecting superior speed. Furthermore, their infrastructure includes SSD Raid 10 storage which enhances both read and write times. For Name.com, despite leveraging DigitalOcean’s advanced processors, specific speed metrics aren’t provided, leaving a slight gap in comparable speed. Namecheap’s built-in CDN further elevates its performance, ensuring quicker global page loading.

Scalability

Namecheap offers varied plans from shared to VPS hosting, providing extensive options for upgrading manually. They don’t have details on elastic scaling. Their VPS plans include up to 8 CPU cores and 12 GB of RAM, costing progressively more as you scale. Name.com boasts excellent scalability, allowing seamless upgrades for memory and disk space as needed, although specifics on dedicated servers and automatic scaling aren’t provided. Their options for flexible hosting plans cover from simple websites to complex applications, making them a versatile choice.

🏆 Winner Namecheap: Offers a robust set of security measures suitable for various web hosting needs.

Technical security measures:

Namecheap provides a comprehensive suite of security features, including single domain, wildcard, and multi-domain SSL certificates. Their PHP versions range from 5.X to 8.X, giving flexibility for different projects. Name.com offers similar SSL options, but the range of their SSL prices varies more widely. Namecheap’s compatibility with more extensive PHP versions gives it an edge over Name.com, which supports PHP 7.0 to PHP 8.0+. Both providers include SSH access, spam protection, and MySQL for secure database management, but Namecheap goes a step further with additional features such as SPF, Domain Keys, and PGP/GPG encryption for emails.

Operational security measures:

Namecheap offers automated two-factor authentication (2FA) for added account security, premium DNS services for under $5 a year, and different email filtering options like Jellyfish Spam Protection and BoxTrapper. They also provide Cloud Storage for 100% uptime and data protection, which is not mentioned by Name.com. Name.com ensures operational security through regular server monitoring, automated backups, and password-protected directories, which are standard features. Both provide 24/7 customer support, but Namecheap’s infrared backup and monitoring tools are accessible directly through cPanel.

Compliance and certifications:

Namecheap is GDPR compliant, offering rights such as data rectification and the right to be forgotten. While Namecheap’s compliance with PCI or HIPAA standards is not explicitly mentioned, they provide features that aid in meeting these requirements. Name.com also complies with GDPR, ensuring users’ data privacy and secure processing. Both providers meet standard GDPR requirements, but neither list HIPAA compliance or detailed PCI compliance.

🏆 Winner
Namecheap: Namecheap provides a comprehensive hosting solution with a variety of plans and rich features suitable for different user needs.

When comparing Namecheap and Name.com, both offer robust hosting features tailored to diverse requirements. Namecheap stands out with its extensive range of plans, including shared, reseller, and WordPress hosting. A unique selling point is the inclusion of a website builder across all shared hosting plans, which boasts user-friendliness and allows for complex customization. Furthermore, Namecheap’s plans come with 50 free PositiveSSL certificates for one year, making it an attractive option for those looking for enhanced security. Another perk is its free Supersonic CDN, providing basic DDoS protection and improved website performance. Namecheap also offers a seamless migration service and a 30-day money-back guarantee, enhancing its appeal to potential users.

On the other hand, Name.com emphasizes simplicity and reliability with features such as automated backups every 48 hours and a one-click setup for popular CMS like WordPress. While the provider does not include a built-in website builder, it offers free daily backups and an enterprise webmail interface. Name.com supports unlimited FTP accounts and provides secure SSH access, making it suitable for more tech-savvy users. They also facilitate easy management through cPanel and support multiple PHP versions. Both providers offer reliable security features, but Name.com does not include free SSL certificates. Overall, the choice between the two may depend on whether a user values additional free services and website builder capabilities or robust file management and security features.

Both providers support a range of users from beginners to experts with user-friendly website builders and WordPress staging areas. However, in terms of developer tools, both Namecheap and Name.com offer robust options including SSH access, support for multiple programming languages, and Git for version control, thus appealing to developers looking for advanced capabilities.

Email services:

Email services at Namecheap offer extensive email services with 30 to unlimited mailboxes depending on the plan, alongside unlimited email forwarders and autoresponders. It provides domain-based email addresses with Jellyfish Spam Protection. Name.com also provides robust email hosting with over 100 email accounts and secure email encryption. Namecheap’s services are supplemented by detailed spam protection tools like SpamAssassin and BoxTrapper, whereas Name.com ensures clean communication with its enterprise webmail interface and spam protection features. Both hosts do not resell third-party email services directly within their hosting plans.

🏆 Winner
Name.com: Offering a blend of affordability and extensive feature sets for varied hosting needs.

Evaluating the pricing of plans among various hosting providers can be complex due to their differing pricing and renewal strategies. Additionally, certain plans require annual commitments, which adds to the difficulty of making comparisons. The prices listed are based on monthly commitments; plans requiring annual commitments are indicated. Additionally, although some providers offer identical plans for WordPress and shared hosting, we have created separate tables for each to enhance clarity.

Comparing the pricing plans of Namecheap and Name.com reveals that Namecheap offers a variety of affordable shared hosting and managed WordPress plans, with introductory prices as low as $1.98 per month. Namecheap’s plans also come with free domain names for the first year and comprehensive security features. On the other hand, Name.com differentiates itself with scalable cloud hosting plans powered by DigitalOcean, starting at $6.00 per month for 25 GB SSD storage. Name.com also features web hosting with one-click WordPress installations at $6.00 per month, emphasizing ease of use and flexibility. Both providers offer substantial value, but Name.com has an edge with its versatility and higher user rating.

Enterprise plans

For enterprises, Namecheap offers advanced dedicated server hosting starting from $44.88 per month with customizable configurations and 24/7 support. This makes it suitable for high-traffic websites and complex applications. Name.com’s scalable cloud hosting plans like the Digital Ocean 320GB Droplet provide substantial resources with up to 8 VCPUS and 16 GB memory, starting at $96.00 per month, appealing for enterprises needing extensive storage and bandwidth. Both providers deliver powerful solutions, but Name.com stands out for its flexibility in cloud hosting.

🏆 Winner
Namecheap: A user-friendly hosting provider with efficient setup and extensive support options.

Namecheap provides an EasyWP dashboard that is customized for easy management, eliminating the complexities often associated with cPanel. For users who prefer cPanel, Namecheap still offers it, making it accessible to both technical and non-technical users. The EasyWP dashboard is particularly user-friendly, with all necessary tools readily available. On the other hand, Name.com offers the standard cPanel interface, which is well-known for its ease of use and familiarity among users. Both platforms simplify website management, but Namecheap’s unique EasyWP dashboard gives it a slight edge for those seeking an alternative to the conventional cPanel.

Namecheap’s one-click installations via Softaculous support over 200 different scripts including popular CMS options like WordPress, Joomla, and Drupal. This makes it incredibly accessible for setting up diverse types of websites. Name.com offers similar ease with one-click installations for WordPress and a supportive cPanel interface for easy management. Both providers are strong in terms of admin panel accessibility, but Namecheap’s EasyWP dashboard offers a more streamlined approach for non-technical users.

When comparing migration tools, Namecheap stands out with its free migration service handled through the All-in-One WP Migration plugin. This service is inclusive, working with various hosts like GoDaddy, BlueHost, SiteGround, and more, at no extra cost. Name.com, however, does not explicitly mention a free migration service, which could entail additional steps or costs for users looking to switch providers. This makes Namecheap’s migration offering more appealing and hassle-free.

The platforms provide extensive knowledge bases filled with guides, how-to articles, and instructional content. Namecheap offers a wide range of resources alongside 24/7 chat and phone support. Name.com also provides a Knowledge Base with categorized articles, live chat support during specific hours, and a support ticket system for personalized help. The coverage and accessibility of Namecheap’s support, offering around-the-clock assistance, make it more convenient for users seeking immediate help.

🏆 Winner Name.com: User management capabilities comparison with Namecheap.

When comparing the user management features of Namecheap and Name.com, it becomes evident that both platforms offer limited information about their capabilities. Namecheap’s user management is not documented, leaving us to assume it lacks distinct user roles and permissions. Name.com, while not detailed, allows for reference to their official documentation or support team for clarity. The lack of explicit information makes it challenging to assess their relative performance, but the need for further support from Name.com’s side hints at more sophisticated underlying structures which are yet unexplored.

The user interface and tools for managing users could not be explicitly compared due to the lack of detailed information from both providers. Without solid data on the user interfaces, assumptions about ease of use, graphical layouts, and administrative panels remain speculative. Namecheap’s offerings in this regard are unspecified, while Name.com implies the presence of tools but directs users to their resources for specific details. This reflection creates an ambiguous footing for defining intuitive and user-friendly interfaces.

Access control measures in both Namecheap and Name.com are not well defined in our current context. Namecheap’s lack of any documented user management abilities suggests potential limitations in effectively managing growing numbers of users. Name.com, while ambiguous, tentatively points towards more structured but undetailed access control capabilities. Both hosting providers may have systems in place, but their efficacy in scaling with user growth is difficult to gauge without more transparent information.

Name.com user roles table:

🏆 Winner
Name.com: Offers attractive customer service features, making it a strong choice for those seeking reliable and comprehensive support.

Namecheap provides various customer support options, including 24/7 live chat and a ticketing system, alongside a detailed knowledge base and how-to videos. Their friendly assistance and extensive resources ensure users have multiple avenues to resolve issues. However, the lack of phone support and instances where live chat redirects users to tickets could be limitations for some.

Name.com features live chat support and a virtual bot, though with limited daily availability. Their phone support has restricted hours, but they compensate with social media support and a comprehensive knowledge base. Their user reviews highlight ease of use, reliable service, and good support, albeit with slightly higher pricing. Both providers excel in different areas, but Name.com edges out Namecheap with its well-rounded support features.

Namecheap vs Name.com: User feedback

Namecheap is widely appreciated for its affordability, reliability, and high-quality customer support. Users commend the availability of free SSL certificates, user-friendly cPanel, and outstanding hosting speed. However, shared hosting speed and the occasional slow response from support are noted concerns. Despite these minor drawbacks, Namecheap remains a popular choice for beginners and small to medium businesses due to its competitive pricing and satisfactory service quality.

User feedback for the hosting provider reveals a mixed bag of experiences. While many users appreciate the straightforward domain registration process, easy-to-use interface, and competitive pricing, there are significant concerns regarding customer service. Negative reviews often highlight slow response times, unhelpful support, and issues with account management. Users also express dissatisfaction with hosting services, citing technical difficulties and a lack of advanced features. However, some long-term users remain loyal, finding the platform reliable for domain-related solutions despite its shortcomings in customer support.

Namecheap vs Name.com: FAQ