Namecheap vs GoDaddy, Which Domain Service?

Namecheap and GoDaddy are two of the most popular domain name registration providers. They're popular because they both offer a super-friendly interface and competitive prices. When building a website, the first thing to do is to register (=buy) a domain for a year or two (or more than 2 years if you want). It's something you want to get it done with and forget about it until the next renewal date. So Namecheap vs GoDaddy, which is better?

Register A Domain. Connect. Done!

Both Namecheap and GoDaddy feature a domain search box in the home page. You can check a domain availability without logging in. If a domain with particular TLD such as .com is not available, they will tell you what's available (e.g. .net, .org) and for how much.

If available and you're happy to buy it, you just log in and purchase it.

The next thing - the only other thing - you have to do is to connect your domain name to the web hosting service. Both Namecheap and GoDaddy offer the service and, if you're using their own it's super-easy with a click of a button. If you're using a third party web hosting service, there's a clear instruction too. It won't usually take a few minutes for your web host to recognise the domain name - though they always say "it may take up to 24 hours / 48 hours".

So once your domain is registered, you rarely need to log back in unless you need to change the settings (e.g. change your web hosting company), or something goes wrong. Bt nothing ever goes wrong with either of the two service providers, in my experience.

Domain Registration Fee

As far as the fee is concerned, Namecheap is generally (and literally!) cheaper, only slightly.

As you can see, if you were to register one domain name with .com TLD, Namecheap offers $10.69, whereas GoDaddy charges $11.99. But GoDaddy often offers unique bundle discounts instead. Like shown above, if you buy the same domain name with 3 x particular TLD's at the same time (.net, .org and .info), you'll only pay $18.

But there are seldom occasions where you want to buy these 3 domain TLD's but to exclude .com. If you really want to protect the brand name that you've chosen, an option can be to buy all 4 x TLD's at the same time (.com, .net, .org and .info), you'll only pay $29.99, makes it $7.50 each.

I live in the UK and therefore the price is actually shown in GBP by default. I see a further discount option here with GoDaddy; when you register for 2 years or more, you only pay £0.99 (USD 1.30) for the first year, then the additional years for £12.99 (USD 17.00).

So if you pay for 2 years, GoDaddy will charge you just over $18 (just over $9 per year), which will come slightly cheaper than Namecheap. However this offer only applies for a brand new domain purchase. At the renewal date, if you wish you pay for the 2nd year & 3rd year together, you'll just simply have to pay 2 x $11.99 = $23.98.

So what do you think? I wouldn't like paying for a brand new domain name for 2 years, as anything could happen in the near future with a new website. And you would only save a few dollars by paying for 2 years ahead. So I personally prefer Namecheap for the straightforward pricing offer.

Ease Of Use

Both offer a very friendly & welcoming interface. Apart from the domain registration service, both Namecheap and GoDaddy offer web hosting services. But it is GoDaddy who provides a few more other services such as;

•  Website builder with online store integration and WordPress integration
• SEO service (keyword search tool)
• Email marketing service
• Microsoft Office integration

In terms of the main menu for that reason, GoDaddy is much busier. I must add though, these extra services are worth checking out, for example the SEO service is offered only for $2.99 per month.

Domain management screen: Namecheap (left) - GoDaddy (right)

As far as the domain management screen is concerned, I find both Namecheap and GoDaddy equally easy to set up and edit. One advantage with GoDaddy is that - the company is bigger than Namecheap and generally better known. When you're setting up a service software, for example an e-commerce or email marketing software and having it integrated with your domain, you often find a separate, step-by-step instruction for GoDaddy user. But you hardly ever see an instruction for Namecheap integration because it's lesser known.

Namecheap vs GoDaddy, Which Domain Service?

I personally prefer Namecheap, for its simple pricing structure, and easy domain management which you can find all the information within one screen. ​But I don't have anything negative to say about GoDaddy and, I do register some of my domains with Namecheap and some with GoDaddy.

Which is your favourite? Let me hear your opinion - please don't hesitate to leave your comment below.