The Facts
2000
Founded
17M+
Domains managed
ICANN
Accredited registrar
Phoenix, AZ
US-based company
Why People Trust Namecheap
✓ 24+ Years in Business
Founded in 2000, they've survived multiple market cycles and built a solid reputation.
✓ ICANN Accredited
Officially authorized by the governing body of domain names. This isn't easy to get.
✓ Transparent Pricing
Unlike some competitors, Namecheap shows renewal prices upfront. No hidden fees.
✓ Free WHOIS Privacy
Includes privacy protection at no extra charge—something GoDaddy charges $9.99/year for.
✓ Strong Security Options
Two-factor authentication, domain lock, and other security features available.
Honest Criticisms
No company is perfect. Here's what some users mention:
- Renewal prices higher than first-year: True, but this is industry-standard. They're still competitive.
- Support can be slow: Live chat exists but complex issues may take time.
- Interface could be cleaner: It's functional but not as slick as newer competitors.
Namecheap vs Competitors
| Factor | Namecheap | GoDaddy |
|---|---|---|
| Years in business | 24+ | 27+ |
| Free WHOIS privacy | ✓ | $9.99/yr |
| .com renewal | $16.98 | $21.99 |
| Upselling | Minimal | Aggressive |
Verdict: Completely Legitimate
Namecheap is a well-established, trustworthy registrar. They're a solid choice, though newer options like Cloudflare or Porkbun may offer better value for some users.
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