The ease of creating new websites have been boosted nowadays with the emergence of many domain registrars and website hosting companies. They have helped users with a proper supply of domain names with greater protection. Many of these domain registrars provide complimentary deals on security gateways and an access to a more effective and efficient domain and website.
The WhoisGuard security feature is an integral part of these deals as this protection restricts people from finding information about the person operating the domain. Similarly, security features like Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), which improves security while making important credit card transactions or browsing social media, are also attached to these domain registrars. Namecheap and GoDaddy are two of the most prominent companies providing these services.
Namecheap vs GoDaddy
The main difference between Namecheap and GoDaddy is that Namecheap can be considered a cheaper alternative of GoDaddy because of its cost-efficient deals on domains and subsequent free and cheap security services as well.
Comparison Table Between Namecheap and GoDaddy
| Parameter for Comparison | Namecheap | GoDaddy |
| Year Founded | Founded in 2000 by Richard Kirkendall | Founded in 1997 by Bob Parsons |
| Type of Business | Privately owned business | Publicly owned business |
| Stock Market Listing | No | Yes |
| Security | Free WhoisGuard Protection and cheap Secure Sockets Layer service | Paid WhoisGuard Protection |
| Ideology | The company believes in the freedom of internet usage and therefore is against the Stop Internet Policy Act (SOPA) | The company believes that the Stop Internet Policy Act (SOPA) is integral to regulate malpractices and maintain an ethical online environment. |
| Price | Cheaper than services provided by GoDaddy | Comparatively more expensive than Namecheap |
What is Namecheap?
Namecheap is a web service founded in 2000, which allows users to purchase their own domain names. An ICCAN certification makes Namecheap a trustworthy domain registrar. The website allows the users to first type in their choice of name for the domain and then it subsequently verifies the availability of the particular domain. In case the domain has been taken, it provides alternatives for the domain name (Ex: alternatives for abc.com: abc.tech, abc.io, abc.health).
In addition to the domain name, Namecheap also provides deals on specific security like the WhoisGuard protection which prevents users from seeing the details of the creator of the domain. This provides a secure gateway and also prevents spam and unnecessary emails. Another feature is the provision of a free email ID to the buyer of the domain. Similarly, the help center provides different services to the customers to help them with their grievances. Live customer chat, knowledge bases, guru guides, blogs, status updates and tutorial videos help potential buyers to navigate through the website in an easier manner.
Namecheap’s DNS management system has an organized workspace which allows user to make easy changes and the company also believes in the freedom of internet usage. Therefore, they are against the Stop Internet Policy Act (SOPA), which monitors copyright infringements in the internet. There is a possibility of sometimes facing login problems if the user isn’t present in USA and that is complimented by some restrictions on the available Top Level Domains (TLD). Finally, Namecheap offers a very economical domain for the first year of use followed by an equally cheap plan for the years after.
What is GoDaddy?
GoDaddy is an American domain registrar company which was founded in 1997. Certified by ICCAN, it is one of the most prominent domain registrars and offers a plethora of services like website creation, search engine optimization, website security, etc. The home page of the website allows the user to first write down their preferred website name. After that it cross checks the availability of the particular name and suggests alternatives if it isn’t available (Ex: alternatives for abc.com: abctag.com, abcbest.com)
GoDaddy being a publicly traded company is listed in the New York Stock Exchange and Russell 1000 Index currently trading at $ 83.87 per share. The website has an advanced customization panel which facilitates an easy navigation for users. GoDaddy has been significantly involved in many marketing and advertising campaigns. It has sponsored major sporting events like the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019, Indycar and NASCAR rallies and the lucrative Super Bowl in 2007.
GoDaddy Pro has also been made available for users. This feature works as an efficient assistant to provide better business development and management services. The help center provides further assistance with account management services and a 24/7 customer care service. GoDaddy’s DNS management system might be considered more complex at times due to its additional features. GoDaddy also provides in-built services like the Website Builder and GoCentral Online Store which have been made free for the first month. Finally, the provision of important WordPress tools have boosted the growth of the company and hence propelled it to the most used domain registrar right now.
Main Differences Between Namecheap and GoDaddy
- In terms of inception, Namecheap was founded in 2000 which is 3 years after GoDaddy was established in 1997 as Jomax Technologies.
- Namecheap is a privately owned company while GoDaddy is a public company.
- GoDaddy has been listed in the New York Stock Exchange and Russell 1000 Index while Namecheap isn’t listed in the American stock market.
- Namecheap has security services which provide free access to WhoisGuard protection whereas GoDaddy has a paid WhoisGuard protection service.
- Namecheap strongly opposes the Stop Internet Policy Act (SOPA) whereas GoDaddy supports the Stop Internet Policy Act (SOPA) and its aim to streamline and regulate activities in the internet.
Conclusion
While one has built a reputation of being the most used and trusted domain registrar, the other provides some of the cheapest domains and renewal prices for the succeeding years. Therefore, weighing the pros and cons of Namecheap and GoDaddy can be entirely subjective to the user’s adaptability and expertise. While many may prefer the cheap, value for money domain names along with basic services that Namecheap provides, many especially amateurs may prefer the more streamlined services and guided tools that GoDaddy provides.
References
- https://www.hbs.edu/faculty/Pages/item.aspx?num=51620