8 Pros + Cons of Namecheap Shared Hosting

I’ve been a Namecheap customer for more than 12 years now. I like them as a company, and used their Shared Hosting product for several years. They aren’t a fit for me anymore, but here are a few notes on what they do well and not so well.

Pros

Very Affordable Upfront & Renewal Pricing

I’m particularly impressed by Namecheap’s transparent pricing structure. Their Stellar plan starts at just $1.48/month for the first year which is significantly lower than competitors. What really sets them apart is their renewal pricing at $4.48/month – while most hosts jump to $10+ after the first term. I’ve hosted so many small WordPress sites on their basic plan and the value for money is exceptional.

Familiar cPanel Tools & Easy Interface

The standard cPanel interface makes managing my websites straightforward and intuitive. I can easily access essential tools like file manager phpMyAdmin and one-click WordPress installations without hunting through complex menus.

The dashboard shows clear usage statistics and I appreciate how Namecheap hasn’t modified cPanel with unnecessary customizations. Even as a beginner I found creating databases managing email accounts and setting up subdomains remarkably simple. The backup tool is particularly user-friendly allowing me to restore my sites with just a few clicks.

Integration with Namecheap Products (like Domains & Website Builder)

Having all my web services under one roof has streamlined my workflow significantly. I purchased my domains through Namecheap and the automatic DNS configuration saved me hours of setup time. Their Website Builder seamlessly connects to my hosting account and I can manage everything from a single dashboard.

The SSL certificate installation is automated when using Namecheap domains and their other products like Private Email ($0.99/month) integrate smoothly with the hosting platform. I especially value how domain renewals hosting services and additional features can be managed from one centralized billing system.

Cons

Pay Extra for SSL Certificates

I was disappointed to discover that Namecheap’s basic shared hosting plans still don’t include a free SSL certificate..after the first year. While they offer PositiveSSL for $8.88 per year it’s an extra expense that many competitors include for free via Let’s Encrypt.

Purchasing and installing SSL certificates adds both cost and complexity to the setup process. Though the Stellar Plus and Business plans include a free SSL it feels like an unnecessary upsell for basic plan users who need essential security features.

Very Low File & CPU Limits

The resource limitations on Namecheap’s shared hosting have been frustrating at times. I’ve hit the 150,000 file limit so many times while running WordPress sites with numerous plugins and media files.

These constraints can lead to temporary suspensions if you exceed them which I have experienced several times during high-traffic periods.

Only Chat & Email Support Options

I’ve found Namecheap’s lack of phone support to be limiting especially during urgent situations. While their chat support is generally responsive with average wait times of 2-3 minutes email responses can take 24-48 hours.

During server downtimes or critical issues I missed having the option to speak directly with a support representative. Their current support channels include:

• 24/7 Live Chat
• Email Ticket System
• Knowledge Base Articles

For complex technical issues the absence of voice support has occasionally extended resolution times.

Tips & Best Use Cases

Perfect For

• Personal blogs and portfolio sites (up to 10,000 monthly visitors)
• Small business websites with very basic needs
• Testing environments for web development
• Multiple low-traffic WordPress installations
• Student projects and learning platforms

Not Recommended For

• High-traffic websites (10,000+ monthly visitors)
• Resource-intensive applications
• Ecommerce stores
• Websites requiring advanced server configurations
• Media-heavy sites with large file storage needs

Next Steps

While it has limitations like restricted resources and no free SSL certificates the platform delivers exceptional value for its price point. Look, sometimes you need a t-shirt from Walmart instead of a Brooks Brothers button-down. That is where Namecheap is at. You’re gonna hit limits and issues. But I’ve found it particularly suitable for managing multiple WordPress sites personal blogs and landing pages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Namecheap hosting suitable for beginners?

Yes, Namecheap hosting is excellent for beginners. It offers a user-friendly cPanel interface, simple WordPress installation, and straightforward website management tools. The platform’s intuitive design makes it easy to handle basic tasks like creating databases and managing email accounts.

How much does Namecheap’s shared hosting cost?

Namecheap’s Stellar shared hosting plan starts with renewal pricing at $4.48/month. This makes it one of the most affordable options in the market, offering good value for money compared to competitors.

Does Namecheap provide free SSL certificates?

No, Namecheap doesn’t offer (truly) free SSL certificates with basic shared hosting plans. They will usually provide a premium SSL for free for a year that renews at $8/yr. You’ll need to purchase SSL certificates separately or upgrade to a higher-tier plan that includes them, which adds to the overall cost.

What are the limitations of Namecheap’s shared hosting?

The main limitations include restricted file and CPU allocation, potential temporary suspensions during high traffic periods, and no phone support. Resource constraints might affect website performance, particularly for high-traffic or resource-intensive sites.

Share this post!