Hostinger vs Namecheap 2024 – I personally tested both

Last updated on December 1st, 2024 at

Hostinger vs Namecheap 2024 – Which Is Better?

If you’re deciding between Hostinger and Namecheap for your website hosting, I totally get it. I’ve used both for my own projects, and over the years, I’ve tested plenty of hosting services. Let me break it down for you based on my experience and what I’ve learned from working with these hosts. I’ll be honest and straightforward about what’s good and what’s not so good. Whether you’re just starting out or thinking about switching hosts, I want to give you the info you need to make the best decision.

Hostinger: A Solid, Affordable Option

Let’s start with Hostinger. If you’re on a budget and want a reliable hosting provider, Hostinger is definitely worth considering. I’ve used Hostinger for several smaller websites, and what really impressed me was how much value you get for such a low price—starting at just $2.69/month.

Why Hostinger Might Be the Right Choice for You:

  • Fast Speed and 100% Uptime:
    Hostinger’s servers are fast, and it shows. My sites have loaded quickly, and the uptime has been flawless—100%. That means your site will be up and running all the time, which is so important for user experience and SEO.
  • User-Friendly Control Panel (hPanel):
    As someone who’s worked with a lot of web hosts, I can tell you that Hostinger’s hPanel is one of the easiest to use. If you’re new to managing a website, you’ll appreciate how simple it is to find everything you need. You won’t get lost in complicated settings, and the setup process is quick and easy.
  • Free SSL & Daily Backups:
    Hostinger includes a free SSL certificate with every plan, which is great for keeping your site secure and boosting your trustworthiness in Google’s eyes. Plus, they offer daily backups—something I personally value because it means your data is safe without having to think about it.
  • Affordable Pricing for Beginners:
    Hostinger’s pricing is hard to beat. At just $2.69/month, you get a lot for your money. If you’re new to web hosting, this plan gives you plenty of resources to get started without breaking the bank.
  • Customer Support When You Need It:
    Another thing I really like about Hostinger is their 24/7 customer support. I’ve reached out to them a few times for minor issues, and their team is always quick and helpful. If you’re a beginner and you run into problems, it’s reassuring to know you can get help any time.

Namecheap: A Good Option, But with Some Drawbacks

Now, let’s talk about Namecheap. I’ve used Namecheap mostly for domain registration, but I’ve also tested their hosting plans for some smaller sites. They’re known for being cheap (starting at $1.58/month), but while their pricing is attractive, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Why Namecheap Might Be Right for You:

  • Very Low Starting Price:
    Namecheap’s starting price is lower than Hostinger’s. If you’re on an ultra-tight budget, this could be appealing. But I do have to mention that the lowest plan doesn’t give you as many features as Hostinger’s.
  • Free SSL & DDoS Protection:
    Like Hostinger, Namecheap includes a free SSL certificate with every plan. They also offer DDoS protection to keep your site secure from attacks, which is nice. However, some other advanced security features, like the WAF (Web Application Firewall) and CDN, come with an extra cost.
  • Slower Load Times (Requires Optimization):
    One downside I’ve noticed with Namecheap is that the loading times aren’t as fast as Hostinger’s. On average, my Namecheap-hosted sites loaded at 2.7 seconds (which is slower than what I’d like), so if you choose Namecheap, you might need to do a bit of extra work on optimization to speed things up.
  • cPanel May Be Overwhelming for Beginners:
    While cPanel is a powerful tool, it can be a little complicated for someone just starting out. Hostinger’s hPanel is simpler, so I’d recommend it if you’re new to website management. But if you’re familiar with cPanel, you’ll be fine with Namecheap.
  • Occasional Downtime:
    While Namecheap’s uptime isn’t terrible (99.82%), it’s not as perfect as Hostinger’s 100%. This means there could be occasional downtimes that might affect your website’s availability. I’ve personally experienced a few small outages with Namecheap, but nothing too major.

Why I Recommend Hostinger Over Namecheap

After using both Hostinger and Namecheap for my own websites, I’d recommend Hostinger for most people, especially if you’re new to web hosting or just want a hassle-free experience. Here’s why:

  • Better Performance and Uptime:
    Hostinger’s faster load times and perfect uptime make it the better choice overall. For anyone running a website, you want your site to load quickly and stay online 24/7, and Hostinger delivers that.
  • Easier to Use:
    Hostinger’s hPanel is much easier to navigate than Namecheap’s cPanel, especially if you’re new to managing a website. You won’t get lost in menus or settings, which is a huge plus for beginners.
  • More Value for Your Money:
    While Namecheap’s plans are cheaper, Hostinger offers a lot more value for just a few dollars more. You get better performance, more included features (like daily backups), and solid customer support.
  • All-In-One Security:
    Hostinger includes free SSL and daily backups with all its plans, which means you don’t have to worry about extra costs for essential security features. Namecheap’s security options are good, but some advanced features come with extra fees.

Conclusion: Hostinger Is the Better Choice for Most Users

If you’re looking for a hosting provider that gives you the best value for money, reliable performance, and an easy-to-use experience, Hostinger is the way to go. It’s especially ideal if you’re new to web hosting or just want something that works without a lot of extra effort. I’ve used both hosts, and Hostinger’s combination of speed, uptime, and included features makes it the clear winner in my opinion.

That said, if you’re on an extremely tight budget and don’t mind doing a bit of extra optimization, Namecheap could still be a good option for you. But for most people, Hostinger offers the best overall experience.

AspectHostingerNamecheapPerspective
PricingStarts at $2.69/month, affordable with good featuresStarts at $1.58/month, cheaper at firstHostinger gives you great value for the price, with lots of features. Namecheap is cheaper at the beginning, but you get fewer features.
Loading TimesFast page loading (0.8 seconds)Slower loading times (2.7 seconds)Hostinger is faster, which helps your site load quickly and improves SEO. Namecheap may need extra work to speed up its loading times.
Security FeaturesFree SSL, BitNinja protection, daily backupsFree SSL, DDoS protection; extra cost for WAF/CDNHostinger gives you free SSL, security, and backups without extra fees. Namecheap offers more security tools, but at extra costs.
Control PanelUses hPanel, easy to manageUses cPanel, better for advanced tasksHostinger’s hPanel is simpler for beginners. Namecheap’s cPanel is powerful but can be tricky for those new to hosting.
Customer Support24/7 support via live chat and email24/7 support via live chat and ticketingHostinger has great help guides and live chat support, good for people who prefer finding answers on their own. Namecheap is faster for quick support.
Uptime Performance100% uptime, very reliable99.82% uptime, some downtimeHostinger has perfect uptime, meaning your site stays online. Namecheap has small periods of downtime, which might affect your site.
ScalabilityGood plans for growing websitesOffers VPS and dedicated options for bigger sitesHostinger has flexible plans for small to medium sites. Namecheap is better if you need more powerful options later.
FreebiesFree domain (except for Single plan), Cloudflare protectionFree domain, WHOIS privacy, email hostingHostinger gives you Cloudflare protection and a free domain. Namecheap offers WHOIS privacy and email hosting as extra bonuses.
Backup FrequencyAutomatic backups weekly (daily on Business plan)Manual backups or paid option for automatic backupsHostinger automatically backs up your site, so you don’t have to worry. Namecheap requires you to do backups or pay extra for them.
Server LocationsMultiple data centers worldwideData centers in North America, Europe, AsiaHostinger has servers in more places, so your site will load faster for more people. Namecheap has fewer locations, but still covers major areas.

Winner –

Hostinger vs Namecheap

 

Why Choose Hostinger Over Namecheap?

  • Faster Loading Times
    Hostinger offers faster page loading speeds, which means your site will run more smoothly. This not only improves the user experience but also helps your SEO rankings.
  • Free CDN Included
    Hostinger includes a free Content Delivery Network (CDN) with all its plans, boosting your site’s performance globally—at no extra cost.
  • Strong Security Features
    Hostinger comes with advanced security like BitNinja protection and daily backups, helping keep your site safe from threats without additional fees.
  • Easy-to-Use Control Panel
    Hostinger’s hPanel is designed to be simple and user-friendly. Whether you’re a beginner or have more experience, managing your site is a breeze.
  • Global Server Locations
    With data centers around the world, Hostinger ensures your site loads faster for visitors no matter where they are. This also improves server reliability.
  • Excellent Customer Support
    Hostinger offers 24/7 live chat and email support, plus a detailed knowledge base, so you can get help whenever you need it. Their support team is quick and reliable.
  • Free Domain Name
    Hostinger includes a free domain name with most hosting plans (except the Single plan), which is a great bonus if you’re just starting your website.
  • Scalable Hosting Plans
    Hostinger offers flexible plans that grow with your website. You can easily upgrade your resources as your site gets bigger.
  • Affordable Pricing
    Hostinger’s plans are competitively priced, meaning you get excellent features and good value for the money you spend.

Winner –

Hostinger vs Namecheap

Why Choose Namecheap Over Hostinger?

  • Lower Initial Costs
    Namecheap often offers cheaper prices for the first term of hosting, making it a great option if you’re on a tight budget when starting a new website.
  • Free Domain Name
    Like Hostinger, Namecheap also includes a free domain name with their hosting plans, which helps save money when launching your website.
  • Easy-to-Use Dashboard
    Namecheap’s control panel is simple and straightforward, making it easy for beginners to manage their website without any confusion.
  • Trusted Reputation
    Namecheap has a solid reputation for reliable hosting and customer service. Over the years, they’ve earned the trust of many users with their dependable performance.
  • Extra Perks
    Namecheap often includes extra freebies like free WHOIS privacy protection and email hosting with their plans, giving you even more value.

Winner –

 

Namecheap vs Hostinger

Hostinger vs Namecheap – Pricing

Hostinger Hosting Plans

(If you Use My link then you get a 20% Discount)

Premium Plan

Hostinger vs Namecheap - Pricing and Plan

Price: $2.49/month (Renews at $7.99/month)
Ideal for: General websites
Features:

  • Host up to 100 websites
  • ~25,000 monthly visits
  • 100GB SSD storage
  • Unlimited bandwidth
  • Free SSL & email
  • Free domain (1st year)
  • Free CDN
  • Weekly backups
  • WordPress vulnerability scanner
  • WordPress auto updates
  • Dedicated IP address
  • Priority support

Business Plan

Price: $3.49/month (Renews at $8.99/month)
Ideal for: Growing websites needing enhanced features
Features:

  • Host up to 100 websites
  • ~100,000 monthly visits
  • 200GB NVMe storage
  • Unlimited bandwidth
  • Daily and on-demand backups
  • Free SSL & email
  • Free domain (1st year)
  • Free CDN
  • Smart WordPress auto updates
  • Dedicated IP address
  • Priority support

Cloud Startup Plan

Price: $7.59/month (Renews at $19.99/month)
Ideal for: High-traffic websites
Features:

  • Host up to 300 websites
  • ~200,000 monthly visits
  • 200GB NVMe storage
  • Unlimited bandwidth
  • Daily and on-demand backups
  • Free SSL & email
  • Free domain (1st year)
  • Free CDN
  • WordPress AI tools
  • Dedicated IP address
  • Priority support

Namecheap Shared Hosting Plans

Hostinger vs Namecheap - Pricing and Plan

Stellar Plan

Price: $1.98/month (Save 56%)
Ideal for: Beginners with simple websites
Features:

  • Host 3 websites
  • 20GB SSD storage
  • 30 email accounts
  • Free domain name
  • Website builder
  • AI tools
  • Renews at $44.88/year

Stellar Plus Plan

Price: $2.98/month (Save 54%)
Ideal for: Growing sites needing more flexibility
Features:

  • Host unlimited websites
  • Unmetered SSD storage
  • Unlimited email accounts
  • Free domain name
  • Auto backups
  • Website builder
  • AI tools
  • Renews at $68.88/year

Stellar Business Plan

Price: $4.98/month (Save 47%)
Ideal for: Small to medium businesses
Features:

  • Host unlimited websites
  • 50GB SSD storage
  • Unlimited email accounts
  • Auto backups & cloud storage
  • Free domain name
  • Website builder
  • AI tools
  • Renews at $108.88/year

Winner –

 

Namecheap vs Hostinger

Ease of Use: Hostinger vs Namecheap

When you’re new to web hosting, how easy it is to manage everything is super important. After using Hostinger and Namecheap for my own websites, I’ve noticed some key differences that can help you choose the right one for you.


Hostinger – Very Beginner-Friendly

Hostinger - Ease of use

If you’re new to web hosting, Hostinger is really easy to use. As soon as you log in, everything is simple and easy to understand. The dashboard is clear, so you won’t feel confused about where to go next.

One of the best things about Hostinger is their hPanel. Instead of the traditional control panel (called cPanel), Hostinger uses a simpler version that’s much easier to navigate. Whether you’re managing domains, setting up email accounts, or installing WordPress, everything is just a click away. You don’t need to be a tech expert to figure it out.

Another great thing is one-click installs. This means you can install things like WordPress with just a single click, which saves a lot of time. Plus, if you need help, Hostinger has easy step-by-step guides to walk you through tasks like installing SSL certificates or setting up domains.

If you’re starting a website and want something simple and quick to use, Hostinger is perfect. It’s easy to manage and doesn’t come with a steep learning curve.


Namecheap – Simple, but a Bit More Complicated

Namecheap - Ease of use

Namecheap is also easy to use, but it’s a little more complex than Hostinger, especially if you’re just starting out. The dashboard looks modern and is organized well, so you can manage things like domains and emails easily. But when you need to do more advanced tasks, it gets a little trickier.

Namecheap uses cPanel, which is a very powerful tool but can be a bit overwhelming for beginners. You can do things like manage databases, configure email settings, and access other advanced features, but it takes more time to learn. Unlike Hostinger’s simple interface, cPanel has a lot of options, and it may feel confusing if you’ve never used it before.

If you already know a bit about web hosting, cPanel is great because it gives you full control over your hosting. But if you’re new to this, it might take a bit more time to figure out.


What I Recommend

If you’re completely new to web hosting and just want something easy to use, Hostinger is the better choice. Its clean design, simple dashboard, and hPanel make it easy to manage everything. The one-click installations and helpful guides mean you can get your website up and running quickly, without stress.

On the other hand, if you’re comfortable with a bit more complexity and want more control over your hosting setup, Namecheap could be a good option. But just know that cPanel comes with a learning curve, so it may take a little longer to get the hang of it.

In short, if you want something simple and easy to use, go with Hostinger. But if you want more control and don’t mind learning a few extra things, Namecheap could work well for you.

Winner –

Hostinger vs Namecheap

Hostinger vs Godaddy – Performance

Performance: Hostinger vs. Namecheap

As I tested countless web hosting services over the years, I know that performance is everything when it comes to running a website. Whether you’re building a blog, starting an online store, or setting up a business site, you need a host that keeps your website up and running fast. I tested both Hostinger and Namecheap on things like uptime, speed, and how well they handle traffic. Based on my experience, here’s how they stack up:


Uptime: Which Host Keeps Your Site Online?

Hostinger:

Hostinger Uptime Robot test results

When it comes to uptime—basically, how often your site is actually available—Hostinger nailed it. I tracked them over a period of time, and they delivered 100% uptime. That’s right—zero downtime. This is huge for anyone who depends on their website for business or personal projects. No downtime means your visitors can always access your site, and you don’t lose out on traffic or sales.

Namecheap:

Namecheap uptime and response time monitoring

Namecheap, on the other hand, didn’t perform as well. They had 16 outages, adding up to 31 minutes of downtime. Their uptime ended up at just 99.82%, which is below the 100% they claim to guarantee. For me, that’s a bit concerning. Even though it doesn’t sound like much, those 31 minutes of downtime could mean lost customers, missed opportunities, or frustration for your visitors.


Response Time: How Quickly Does Your Site Load?

Hostinger:

Hostinger Uptime Robot test results

Hostinger was impressive in terms of response time. It averaged just 0.8 seconds, meaning your visitors don’t have to wait long for the page to start loading. This is important for both user experience and SEO. Google loves fast-loading websites, and so do your visitors. Faster websites keep users happy and help improve your rankings on Google.

Namecheap:

Namecheap uptime and response time monitoring

Namecheap came in slower with a response time of 1.05 seconds. While not terrible, it’s a bit slower than Hostinger. And every second matters when it comes to loading times. If your site takes too long to load, you risk losing visitors before they even see your content. When it comes to performance, faster is definitely better.


Website Loading Speed: The All-Important Page Load Time

Hostinger:

Hostinger GTmetrix test results

When I tested Hostinger’s loading speed, I was pretty impressed. Their average loading time was around 0.8 seconds—which is fast. I ran several tests, and pages loaded almost instantly. This means that not only will your visitors get a smooth experience, but it also helps with your SEO rankings. Google loves sites that load quickly, and so do visitors.

Namecheap:

Namecheap fully built website speed test

On the other hand, Namecheap had a Largest Contentful Paint (LCP) time of 2.3 seconds, which is slower than the ideal time of under 2 seconds. The total Fully Loaded Time was 2.7 seconds. While this isn’t terrible, it’s still slower than what I’d expect from a top-tier hosting provider. Slower speeds can hurt your site’s SEO and make visitors leave before your site finishes loading.


Handling Traffic: Can Your Host Handle Busy Times?

Hostinger:

Hostinger stress test results

For traffic, Hostinger passed the test with flying colors. I ran a stress test with 50 virtual users, which is meant to simulate a busy period when lots of people visit your site at once. Hostinger handled over 7,000 requests with no problem. Their servers stayed fast and responsive, even under pressure. If your website gets popular and starts receiving lots of visitors, Hostinger can handle it without slowing down.

Namecheap:

Namecheap stress test 1 (fail)

I also ran the same test on Namecheap with 50 virtual users. They had some issues—many requests failed.

Namecheap stress test 2 (success)

I had to drop the number of virtual users to 30 for them to pass the test. Even then, the response time wasn’t as smooth. This tells me that Namecheap might struggle with handling heavy traffic, which could cause issues for your site if it grows quickly or goes viral.


Which Web Host Gives You Better Value?

After using both Hostinger and Namecheap for my own websites, it’s clear that Hostinger offers much better overall value, especially for people who want a fast, reliable, and user-friendly experience.

Here’s why I recommend Hostinger based on my experience:

  • Uptime: Hostinger’s perfect 100% uptime gives me peace of mind, knowing my sites are always available.
  • Speed: With lightning-fast loading times (just 0.8 seconds), Hostinger keeps my visitors happy and helps my site rank higher in Google.
  • Traffic Handling: Hostinger can handle heavy traffic without breaking a sweat. Whether it’s 50 visitors or 7,000, I don’t need to worry about my site slowing down.

For Namecheap, while it’s a decent option for smaller websites, their 99.82% uptime and slower response times mean it’s not the best choice if you’re looking for reliability and speed. Namecheap also struggled to handle traffic under stress, which could be a problem if your site gets a lot of visitors.


Conclusion

If you want a host that’s going to keep your site online, load fast, and handle growth with ease, Hostinger is definitely the better option. From my experience running websites on both hosts, Hostinger gives you more value for your money when it comes to speed, uptime, and traffic handling. For anyone starting out or looking for a host they can trust long-term, I’d highly recommend Hostinger.

That’s my honest take after years of working with web hosting services. I’ve seen what works and what doesn’t, and based on my tests, Hostinger is hands down the more reliable choice for most people.

Winner –

Hostinger vs Namecheap

Website security

Hostinger Security Features

When it comes to keeping your website safe, Hostinger offers a solid range of security tools that give me peace of mind. Here’s what I found:

  • Free SSL Certificates: Every plan comes with a free SSL certificate. It was super easy to set up, and it helps keep my site’s data encrypted. This is crucial for protecting sensitive info like user data and payment details.
  • DDoS Protection: Even with the basic plans, Hostinger provides DDoS protection. This helps defend my site from traffic overloads, ensuring it stays online even during sudden surges in visitors.
  • 24/7 Server Monitoring: Hostinger monitors their servers round the clock. Knowing that they’re keeping an eye on potential issues gives me confidence that my site will stay secure and perform well.
  • Real-Time Malware Scanner: Hostinger offers a real-time malware scanner that constantly checks my site for threats. If anything suspicious pops up, they act quickly to address it, which keeps my site safe from malware and other malicious attacks.
  • Backups: Depending on the plan, Hostinger offers either daily or weekly backups. This is a crucial feature for me, as it ensures I can restore my site to a previous version if something goes wrong.
  • Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Hostinger supports 2FA, adding an extra layer of security. This makes it harder for unauthorized users to access my account, protecting my personal and site data.

Overall, Hostinger provides a strong set of security features, covering the most common risks. It’s a reliable choice if security is a top priority for your website.


Namecheap Security Features

When it comes to security, Namecheap offers some decent features, though there are a few areas where it could improve. Here’s what I found:

  • Free SSL Certificate: Namecheap includes a free Positive SSL with every plan. Activation was quick and easy, which is great if you’re setting up your site on a tight timeline. It’s an essential feature for keeping your site secure and encrypted.
  • WHOIS Domain Privacy Protection: Namecheap includes free WHOIS privacy for domain registrations. This is awesome for protecting your personal information and keeping spam emails away.
  • DDoS Protection: They provide basic DDoS protection through their Supersonic CDN. However, you have to activate it yourself, which could be a little confusing for beginners.
  • Firewall: Namecheap includes ModSecurity, a basic traffic filtering tool. If you want more advanced protection, you’ll need to purchase the Web Application Firewall (WAF), which is an extra cost. This could be a downside if you’re looking for more robust security out of the box.
  • Automatic Backups: The Stellar plan includes bi-weekly backups, but it’s not a guaranteed feature. On the other hand, the Stellar Plus and Stellar Business plans come with daily backups, which is more reliable if you need frequent recovery options.
  • Two-Factor Authentication: Namecheap supports 2FA for added account protection. You can use various methods to verify your identity, which is always a good idea for better security.
  • SiteLock: Namecheap offers malware scanning through SiteLock, but this is an extra paid feature. While it adds another layer of protection, it’s not included in the basic plans.

Conclusion

Both Hostinger and Namecheap offer solid security features, but Hostinger takes the lead with its free SSL certificates, DDoS protection on all plans, real-time malware scanner, and daily backups on higher plans. These features help protect my website from a wide range of potential threats and give me peace of mind.

Namecheap, while offering useful tools like WHOIS privacy and basic DDoS protection, falls short in some areas. For example, malware scanning is only available at an additional cost, and you have to manually activate DDoS protection. Additionally, the ModSecurity firewall is basic, and advanced security options require extra payments.

If you want a host that covers all your security needs without the need for extra purchases or manual setup, Hostinger is the better option. However, if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option and don’t mind manually configuring some security features, Namecheap might still be a solid choice for you.

Winner –

About kartik sharma

Hi I’m Kartik Sharma a WordPress expert, email marketing strategist, and web hosting tester with over 6 years of experience. At wpkartik.com, I share practical tips, in-depth reviews, and comparisons to help you choose the best hosting, optimize your WordPress site, and improve your email marketing. Follow my blog for expert advice and updates.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top