Namecheap vs Google Domains: What’s the Better Buy?

Comparing Namecheap and Google Domains in 2025 , from pricing to features and domain management tools.
Domain service comparison visual with Namecheap and Google branding

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Table of Contents

Overview: Google Domains vs Namecheap

Until recently, Google Domains was a leading choice for no-frills domain registration — backed by a big name and easy integration with other Google services. But in 2023, Google sold its domain business to Squarespace, leaving users uncertain about future pricing, support, and features.

Namecheap, by contrast, has been a trusted registrar since 2000. It offers competitive pricing, excellent support, and a wide feature set — from WHOIS privacy to DNS management and domain-based email hosting.

Check current domain deals on Namecheap

Core Feature Comparison

Let’s break down the feature differences between Google Domains (pre-Squarespace transition) and Namecheap’s current offerings.

Feature Namecheap Google Domains
Domain Search Wide TLD selection, fast filters Simple, clean UI
WHOIS Privacy Included for free, forever Included (status may change)
Support 24/7 chat and ticket support No live chat — email only
Additional Tools Email, hosting, SSL, CDN Limited to Google integrations
Account Management Central dashboard + 2FA Integrated with Google Admin

Namecheap offers a broader ecosystem for those who want to go beyond just domain registration. If you’re planning to build a site or need domain-based email, it’s the more flexible option.

Pricing & Renewal Cost Differences

Initial pricing can be similar between registrars — but where Namecheap wins is in transparency and long-term cost.

  • Most .com domains on Namecheap start around $8.88–$9.98/year
  • Renewals typically stay under $14/year with WHOIS privacy included
  • Google Domains was $12/year flat — but pricing under Squarespace may increase

Secure a .com with Namecheap now

Unlike other registrars, Namecheap doesn’t jack up renewals or charge for basic features. Over 5 years, that could save you $30–$50 per domain depending on your TLD and add-ons.

Domain Privacy & Transfer Control

Domain privacy — also known as WHOIS protection — keeps your personal contact info off public records. Both registrars offered this as standard, but Namecheap goes further.

Domain Privacy Comparison:

Registrar WHOIS Privacy Renewal Privacy Cost
Namecheap ✅ Free for life $0 forever
Google Domains ✅ Free (until now) Unknown with Squarespace

Namecheap also makes domain transfers easy — with no extra charges. Many users are now transferring away from Google Domains since the acquisition by Squarespace, who may not prioritize domain features.

How to Transfer a Domain from Google to Namecheap

If you’re currently with Google Domains, here’s how to switch:

  1. Log into your Google Domains dashboard
  2. Unlock your domain and get your transfer code
  3. Visit the Namecheap Transfer Tool
  4. Enter the domain + transfer code
  5. Complete checkout — you’ll keep your time and get 1 year added

Start your transfer to Namecheap now

Who Is Each Registrar Best For?

Namecheap is better if you:

  • Care about long-term pricing
  • Want privacy protection forever — no upsells
  • Plan to add hosting, email, or security
  • Need responsive 24/7 support

Google Domains was best if you:

  • Only used Google Workspace or Gmail setup
  • Never needed support or extra tools
  • Wanted a no-frills dashboard (but that’s now being phased out)

With the shutdown of Google Domains, most of these benefits are gone or changing. Squarespace is likely to roll all domains into its main platform — meaning you’ll be locked into their ecosystem.

Avoid future lock-ins — get full control with Namecheap

Pros & Cons Breakdown

Namecheap Google Domains (Now Squarespace)
Pricing Transparency
Free Privacy Protection Unclear future
Support Quality ✅ 24/7 live ❌ No live support
Additional Products Hosting, SSL, email None

Namecheap offers a full registrar experience — Google Domains offered convenience, but that era is ending.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better — Namecheap or Google Domains?

Namecheap is better for most users in 2025. It offers better support, cheaper long-term pricing, free WHOIS privacy for life, and integration with hosting, email, and SSL products. Google Domains was convenient for Google product users, but now lacks future clarity due to the Squarespace transition.

Who is cheaper for domains — Namecheap or Google?

For most TLDs, Namecheap is cheaper both upfront and at renewal. Google Domains charged $12/year flat for .com, while Namecheap’s .coms often start around $9 and renew below $14 — with privacy protection included. Namecheap also runs frequent domain sales and discounts.

Is Google Domains shutting down?

Yes. As of late 2023, Google Domains was acquired by Squarespace. New domain purchases now redirect to Squarespace, and existing users are being migrated. Support, feature continuity, and future pricing are now dictated by Squarespace — not Google.

Is it easy to transfer domains to Namecheap?

Yes — and it only takes about 10 minutes. You simply unlock the domain, get your transfer code, and plug it into Namecheap’s transfer tool. They handle the rest, and you even get a free year added to your domain’s expiration date.

Does Namecheap include email or hosting?

Not by default, but you can easily bundle in Private Email hosting (from $0.91/month), SSL certificates, or web hosting like EasyWP or Stellar shared hosting. This makes it ideal for people who want to manage their full stack from one dashboard.

Final Verdict: Namecheap vs Google Domains

If you’re deciding where to register or transfer your domain in 2025, the choice is clear.

Choose Namecheap if you want:

  • Cheaper long-term domain ownership
  • Reliable privacy protection that stays free
  • Clear, fair pricing with no surprises
  • Responsive 24/7 customer support
  • Flexibility to add hosting, email, SSL and DNS control

Avoid:

  • Waiting to see what Squarespace does with your Google Domains portfolio
  • Paying more for basic registrar features in the future

Namecheap remains a top choice for developers, creators, and entrepreneurs — not just because it’s cheaper, but because it gives you full control without lock-ins.

Transfer your domains to Namecheap now

Or, if you’re just getting started:

Search for your perfect domain on Namecheap today

Domain registration should be simple, secure, and affordable. With Namecheap — it still is.

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