Spaceship vs Namecheap: Same Owner, Different Experience
Choose Namecheap if you need more TLD options, advanced features, or established support channels.
Here's the elephant in the room: Spaceship is owned by Namecheap. Same company, same infrastructure, different branding. So why would Namecheap create a competitor to itself? And more importantly, which one should you actually use?
Why Namecheap Created Spaceship
Namecheap launched Spaceship in 2023 as a "fresh start" registrar—one built without 20+ years of accumulated features, legacy systems, and interface decisions they couldn't easily undo.
Think of it like Toyota creating Lexus, or Gap creating Old Navy. Same parent company, different positioning:
- Namecheap = Full-featured, established, extensive TLD support, more services
- Spaceship = Minimalist, aggressive pricing, modern interface, fewer frills
Your domains are equally safe at either. They use the same underlying infrastructure and are backed by the same company managing 26+ million domains.
Pricing Comparison: The Numbers
| Extension | Spaceship | Namecheap | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| .com Registration | $9.08 | $9.58 | 🚀 Spaceship |
| .com Renewal | $10.18 | $14.58 | 🚀 Spaceship |
| .io Registration | $31.98 | $32.98 | 🚀 Spaceship |
| .io Renewal | $46.58 | $44.98 | 📦 Namecheap |
| WHOIS Privacy | FREE | FREE | Tie |
Key takeaway: Spaceship wins on .com pricing (the most common TLD), while Namecheap occasionally edges ahead on specific extensions. For most users, Spaceship offers better value.
5-Year Cost Comparison
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Spaceship | Namecheap |
|---|---|---|
| TLDs Available | 400+ | 500+ |
| Free WHOIS Privacy | ✓ | ✓ |
| DNS Management | ✓ | ✓ |
| DNSSEC | Limited | ✓ |
| Email Hosting | From $0.99/mo | From $1.88/mo |
| Web Hosting | ✓ | ✓ |
| Marketplace/Aftermarket | Sedo MLS | Namecheap Marketplace |
| Live Chat Support | ✓ | ✓ |
| Phone Support | ✗ | ✗ |
| Interface | Modern, minimal | Feature-rich, busier |
When to Choose Spaceship
- ✓ You want the lowest .com renewal prices — Spaceship beats Namecheap by $4.40/year per domain
- ✓ You prefer a clean, simple interface — No upsells, no clutter, just domains
- ✓ You're a domain investor — Sedo MLS integration and fast push transfers
- ✓ You need cheap business email — Spacemail is cheaper than Namecheap's email
When to Choose Namecheap
- ✓ You need obscure TLDs — Namecheap has more extension options
- ✓ You want DNSSEC — Better supported on Namecheap
- ✓ You're already on Namecheap — Migration effort may not be worth savings
- ✓ You value established track record — Namecheap has 20+ years of history
The Bottom Line
For most users registering standard TLDs like .com, .net, or .org, Spaceship offers better value. The $18+ savings per domain over 5 years adds up fast if you're managing multiple domains.
But if you need specific features like DNSSEC, obscure TLDs, or you're already heavily invested in Namecheap's ecosystem, there's nothing wrong with staying put. Both registrars are reliable, well-run operations backed by the same company.
The beauty of same-company ownership? You can always transfer between them later with minimal friction.
If you're tired of overpaying for .com renewals, Spaceship's $10.18/year is hard to beat. Try it risk-free—transfers include a 1-year extension.
Try Spaceship FreeWe earn a commission if you sign up through our Spaceship link—at no extra cost to you. We recommend it because we use it, not because of commission rates. Direct link: spaceship.sjv.io/QjVbn3