The Namecheap Connection
Spaceship is owned and operated by Namecheap, Inc.—the same company behind Namecheap.com, one of the world's largest domain registrars with over 17 million domains under management.
This ownership structure is the single most important thing to know about Spaceship. You're not dealing with an unknown startup—you're getting Namecheap's infrastructure with a different pricing model and interface.
Spaceship Facts
- Parent Company: Namecheap, Inc.
- Founded: 2021
- Infrastructure: Namecheap's systems
- ICANN Accredited: Via Namecheap
Why Create Spaceship?
Namecheap created Spaceship to compete in the ultra-budget segment without cannibalizing their main brand. It's a streamlined, no-frills experience targeting price-conscious users who don't need bundled services.
The Lowest Renewal Price
Spaceship's standout feature: the lowest .com renewal price we've found anywhere. At $9.98/year, they're actually below wholesale cost ($10.44).
| Pricing | Spaceship | Wholesale |
|---|---|---|
| .com First Year | $8.88 | $10.44 |
| .com Renewal | $9.98 | $10.44 |
| 5-Year Total | $48.80 | $52.20 |
💡 How Are They Below Wholesale?
Spaceship operates as a loss leader for Namecheap. By offering below-cost domain registration, they attract users who might later use (and pay for) additional Namecheap services. It's sustainable because Namecheap's other business supports it.
What's Included
Included Free
- ✓ WHOIS privacy protection
- ✓ DNS management
- ✓ Domain forwarding
- ✓ Two-factor authentication
- ✓ Modern, clean interface
Not Offered
- → Email forwarding
- → Email hosting
- → Web hosting
- → SSL certificates
- → Website builder
Spaceship is intentionally stripped down. If you need email or hosting, you'll get them elsewhere (which is often better anyway). If you just need domain registration at the best possible price, Spaceship delivers.
Security & Reliability
Security Features
- ✓ Two-factor authentication
- ✓ Registrar lock
- ✓ DNSSEC support
- ✓ Free WHOIS privacy
- ✓ Transfer lock protection
- ✓ Login activity monitoring
Since Spaceship runs on Namecheap's infrastructure, you get the same security and reliability as Namecheap's main platform. They've been managing domains since 2000 with a strong track record.
User Experience
Interface
Modern, minimalist design. Cleaner than Namecheap's busier dashboard. Easy to navigate even for beginners. No clutter or overwhelming options.
Checkout
Straightforward with no aggressive upselling. Since they don't offer many add-on services, there's nothing to push on you during checkout.
Support
Email and ticket-based support. Response times are generally good. Since it's backed by Namecheap, support quality is consistent with industry standards.
Common Questions
"Why haven't I heard of them?"
Spaceship launched in 2021 and markets primarily to budget-conscious users. They don't spend heavily on advertising—they compete on price instead.
"Can prices this low be sustainable?"
On their own, probably not. But as part of Namecheap's strategy to capture market share, it's sustainable. Think of it like Amazon selling Kindles at cost to get you into their ecosystem.
"What if Spaceship shuts down?"
Since they're owned by Namecheap, the most likely scenario would be migration to Namecheap's main platform. Your domains would be safe—they'd just be managed elsewhere.
"Should I use Spaceship or Namecheap?"
Spaceship if you just need domains at the lowest price. Namecheap if you want hosting, email, or other bundled services. They're from the same company—just different products for different needs.
Spaceship vs Namecheap
| Feature | Spaceship | Namecheap |
|---|---|---|
| .com Renewal | $9.98 | $16.98 |
| WHOIS Privacy | Free | Free |
| Email Hosting | No | $1.74/mo |
| Web Hosting | No | Available |
| Email Forwarding | No | Free |
| Interface | Minimal, modern | Feature-rich |
The Bottom Line
Spaceship is completely legitimate—it's backed by Namecheap, one of the most established names in domain registration. The low prices are a strategic choice, not a red flag.
If you want the absolute lowest renewal prices and don't need email forwarding or hosting from your registrar, Spaceship is an excellent choice. You're getting reliable infrastructure at below-market prices.