🏆 Quick Verdict
Porkbun edges ahead on price for most TLDs. Namecheap has more features and a longer track record. Both are excellent choices—you can't go wrong with either.
Price Comparison
| TLD | Porkbun | Namecheap | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| .com (renewal) | $10.37 | $16.98 | Porkbun |
| .io (renewal) | $39.87 | $42.98 | Porkbun |
| .dev (renewal) | $14.87 | $15.98 | Porkbun |
| .org (renewal) | $11.87 | $15.98 | Porkbun |
| WHOIS Privacy | FREE | FREE | Tie |
Prices as of December 2025. Both include free WHOIS privacy.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Porkbun | Namecheap |
|---|---|---|
| Free WHOIS Privacy | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free SSL (via Let's Encrypt) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Email Forwarding | ✓ Free | ✓ Free |
| Web Hosting | ✗ Not offered | ✓ Available |
| Managed WordPress | ✗ | ✓ EasyWP |
| API Access | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bulk Tools | ✓ Good | ✓ Good |
| In Business Since | 2014 | 2000 |
User Experience
Porkbun
- ✓ Super clean, minimal interface
- ✓ Fun branding (pig mascot)
- ✓ No upselling whatsoever
- ✓ Very fast checkout
- ✗ Fewer additional services
- ✗ Smaller company (some worry)
Namecheap
- ✓ More mature platform
- ✓ Additional services (hosting, email)
- ✓ Well-established (since 2000)
- ✓ Better knowledge base
- ✗ Slightly more cluttered UI
- ✗ Occasional promo popups
5-Year Cost Comparison (10 .com domains)
$518.50
Porkbun
$849.00
Namecheap
Savings with Porkbun: $330.50 over 5 years
When to Choose Each
Choose Porkbun If:
- • You want the absolute lowest prices
- • You only need domain registration (no hosting)
- • You appreciate minimal, no-nonsense UX
- • You're managing multiple domains
Choose Namecheap If:
- • You want hosting and domains together
- • You prefer a longer-established company
- • You need EasyWP or email hosting
- • You want more integration options
The Bottom Line
Both are excellent registrars that won't nickel-and-dime you. Porkbun wins on pure price. Namecheap wins if you want a one-stop shop with hosting and email.
Either choice beats GoDaddy, Network Solutions, or other overpriced registrars.