123 Reg: All-in-One Platform for Hosting, Domains & Email

Company Overview

123 Reg is a UK-based web hosting company established in 2000. Headquartered in Hayes, England, they primarily serve individuals, freelancers, and small businesses seeking simple and affordable online solutions. Their platform emphasizes ease of use, offering a one-stop hub for domain registration, hosting, and digital tools designed to help users establish and manage their online presence with minimal technical effort.

Over the years, 123 Reg has become one of the most recognized names in the UK hosting market, known for providing localized services tailored to English-speaking users and small business owners. They operate with a customer-first approach that focuses on reliability, scalability, and accessible pricing rather than enterprise-level complexity.

In terms of reputation, 123 Reg maintains a solid standing in the UK’s digital services industry, supported by decades of experience and a large user base. While they do not have a BBB page due to operating outside North America, they remain a trusted and established choice within their regional market.

Features & Services

General hosting features

• Free domain (first year): A domain name is included with many hosting plans, helping users get started without separate domain registration
• Free email address(es): Plans typically include at least one email account tied to your domain
• Unmetered bandwidth: Many hosting plans offer unlimited or unmetered bandwidth, so traffic doesn’t immediately become a limiting factor
• Daily automated backups: Hosting includes automated daily backups, allowing restoration of website data if needed
• Easy-to-use control panel: A user-friendly dashboard (often cPanel or equivalent) allows management of domains, emails, files, databases, and hosting settings
• One-click installs and app library: Access to a large library of apps and one-click installers for CMS or web tools (over 120 apps) makes setup simple
• Domain registration and management services: Domain searching, registration, transfers, and extensions (TLDs) support—with a large selection of domain endings
• Email hosting / Business email solutions: Custom domain email, calendar/task features, storage, aliasing, and integration with clients/devices

Security and performance

• Free SSL certificates: Many plans include SSL certificates at no additional cost to enable secure HTTPS for websites
• DDoS protection and 24/7 monitoring: Built-in protection and monitoring of hosting environments to reduce risks of denial-of-service attacks and uptime issues
• Malware scans and security tools (for specific hosting types): In WordPress and higher-tier plans, malware scans, staging environments, and enhanced updates are provided
• Developer tools (in higher tier plans): SSH access, cron jobs, protected directories, Linux apps, programming language support, and root access in VPS/premium plans

Additional services

• Website builder and templates: A drag-and-drop website builder and pre-designed templates are offered for users without technical expertise
• Staging site availability (for WordPress plans): Allows users to test changes in a separate environment before pushing live
• Storage capacity scaling: Plans provide varying storage sizes and upgrades depending on site size and traffic—some tiers offer “unlimited” or very high storage
• Multiple website hosting per account: Some hosting plans allow multiple domains/websites under one account, making them suitable for small businesses with more than one site
• Domain privacy/protection add-ons: Options to add extra privacy/ownership protection features to domains to hide WHOIS details or lock transfers
• Scalability and upgrade path: Plans are designed to allow seamless upgrades as a site grows (from shared to VPS to premium) with minimal migration fuss

Plans & Prices

123 Reg offers a transparent range of hosting plans designed to suit individuals, small businesses, and advanced users. Their services are sold directly through their website, with clear upfront pricing and optional monthly or annual billing. Customers can choose from shared web hosting, managed WordPress hosting, premium hosting, and VPS solutions, each with tiered options based on performance and storage needs.

Web hosting plans

• Economy: ~£3.99/month (≈ US $5.00/month) when billed annually (£47.88/year) — includes 1 website, free domain for first year, 25 GB storage, unmetered bandwidth
• Deluxe: ~£4.99/month (≈ US $6.24/month) when billed annually (£59.88/year) — supports up to 10 websites, 50 GB storage, free SSL certificates
• Ultimate: ~£6.99/month (≈ US $8.74/month) billed annually (£83.88/year) — for 25 websites, 75 GB storage, more resources
• Maximum: ~£8.99/month (≈ US $11.24/month) billed annually (£107.88/year) — for up to 50 websites, 100 GB storage, higher capacity

Managed premium hosting

• Launch: £19.99/month (≈ US $24.99/month) billed annually (£239.88/year) — 2 CPU cores, 4 GB RAM, 100 GB storage
• Enhance: £29.99/month (≈ US $37.49/month) — 4 CPU cores, 8 GB RAM, 200 GB storage
• Grow: £36.99/month (≈ US $46.24/month) — 8 CPU cores, 16 GB RAM, 300 GB storage
• Expand: £54.99/month (≈ US $68.74/month) — 16 CPU cores, 32 GB RAM, 400 GB storage

These managed plans are designed for businesses or users who need consistent high performance, faster load times, and technical management handled by 123 Reg.

Managed WordPress hosting

• Basic: ~£3.99/month (≈ US $4.99/month) billed annually (£47.88/year) — 1 website, 30 GB storage, free domain & SSL
• Ultimate: £7.99/month (≈ US $9.99/month) billed annually — unlimited storage
• E-commerce: £13.99/month (≈ US $17.49/month) billed annually — tailored for online stores

VPS hosting

• Linux 1 vCPU: ~£3.99/month (≈ US $5.00/month) billed annually (£47.88/year) — 1 vCPU, 2 GB RAM, 40 GB SSD
• Linux 2 vCPU: ~£7.99/month (≈ US $9.99/month) billed annually (£95.88/year) — 2 vCPU, 4 GB RAM, 100 GB SSD
• Linux 4 vCPU: ~£12.99/month (≈ US $16.24/month) billed annually (£155.88/year) — 4 vCPU, 8 GB RAM, 200 GB SSD
• Linux 8 vCPU: ~£24.99/month (≈ US $31.24/month) billed annually (£299.88/year) — 8 vCPU, 16 GB RAM, 400 GB SSD

VPS users can configure additional storage and bandwidth as needed, with root access and full control over their hosting environment.

Additional costs and payment options

Add-ons such as domain privacy, professional email packages, and premium SSL certificates are available at an extra charge. All major credit and debit cards are accepted, and prices are displayed inclusive of VAT where applicable. Most hosting plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing users to try the service risk-free.

Advantages

• All-in-one platform for domain, hosting, email, and site management: Users can centralize their entire online presence under one provider, simplifying billing, renewals, and support
• Streamlined WordPress setup for quick deployment: 123 Reg’s managed WordPress hosting simplifies website creation with AI-assisted setup, staging areas, and plugin support, helping users launch and test sites faster without technical hurdles
• Business email hosting powered by Microsoft: Their email plans include 1 TB storage, shared calendars, and 99.9% uptime, providing reliable communication for small businesses
• Daily backups and unmetered bandwidth on key plans: Routine backups and generous bandwidth allocations lower the risk of data loss and traffic throttling for growing sites that need resilience without micro-managing resources
• Customizable VPS hosting for advanced users: 123 Reg’s Linux and Windows VPS plans offer full root access and flexible resource allocation, allowing developers and businesses to tailor server performance to their needs while maintaining lower costs than dedicated hosting
• Extensive domain options with streamlined management tools: 123 Reg provides access to hundreds of domain extensions and an intuitive control panel that simplifies registration, transfers, DNS edits, and renewals. Users can manage every aspect of their domains efficiently while keeping their online presence organized and secure
• Website builder that’s approachable for first-timers: The platform offers an organized interface and guided setup, which shortens the learning curve for users building their first website or online store
• Security basics built in: Plans include SSL certificates, DDoS protection, and 24/7 monitoring, protecting websites without the need for additional third-party tools
• One-click installer with a large app library: Over 120 web apps, including WordPress and Joomla, can be deployed with a single click to simplify website setup
• Affiliate and partner-friendly incentive programs: Their affiliate program enables agencies and freelancers to earn commissions across hosting and domain products

Disadvantages

• UK-only or region-limited infrastructure and support: Their data centres are UK-based, and their phone support is limited to UK callers, which may matter if you or your audience are outside the UK and require global infrastructure or support hours
• Shared-hosting performance can suffer for budget tiers: Some monitoring and user feedback suggest that the lower-cost shared plans may be subject to heavier server loads, resulting in slower speeds and occasional downtime, which can impact website user experience
• Hidden-feature fine print despite advertising “free” perks: Terms like “free domain”, “free email”, or “unlimited bandwidth” actually come with restrictions or only apply under specific conditions found in their terms of service, meaning what looks like a bargain may require additional purchases
• Minimal uptime guarantee for low-cost plans: The uptime SLA only applies to premium tiers, meaning users on entry-level plans might lack contractual protection from outages or slowdowns

Customer Experience

123 Reg holds a Trustpilot rating of approximately 4.3 out of 5 based on over 22,000 reviews. This broadly positive score indicates that many users are satisfied with the company’s services and support.

Positive feedback

Many customers praise 123 Reg for the responsiveness and quality of their support team, highlighting friendly and knowledgeable staff who guide them through setup and troubleshooting. For example, one user wrote about receiving “exceptional phone support” where the agents were patient and good-humoured, turning a frustrating email setup into a smooth experience. Others say the live chat support solved technical issues within minutes, reinforcing the impression of a customer-friendly service. Several long-term users also mention that they’ve “had no issues” over years of hosting and domain management with 123 Reg and appreciate the reliability and ease-of-use of their platform.

Critical feedback

On the other hand, a subset of reviews raises concerns about domains, billing, renewal confusion, and support availability. For instance, one user reported repeated sign-in problems with webmail and expressed frustration at the poor accessibility of phone and chat support. Others say they were charged for services they believed they had cancelled or that auto-renewals were not clearly communicated. Technical support wait times and perceived declines in service responsiveness were also cited.

How the company responds to feedback

123 Reg often replies directly to user reviews, acknowledging the issue and inviting the customer to contact their Care Team for resolution. In several cases, they explain policy (such as how domain transfers for .uk domains work) and commit to investigating. This shows a level of proactive engagement with complaints, though some users feel that initial service issues remain unresolved.

Customer Support

123 Reg provides a variety of customer support options to assist users with account setup, technical troubleshooting, and general inquiries. Their support system is built around accessibility and clarity, offering help through multiple contact channels depending on user needs.

Customers can reach the support team by phone at 0345 450 2310 (or +44 (0)345 450 2310 for international calls) during standard business hours, typically Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM UK time. For users who prefer instant online help, live chat is available every day between 9:00 AM and 7:00 PM UK time, accessible directly through a user’s account dashboard. Customers can also submit support tickets for non-urgent issues or more detailed requests that require follow-up from the technical team.

Beyond direct contact channels, 123 Reg maintains an extensive Help & Support Centre with guides on domain management, hosting configuration, billing, and security. For users seeking to deepen their technical understanding, the company’s Tips & Tutorials Blog offers step-by-step walkthroughs and articles on topics like website setup, SEO, and business email management.

In addition, users can follow the company’s X (previously Twitter) support account for real-time updates and service notifications. While 123 Reg does not currently offer 24/7 support, their combination of phone, live chat, ticketing, and self-service resources provides comprehensive coverage for most customer needs.

Conclusion

123 Reg offers an accessible, all-in-one platform for domains, hosting, email, and website management—ideal for individuals, freelancers, and small businesses. Their range of plans provides flexibility and scalability, from simple shared hosting to advanced VPS solutions. Features like free SSL certificates, daily backups, and managed WordPress tools help users build and grow their websites efficiently.

They stand out for their easy-to-use website builder, reliable business email hosting, and built-in security features, making them a strong choice for beginners and small businesses seeking simplicity and value. However, users should note potential drawbacks such as slower performance on budget plans, limited global support, and conditional “free” features.

To explore more options, read our hosting reviews, compare providers side by side using our comparison tool, or visit our web hosting blogs for deeper insights.