A Small Orange vs Namecheap

A Small Orange launched in 2003 and became known for offering simple hosting plans designed for both beginners and growing businesses. They provided shared, VPS, reseller, and dedicated hosting, giving users flexible options based on site size and performance needs. Their shared hosting plans stood out for including cPanel, SSD storage, unlimited email accounts, and Weebly’s drag-and-drop builder, which helped users create and manage websites without technical experience. WordPress-optimized servers, one-click installs, and a wide app marketplace added convenience for personal and business sites. Security features were solid, with password-protected directories, spam filtering, hotlink protection, and daily backups included across plans. Developers also had access to multiple coding languages, MySQL databases, and custom error page tools. Customer support was available through 24/7 live chat and email, though some users found responses brief and missed having phone support. Pricing tended to run higher than many competitors, and users needed to buy SSL certificates separately, which increased total costs. While A Small Orange is no longer active, their review offers context for what customers valued and where the service fell short. Readers can use these insights to compare today’s hosting providers and choose an option that matches their budget and website goals.

Namecheap is a well-established web hosting provider and domain registrar that has been helping people and businesses build their online presence since 2000. Headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, they’ve grown into a global brand, serving millions of users with a wide variety of services, including shared hosting, VPS, dedicated servers, managed WordPress hosting through their EasyWP platform, reseller hosting, and professional email solutions. Known for their competitive pricing and value, Namecheap includes standout features like free domain privacy protection, SSL certificates, and a 99.9% uptime guarantee, making it easier for users to launch and manage secure, reliable websites. Their flexible payment options, which even include cryptocurrency, make their services accessible worldwide. Customers often praise Namecheap’s affordable introductory pricing, consistent uptime, and responsive 24/7 live chat support, though some raise concerns about renewal rates, account verification hurdles, and billing disputes. While they are not BBB-accredited and hold a D- rating, Namecheap actively engages with customers by responding to reviews and addressing concerns publicly. With scalable plans and a suite of integrated tools, Namecheap offers a balance of affordability and functionality that appeals to everyone from first-time site owners to growing businesses, making them a strong contender in today’s hosting market.