Single domain users and small businesses, yes. Great for those just needing one domain and an easy interface to build or buy their website. For those with a bunch of domain names to house them all, Google Domains isn’t the place for you. They are lacking in the bulking capabilities that GoDaddy and HostGator provide.
Namecheap is well suited for anyone wanting to register a new domain. Their prices are extremely hard to beat and the renewal costs are also acceptable. They make the search easy so it's the best place if you aren't sure which domain name you want yet. I cannot think of any scenarios where it would be a bad idea to use Namecheap. You can't beat the free whois privacy.
Domain search: When you search for a domain you'd like to register, they provide a list of alternative options using other top level domains (TLDs)
Domain management: Managing domains in Namecheap is nice and simple. Plus, if you need to transfer ownership of a domain to another Namecheap user, the process is quite easy.
Domain sales: Namecheap always has some great domain sales/promotions going on. Need to pick up a domain for 88 cents? Check Namecheap.
Account security: They offer two factor authentication vie their Namecheap app. With that app, you're able to approve or deny login attempts. In my estimation, this is both easier and more secure than having a two factor auth security code emailed or sent to you phone.
Support: Their live chat support is a great option for getting in touch and solving any issues you might be having.
Hosting: They have some great low cost hosting options.
The only problem with Google Domains is that you only have access to the basic domain extensions. The new, cool domains are only available on GoDaddy and other providers. Hopefully this will change soon.
When on desktop or mobile, the minimalist design and functionality of Google Domains is welcome. Because we use Google Workplace, the integration is simple. Management is fast and easy, and it offers on-the-go ease. Google is very consistent in its user interfaces and usability, so there’s no wasted time in a new learning curve. And the price is right
Personally I find it really easy to use and getting everything set-up and sorted is no problem at all, from initial account set-up and purchasing to the technical aspects required
I've never actually had to use support because everything has been very straightforward and I have not had a glitch. I have used Google's support for other items so I can only imagine that it's probably the same support which is decent. They do take a while to get back to you.
We very rarely have to reach out to customer support because the service is so quick, easy and intuitive to use. But when we have had to use it, the customer service was quick, reliable, answered our questions and addressed our problems without too much back and forth, and was native English speaking.
Google Domains is focused on domain registration only, instead of providing hosting solutions. So it can be a good option if your client has a server but needs a domain for a new website. Also, as it's only one service, it's much easier to use than other solutions and has better integration with Google services as well.
Namecheap is the best. Best price. Best service. Best UI. Best documentation. Best customer services. What impresses me the most about Namecheap is that they are there to do one thing really well. And they do it excellently. Unless something drastically changes, I will be a Namecheap customer for life. I can’t think of anything that any other company could offer me that would convince me to change. Other domain registrars are horrible to use, and it feels like you’re going to be taken advantage of the entire time. Namecheap is like the “Take 5 Oil Change” or “Five Guys Burgers and Fries” of domain registrars. They do one thing INCREDIBLY well. They are fast, affordable, friendly, easy to use, and they legitimately make the experience fun.
Positive: Google Domains streamlined inter-company communication as well as customer-facing communication. There was no split between these two channels of communication, making life easier and communication much faster.
Positive: The integration with Salesforce allowed staff to log emails right from Gmail instead of repeatedly from Salesforce itself. Integrations are key.
Positive: folders and labeling and the ease of use for this saved tons of time and headache.