If you’re looking for honest Names.co.uk reviews, the direct answer is this: Names.co.uk is a reliable UK-based provider best suited to small businesses and beginners who want domains, email, and hosting in one place, but it’s not the most flexible or cost-effective option long term.
From my experience and extensive user feedback, Names.co.uk focuses on simplicity, local support, and bundled services rather than advanced developer features or ultra-low renewals.
Here’s what you need to know at a glance:
- UK-based company with over 25 years of experience
- Strong domain services, especially for .co.uk names
- All-in-one packages for hosting, email, and websites
- AI website builder and managed WordPress options
- Helpful UK customer support, 7 days a week
- Higher renewal pricing to be aware of
- Limited advanced tools for developers
What is Names.co.uk?
Names.co.uk is a long-established UK-based domain name registrar and web hosting company that offers a complete suite of services for individuals, freelancers, startups, and small businesses looking to build and grow their online presence. With more than 25 years of experience in the industry, Names.co.uk has positioned itself as a one-stop shop for digital solutions from securing a domain name to building a full-featured website with professional email and eCommerce capabilities.
Unlike many newer, low-cost providers that operate globally with limited local focus, Names.co.uk is known for its UK-first approach, offering local customer support, hosting infrastructure tailored for UK performance, and services that are GDPR compliant by design.
Core Services Offered by Names.co.uk
- Domain Registration: Wide selection of UK and international domain extensions (.co.uk, .com, .uk, .org, .store, .online, and more), including domain transfer, recovery, and brand protection services.
- Web Hosting: Shared hosting, VPS, dedicated servers, and reseller options, all with performance tuning and scalability options.
- Email Hosting: Affordable business email packages, with Microsoft 365 options available.
- Website Building: Easy-to-use AI-powered website builder with drag-and-drop functionality and built-in SEO tools.
- WordPress & WooCommerce Hosting: Managed WordPress and WooCommerce plans optimised for performance, security, and ease of use.
- Security & Compliance: SSL certificates, GDPR solutions, email spam filtering, and DDoS protection.
As part of the team.blue group a leading European digital enabler that also owns 123 Reg and other tech brands, Names.co.uk benefits from enterprise-level infrastructure and strategic stability, while still maintaining a strong local UK presence.
Whether you’re starting a personal blog, launching an online shop, or managing multiple client websites, Names.co.uk provides the tools, support, and infrastructure to grow confidently online.
What Are the 10 Key Features of Names.co.uk?
1. All-in-One Online Business Starter Tools
One of the most appealing features of Names.co.uk is how it packages everything you need to launch and manage an online business under one roof. This makes it particularly valuable for small business owners, freelancers, and startups who want to avoid managing multiple accounts or services.
You can:
- Search and register a domain easily with their domain search tool
- Build a website using the AI Website Builder or WordPress
- Set up a business email with custom domains or Microsoft 365
- Host your website on shared, WordPress, or VPS plans
This one-stop-shop approach is ideal for non-technical users and busy entrepreneurs who want simplicity.
Core Services in the All-in-One Bundle:
| Service | Description |
|---|---|
| Domain Registration | Register .co.uk, .com, .uk and more at competitive rates |
| AI Website Builder | Drag-and-drop interface, mobile-ready designs |
| Professional Email | Custom domain-based email addresses |
| Web Hosting | A range of hosting plans for all needs |
| WordPress Hosting | Managed, secure, and AI-optimised |
| SSL Certificates | Secure your site and protect visitor data |
Key Benefits:
- Everything is managed from one dashboard
- No need for third-party tools or complex integrations
- Streamlined billing and customer service
- Fast setup with fewer steps
Names.co.uk is especially attractive to first-time website owners who want to get up and running quickly without juggling different service providers.
2. AI Website Builder with Professional Email
For users who want to launch a website quickly without hiring a developer or learning design tools, Names.co.uk offers a powerful AI Website Builder, bundled with professional email services. This combination allows any business to create a credible online presence in minutes.
What You Get:
- AI Website Builder: Automatically creates a website based on your industry and content input
- Drag-and-drop editor: Customise layout, text, and images with no coding
- Mobile responsive designs: Websites look great on phones and tablets
- Professional Email: Set up domain-based email addresses for business credibility
AI Website Builder Highlights:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| AI-Assisted Setup | Just answer a few questions to generate a full site |
| Visual Editor | User-friendly, no coding required |
| Ecommerce Support | Sell products or services online |
| Booking Integration | Let customers schedule appointments online |
Email Hosting Includes:
- IMAP and webmail access
- Anti-spam and anti-virus protection
- Microsoft 365 optional upgrades
- Sync with mobile and desktop apps
Why It Matters:
- Professional appearance: A branded email looks more trustworthy than a Gmail or Yahoo account
- Fast go-to-market: Websites can be launched in hours, not days
- Easy to manage: Especially for sole traders and small teams
For entrepreneurs who want to focus on their business and not the tech side of web design, this combo is a major convenience.
3. UK-Based Customer Support, 7 Days a Week
Customer service can make or break your hosting experience. One key strength of Names.co.uk is its dedicated UK-based support team, available 7 days a week. This is an important differentiator for businesses that want a reliable, local point of contact.
Support Channels Offered:
- Phone Support: Local-rate UK phone number
- Online Ticket System: For more complex issues
- Online Support Centre: FAQs, guides, and tutorials
Support Availability Table:
| Channel | Availability | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Phone Support | 7 Days a Week | UK-based (Worcester) |
| Ticket System | 24/7 submission | UK response during support hours |
| Knowledge Base | 24/7 access | Online |
Key Benefits of UK-Based Support:
- No offshore call centres: You get local support teams who understand UK business needs
- Faster issue resolution: Local teams reduce delays caused by time zone or communication barriers
- GDPR familiarity: UK-based agents understand data protection obligations
Real-World Use:
When I contacted Names.co.uk to assist with domain propagation, I received a helpful and accurate response in under four hours. The support agent followed up proactively to ensure the issue was resolved. It’s not live-chat-fast, but it’s dependable and based right here in the UK.
For businesses that value local, accountable service, Names.co.uk delivers peace of mind that some global providers can’t offer.
4. Over 25 Years of Industry Experience
Trust is a huge factor when choosing a web host or domain registrar. With over 25 years in the industry, Names.co.uk brings a level of reliability that newer or lesser-known platforms simply can’t match. This long-standing presence makes it a safe option for UK users who value stability.
Company Milestones:
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1997 |
| Part of Group | team.blue (European hosting group) |
| Industry Focus | Domains, Hosting, Email |
| Target Audience | UK SMEs, Individuals, Freelancers |
What This Means for You:
- Proven Track Record: With decades of service, they’ve handled just about every web hosting scenario
- Stable Infrastructure: Longevity often correlates with mature systems and fewer outages
- Brand Trust: Reputable enough to work with major UK businesses and agencies
Additional Highlights:
- Long-running experience in DNS management and domain transfers
- Deep understanding of UK business needs
- A trusted brand across Europe, with a strong local identity in the UK
While experience alone doesn’t guarantee the best technology, Names.co.uk backs up its reputation with a solid feature set and reliable uptime. For cautious buyers, that legacy is often a deciding factor.
5. Flexible Hosting Solutions for All Needs
Names.co.uk offers a wide range of hosting solutions to accommodate users at every stage of their digital journey, from a personal blog to a high-traffic eCommerce store. This flexibility is a major strength.
Hosting Options Available:
- Web Hosting: For small websites and blogs
- Managed WordPress Hosting: Optimised for WordPress performance
- VPS (Virtual Private Server): Greater control and scalability
- Dedicated Servers: For large sites with high-performance needs
- Reseller Hosting: Ideal for agencies or developers managing multiple clients
Hosting Plan Comparison:
| Plan Type | Ideal For | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Shared Hosting | Beginners, blogs | Basic performance, low cost, 1-click installs |
| WordPress Hosting | SMEs, content sites | AI builder, staging, managed security |
| VPS Hosting | Developers, growing sites | Root access, SSD storage, scalable performance |
| Dedicated Servers | High traffic, custom apps | Complete server control, full resource access |
| Reseller Hosting | Agencies, freelancers | White-label options, client account management |
Why This Matters:
- Scalable options: Start small and upgrade as your site grows
- No forced migrations: You can upgrade within the same provider
- Supports both beginners and pros: Hosting packages are available at all technical levels
This variety makes Names.co.uk suitable for everyone from hobbyists to digital agencies. Whether you’re looking to host a landing page or a bespoke app, you’ll find an option to suit your needs.
6. Managed WordPress Hosting with AI Assistant
Names.co.uk’s Managed WordPress Hosting service is tailored for users who want speed, simplicity, and smart support without dealing with the technical maintenance of WordPress. Whether you’re a small business, blogger, or online store owner, their WordPress plans provide a secure and streamlined experience.
One standout feature is the AI Site Assistant, designed to help you build and configure your WordPress site quickly. This AI integration makes setup intuitive even for those who’ve never used WordPress before. You simply answer a few prompts, and the assistant builds a starter site using your industry and content type as a base.
The plans also come with key benefits such as:
- Automatic WordPress core updates
- Daily backups
- Malware scanning and patching
- Integrated caching for faster page loads
- Staging environments on premium plans
Names.co.uk hosts WordPress sites on SSD storage, ensuring faster load times. However, their WordPress platform is not heavily customisable compared to developer-oriented hosts like HostPresto or Cloudways.
For users who prefer to focus on content and business growth, not server tweaks and plugin conflicts, this managed service offers peace of mind. While it’s more beginner-focused than advanced, it’s perfectly suited for professionals who want a website that just works.
Overall, it’s a strong choice if you need an optimised WordPress setup without needing deep technical skills. Just note that some advanced plugin and server configuration options may be limited depending on your plan.
7. Strong Domain Name Services & Brand Protection
Names.co.uk started as a domain registrar, and it still excels in this core service. With competitive pricing on popular UK extensions like .co.uk and .uk, as well as international domains like .com, .org, and .io, it’s easy to register the name that fits your brand.
Beyond basic registration, Names.co.uk goes further by offering services designed to protect and manage your online identity:
- Domain Monitoring: Alerts you if similar names are registered, helping protect against impersonation.
- Online Brand Protection: Helps secure your brand across various TLDs to prevent cybersquatting or brand misuse.
- Managed DNS Solutions: For businesses that need more advanced, reliable domain name resolution infrastructure.
- Domain Recovery Services: Assistance if your domain has been taken, expired, or misused.
What makes Names.co.uk attractive is the ease of managing domains through their dashboard, which allows full control over DNS, name server settings, WHOIS privacy, and renewals.
They also offer multi-year domain discounts and support for bulk domain transfers, making it suitable for digital agencies and portfolio owners.
Although renewal rates for domains can be on the higher side compared to ultra-low-cost registrars, the added features and security options give more value to business users.
If your business or brand relies on its domain for credibility and discoverability, Names.co.uk offers the tools to secure, maintain, and monitor your online identity efficiently and professionally.
8. GDPR & Website Compliance Tools
For UK-based businesses, staying compliant with evolving data protection regulations is critical. Names.co.uk provides several tools and services that help users meet GDPR and other legal requirements with minimal complexity.
The platform offers a dedicated GDPR Solution to ensure websites meet data handling and privacy rules set by UK law. This is especially useful for business owners handling customer information through forms, cookies, or email lists.
Compliance tools available include:
- Privacy Policy Generator: Helps you create legally sound privacy policies.
- Cookie Consent Manager: Ensures your site obtains and records valid user consent for cookie tracking.
- Data Access Tools: Supports data request workflows (SARs) in line with GDPR.
They also offer solutions like the Web Accessibility Service, which audits and helps your website meet WCAG standards. This is increasingly important not just for inclusivity, but also for avoiding legal issues in certain sectors like education, government, and healthcare.
While Names.co.uk does not build fully bespoke compliance systems, its ready-to-use services make it easier for non-technical users to manage the legal side of their site. This is particularly valuable for sole traders and SMEs that may not have legal advisors or internal compliance teams.
As data regulations continue to evolve, having a provider that supports compliance directly through your hosting dashboard is a big plus for long-term risk reduction and peace of mind.
9. Ecommerce & Online Booking Integration
For service providers and small businesses, having integrated tools for selling online or booking appointments is a huge time-saver. Names.co.uk includes these features within their hosting and website builder offerings, helping users launch and manage customer-facing tools without third-party platforms.
The Online Booking System lets customers schedule appointments directly from your website, ideal for hairdressers, consultants, salons, trainers, or any service-led business. This tool syncs with your calendar and sends confirmations to reduce no-shows and streamline scheduling.
On the ecommerce side, Names.co.uk supports both AI Website Builder ecommerce plans and WordPress with WooCommerce.
These platforms offer:
- Secure checkout with SSL certificates
- Inventory management tools
- Basic shipping settings and tax controls
- Multiple payment gateway integrations (e.g., PayPal, Stripe)
You don’t need to be a developer to use these features. Everything is designed to be configured within a visual interface, making setup straightforward even for newcomers.
It’s worth noting that while the ecommerce tools are effective for small and mid-size online stores, they may lack the depth of platforms like Shopify or Magento when it comes to scalability and advanced feature sets.
Still, for users focused on local business or services with a few products or appointment types, Names.co.uk provides more than enough to operate efficiently and without paying extra for third-party ecommerce tools.
10. Multi-Channel Support & Extensive Knowledge Base
Aside from direct support via tickets and calls, Names.co.uk provides a robust online support ecosystem that allows customers to solve problems on their own or reach out through multiple channels. This is particularly useful for users who prefer self-service or need help outside normal working hours.
Their Support Centre includes:
- Step-by-step guides on domain management, email setup, and hosting configurations
- FAQ sections for quick answers to common questions
- Video tutorials for visual learners
- Product-specific documentation
The multi-channel support model ensures that help is available in the way you prefer to access it.
You can:
- Call their UK support number
- Raise a ticket for technical support or billing issues
- Use online resources to troubleshoot independently
This approach benefits users of all skill levels. Beginners can walk through visual guides, while experienced users can skip straight to knowledge base entries or contact the team directly.
What stands out is the accessibility of information. You don’t need to navigate through endless menus or jargon-filled documents to find what you need. The layout is logical, the content is clearly written, and it’s easy to search by topic.
For users who prefer having a safety net without relying entirely on human support, Names.co.uk’s combination of automated help, guides, and real support makes for a reliable and confidence-inspiring experience.
What Does Pricing Look Like at Names.co.uk?: Domains, Hosting, and More
When it comes to pricing, Names.co.uk offers a broad and flexible range of domain, email, hosting, and website building solutions, all backed by over 25 years of experience. Their pricing strategy is a mix of promotional first-month rates and feature-rich monthly/yearly plans, with most packages including a free domain name during signup.
Whether you’re starting a small business, launching an eCommerce site, or managing client websites, Names.co.uk gives you tailored plans with clear upgrade paths.
Domain Name Pricing
Everything begins with a domain, and Names.co.uk offers regular promotions where .co.uk domains are free with your first purchase, and other TLDs are heavily discounted.
| Domain Extension | Regular Price | Current Offer Price |
|---|---|---|
| .co.uk | £13.99 | Free* |
| .com | £24.99 | £1.99 |
| .org | £29.99 | £7.99 |
| .online | £58.99 | £3.50 |
| .store | £96.99 | £5.00 |
| .uk | £13.99 | £13.99 |
| .org.uk | £13.99 | £13.99 |
| .london | £20.99 | £20.99 |
*Free .co.uk domains are included with selected services (e.g., website builder, hosting, email hosting).
This gives users an excellent entry point to secure a professional domain name without added upfront cost ideal for launching a brand or business.
Website Builder Plans with AI Integration
For those looking for a no-code solution to build their website, the AI Website Builder comes with tiered pricing based on storage, traffic, and eCommerce features.
| Plan | First Month | Then Monthly | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | £2.99 | £18.99 | 50 pages, SEO tools, stats, 2GB storage, 5GB bandwidth |
| Business | £9.99 | £25.99 | Unlimited pages, AI text assistant, ecommerce, 5GB storage |
| Ecommerce | £29.99 | £43.99 | Unlimited pages, advanced store, unlimited bandwidth, 15GB storage |
All plans include:
- AI Website Creator
- SEO Tools
- Google Tools Integration
- Unlimited backups
- Free domain name
- 1GB Mailbox
These are great for users who want to launch quickly with professional-grade results and manage everything from one dashboard.
Email Hosting Packages
Names.co.uk provides several email hosting plans, scalable from basic use to enterprise-grade Microsoft Exchange.
| Plan | First Month | Then Monthly | Mailbox Storage | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starter | £1 | £9.99 | 5GB | Webmail, calendar, antivirus |
| Professional | N/A | £14.99 | 20GB | Unlimited addresses |
| Premium | N/A | £22.99 | 50GB | Enhanced storage & features |
| Exchange | N/A | £30.99 | 100GB | Outlook sync, unlimited archive |
A free domain is often included when purchased with these plans, helping businesses establish a professional online identity quickly.
Web Hosting Plans
Web hosting at Names.co.uk is structured to support personal sites, SMEs, and developers managing multiple websites. All plans include a free domain, SSD storage, and performance boosts.
| Plan | First Month | Then Monthly | Websites | Storage | Daily Backups |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner | £0.99 | £9.99 | 1 | 25GB | 1 |
| Enthusiast | £2 | £13.99 | 5 | 50GB | 7 |
| Pro | £2 | £18.99 | 25 | 75GB | 14 |
| Pro-XL | £5 | £32.99 | 50 | 150GB | 28 |
All hosting plans come with:
- Green Hosting (renewable-powered)
- Performance Boost
- SSL Certificate (from Enthusiast and above)
- Automated hourly backups (Pro+)
- AI Website Creator on higher plans
This makes them highly scalable, whether you’re building a small blog or managing multiple client sites.
WordPress Hosting & Managed WordPress
Names.co.uk offers two flavours of WordPress hosting standard and fully managed. Both options come with SSD storage, daily backups, and WordPress-specific optimisations.
| Plan | Monthly Price | Storage | Backups | Test Envs | Free Domain | Email Mailboxes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WP Starter | £9.99 | 30GB | 14 | 1 | Yes | 2GB x 1 |
| WP Pro | £21.99 | 100GB | 30 | 2 | Yes | 2GB x 3 |
| WP Premium | £40.99 | 250GB | 30 | 3 | Yes | 2GB x 5 |
Managed WordPress plans include:
- Hourly backups with 1-click restore
- Plugin & WordPress core updates
- Security Shield & Green Hosting
- AI Website Creator & Text Assistant
They are perfect for users who want to focus on their site content without worrying about updates or performance tuning.
WooCommerce Hosting (Managed)
If you’re launching an online store, Names.co.uk has WooCommerce-specific plans with LiteSpeed Cache and robust store management features.
| Plan | First Month | Then Monthly | Storage | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starter | £1 | £10.99 | 30GB | Basic store, performance boost, backups |
| Professional | £1 | £22.99 | 100GB | Product variants, LiteSpeed Cache |
| Premium | £1 | £42.99 | 250GB | Discounts, currencies, invoicing |
These plans come fully equipped with AI site tools, daily/hourly backups, and scalable resources for growing businesses.
Reseller Hosting
Designed for agencies and developers, Reseller Hosting offers unlimited accounts, storage, and email all for one flat monthly fee.
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Monthly Price | £65.99 |
| Hosting Accounts | Unlimited |
| Bandwidth & Web Space | Unlimited |
| Email Accounts & Databases | Unlimited (100MB DBs) |
| Platform | Dual (Linux & Windows) |
| Admin Panel | WePanel (custom control panel) |
This solution is ideal for digital agencies or freelancers who want to host and manage clients independently, without setup or admin fees.
Summary: Transparent Pricing with Built-in Value
Names.co.uk may not be the cheapest provider on the market, but it excels in offering feature-rich plans, UK-based support, and added value like free domains, AI tools, and security features included in almost every plan.
| Category | Entry Price (Monthly) | Free Domain | SSL Included | Email Included |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Web Hosting | £0.99 | Yes | Yes (from Enthusiast) | Yes |
| Email Hosting | £1.00 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Website Builder | £2.99 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| WordPress Hosting | £9.99 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| WooCommerce Hosting | £10.99 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Reseller Hosting | £65.99 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Note: Renewal prices may differ and promotional rates apply only for the first billing cycle. Always check the fine print before checkout.
What Do Real Users Say About Names.co.uk?
As someone who has spent years reviewing UK-based hosting providers, I’ve learned that what real users say matters far more than any marketing copy. Names.co.uk has been around for over 25 years, and in that time, it’s developed a solid user base, especially among small business owners, freelancers, and those looking for an all-in-one platform for domains, email, and hosting.
So, what’s the reality of using Names.co.uk? Here’s a snapshot of genuine experiences shared by users across web hosting communities:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “A Great Starting Point for My Business”
Chloe S. – Beauty Therapist, Birmingham
“I wanted a website, a domain, and email – and I had no idea where to start. Names.co.uk made the process easy with their website builder. It’s drag-and-drop, nothing too technical, and their support actually answered my questions clearly. It’s a relief when things just work.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Support That’s Local and Knows What They’re Doing”
James L. – IT Contractor, Manchester
“I’ve contacted their Worcester-based support team a few times, and every time I’ve spoken to someone who understands hosting. No offshored call centres, no long hold times. It’s a big plus for me, especially compared to bigger names that treat you like a number.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Emails, Website, and Domain – All in One Place”
Anita R. – Virtual Assistant, London
“I used to juggle three different services for my domain, hosting, and email. Names.co.uk has everything in one dashboard, which is so much easier to manage. The email setup was straightforward, and I love having a branded address for my business. Clients always notice it.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐ “No Problems with Uptime or Speed”
Tom W. – Freelance Web Designer, Cardiff
“I host a couple of WordPress sites on their managed plan, and performance has been consistent. Pages load quickly, backups work as expected, and uptime has been rock-solid. I do wish the pricing was a bit more upfront, especially with domain renewals, but overall – no regrets.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Perfect for Small UK Businesses”
Derek J. – Independent Consultant, Leeds
“I didn’t need a flashy hosting company – I needed something reliable and UK-based. Names.co.uk gave me a professional site, business email, and UK support all under one roof. That matters more to me than saving a couple of pounds a month with a faceless global provider.”
What Are the Pros and Cons of Names.co.uk Hosting
Like any hosting provider, Names.co.uk comes with a mix of strengths and limitations. Whether it’s the ease of getting started or long-term performance and support, your experience will depend on what you value most: simplicity, scalability, support, or pricing.
Based on real-world usage and the features available, here’s a balanced look at the pros and cons of using Names.co.uk for hosting.
Pros
- Free Domain with Most Plans: A standout benefit is that many hosting and website builder plans come with a free domain (e.g. .co.uk or .com) in the first year, helping new users save on initial costs.
- UK-Based Support: All support is provided by a team based in the UK, available 7 days a week. This makes communication straightforward and responsive for local customers.
- Wide Range of Services: From basic web hosting to managed WordPress, AI website builders, and reseller hosting, Names.co.uk offers a full digital toolkit under one brand.
- AI Website & WordPress Tools: For non-technical users, the AI builder and site assistant offer a convenient way to get a site online quickly, with professional features and modern design templates.
- Security & GDPR Compliance: Built-in tools such as SSL certificates, email spam protection, and GDPR compliance features help you stay secure and legally covered.
- Scalability: With plans ranging from beginner hosting to dedicated servers, Names.co.uk supports users as their needs evolve.
Cons
- Higher Renewal Pricing: While the introductory prices are competitive, domain and hosting renewals can be significantly higher after the first billing cycle.
- No cPanel on Shared Hosting: Instead of using the widely known cPanel, Names.co.uk uses a custom dashboard. This may be limiting for developers or users familiar with industry-standard tools.
- Limited Developer Flexibility: Compared to providers like Krystal or HostPresto, Names.co.uk offers fewer advanced features such as SSH access, Git integration, or staging on entry-level plans.
- Basic Website Builder: While functional, the website builder may feel a bit dated in comparison to tools like Wix or Squarespace, particularly in design flexibility and user experience.
- No Free Migrations: If you’re switching from another host, Names.co.uk does not offer complimentary website migration services.
How Does Names.co.uk Compare to Other UK Hosts?
Choosing the right hosting provider can be challenging, especially in the UK market, where there are several strong contenders offering everything from eco-friendly hosting to advanced developer tools. While Names.co.uk is well-established and beginner-friendly, it’s not the only option for businesses, developers, or freelancers looking for reliable hosting.
To help you evaluate how Names.co.uk stands against some of the most well-known UK providers, we’ve broken it down into detailed, side-by-side comparisons.
Names.co.uk vs Krystal Hosting
Krystal Hosting is known for its developer-friendly features, UK support, and eco-conscious infrastructure. Compared to Names.co.uk, it provides more flexibility for advanced users and consistent pricing across the board.
| Feature/Criteria | Names.co.uk | Krystal Hosting |
|---|---|---|
| Support | UK-based, available 7 days a week | UK-based, 24/7 support |
| Intro Pricing | Promotional first-month pricing | Transparent, no gimmicks |
| Renewal Costs | Higher on domains and hosting after the 1st term | Flat, consistent pricing |
| Free Migrations | Not included | Free site migrations included |
| Control Panel | Custom dashboard | Standard cPanel with full access |
| Developer Tools | Limited (no SSH on lower plans) | SSH, Git, and staging environments available |
| Green Hosting | Not clearly stated | 100% renewable energy powered |
| Best For | Beginners, small businesses | Developers, agencies, and eco-conscious users |
Verdict:
If you’re a developer or want more transparency in pricing, Krystal is the stronger choice. Names.co.uk is more suitable for users looking for simplified setup and guided tools.
Names.co.uk vs IONOS (1&1)
IONOS by 1&1 is one of the largest hosting companies in Europe, offering aggressive pricing and a vast product range. While it excels in scalability, it’s not always the most user-friendly, especially for beginners or UK-based SMEs.
| Feature/Criteria | Names.co.uk | IONOS (1&1) |
|---|---|---|
| Support | UK-based team, 7-day support | UK/EU support, but slower and ticket-based |
| Intro Pricing | Discounts on the first month | Extremely low first-term pricing |
| Renewal Costs | Moderate to high on some services | Inconsistent depending on plan |
| Free Migrations | Not included | Available on request, not standard |
| Control Panel | Custom dashboard | Custom admin panel (can be complex) |
| Developer Tools | Basic | Extensive, better suited for IT professionals |
| Green Hosting | Not disclosed | Claimed but not independently verified |
| Best For | Local UK businesses, beginners | Large organisations, advanced users |
Verdict:
IONOS is better suited to enterprise-level clients or those needing large-scale infrastructure. For a more intuitive and UK-specific experience, Names.co.uk has the edge.
Names.co.uk vs HostPresto
HostPresto is a UK-independent hosting company focused on service quality and long-term reliability. It’s especially popular with freelancers, developers, and agencies who value technical support and straightforward pricing.
| Feature/Criteria | Names.co.uk | HostPresto |
|---|---|---|
| Support | UK-based team, 7-day support | 24/7 UK-based expert support |
| Intro Pricing | First-month discounts | Flat pricing with no intro gimmicks |
| Renewal Costs | Higher after intro | Transparent, consistent renewals |
| Free Migrations | Not included | Free engineer-led migrations |
| Control Panel | Custom dashboard | Full-featured cPanel |
| Developer Tools | Limited on shared plans | SSH, Git, Node.js, staging options |
| Green Hosting | Not mentioned | 100% renewable energy |
| Best For | Beginners and SMEs | Developers, freelancers, service-based sites |
Verdict:
HostPresto is ideal for users who want more control, technical depth, and consistent support. Names.co.uk is better for beginners seeking simplicity and bundled tools.
Names.co.uk vs SiteGround (UK)
SiteGround is a global hosting brand with a strong UK presence. It’s known for high-performance hosting, advanced caching, and strong security features. However, it comes with premium pricing, especially after the initial term.
| Feature/Criteria | Names.co.uk | SiteGround (UK) |
|---|---|---|
| Support | UK-based team, no live chat | 24/7 global support with live chat |
| Intro Pricing | Very low first month | Low intro but high renewal pricing |
| Renewal Costs | Jumps after initial term | High (often 3x intro rate) |
| Free Migrations | Not included | Included with most plans |
| Control Panel | Custom dashboard | SiteGround’s custom dashboard (Site Tools) |
| Developer Tools | Basic on lower-tier plans | Advanced tools like staging, caching, Git |
| Green Hosting | Not clearly stated | Carbon-neutral data centres, some green claims |
| Best For | Local UK businesses | Global brands, high-performance WordPress |
Verdict:
SiteGround is best for users who demand world-class speed, security, and performance and are willing to pay for it. Names.co.uk is a better fit for users focused on UK support, simpler pricing, and accessible tools.
Summary of This Review: Names.co.uk at a Glance
Instead of a traditional conclusion, here’s a clear, practical summary of the review in table form. This gives you a quick way to decide whether Names.co.uk fits your needs, without re-reading the full breakdown.
| Area | Summary |
|---|---|
| Overall Verdict | Reliable, UK-focused provider best for beginners and small businesses who want everything in one place |
| Best For | UK SMEs, sole traders, freelancers, first-time website owners |
| Not Ideal For | Developers needing advanced tools, users seeking the lowest long-term renewal prices |
| Experience | Over 25 years in domains, hosting, and email services |
| Core Strength | All-in-one bundles (domain, hosting, email, website tools) |
| Domain Services | Excellent for .co.uk and UK domains, strong DNS and brand protection tools |
| Hosting Options | Shared, Managed WordPress, VPS, Dedicated, Reseller |
| Website Tools | AI Website Builder and Managed WordPress with guided setup |
| Ecommerce Support | Suitable for small to mid-size stores and service bookings |
| Support | UK-based support, 7 days a week, reliable and knowledgeable |
| Pricing Model | Low introductory prices, higher renewals to watch |
| Developer Features | Limited on entry-level plans (no cPanel, restricted SSH/tools) |
| Compliance Tools | GDPR, cookie consent, accessibility tools included |
| Ease of Use | Very beginner-friendly, minimal technical knowledge required |
| Long-Term Value | Good if you prioritise simplicity and UK support over flexibility |
Bottom line: Names.co.uk is not the cheapest or most developer-focused host, but it is a dependable, UK-centric platform that makes getting online straightforward. If convenience, local support, and bundled services matter more to you than deep customisation or bargain renewals, it remains a solid and trustworthy choice.
FAQs
Is Names.co.uk suitable for beginners?
Yes, its interface and support structure are geared toward users with limited technical experience. Ideal for basic websites and small business needs.
Does Names.co.uk support WordPress?
Yes, WordPress can be installed on both standard and dedicated WordPress hosting plans, with auto-installers available via their dashboard.
Can I get a custom domain email address?
Absolutely. Names.co.uk offers both basic email hosting and Microsoft 365 packages for domain-branded email.
Does Names.co.uk provide a free website migration service?
No, website migrations are not free. You’ll need to handle it yourself or pay extra for assistance.
Is support available 24/7?
Support is not 24/7. They provide help during extended business hours through tickets and phone, but no live chat is available outside core hours.
Does Names.co.uk offer any uptime guarantees?
They advertise a 99.99% uptime guarantee, which aligns with industry standards, though specific compensation terms aren’t easily found.
Is there a money-back guarantee?
Yes, they offer a 30-day money-back guarantee on many of their hosting products, but check terms carefully as domain purchases may not be refundable.
