When comparing SiteGround vs IONOS, we find SiteGround to be the better web host overall. SiteGround stands out for its fast performance and advanced security features like proactive monitoring and AI anti-bot protection. IONOS offers more hosting options but falls short in regards to storage on lower plans.
In this article, we compare SiteGround vs IONOS on the grounds of plans, pricing, features included, and performance. We also evaluate their data center coverage, software supported, developer tools, customer support, and security features. Finally, we answer the question of “SiteGround vs IONOS: Which is better for you?”
Plans
| Plan Type | SiteGround | IONOS |
|---|---|---|
| Shared Hosting | $3.99/mo – $10.69/mo | $4/mo – $9/mo |
| VPS Hosting | Not Available | $2/mo – $30/mo |
| WordPress Hosting | $3.99/mo – $10.69/mo | $4/mo – $8/mo |
| Cloud Hosting | $100/mo – $400/mo | $7/mo – $420/mo |
| Dedicated Hosting | Not Available | $75/mo – $590/mo |
| Reseller Hosting | $6.69/mo – $100/mo | Not Available |
| Managed Hosting Available | Shared, Cloud, WordPress Hosting | All plans |
SiteGround offers 4 types of hosting: Shared, WordPress, Cloud, and Reseller Hosting. Its managed services are available on its Shared, Cloud, and WordPress plans. IONOS offers 5 types of hosting: Shared, VPS, WordPress, Cloud, and Dedicated Hosting. They provide managed hosting across all plans.
Pricing
| Pricing Type | SiteGround | IONOS |
|---|---|---|
| Introductory Price | $3.99/mo | $3/mo |
| Renewal Price | $17.99/mo | $6/mo |
| Monthly Payment Option? | Yes | Yes |
SiteGround’s introductory pricing starts at $3.99/month. IONOS begins at $3/month. SiteGround’s price jumps to $17.99/month upon renewal, which marks a 350% increase. IONOS rises to $6/month, a 100% increase. IONOS therefore remains a more budget-friendly option over the long term.
Features Included
| Feature | SiteGround | IONOS |
|---|---|---|
| Storage Space | 10 GB SSD storage | 10 GB HDD storage (SSD on higher plans) |
| Bandwidth | Unmetered | Unlimited |
| Number of websites | 1 | 1 |
| Email Hosting | Unlimited accounts | Yes, 1 email account w/ 2 GB inbox |
| Free Domain | No | Yes |
| AI Website Builder | No (Weebly only) | Separate service |
| Unlimited Storage? | No | Higher plans |
| Unlimited/Unmetered bandwidth? | Yes | Yes |
| Additional Features | Automated updates and custom tools for WordPress plans | SiteAnalytics, IONOS Mobile Admin App |
SiteGround provides 10 GB of SSD storage on its entry-level plan, while IONOS only includes 10 GB of HDD storage. IONOS restricts SSD to its higher-tier plans but offers a free domain, which SiteGround lacks. SiteGround compensates with unlimited email accounts, whereas IONOS limits users to one email account with a 2 GB inbox. Both hosts include unlimited bandwidth.
Performance
| Performance Feature | SiteGround | IONOS |
|---|---|---|
| CDN | Yes, inhouse (SiteGround CDN) | Higher plans (Cloudflare) |
| Type of SSD Server | SSD | HDD |
| Caching | Yes | Higher plans |
| Uptime Guarantee | 99.9% | 99.9% |
| Additional Performance Features | NGINX-based caching, Out-of-the-box SuperCacher, Google Cloud infrastructure | HTTP/2, Multiplexing, Header Compression |
SiteGround offers a built-in CDN and fast SSD (Solid State Drive) servers. IONOS requires higher-tier plans to access a CDN (via Cloudflare) and uses HDD servers on its lower plans. Both hosts offer a 99.9% uptime guarantee. SiteGround’s NGINX-based caching and Google Cloud infrastructure further enhance its speed and reliability. IONOS provides additional performance features like HTTP/2, multiplexing, and header compression.
Data Center Coverage
| Geographical Coverage | SiteGround | IONOS |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Data centers | 11 | 31 |
| Headquarter Location | Sofia, Bulgaria | Montabaur, Germany |
| Data Center Locations | USA (Iowa, Virginia, Texas, California), Netherlands (Eemshaven), UK (London), Germany (Frankfurt), France (Paris), Spain (Madrid), Australia (Sydney), Singapore | USA and Europe (exact locations undisclosed) |
SiteGround operates 11 data centers spread across the USA, Europe, Asia, and Australia. IONOS operates a much larger network of 31 data centers, but its locations are mostly undisclosed and focused in the USA and Europe. SiteGround’s broader scope is more ideal for users with an international audience.
Software Supported
| Software Feature | SiteGround | IONOS |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Click WordPress | Yes | Yes |
| OS Supported | Linux | Linux, Windows (Shared ASP.NET, VPS) |
| Control Panel | Site Tools (proprietary) | Custom control panel, Plesk |
SiteGround supports only Linux-based hosting, while IONOS supports both Linux and Windows server environments. Both hosts offer 1-click WordPress installation. SiteGround uses its proprietary Site Tools control panel, while IONOS offers a custom control panel with Plesk as an additional option. IONOS is the better choice for those needing Windows hosting.
Developer Tools
| Developer Tool | SiteGround | IONOS |
|---|---|---|
| Staging Tools | Higher plans | Higher plans |
| Root Access | No | Yes for VPS, dedicated, and cloud hosting |
| GIT access | Yes | Yes |
| WP-CLI | Yes | Yes |
| Cron jobs | Yes | Yes |
| Multiple PHP versions | Yes | Yes |
| SSH | Yes | Yes |
| Node.js Support | No | Yes |
| Python Support | Yes | Yes |
| Java Support | No | Yes |
| Django Support | No | Yes |
| Perl Support | Yes | Yes |
| Ruby on Rails Support | No | Yes |
| ASP.NET | No | Yes |
SiteGround provides essential developer tools like GIT access, WP-CLI, and support for multiple PHP versions. IONOS stands out with support for more advanced languages like Node.js, Java, and ASP.NET. IONOS also provides root access in their VPS, dedicated, and cloud hosting plans for developers who need more control.
Customer Support
| Customer Support Feature | SiteGround | IONOS |
|---|---|---|
| Support Methods | Live chat, phone support, helpdesk tickets | Phone, email, or chat |
| Support Hours | 24/7 | 24/7 |
| Website Migration | Yes | Yes |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 30 days | 30 days |
Both SiteGround and IONOS offer 24/7 customer support across multiple channels. SiteGround provides support via live chat, phone, and tickets. IONOS offers phone, email, and chat options. Both hosts provide free website migration and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Security Features
| Security Feature | SiteGround | IONOS |
|---|---|---|
| Free SSL | Yes | Yes |
| Backups | Automatic daily backups | Daily backups |
| DDoS Protection | Yes, in house | Yes, in house |
| Firewalls | Yes | Yes |
| Proactive Monitoring | Yes | No |
| Unique Security Features | Custom WAF, AI Anti-Bot System | DDoS Protect Basic, DDoS Protect Advanced |
Both SiteGround and IONOS provide core security features including free SSL certificates, firewalls, and DDoS protection. Both hosts also offer daily backups. SiteGround stands out with its AI Anti-Bot system and proactive monitoring, while IONOS offers DDoS Protect Basic and Advanced for enhanced protection against traffic-based attacks.
SiteGround vs IONOS: Which Is Better For You?
SiteGround is the better host. Use SiteGround if you’re a business website needing fast global performance with Google Cloud infrastructure and a built-in CDN. Also use SiteGround if you’re an eCommerce website that requires advanced security features like proactive monitoring and an AI Anti-Bot system.
Use IONOS if you’re hosting a website that needs more power and need affordable VPS or dedicated hosting options. Also use IONOS if you require Windows hosting. Finally, use IONOS if you’re a developer requiring support for technologies like Node.js, Java, or ASP.NET.
Explore more web hosting comparisons here.
Who is SiteGround?
SiteGround is a web host founded in 2004 and headquartered in Sofia, Bulgaria. It offers fast global speeds and comprehensive security but has high renewal prices. Read our review on SiteGround to learn more.
Who is Cloudways?
IONOS is a web host founded in 1988 and headquartered in Montabaur, Germany. It offers flexible, budget-friendly hosting but lacks proactive monitoring and has limited email on entry plans. See our IONOS review for more details.