IONOS Review: Features, Pricing, Speed, Uptime

IONOS is a web host renowned for its wide range of hosting plans. This review examines the advantages and limitations of IONOS and their offerings.

We discuss IONOS’s pricing structure, server capabilities, and security features. We then examine their control panel and customer support. We’ll even share some IONOS alternatives to help you determine if IONOS is the ideal choice for your hosting requirements. Let’s begin.

What Is IONOS?

IONOS is a leading web hosting and cloud service provider that specializes in solutions for small and medium-sized businesses. They offer a comprehensive range of internet services including domain registration, website building, cloud-based back-office processes, and advanced container orchestration. The company manages over 8 million customer contracts and hosts more than 12 million domains across its regional data centers in the US and Europe.

Is IONOS and 1&1 the Same Thing?

Yes, IONOS and 1&1 are the same thing. IONOS was originally founded as 1&1 in 1988, but rebranded as IONOS in 2018 after merging with ProfitBricks, a cloud infrastructure provider.

Where Is IONOS Located?

IONOS is located in Germany, with its main offices located in Montabaur.

What Are the Main Benefits of Using IONOS?

There are four main benefits of using IONOS. Firstly, it offers a wide range of hosting services. Secondly, IONOS provides fast performance built on cutting-edge servers. Thirdly, the platform is highly secure. Lastly, it offers both Linux and Windows options.

What Are the Possible Drawbacks of Using IONOS?

There are three possible drawbacks of using IONOS. Firstly, only one email is provided per plan with 2 GB storage. Secondly, some entry-level plans have low storage. Lastly, there is a significant price jump after renewal.

What Are the Types of Hosting IONOS Offer?

The types of hosting IONOS offers are Shared hosting, WordPress hosting, VPS hosting, Dedicated hosting, and Cloud hosting. It’s helpful to understand the features and limitations of these 5 types of hosting when choosing an IONOS plan.

Shared Hosting

Shared hosting is a type of web hosting where sites share resources with other sites on the same server. IONOS offers four tiers of shared hosting plans: Essential, Starter, Plus, and Ultimate. Their Essential plan is the most affordable plan priced at $4 per month. It includes 1 website, 10 GB storage, 10 databases, and basic CPU & MEM resources. All IONOS shared plans come with a free domain, professional email, and wildcard SSL.

These plans are great for small business owners and bloggers looking for a reliable and feature-rich hosting environment to power their online presence.

WordPress Hosting

WordPress hosting is a type of hosting that’s optimized for users looking for features, performance and support that’s tailored to the WordPress CMS. IONOS offers three tiers of WordPress hosting plans: Start, Grow, and Boost. The Start plan is their entry-level option priced at $3 per month. It includes hosting for 1 website, 25 GB of SSD storage, 9 GB RAM, and 1 vCPU. Users also benefit from customizable updates and get 1 email address. All IONOS WordPress hosting plans come with a free domain, SSL certificate, SiteAnalytics, SSH, SFTP, WP-CLI access, and malware scanning.

VPS Hosting

VPS (Virtual Private Server) hosting is a type of hosting that gives an allocated portion of a physical server’s resources to create a virtualized, independent server environment.

IONOS provides a range of VPS hosting plans that run on either the Linux or Windows operating system. IONOS currently provides six Linux plans (VPS Linux XS, S, M, L, XL, and XXL) and five Windows plans (VPS Windows S, M, L, XL, XXL).

Their VPS Linux XS is their cheapest Linux plan priced at $2 per month. It includes 1 vCore, 1 GB RAM, and 10 GB storage. All plans come with full root access, free Plesk Web Host Edition, unlimited traffic up to 1 Gbit/s, peak security, and fast NVMe storage. IONOS provides support for AlmaLinux, CentOS, Debian, Rocky Linux, and Ubuntu OS.

VPS Windows S is IONOS’ most affordable Windows plan at $12 per month. It includes 2 vCores, 2 GB RAM, and 80 GB storage. Users also get full root access, fast NVMe storage, unlimited traffic up to 1 Gbit/s, ISO certified data centers, and DDoS protection. IONOS’ Windows VPS plans support Windows Server 2019 and Windows Server 2022.

Dedicated Hosting

Dedicated hosting is a type of hosting where the client leases an entire server not shared with anyone else. This provides them with maximum control, customization, and performance.

IONOS offers an extensive lineup of dedicated hosting solutions, which feature two primary types of servers: AMD and Intel®.

IONOS provides six plans featuring AMD processors, with the flexibility to choose between HDD and SSD/NVMe storage options. Plans start at $0.0972 per hour or $70 per month. These servers are ideal for tasks that demand high computational power and multi-threading capabilities, such as graphic design, video editing, or gaming.

IONOS also offers five plans for those preferring Intel technology, which start at $0.1389 per hour or $100 per month. Customers select from HDD and SSD/NVMe storage, and benefit from the reliability and performance of Intel® Xeon® processors. Intel servers are recommended for business-critical applications, data analytics, and virtualization environments that require consistent performance.

Cloud Hosting

Cloud hosting is a type of hosting that uses a network of multiple interconnected servers distributed across various locations. IONOS provides 13 flexible and scalable Cloud hosting plans. IONOS’s cloud hosting plans are Cloud Server XS, S, M, RAM M, L, RAM L, XL, RAM XL, XXL, RAM XXL, 3XL, 4XL, and 5XL. Cloud Server XS is their entry level option priced at $0.0056 per hour or $4 per month. It comes with 1 vCore, 512 MB RAM, and 30 GB SSD storage.

All IONOS Cloud hosting plans feature VMware virtualization, REST API, unlimited traffic, and Intel® Xeon® processors. Supported operating systems include Linux Ubuntu, OpenSUSE, Debian, CentOS, and Windows Server 2016, 2019, and 2022. The plans are compatible with various databases, including MySQL, MariaDB, SQL Express, MS SQL Web, and MS SQL Standard.

IONOS also allows you to build your own server with Cloud Server FLEX.

Prices start at $0.0160 per hour, capped at a monthly maximum of $11.5200 per month. Configurations range from 1 to 24 vCores, 0.5 to 128 GB RAM, and 10 to 500 GB SSD storage.

IONOS allows users to add or reconfigure resources easily via the cloud panel. Billing is done by the minute up to the maximum rate indicated, and new users receive $100 in credit for their first month.

Is IONOS Good For Windows Hosting?

Yes, IONOS is good for Windows hosting. Windows hosting is a type of hosting that utilizes servers running the Windows operating system. IONOS offer Windows hosting in a wide variety of their VPS and cloud hosting plans. This gives Windows developers a fantastic amount of flexibility to choose the exact tier of resources they require. IONOS’s Windows plans are also surprisingly affordable and start from just $12 for their smallest VPS plan. Support for Windows Server 2022 platform, ASP.NET 4.8 and .NET 8.0 is provided.

Does IONOS Offer Unlimited Storage?

Yes, IONOS offers unlimited storage, but this feature is available only on their higher-tier shared hosting plans which are the Plus and Ultimate plans.

Does IONOS Offer Unlimited Bandwidth?

Yes, IONOS offers unlimited bandwidth. This feature enables unrestricted data transfer, and ensures there are no extra charges for bandwidth usage, regardless of the site’s traffic.

How Much Does IONOS Cost?

The cost of IONOS hosting plans begins at $4 per month for the shared hosting Essential plan, and goes up to $405 per month for their most comprehensive dedicated server plan. IONOS provides flexible payment options and allows customers to pay on an hourly, monthly, or yearly basis.

Is It Better to Opt for Monthly or Annual Plans?

It is better to opt for annual plans over monthly plans with IONOS. They offer discounted rates of up to 90% off for the first six months of their yearly plans. This provides substantial savings compared to the month-to-month payment option.

Where Are Their Data Centers?

IONOS has eight data centers located in Europe and North America. Their European data centers are in Frankfurt and Berlin in Germany, Paris in France, London in the United Kingdom, and Logroño in Spain. Their American data centers are in Las Vegas in Nevada, Newark in New Jersey, and Lenexa in Kansas.

Are IONOS Fast?

Yes, IONOS is fast. Their hosting plans utilize Intel® Xeon® and AMD processors, which are valued for their high performance and efficiency. IONOS also offers SSD and NVMe storage, which significantly reduce data access times and enhance overall server speed. Their VMware virtualization and a fully redundant infrastructure ensures high availability and rapid resource allocation. Their modern data centers equipped with the latest technology also contribute to their fast servers.

What Is IONOS Uptime Guarantee?

IONOS has a 99.99% uptime guarantee. Customers are eligible for a credit towards future services if the uptime falls below this threshold, provided the customer is able to demonstrate the downtime to IONOS’ satisfaction. The uptime guarantee does not cover downtime due to scheduled maintenance, issues caused by the customer, non-website affecting outages, and legal actions. The guarantee also doesn’t apply to account suspension due to policy violations or resource overuse, or events beyond IONOS’ reasonable control.

What Control Panels Do IONOS Provide?

IONOS provides its own custom control panel called the IONOS Control Panel, for managing web hosting and cloud services. This proprietary control panel is designed to facilitate easy management of domains, web hosting, cloud servers, and related services. IONOS also offers Plesk and cPanel for customers who prefer a standard industry interface.

Does Plesk Come Preinstalled on VPS Plans?

Yes, the Plesk Web Host Edition comes pre-installed on IONOS’ VPS (Virtual Private Server) plans at no additional cost. This allows users to manage their servers, websites, and applications through the Plesk interface right from the start.

What Is the IONOS Hosting Mobile App?

The IONOS Hosting Mobile App is a mobile application provided by IONOS to allow customers to manage their hosting services and account details on the go. It’s available on both iOS and Android platforms. Users use it to check account details, update contracts, utilize products, register domains, and communicate with their personal consultant. The app also enables direct editing of websites for MyWebsite users and provides insights into website performance, including visitor stats and tailored optimization tips. IONOS also includes automatic notifications for billing, contract updates, and special offers.

Does IONOS Provide a Website Builder?

No, IONOS does not provide a website builder in its hosting plans. It is available as a paid service starting at $1 per month. The IONOS Website Builder is an intuitive tool equipped with AI assistance. Users are able to swiftly create professional websites using AI-driven design, image, and text suggestions or select from a variety of professional templates catering to different industries and needs.

Does IONOS Provide Emails?

Yes, IONOS provides email services as part of its web hosting plans. Each plan includes one email account with a 2 GB inbox. This allows customers to have a professional email address associated with their domain.

How Many Databases Can I Host on a IONOS Plan?

The number of databases you can host on an IONOS plan ranges between 10 to unlimited depending on the plan you choose. For instance, their Essential plan allows for up to 10 databases, and their Starter plan accommodates up to 50 databases. Their Plus and Ultimate plans offer unlimited databases for larger or more complex websites and applications.

Is IONOS Good for WooCommerce Stores?

Yes, IONOS is good for WooCommerce stores. WooCommerce is a WordPress plugin that adds eCommerce functionality. IONOS offers specialized WooCommerce hosting plans that include fast SSD storage, 300+ extensions for easy customization, and a free SSL certificate to secure transactions.

IONOS also ensures easy integration with pre-installed essential plugins and a setup assistant for quick store launch. The hosting environment is designed to handle unlimited physical and digital products, and offer features like daily backups and DDoS and malware protection.

What Customer Support Does IONOS Offer?

IONOS offers six customer support channels. Firstly, IONOS provides a personal consultant service for tailored advice via phone, email, or chat. Secondly, the ticket support service allows clients to open support tickets through their IONOS account. Thirdly, the product consultation form lets potential and existing customers inquire about products or services. Fourthly, the Help Center features a wide range of articles and guides. Fifthly, phone support enables users to speak directly with expert agents and schedule callbacks. Lastly, email support is available with dedicated addresses for different types of inquiries.

Do I Get Free Website Migration?

No, you do not get free website migration with IONOS. The company does not provide free or automatic migration services for transferring websites from other hosting providers, but they do offer assistance for manually migrating WordPress websites. This support involves multiple steps and requires technical knowledge, including the use of FTP and phpMyAdmin.

IONOS also recommends using WordPress migration plugins due to the complexity of manual migration, as these plugins streamline the process by automating several tasks.

What Is IONOS Money Back Guarantee?

IONOS offers a 30-day money back guarantee. This allows customers to cancel their service and receive a full refund if they are not satisfied within the first month of use.

How to Cancel Your IONOS Subscription

To cancel your IONOS subscription, follow seven steps. First, log into your IONOS account. Second, navigate to account management by clicking on ‘Menu’ at the top, then select ‘My Account’. Third, in the ‘Contracts and Subscriptions’ section, click on ‘Display’. Fourth, find and click on the contract you wish to cancel in the Services column. Fifth, initiate the cancellation by clicking on ‘Cancel Contract’, then select ‘Select’ in the tile that says ‘Cancel this entire contract’. Sixth, provide a reason for the cancellation and specify additional details like the cancellation date or type if applicable, then click ‘Next’. Lastly, review the Important Notes on the cancellation page and confirm by clicking ‘Cancel Contract Now’.

Your access to your IONOS account ends after the cancellation if there are no other contracts under your customer number. A phone confirmation is required to complete the cancellation process. The cancellation notice must be confirmed within 14 days to avoid contract resumption.

How to Get A Refund

To get a refund from IONOS you must be within the 30-day money back guarantee period to qualify. Complete the cancellation process of your plan through your IONOS account dashboard, then keep an eye on your credit card statement. Refunds appear as quickly as one business day after the cancellation is processed.

What Is IONOS’s PHP Extended Support?

PHP Extended Support by IONOS is a unique IONOS feature that addresses security vulnerabilities in discontinued PHP versions. This provides customers additional time to transition to current PHP versions. As the PHP community regularly releases new versions and phases out older ones, IONOS steps in to secure these outdated versions by fixing security gaps.

The pricing for this support varies based on the PHP version’s age, which reflects the increased maintenance efforts. IONOS charges $19.76 per month for PHP 4.0, while PHP 5.2, 5.4, 5.5, and 5.6 are priced at $15.62 per month. The cost is $10.19 per month for more recent versions like PHP 7.0, 7.1, 7.2, and 7.3, and PHP 7.4 is available at $7.81 per month.

Can I Get Root Access With IONOS?

Yes, you can get root access with IONOS. Root access gives you complete control over the server environment. IONOS offers root access on various server types, including VPS, dedicated servers, and cloud servers. This lets you install and manage software, configure settings, and fully customize the server to your project’s requirements.

They also offer a range of Software Development Kits (SDK). Their Cloud Compute SDK caters to developers who wish to build applications in common programming languages.

Is Python Supported?

Yes, Python is supported by IONOS, particularly through IONOS’s Compute SDK for Python. Python is a high-level, interpreted programming language. IONOS’ SDK supports Python 3.5 and higher and is able to be installed using pip. It enables operations over SSL and is authenticated with IONOS Cloud portal credentials.

Is Node.js Supported?

Yes, Node,js is supported by IONOS, particularly through IONOS’s Compute SDK for Node.js. Node.js is an open-source, cross-platform JavaScript runtime environment that executes JavaScript code outside a web browser. IONOS Deploy Now also supports Node.js during the build process through GitHub Actions. Keep in mind that IONOS does not offer server-side rendering with Node.js on its runtime infrastructure. This means the platform primarily supports Node.js for building static front-end assets rather than hosting Node.js applications directly.

Is IONOS Secure?

Yes, IONOS is secure. They offer advanced firewalls, DDoS protection, SIEM (Security Information and Event Management), and IDS/IPS (Intrusion Detection System/Intrusion Prevention System) technologies, along with ISO 27001 certified data centers. PHP Extended Support and SSL certificates add extra layers to its security framework.

Are IONOS Servers Secure?

Yes, IONOS servers are secure. They maintain high security standards with dedicated features such as hardware-based firewalls, RAID configurations for data protection, and direct server access control. They employ enterprise-grade hardware that is constantly updated to combat vulnerabilities and perform well. Your data is also mirrored in two data centers. This helps ensure uninterrupted service even during maintenance and outages.

Is a Free SSL Certificate Included?

Yes, a free SSL certificate is included in IONOS plans. An SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate is a digital certificate that authenticates the identity of a website and enables an encrypted connection. IONOS includes a free Wildcard SSL certificate for secure communications across multiple subdomains of a website.

Do I Get Free Website Backups?

Yes, you get free website backups with IONOS. They offer free automatic daily backup and recovery services to ensure your data is protected and is able to be restored in case of loss or damage.

Does IONOS Give a Free Domain Name?

Yes, IONOS gives a free domain name for one year with the purchase of their shared hosting and WordPress plans.

5 IONOS Alternatives

There are 5 IONOS alternatives worth considering:

1. Hostinger

Hostinger offers competitively low starting prices as well as a user-friendly custom control panel called hPanel. IONOS provides robust features and extensive hosting options but Hostinger stands out for its more budget-friendly plans and ease of use. See how Hostinger and IONOS stack side by side.

2. GoDaddy

GoDaddy is a giant in the hosting and domain registration industry. GoDaddy has a more diverse product portfolio compared to IONOS, which makes it a versatile alternative for a broad spectrum of hosting needs.

3. Bluehost

Bluehost is a WordPress-recommended host. They have a notably strong performance in North American regions. IONOS offers a broader server network, but Bluehost is a strong contender for WordPress hosting with its optimized services. Check out the performance of Bluehost vs IONOS.

4. Cloudways

Cloudways specializes in managed cloud hosting solutions, and allows users to choose from multiple cloud providers like AWS and Google Cloud. IONOS provides direct hosting services, while Cloudways stands out for its management of various cloud infrastructures.

5. OVHcloud

OVHCloud is a leading European cloud service provider that offers a wide range of cloud and dedicated server solutions. IONOS provides more types of hosting, whereas OVHcloud focuses on delivering advanced cloud services and infrastructure solutions. This includes public, private, and hybrid cloud models.

Does IONOS Have Any Discounts?

Yes, IONOS consistently offers introductory discounts for new customers that significantly reduce the cost of their plans. Also watch out for their annual Black Friday sale, as they’re known to offer promotions of up to 90% off on their hosting services.

Verdict: Is IONOS Legit?

Yes, IONOS is legit. IONOS is a reputable hosting provider that offers a broad spectrum of services, rapid performance, and robust security. They also provide an excellent range of Linux and Windows hosting options. Their plans cater to a wide range of users from beginners to developers.

IONOS comes with potential drawbacks such as the limitation of only one email account per plan with 2 GB of storage, lower storage on some entry-level plans, and the lack of free website migration. However, it’s still a recommended web host because of its comprehensive service range, reliability, and security.

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