Should You Host Your Site with Ionos? Review of Features, Pricing & Performance

In this 2024 IONOS review, we take a deep dive into the world of this hosting giant, scrutinizing its features, pricing, and lots more to give you a clear picture of what to expect when hosting your site with them.

Ionos, formerly known as 1&1, is a popular web hosting and cloud services provider specializing in catering to small and medium-sized businesses. Established in 1988 in Europe, Ionos has evolved over the years to stay ahead of its competitors and now serves over 12 million domains, offering reliable hosting solutions at affordable prices.

THE ONE feature that attracts customers to Ionos is their budget-friendly hosting plans, with some starting as low as $1 per month. These low-cost options enable businesses of all sizes to sign up with Ionos and harness the power of their cutting-edge technology. Additionally, Ionos boasts an impressive uptime of 99.98%, surpassing the industry standard of 99.9% and ensuring minimal disruptions for their client’s websites.

When considering whether Ionos is the right choice for web hosting needs, potential customers should know that the company has a solid track record in the industry. Their dedication to providing affordable, reliable hosting solutions and commitment to uptime and scalable plans make Ionos an attractive option for businesses seeking a dependable hosting partner.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Strong Uptime: Uptime is crucial for a web hosting provider. IONOS boasts an impressive average uptime of 99.97%, ensuring the websites it hosts are highly accessible.
• Pricing: IONOS offers highly competitive prices, with plans starting at $0.50 per month. This affordable pricing can benefit small businesses and individuals who are just starting out.
• Page Speed: Loading time is essential for search engine ranking, and IONOS has made improvements in this area. Currently, the average loading time for IONOS-hosted websites is 736 milliseconds.
• Free Email and Discounted Domain: IONOS provides a $1 domain for the first year with any of its hosting plans, as well as free email hosting across all its packages.
• Free SSL Security: Every IONOS hosting plan comes with a free SSL certificate to maintain data privacy and security.
• Affordable Design Service: IONOS provides a reasonably priced design service for WordPress sites, including SEO to improve search engine ranking.
• E-commerce Hosting: IONOS offers e-commerce hosting, making it an excellent choice for those looking to start an online store using the WordPress platform.
• Excellent User Interface: With a custom-built backend, IONOS’s user interface is user-friendly and easy to navigate.
• Lower Carbon Footprint: IONOS employs sustainable hosting practices by using renewable energy sources to power its servers.

Cons

• Customer Support: Although IONOS provides 24/7 customer support via phone and email, they have removed their live chat option. This can make getting prompt assistance more challenging for users who prefer instant responses.
• Lack of Transparency in Pricing: IONOS’s pricing can be confusing, as plan prices increase significantly after the first year. Additionally, unexpected charges and price fluctuations can occur.
• No Free Web Host Transfer: Unlike many web hosting providers, IONOS does not offer a free site transfer for customers migrating from another host.

Plans & Pricing

IONOS offers various hosting solutions, including Shared Hosting, VPS Hosting, Dedicated Server Hosting, and WordPress Hosting. Each category has multiple plans to cater to different website needs and budgets.

Shared Hosting:

• Essential: $4 per month
• Business: $1 per month
• Expert: $8 per month

Shared Hosting plans come with different performance levels, storage, email accounts, and support options. Essential offers basic features and support, while the Expert plan provides advanced configurations and priority support for more complex websites.

WordPress Hosting:

• Start: $2 per month
• Grow: $1 per month
• Boost: $6 per month

WordPress Hosting plans are specifically tailored for the popular CMS software. These plans cater to different website sizes and requirements, offering varying levels of performance, storage, email accounts, and support. All WordPress Hosting plans include a free domain name, SSL certificate, and the ability to create custom email accounts.

VPS Hosting:

• VPS S: $2 per month
• VPS M: $4 per month
• VPS L: $8 per month
• VPS XL: $12 per month
• VPS XXL: $18 per month

VPS Hosting offers more control and customization of your hosting environment compared to shared hosting. Plans vary in processing power, storage capacity, RAM, and bandwidth, allowing you to find the right fit for your website requirements.

Dedicated Server Hosting:

SSD Plans:

• A8i SSD: $45 per month
• L-16 SSD: $70 per month
• XL-32 SSD: $110 per month
• XL-64 SSD: $140 per month

HDD Plans:

• L4i HDD: $47 per month
• L-16 HDD: $60 per month
• XL-32 HDD: $90 per month
• XL-64 HDD: $120 per month

Dedicated Server Hosting provides the highest level of performance, control, and storage. SSD plans have faster data access speeds, while HDD plans offer larger storage capacities. Both types include configurable RAM and bandwidth options.

Technical Features

1. Fast, scalable hosting: IONOS ensures a 99.9% uptime, PHP 8.2 with JIT compiler, SSL, DDoS protection, and backups for any website​.
2. High loading speeds: IONOS aims for peak loading times and boasts scalable, secure hosting that can react to spikes in traffic within seconds. They use their own server shield technology to prevent DDoS attacks and georedundant hosting services that keep your project online with 99.9% uptime​
3. Scalable performance management: IONOS provides scalable performance levels that allow you to adjust your project’s performance at any time. This is designed to ensure you can keep up with demand​
4. Compatibility with popular apps: IONOS’s web hosting plans come with a range of plugins to enhance your website, compatible with popular applications like TYPO3, Joomla!, Drupal, and PrestaShop. They also offer a more comprehensive solution with IONOS Managed WordPress​​.
5. A variety of hosting plans: IONOS offers different hosting plans to suit various needs. Their “Web Hosting Business” plan includes a free domain for one year and an email account with a 2 GB mailbox​​, while their “Web Hosting Ultimate” plan offers maximum resources (up to 19 GB RAM and unlimited storage), one-click installer for eCommerce applications like PrestaShop, and a wildcard SSL certificate to secure customer data and transactions​. They also offer “Windows Hosting” for Windows development, featuring the powerful Windows Server 2022 operating system and the latest version of ASP.NET​, and “Managed WordPress Hosting” that includes an optimized infrastructure with web space and databases on SSD, along with automatic updates of plugins, themes, and the latest version of WordPress​.
6. Specific hosting packages: Their “Essential” package, for instance, is designed for one website or project, offering 10 GB storage, 10 databases, basic CPU & MEM resources, a free domain for 1 year, free wildcard SSL certificate, free professional email, daily backup and recovery, and free 24/7 support​​. The “Starter” package, designed for ten websites or projects, provides 100 GB storage and 50 databases, each with 2 GB of storage per MariaDB or MySQL database​.

Types of Hosting

IONOS offers a variety of hosting plans to cater to the diverse needs of its customers. Here are the main types of hosting services provided by IONOS:

Shared Hosting

Shared hosting is a cost-effective option for smaller websites with limited traffic. IONOS provides shared hosting plans at competitive prices, with features like free domain registration, ample storage, and bandwidth.

WordPress Hosting

IONOS offers managed WordPress hosting plans, which are designed to simplify the process of running a WordPress website. These plans come with automatic updates, optimized performance, and expert support. The pricing for Managed WordPress hosting plans is similar to their shared hosting range.

VPS Hosting

Virtual Private Server (VPS) hosting provides a more powerful and scalable solution than shared hosting. IONOS’ VPS hosting plans come with dedicated resources, such as RAM and storage, ensuring better performance and control over your virtual server.

Cloud Hosting

IONOS’ cloud hosting plans are designed for businesses and developers who need on-demand scalability and flexible resources. Cloud hosting is ideal for websites with fluctuating traffic and resource needs, offering a pay-as-you-go pricing model.

Dedicated Servers

Dedicated servers offer the highest level of performance and control. IONOS provides various dedicated server hosting plans with powerful hardware and features. These plans are suitable for large-scale websites and applications that require dedicated resources and customizable options.

Additional Features

• Free Domain: IONOS includes a free domain registration with most of its hosting plans, making it easier for customers to get started on their online journey.
• cPanel: IONOS provides cPanel as the control panel for its hosting services, allowing users to manage their websites, email accounts, and databases through an intuitive interface.
• Website Builder: For users who prefer a visual approach to website creation, IONOS offers a website builder tool, which simplifies the process of designing and launching a website without any coding knowledge.

In summary, IONOS provides a comprehensive range of hosting services, catering to various customer needs. From shared hosting for small websites to dedicated servers for resource-intensive applications, IONOS offers flexible and reliable solutions.

Speed, Performance, and Reliability

IONOS hosting excels in providing reliable and high-performing web hosting solutions. With a 99.9% uptime guarantee, their web hosting platform ensures minimal downtime, averaging an impressive 99.98% uptime in 2024. This means that websites hosted with IONOS experience very little disruption in their operation.

When it comes to speed, IONOS’s infrastructure is designed to deliver fast load times. The use of scalable servers allows the platform to adapt to increasing traffic demands, ensuring optimal performance during peak periods. Additionally, IONOS offers a combination of SSD and HDD storage drives to accommodate the storage requirements of different websites and balance cost efficiency with performance.

To further enhance performance, IONOS’s platform supports various databases, including MariaDB and MySQL. These databases work efficiently to deliver speedy query processing and data retrieval, contributing to the overall performance of the hosted websites.

In terms of reliability, IONOS’s data centers use generator- and battery-powered systems to provide a stable environment and maintain a 99.95% uptime. This ensures that websites remain accessible even during power outages, adding another layer of reliability to their hosting services.

Overall, IONOS hosting stands out for its commitment to speed, performance, and reliability, providing a robust platform for a wide range of websites.

Customer Support

Phone Support

IONOS offers 24/7 phone support to its customers, providing assistance in handling website hosting issues. The customer service representatives are reported to be thoughtful and highly knowledgeable, ensuring a smooth experience for users.

Live Chat

In addition to phone support, IONOS provides a live chat option for customers to seek help. However, this support option has received mixed reviews as there are reports of delays, and it may be temporarily unavailable during certain hours. Despite the delays or unavailability, many still find live chat a helpful resource for getting support.

Help Center

IONOS also features a comprehensive help center with many helpful articles and guides. The help center covers various topics related to website hosting, making it an excellent resource for customers to find answers to their questions independently. This support avenue complements phone and live chat assistance, providing a well-rounded customer support experience.

Additional Services

SSL Certificates

To ensure security and establish trust between website visitors and the website itself, IONOS offers SSL certificates. The SSL certificates provided by IONOS include:

• Standard SSL: Suitable for small businesses and individuals, providing up to 256-bit encryption and a secure site seal.
• Wildcard SSL: Ideal for businesses with multiple subdomains, offering the same features as the standard SSL but with coverage for all subdomains under a single certificate.

IONOS SSL certificates come with a money-back guarantee and are backed by a recognized certification authority.

Website Builder

IONOS offers a website builder that allows users to create professional-looking websites without the need for coding knowledge. The website builder includes customizable templates and a drag-and-drop interface, making it easy for users to create responsive websites that look great on both desktop and mobile devices. Some key features of the website builder are:

• Responsive design templates
• Drag-and-drop editor
• Image and video integration
• Social media integration

Email Hosting

In addition to web hosting services, IONOS also provides email hosting solutions for personal and professional use. Their email packages include:

• Mail Basic: Suitable for personal use, offering 2 GB of email storage and one email account.
• Mail Business: Designed for businesses with up to 50 GB of storage and support for multiple email accounts.

Both packages come with reliable spam and virus protection, IMAP and POP3 support, and webmail access.

Search Engine Optimization

IONOS offers search engine optimization (SEO) services to help improve a website’s visibility in search engine results. Their SEO tools and services include:

• Site analysis: Examines the website’s structure and content for optimization opportunities.
• Keyword research: Identifies relevant keywords to help drive more targeted traffic to the website.
• On-page optimization: Ensures that the website’s content and meta tags are optimized according to current SEO best practices.
• Off-page optimization: Builds high-quality backlinks to improve the website’s domain authority and search engine rankings.

Compare Ionos vs Competitors

The most popular alternatives to Ionnos are HostGator, Bluehost, GoDaddy, and SiteGround. Here’s a comparison table followed by a short analysis:

	Ionos	HostGator	Bluehost	GoDaddy	SiteGround
Pricing	Competitive	Affordable	Moderate	Variable	Moderate
Performance	High	High	High	Moderate	Very High
Security	Robust	Standard	Good	Good	Excellent
Scalability	Excellent	Good	Good	Good	Very Good
Support	24/7, Personal Consultant	24/7	24/7	24/7	24/7, Advanced
Technology	Advanced (PHP 8.2, CDN)	Standard	Standard	Standard	Cutting-edge
User-Friendliness	High	Very High	High	High	High
Additional Features	Cloudflare CDN, Mobile App	Simple Site Builder	WordPress-centric	Wide range of services	Optimized WordPress Solutions
More Info		HostGator review	Bluehost review	GoDaddy review	SiteGround review

• Pricing: Ionos offers competitive pricing, making it an appealing choice for budget-conscious users. HostGator and Bluehost also provide affordable options, while SiteGround tends to be on the higher end, reflecting its advanced features.
• Performance: Ionos, HostGator, and Bluehost all boast high-performance levels, suitable for a wide range of websites. SiteGround is known for its exceptional performance, particularly for WordPress hosting.
• Security: Ionos stands out with robust security features, including DDoS protection and automatic backups. SiteGround is also noteworthy for its top-tier security measures.
• Scalability: Ionos excels in scalability, offering instant resource scaling, which is vital for growing websites. SiteGround also scores well in this area with its scalable cloud hosting solutions.
• Support: Ionos offers unique personalized support with a dedicated consultant, while others provide standard 24/7 support. SiteGround is recognized for its advanced customer support.
• Technology: Ionos leads with advanced technology, including the latest PHP version and Cloudflare CDN integration. SiteGround is similarly known for its cutting-edge technological implementations.
• User-Friendliness: All providers offer user-friendly interfaces, with HostGator being particularly notable for its ease of use, especially for beginners.
• Additional Features: Each provider has unique offerings like Ionos’s Cloudflare CDN and mobile app, Bluehost’s WordPress-centric features, and SiteGround’s optimized WordPress solutions.

Questions & Answers

Our Verdict ⭐

Ionos delivers a well-rounded hosting experience, combining speed, security, advanced technology, and user-friendly services, making it a compelling choice for hosting your website.

The key reasons to choose Ionos include:

• Enhanced Speed and Performance: With its dual platform technology and HTTP/2 protocol, Ionos ensures fast and efficient website performance. This is crucial for improving user experience and SEO rankings.
• Scalability: The ability to instantly scale up resources like memory and RAM makes Ionos ideal for websites experiencing growth or fluctuating traffic.
• Robust Security Measures: Comprehensive DDoS protection, automatic backups, and free Wildcard SSL certificates provide a secure environment for your website.
• State-of-the-Art Technology: Integration with Cloudflare CDN, support for PHP 8.2, and a user-friendly mobile admin app show Ionos’s commitment to cutting-edge technology.
• Reliable Support and Experience: With over 30 years in the industry, Ionos offers experienced 24/7 support and a personal consultant to guide users.
• Flexibility and Transparency: Their transparent pricing, risk-free contracts, and flexible terms provide peace of mind and adaptability for all types of users.

Who should choose IONOS? IONOS is a good hosting choice for small- and medium-sized businesses, Windows developers, and WordPress professionals.

Recent Improvements & Updates

Ionos constantly updates its web hosting services, focusing on enhancing speed, security, and state-of-the-art technology. These updates are designed to provide a more robust, efficient, and secure web hosting experience for users.

Speed Enhancements

• Dual Platform Technology: Ionos has integrated web servers and storage on the same platform, significantly boosting website performance and visitor experience with faster loading times.
• Scalable Performance: The hosting service now offers instant scalability in memory, RAM, and processing capabilities, making it easier to handle increasing traffic without any hitches.
• HTTP/2 Protocol Support: Ionos servers are equipped with HTTP/2 network protocol, enhancing page load times with multiplexing and header compression, especially for SSL encrypted traffic.

Security Upgrades

• DDoS Protection: A robust distributed denial of service (DDoS) protection system is in place, ensuring that websites remain consistently safeguarded from incoming attacks and online.
• Automatic Backups and Restore: Ionos now automatically stores backups of up to six days, allowing users to easily recover files from restore points in case of data loss.
• Wildcard SSL and Site Scan: Each plan includes a free Wildcard SSL certificate, and the Web Hosting Expert plan additionally offers malware protection. Site Scan actively checks web pages to protect against threats and vulnerabilities.

State-of-the-Art Features

• Content Delivery Network (CDN): Integration with Cloudflare CDN automatically distributes websites across 60 data centers globally, ensuring rapid loading from anywhere.
• Mobile Admin App: The Ionos Hosting Manager app allows users to manage products and billing conveniently from smartphones or tablets.
• PHP 8.2 and JIT Compiler: Ionos supports the latest PHP version with a JIT compiler and a 768 MB memory limit, promising future performance enhancements. It also maintains support for PHP versions 4.0 and onwards.

Reliability and Experience

• 30 Years of Experience: With over three decades in the industry, Ionos brings reliable, state-of-the-art technology with a focus on dependability.
• ISO 27001 Certified Data Centers: These data centers ensure top-notch data security, optimal performance, and geo-redundancy.
• Diverse Product Range: Ionos offers a wide array of products tailored to diverse needs, from simple domains to advanced cloud infrastructure.

Personalized Support and Fair Practices

• Personal Consultant: A dedicated consultant is available to assist users, providing personalized support throughout their Ionos journey.
• 24/7/365 Support: Local support teams offer assistance via phone, email, or chat, ensuring help is always available.
• Knowledge Databases: Users can access a comprehensive collection of FAQs, how-to guides, and detailed product information.
• Transparent Offers and Risk-Free Contracts: Ionos ensures clarity in their product, package, and pricing information. They offer a 30-day refund policy and easy cancellation options.
• Flexible Contract Terms: Users can adjust their contract terms monthly, with the freedom to upgrade or downgrade packages as per their needs.

Reviewing Ionos: Our Methodology

When we review web hosts, our evaluation is based on these criteria:

1. Value for Money: What types of web hosting plans are on offer, and are they good value for money?
2. User Friendliness: How user-friendly is the signup process, the onboarding, the dashboard? and so on.
3. Customer Support: When we need help, how quickly can we get it, and is the support effective and helpful?
4. Hosting Features: What unique features does the web host provide, and how do they stack up against competitors?
5. Security: Are essential security measures like SSL certificates, DDoS protection, backup services, and malware/virus scans included?
6. Speed and Uptime: Is the hosting service fast and reliable? What types of servers do they use, and how do they perform in tests?

For more details on our review process, click here.