IONOS Delivers Excellence: Over 8 Million Customer Contracts Trust Us

This report provides a comprehensive examination of IONOS, a major player in the global web hosting and cloud services market. The analysis covers the company's corporate background, its extensive portfolio of hosting solutions, pricing strategies, performance benchmarks, user interface experiences, customer support effectiveness, security measures, and data backup policies. The findings are based on recent user reviews, expert opinions, and official company disclosures, with a focus on data from 2023 through 2025.

IONOS. Corporate Evolution and Market Standing

IONOS has a rich history rooted in the early days of the European internet market, evolving significantly from its origins as 1&1 to become a major cloud and hosting provider. Understanding this evolution is key to contextualizing its current market position and strategic direction.


• Founding and Early History (as 1&1)1&1 was established in Germany in 1988 by Ralph Dommermuth, initially operating as a marketing company.1 Its early ventures included a significant project to revitalize the BTX online services, which subsequently evolved into T-Online.2 Key milestones in its formative years include becoming a shareholder of Schlund+Partner in 1998 and going public the same year as 1&1 Internet AG &Co. KGaA.1 Towards the end of 1998, 1&1 broadened its portfolio by introducing Puretec for web hosting, GMX for email services, and domain name registration services.3In 2000, a significant restructuring occurred: the parent company was renamed United Internet AG, and 1&1 Internet AG became responsible for the product business. This year also marked 1&1's expansion into the United Kingdom.¹ Operations in the United States commenced in 2003.¹ A notable infrastructure development was the opening of a major data center in Lenexa, Kansas, in 2008.¹ This early history cemented 1&1's position as a pioneering internet service provider in Europe, with a robust foundation in web hosting and domain registration that paved the way for its transformation into IONOS.
• The Emergence of IONOSA pivotal moment in the company's trajectory was the 2018 merger of 1&1 Internet with ProfitBricks, a cloud infrastructure specialist founded by Achim Weiss, who currently serves as the CEO of IONOS.1 Following this merger, the company rebranded as 1&1 IONOS. This strategic move signaled a clear intention to expand beyond traditional hosting into more advanced cloud solutions, directly influencing the brand identity and leadership of what would become IONOS. In August 2021, the legal name of the company in the United States was formally changed to IONOS Inc..1 CEO Achim Weiss explained that the name "IONOS" was inspired by the ionosphere, reflecting the company's ambition to be more than just a hosting provider, with a strong emphasis on cloud services.1
• Ownership by United Internet AG and 2023 IPOIONOS Group SE operates as a subsidiary of United Internet AG.1 United Internet AG, also founded by Ralph Dommermuth (who retains over 50% of the shares), is a diversified global internet services conglomerate, encompassing well-known brands such as GMX, WEB.DE, and the 1&1 telecommunications brand.4A significant financial event was the Initial Public Offering (IPO) of IONOS Group SE in February 2023. The company was listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange on February 8, 2023, under the ticker symbol IOS, with an offer price of €18.50 per share.⁶ Prior to the IPO, United Internet held a 75.1% stake, with the remaining 24.9% held by Warburg Pincus. Post-IPO, the ownership structure shifted, with United Internet holding 63.8%, Warburg Pincus 21.2%, and 15.0% of shares becoming free float.⁶ This IPO provided IONOS with substantial capital—United Internet received gross proceeds of approximately €292 million—and public market validation, while United Internet AG maintained majority control, ensuring continued strategic alignment. The introduction of a free float also brought public investor scrutiny to the company's performance and governance.
• Stated Mission and VisionIONOS articulates its mission as being "Europe’s leading SMB digitalization partner and a trusted cloud enabler".5 The company aims to achieve this by delivering a comprehensive portfolio of web presence, productivity, and cloud solutions, underpinned by first-class customer care and a robust infrastructure.5 Core business principles highlighted by the company include a strong customer focus, resourcefulness, innovation, a sense of ownership, commitment to delivering results, and emphasis on teamwork.7 Furthermore, IONOS stresses reliability, security, and fairness and transparency in its service offerings.9 This mission clearly targets the small and medium-sized business (SMB) market, a substantial and often technologically underserved segment. The dual focus on traditional hosting and web presence alongside advanced cloud solutions positions IONOS to compete with both legacy hosting providers and larger cloud hyperscalers.
• Company Size and Market PositionAs of December 31, 2024, IONOS Group SE reported having 4,182 employees, a decrease of 4.17% year-over-year.5 Previous reports indicated approximately 4,200 employees.10 The company served approximately 6.32 million customers in the fiscal year 2024, an increase from around 6 million previously reported.8In terms of market share, IONOS claims a #1 or #2 position for web hosting in its European core markets.¹² A 2019 report positioned 1&1 IONOS as the second-largest global web hosting provider by market share.¹ Specifically in Germany, IONOS commands a significant market share, with figures cited between 19% and 26.2% depending on the source and methodology.¹⁴ The global web hosting market is considerable, with projections estimating its value at $159.9 billion by the end of 2024, led by the United States.14Financially, for the fiscal year 2024, IONOS Group SE reported total revenue of €1.56 billion, a 9.6% year-over-year increase. Adjusted EBITDA reached €452.2 million, up 15.9% year-over-year, resulting in an adjusted EBITDA margin of 29.0%.¹³ The company introduced segment reporting in FY 2024, dividing its business into "Digital Solutions & Cloud" (which generated €1.248 billion in revenue) and "AdTech" (which generated €312.2 million in revenue).¹³ For 2025, IONOS projects adjusted EBITDA growth of approximately 12.8% to around €510 million, with revenue in the Digital Solutions & Cloud segment expected to grow by about 8%.13IONOS is a substantial entity in the hosting market, particularly in Europe. The slight reduction in employee numbers alongside revenue growth could indicate operational efficiencies or restructuring post-IPO. While its market share in key European nations is robust, it operates within a fragmented global market featuring large competitors such as GoDaddy and Amazon Web Services.¹⁴
• Significant Corporate Changes and Acquisitions (2023-2025)While the acquisition of WE22 (known for the CM4all white-label website builder) in February 2021 predates the 2023-2025 timeframe, it remains relevant as it underpins IONOS's current website builder offerings.16 A significant corporate change in FY 2024 was the introduction of new segment reporting, distinguishing between "Digital Solutions & Cloud" and "AdTech".13 This change offers greater transparency into the performance of its core hosting and cloud operations versus its advertising technology arm, which includes the Sedo domain parking business.In 2025, IONOS announced price adjustments across its product lines, citing ongoing investments in technology (including Artificial Intelligence), enhancements to product quality, and rising operational costs.¹⁷ This move, while justified by the company as necessary for maintaining service quality and innovation, has been a point of contention in user feedback regarding billing.The transition from a traditional, high-volume, budget-oriented hosting provider (the legacy of 1&1) to a more value-centric cloud services and SMB digitalization partner is a significant underlying trend. This strategic shift is evidenced by the ProfitBricks merger, the IONOS rebranding, the 2023 IPO, the stated mission emphasizing "cloud enabler," and investments in AI.¹ However, the company's pricing model continues to heavily feature deep introductory discounts followed by substantial renewal increases, a characteristic often associated with traditional hosting providers. The financial backing from the IPO and United Internet AG provides the necessary capital for this transformation and for competition in the cloud market.⁶ This also brings heightened expectations for profitability, potentially influencing pricing strategies and customer relations if not managed with transparency.¹³ The success of this transformation hinges on IONOS's ability to effectively migrate its extensive SMB customer base towards newer, higher-value cloud services and AI-driven tools, while mitigating churn from price-sensitive customers accustomed to the previous 1&1 pricing model. The "personal consultant" service could be a key differentiator in this effort, though its consistent effectiveness is a subject of varied user experiences.⁹ The dual focus on "Web Presence & Productivity" and "Cloud Solutions" ⁵ reflects an approach to engage customers at various stages of their digital maturity.


Comprehensive Portfolio of IONOS Hosting Solutions

IONOS provides an extensive range of hosting and cloud services designed to meet the diverse needs of individuals, small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs), and larger enterprises. The portfolio spans traditional shared hosting, specialized WordPress solutions, scalable Virtual Private Servers (VPS), powerful dedicated servers, and a growing suite of cloud computing services.¹


• Shared Web HostingTargeted primarily at beginners, operators of small websites, and users seeking budget-friendly options, IONOS's shared hosting provides an accessible entry point into web presence.21 In the US market, for example, plans are typically tiered as Essential, Starter, Plus, and Ultimate.22
• The Essential plan generally supports one website and includes 10 GB of storage and 10 databases, with basic CPU and memory resources.²²
• The Starter plan expands to 10 websites, 100 GB of storage, and 50 databases, also with basic CPU and memory.²²
• The Plus plan, often marketed as a bestseller, offers support for unlimited websites, unlimited storage, and unlimited databases, along with enhanced CPU and memory resources.²²
• The Ultimate plan provides similar "unlimited" features but with maximum CPU and memory resources allocated within the shared environment.²²


Key features common across these shared hosting plans include a free domain name for the first year, a Wildcard SSL certificate, professional email accounts, daily backups, 24/7 customer support, and one-click installers for popular applications like WordPress, Joomla, and Drupal. Unmetered bandwidth is advertised, though actual performance is contingent on the specific plan and the inherent nature of a shared hosting environment.²² IONOS also provides support for various PHP versions, including paid extended support for older, out-of-community-support versions.⁶⁰ SiteAnalytics tools are also typically included. These offerings are standard for the shared hosting market, with IONOS competing aggressively on introductory pricing. The "unlimited" resources are subject to fair use policies, a common industry practice. The inclusion of daily backups and SSL certificates adds value to these entry-level packages.


• WordPress HostingIONOS offers specialized hosting solutions for WordPress users, catering to a range of needs from simple blogs to more complex e-commerce sites.18 Plans in the US, such as Start, Grow, and Boost, appear to be optimized or managed WordPress options.28
• The Start plan typically includes support for one website, 25 GB of SSD storage, a stated 9 GB of RAM (shared), one vCPU, AI-assisted website creation tools, and one email account.²⁹
• The Grow plan also supports one website but increases SSD storage to 50 GB and stated RAM to 15 GB (shared), along with AI content creation tools, a 12-month free Jetpack Backup subscription, a caching plugin, and five email accounts.²⁹
• The Boost plan further enhances resources with 75 GB of SSD storage, a stated 20 GB of RAM (shared), the same AI tools and Jetpack Backup, SiteAnalytics Plus, and 10 email accounts.²⁹


Key features across these WordPress plans include SSD storage, scalable (though shared) RAM and vCPU resources, customizable updates, AI tools for website and content generation, a free domain for the first year, a free SSL certificate, malware scanning, caching plugins (on higher-tier plans), Jetpack Backup (on higher-tier plans), and developer access via SSH, SFTP, and WP-CLI.²⁸ Managed WordPress options typically include automatic updates for the WordPress core, themes, and plugins.²⁸ IONOS is heavily promoting its AI tools within these WordPress offerings. It is important for users to distinguish between standard "WordPress Hosting," which is often shared hosting with an easy WordPress installer, and "Managed WordPress Hosting," which implies more server-level optimizations and hands-off maintenance. The specified RAM allocations (e.g., 9GB on a shared plan) should be understood as part of a shared resource pool rather than dedicated amounts.


• VPS Hosting (Linux & Windows)For users requiring greater resources, control, and isolation than shared hosting can provide, IONOS offers Virtual Private Server (VPS) hosting. This is suitable for developers and growing businesses.23IONOS provides a range of Linux VPS plans, exemplified by the US tiers: VPS XS, S, M, L, XL, and XXL.23
• VPS XS: 1 vCore, 1 GB RAM, 10 GB NVMe storage.
• VPS S: 2 vCores, 2 GB RAM, 80 GB NVMe storage.
• These scale up to the VPS XXL plan, which offers 12 vCores, 24 GB RAM, and 720 GB NVMe storage.²³


Key features include full root access, a choice of Linux distributions (such as AlmaLinux, CentOS, Debian, Rocky Linux, Ubuntu) or Windows Server (2019, 2022, 2025), high-performance NVMe SSD storage, and unlimited traffic (typically capped at a 1 Gbit/s port speed).²³ Servers are hosted in ISO 27001 certified data centers located in the US, UK, Germany, and Spain. Standard inclusions are a Wildcard SSL certificate, firewall management, DDoS protection, and KVM virtualization. Plesk control panel is often available as an option.²³ The entry-level pricing for VPS plans is competitive, and the use of NVMe storage is a significant performance advantage. The "unlimited traffic" feature is attractive, though it is constrained by the server's port speed.


• Dedicated Server HostingIONOS's dedicated server hosting is aimed at high-traffic websites, resource-intensive applications, and businesses that demand maximum performance, security, and control over their hosting environment.24A variety of hardware configurations are available, including both SSD and HDD-based servers. Processor options include Intel Xeon (E3, E, Silver, Gold series) and AMD (Ryzen Pro, EPYC series) CPUs.26Key features encompass 100% dedicated hardware, full root access, a choice of operating systems, and various RAID configurations (though specific RAID levels like RAID 1 are implied for some SSD setups rather than universally detailed).26 Unlimited traffic, typically with a 1 Gbit/s connection, is standard. API control, DDoS protection, SIEM (Security Information and Event Management), and IDS/IPS (Intrusion Detection/Prevention System) technologies are also part of the offering, with servers housed in ISO 27001 certified data centers. Plesk may be available as a control panel option.26While IONOS does not always explicitly label these as "managed dedicated servers" in the traditional sense for all configurations, they do offer "Expert Premium Assistance" for custom setups and complex configurations, alongside the provision of a personal consultant.37 This suggests a level of support that can extend beyond basic infrastructure provision. The wide range of hardware allows for significant customization.
• Cloud Hosting (IONOS Cloud)IONOS Cloud represents the company's strategic focus on higher-value, scalable, and flexible infrastructure solutions, often utilizing a pay-as-you-go model.1Key offerings include:
• Compute Engine: An Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) platform allowing users to configure virtual instances with customizable vCPUs (Intel Xeon, AMD EPYC), RAM, and block storage (HDD/SSD).²⁵
• Cloud Cubes: Pre-configured, affordable virtual server instances (e.g., Basic Cubes, Memory Cubes) typically billed by the minute or hour, designed for rapid deployment.²⁵
• Managed Kubernetes: A service for securely orchestrating container workloads, simplifying the deployment and management of Kubernetes clusters.¹⁹
• S3 Object Storage: A scalable and durable storage solution compatible with the S3 API.⁷⁰
• Database as a Service (DBaaS): Managed database solutions, including MongoDB and PostgreSQL.⁷¹


A central feature of IONOS Cloud is the Data Center Designer (DCD), a visual tool for designing and managing virtual data center infrastructure.⁷⁸ Other common features include API access for automation, load balancing, advanced firewall configurations, DDoS protection, and hosting in ISO 27001 certified data centers. The pricing models vary across cloud services, often incorporating pay-as-you-go or hourly/monthly billing. This segment demonstrates IONOS's commitment to modern cloud-native applications and infrastructure.


• ASP.NET HostingCatering specifically to developers and businesses utilizing Microsoft technologies, IONOS provides ASP.NET hosting plans.21 In the US, these are typically offered in Business, Pro, and Expert tiers.55 Key features include Windows Server 2022, support for ASP.NET 4.8 and.NET 8.0 (an update from the previously mentioned.NET 6.0), MS SQL 2022 databases, dedicated application pools, SSL certificates, daily backups, and DDoS protection.30 This is a distinct offering from their more common Linux-based shared hosting.
• E-commerce SolutionsIONOS addresses e-commerce needs through several avenues:
• E-commerce Website Builder Plans: These plans (e.g., Starter, Plus, Pro, Expert) come with varying product limits, integrated payment gateways and shipping methods, and marketing tools.¹⁸
• WooCommerce Hosting: Specialized WordPress hosting optimized for the WooCommerce plugin.¹⁸
• Magento Hosting: Hosting solutions tailored for the Magento e-commerce platform.³⁰
• PrestaShop Hosting: Hosting optimized for the PrestaShop platform.²⁰ This multi-pronged approach allows businesses to choose between a proprietary builder or popular open-source e-commerce platforms hosted on IONOS infrastructure.
• Email HostingIONOS provides a range of email solutions, from basic professional email addresses (e.g., Mail Basic, Mail Business) to more comprehensive productivity suites like Microsoft Exchange and Microsoft 365.9 These are often bundled with hosting plans or available as standalone products.


The breadth of IONOS's portfolio indicates an ambition to serve as a comprehensive digital partner for SMBs, covering needs from basic web presence to complex cloud deployments. This extensive range can be a strength, offering a single vendor for multiple services. However, it also presents the challenge of maintaining consistent quality, support, and user experience across such a diverse set of products. The aggressive introductory pricing for entry-level services is a clear strategy to attract a high volume of customers, who may then be candidates for upselling to more advanced and higher-margin services. Customers must carefully evaluate the long-term costs and resource limitations, particularly for "unlimited" shared plans, and understand that achieving optimal performance often requires selecting higher-tier plans or specific add-ons. The WordPress hosting plans, with their emphasis on enhanced resources and AI tools, suggest a strategic effort to guide WordPress users towards value-added, potentially higher-priced tiers compared to basic shared hosting.

Table 1: IONOS Key Hosting Plans Overview

Note: Prices and specific configurations, especially for dedicated servers, can vary based on promotions, contract length, and chosen data center. "Unlimited" resources on shared plans are subject to fair use policies. RAM on shared WordPress plans is part of a shared pool. Data for this table was synthesized from sources.²¹ Renewal prices are often significantly higher than introductory rates.

IONOS Pricing Strategy. Unpacking Costs and Contractual Terms

IONOS employs a multifaceted pricing strategy characterized by aggressive introductory offers, significant renewal price escalations, and a push towards longer contract terms. This approach has implications for customer acquisition, retention, and overall cost transparency.


• General Pricing PhilosophyA cornerstone of IONOS's market approach is the use of highly competitive, often exceptionally low, introductory prices. This is particularly evident in their shared hosting and website builder plans, where offers as low as $1 per month are common.20 The primary objective of this strategy appears to be the attraction of a large volume of new customers, a common tactic in the competitive hosting industry, which IONOS utilizes with notable intensity.
• Introductory vs. Renewal PricingA critical aspect of IONOS's pricing model is the substantial difference between introductory rates and subsequent renewal prices. Renewal costs can be significantly higher, ranging from two to twelve times or even more than the initial promotional price, depending on the specific plan and the depth of the initial discount.21 For instance, a shared hosting "Plus" plan might be offered at $1 per month for the first 12 months, renewing thereafter at $12 per month.22 Similarly, a WordPress "Grow" plan could start at $1 per month for the first year, with renewals at $10 per month.29 This sharp increase upon renewal is a frequent source of customer dissatisfaction and often leads to complaints related to billing practices.17 IONOS, in its communications regarding price adjustments, attributes these increases to ongoing investments in technology (including AI), service quality enhancements, and rising operational costs.17 While such justifications are common, the magnitude of the price jump can create a perception of a "bait and switch" tactic, potentially eroding customer trust if not managed with extreme clarity and proactive communication. Customers must exercise diligence in tracking renewal dates and anticipating these higher costs.
• Contract Lengths and FlexibilityThe most attractive low prices offered by IONOS are typically contingent upon commitment to longer initial contract terms, often spanning 12, 24, or even 36 months.22 While monthly payment options are generally available, they usually come at higher standard rates and do not benefit from the deep introductory discounts; an example is VPS hosting which offers monthly terms.23 IONOS states that cancellation can be easily managed online or by phone.9 However, a notable volume of user reviews contradicts this, frequently citing difficulties with the cancellation process and instances of continued billing after cancellation attempts.111 This discrepancy between the stated ease of cancellation and user-reported experiences represents a significant area of concern. The pricing model clearly incentivizes long-term commitments to secure initial savings.
• Money-Back GuaranteeIONOS generally offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on many of its hosting plans.9 This is a standard industry practice that provides a degree of risk mitigation for new users testing the service.
• Hidden Fees and UpsellingUsers should be aware of potential additional costs beyond the advertised base price. Reports of upselling tactics during the signup process and when seeking customer support have surfaced in user reviews.111 A specific example of a potentially unexpected recurring cost is the fee for PHP Extended Support, which provides security updates for older PHP versions after official community support has ended.60 Some users have expressed frustration over this charge, perceiving it as an unforeseen expense.112 While essential features like a domain name and SSL certificate are often included for the first year, more advanced features or increased capacities for services such as email storage or comprehensive backup solutions may require upgrading to higher-tier plans or purchasing add-ons.24 Careful review of all terms and conditions, as well as optional service costs, is crucial for understanding the total cost of ownership.
• Specific Product Line Pricing ExamplesThe pricing structure across IONOS's diverse portfolio is complex due to varied services and promotional strategies. Generally, shared hosting introductory offers range from $1-$4 per month, renewing at $6-$16 per month.22 WordPress hosting follows a similar pattern, starting at $1-$5 per month initially and renewing at $6-$15 per month.28 VPS hosting can start as low as $2 per month for entry-level plans, with renewal for the XS plan also at $2/month, while larger plans have correspondingly higher renewal rates.23 Dedicated servers typically start around $40-$70 per month with introductory offers, but renewals can be substantially higher depending on the configuration.26 Cloud Hosting services, such as Cloud Cubes, are often billed on an hourly or per-30-days basis (e.g., Basic Cube XS at $0.008/hr or $5.76/30 days).25 Domain registration for popular TLDs is frequently offered at $0.80-$1 for the first year, with renewals at standard rates (e.g.,.com typically renews around $12-$15 per year).108 The MyWebsite builder plans start at $1-$6 per month initially, renewing at $12-$30 per month.94 Email hosting plans like Mail Basic 1 begin around $1.10 per month with a 3-year introductory term, renewing at a higher rate, and Microsoft 365 plans are also available.101 It is critical to note that the advertised "per month" price often necessitates a long-term upfront commitment.


The overarching pricing model appears to be a "loss leader" strategy for entry-level services, designed to attract customers who can then be transitioned to higher renewal rates, add-on services, or upgraded plans. This creates an inherent tension between customer acquisition and long-term customer satisfaction, particularly for those sensitive to significant price increases. The focus on deep discounts for extended initial terms effectively locks customers in. When renewal periods arrive, the considerably higher prices can lead to "bill shock" and negative sentiment, especially if the perceived value or service quality has not commensurately increased. This dynamic is a likely contributor to customer churn if not managed with transparent communication and a clear demonstration of value at the point of renewal. While IONOS positions itself as a "digitalization partner" for SMBs ⁵, its aggressive introductory pricing and subsequent sharp renewal hikes for basic services might undermine the trust of businesses that prioritize predictable and transparent long-term operational costs. There is a risk of being perceived more as a budget provider with a "catch" rather than a stable, long-term strategic partner if the value proposition at renewal is not clearly communicated or experienced by the customer. The PHP Extended Support fee ⁶⁰ serves as an example of monetizing a service that addresses a genuine customer need (supporting legacy applications) but can also be viewed as an unexpected additional cost if not prominently disclosed upfront, reflecting a strategy of unbundling services and charging for specific support requirements beyond the basic package.

Performance Analysis. IONOS Speed and Uptime Benchmarks

The performance of a hosting service, encompassing both server uptime and website loading speed, is a critical factor for user experience, SEO, and overall online success. IONOS makes various claims regarding its performance, which are examined here alongside independent test data.


• Official Uptime Guarantee/SLAIONOS generally advertises an uptime guarantee of 99.9% or 99.99% for many of its hosting services, including shared and WordPress hosting.20 For its IONOS Cloud offerings, such as Managed MongoDB and PostgreSQL, a Service Level Agreement (SLA) of 99.95% uptime is specified.71 Furthermore, IONOS Cloud data centers claim high availability for their core infrastructure, with over 99.999% for power supply and over 99.99% for air conditioning and cross-connect availability.73Despite these advertised figures, access to official SLA documents detailing specific remedies or compensation for failure to meet these guarantees for general web hosting services (shared, VPS, dedicated) was not available within the scope of the provided research materials.¹²² This lack of readily accessible, detailed SLA terms concerning compensation mechanisms is a notable point of concern for users and businesses for whom continuous availability is paramount. While high uptime is promised, the absence of clear recourse for downtime in publicly available documents can be a drawback.
• Independent Uptime Monitoring (2023-2025)Independent monitoring provides a third-party perspective on IONOS's uptime. Pingdom data for IONOS indicated 100% uptime for August 2024 with an average response time of 748 ms, and similar figures for May 2025 (as of May 7, 2025).123 However, comprehensive month-by-month data for the entire 2023-2025 period requires direct navigation of the Pingdom public reports.123The official IONOS status page (ionos-status.com) generally reports "All Systems Operational" but also logs past incidents.¹²⁴ Recent logged incidents include a disruption in Webmail login on May 6, 2025 (resolved), increased hold times for the support hotline on April 28, 2025 (resolved), and limited functionality of the MyWebsite Now product on April 22, 2025 (resolved).124Overall, independent monitoring and official status reports suggest generally good uptime, often aligning with or exceeding the advertised guarantees. However, occasional service-specific disruptions do occur. The response times reported by Pingdom (e.g., 748ms) are relatively high and likely reflect overall server and network responsiveness rather than just the initial Time to First Byte (TTFB), which is a more specific measure of server processing speed.
• Speed Benchmarks (TTFB, LCP, Fully Loaded Time)Performance benchmarks from various independent tests conducted between 2024 and 2025 show mixed results for IONOS, with significant variations depending on the plan tested, methodology, and caching configurations:
• A WhoisHostingThis.com review from 2025 (plan unspecified) reported an average load time of approximately 2,530 ms and an average response time (likely TTFB) of around 97 ms.²⁰
• Hosting-Review.com, in November 2024, observed a TTFB of 650-700 ms for IONOS shared hosting, describing overall loading speeds as "very good".⁴⁴
• Cybernews, in February 2025 comparisons (plan unspecified), reported a TTFB of 583 ms, LCP of 3.352 seconds, and a fully loaded time of 2.679 seconds against GoDaddy. Against Bluehost, the TTFB was around 600 ms, LCP over 3 seconds, and Speed Index over 2.6 seconds. Both tests showed an overall server response time of 914.43 ms for IONOS.³⁹
• LRob.fr tested the IONOS Expand shared hosting plan in March 2025. Without caching, GTMetrix showed a TTFB of 441 ms (77 ms connect time, 384 ms backend time) and a fully loaded time of 1.5 seconds. With disk-based caching enabled, the TTFB improved significantly to 140 ms (77 ms connect, 63 ms backend), and the fully loaded time to 1.2 seconds. Uptime Kuma recorded a 24-hour average response time of 480 ms for this plan.¹²⁶
• HostScore's May 2025 review of IONOS Linux Hosting (in a VPS context) using GTMetrix reported an LCP of 1.4s, TBT of 192ms, FCP of 406ms, and SI of 704ms. PageSpeed Insights (Desktop) gave a performance score of 68, with FCP at 0.5s, LCP at 1.4s, TBT at 810ms, and SI at 1.3s.²⁴
• DiggityMarketing, citing 2022 data, reported an average response time of 740.89 ms for IONOS.²¹


These varied results indicate that while IONOS can achieve excellent TTFB (as low as 97ms or 140ms with cache), LCP and fully loaded times can often exceed the ideal sub-2.5-second threshold, particularly for shared hosting plans without effective caching. Higher-tier plans like VPS or optimized shared plans (e.g., "Expand") tend to perform better.


• Load Handling and Stress TestsAssessing IONOS's performance under heavy load through standard stress tests has proven challenging according to multiple reviewers.
• Cybernews reported that in comparisons against GoDaddy and Bluehost, IONOS showed weaker results in stress tests, with a high percentage of HTTP requests failing quickly. This behavior was attributed to IONOS's DDoS protection mechanisms potentially misinterpreting the stress test traffic as an attack.³⁹
• LRob.fr also encountered issues with ApacheBench load tests on the IONOS Expand shared hosting plan, noting probable rate limiting by IONOS from as few as 5 simultaneous connections without cache, and mostly errors with caching enabled, again likely due to security measures.¹²⁶


The robust DDoS protection, while beneficial for security, appears to interfere with conventional stress testing methodologies. This makes it difficult to ascertain the true performance ceiling under legitimate high-traffic conditions using these standard benchmarks. Real-world performance under significant load may differ from what these tests suggest.


• Speed Enhancement TechnologiesIONOS employs several technologies to enhance website performance:
• Content Delivery Network (CDN): IONOS offers its own CDN, which caches content on globally distributed edge servers to reduce latency. This CDN supports IPv4/IPv6, provides an API for automation, and integrates with other IONOS Cloud services like S3 Object Storage and Compute Engine.⁷⁰ Additionally, Cloudflare CDN integration is mentioned for some shared hosting plans.⁴³
• Caching: IONOS provides built-in caching mechanisms.⁴³ Higher-tier WordPress plans (Grow, Boost) include a specific "caching plugin".²⁹ OPCache is utilized to accelerate WordPress sites and is automatically activated for PHP versions 7.0 and higher.⁴⁵ However, the availability and user-configurability of advanced caching solutions like Memcached, Redis, or Varnish on standard IONOS hosting plans (especially shared or VPS) are not clearly detailed in the official documentation found.¹²⁷ Competitor comparisons sometimes highlight their own inclusion of these technologies, implying a potential gap or less prominent offering from IONOS.⁷⁴ The IONOS Digital Guide discusses Memcached and Redis in general terms but does not confirm their availability on specific IONOS plans.¹²⁸
• PHP Versions: IONOS supports a broad spectrum of PHP versions, from older iterations like 4.0 and 5.x (which require paid PHP Extended Support for ongoing security) to modern versions such as PHP 8.1, 8.2, and 8.3.⁶⁰ This flexibility allows users to maintain compatibility for legacy applications while also leveraging the performance and security benefits of newer PHP releases.
• HTTP/2: The HTTP/2 protocol is supported, which offers improvements like multiplexing and header compression for faster loading times, especially over SSL/TLS connections.³²
• HTTP/3: Official announcements or documentation regarding the adoption of HTTP/3 by IONOS were not found within the reviewed materials.¹⁸ This represents a potential area for future enhancement to align with the latest web performance protocols.


While IONOS implements several common speed enhancement techniques, the clarity regarding the availability and user control over advanced caching mechanisms like Redis or Memcached on their standard hosting products remains an open question. The status of HTTP/3 support is also undetermined from the available information. Users with high-performance requirements may find that achieving optimal speed necessitates opting for higher-tier plans with more dedicated resources (like NVMe storage on VPS plans 23) or ensuring effective utilization of IONOS's CDN and caching solutions. The out-of-the-box speed for basic shared plans may not always align with marketing claims without user-initiated or plan-level optimizations.

Table 2: IONOS Performance Benchmark Summary (2024-2025)

N/A: Not Available or Not Applicable from the source. TTFB: Time to First Byte. LCP: Largest Contentful Paint. SI: Speed Index. TBT: Total Blocking Time. FCP: First Contentful Paint.

User Experience. Navigating IONOS Control Panels and Management Interfaces

The user experience with a hosting provider is significantly shaped by the ease of use and functionality of its control panels and account management interfaces. IONOS employs a mix of custom-built panels and industry-standard options, leading to varied user feedback.


• IONOS Custom Control Panel (for Shared, WordPress, Domains, etc.)For most of its shared hosting, WordPress hosting, and domain management services, IONOS utilizes a proprietary custom-built control panel rather than the commonly found cPanel or Plesk interfaces.20User feedback on its ease of use is mixed. Some reviewers and users describe the IONOS control panel as intuitive, clean, well-organized, and beginner-friendly, with essential functions easily accessible through large tiles or a clear menu structure.20 This design approach aims to simplify common hosting tasks for users who may not have extensive technical experience.However, users accustomed to the feature set and layout of cPanel or Plesk may find the IONOS panel different and could face an initial learning curve.20 One review characterized the UI as looking like "ancient tech," despite acknowledging its functionality.131 Key functions managed through this panel typically include domain administration, email account setup, hosting settings (such as PHP version selection and storage usage tracking), security solution management, and WordPress installation and management tools.47 The custom panel allows IONOS to tightly integrate its various services, but this comes at the cost of familiarity for users migrating from other platforms.
• Data Center Designer (DCD) for IONOS CloudA key component of the IONOS Cloud offering is the Data Center Designer (DCD), a graphical user interface (GUI) tool specifically designed for creating, configuring, and managing Virtual Data Centers (VDCs) and associated cloud resources like Compute Engine instances, Cloud Cubes, storage, and networking components.80The DCD is generally praised for its usability. It emphasizes a drag-and-drop interface, which aims to make even complex cloud infrastructure configurations more straightforward and intuitive.80 Users can visually arrange elements, perform live resource scaling, customize server setups, and model network topologies.81 The DCD is positioned as a tool that simplifies IaaS management and enables users to deploy virtual data centers rapidly.81 Its features include a palette of draggable infrastructure elements, a workspace for visual arrangement, an inspector pane for configuring the properties of selected elements, context menus for quick actions, and capabilities for managing multiple VDCs and user access controls (Users & Groups functionality).79 The DCD is a significant differentiator for IONOS Cloud, aiming to lower the barrier to entry for cloud infrastructure management compared to traditional command-line interface (CLI) heavy approaches.
• Plesk AvailabilityWhile IONOS primarily promotes its custom control panel for many services, Plesk is mentioned as an optional control panel for its VPS hosting plans.23 Some reviews on the AWS Marketplace concerning Plesk also indicate its use in conjunction with IONOS Cloud, suggesting it can be installed and utilized on their IaaS offerings.133 A G2 comparison noted that "IONOS 1&1 Servers" (likely referring to their proprietary panel for managed services) scored higher in ease of setup and administration compared to Plesk.134 The availability of Plesk for VPS users provides flexibility for those who prefer this industry-standard panel.
• Client Account Management AreaStandard account management functionalities are accessible through the IONOS client portal. Users can view contract details, including terms, renewal dates, and a list of products and services included in their subscriptions.135 Billing information and invoices are also managed through this portal.135 However, as detailed in Section 10, billing clarity and processes are a common source of user complaints. For agency partners, IONOS provides a Partner Portal that includes features for requesting and managing customer reviews, such as pinning notable reviews, commenting on feedback, and hiding or reporting objectionable reviews.136
• Website Setup and Onboarding ProcessThe general website setup process with IONOS is described by some as simple for new customers, involving a few straightforward steps.52 For users opting for the website builder, IONOS offers AI-assisted website creation or template-based design options.94 WordPress setup is facilitated by 1-click installers and setup assistance tools.52However, a point of criticism has emerged regarding the onboarding process for the IONOS website builder. One review detailed a lengthy and frustrating approval procedure that took several days and required the submission of documentation. This was highlighted as unusual compared to other website builders that typically grant immediate access upon signup.96 If this experience is widespread, it could present a significant impediment to ease of use for that specific product.
• User Experience Reviews (General)User experience with IONOS varies considerably depending on the product.
• MyWebsite Builder: Reviews from Experte.com (rated 7.1/10) and AllAboutCookies.org praised its ease of use for beginners and AI design capabilities but criticized its "old-fashioned" registration, upselling tactics, limited template variety and customization options, and poor mobile responsiveness of the generated templates.⁹⁶ Forbes found it beginner-friendly and competitively priced but noted the lack of a free trial and its frills-free nature.¹⁰⁸ TechRadar considered it a top pick for first-time builders due to low cost and simple tools but acknowledged its limited customization for advanced users.¹²⁰
• General IONOS Hosting: Reddit discussions reveal a spectrum of opinions. Some users find IONOS acceptable for its price, especially if they are technically proficient and can navigate potential upselling or unexpected charges (like PHP extended support). However, a significant number of users strongly advise against IONOS due to service issues, billing practices, and support problems.¹³⁷


IONOS appears to be targeting two distinct user segments with its interface strategy: absolute beginners, through its simplified custom control panel and AI-driven website builder, and more technical users, via the DCD for cloud services and optional Plesk for VPS. This dual approach, if not seamlessly integrated and consistently executed, risks creating a fragmented user experience. The choice of a proprietary control panel for shared hosting allows IONOS greater control and potentially lower licensing costs but introduces a learning curve for users migrating from cPanel/Plesk environments and may lack some familiar third-party integrations. The success of custom interfaces like the DCD will be pivotal for IONOS's ambitions in the competitive cloud market. Positive perceptions of these tools as genuinely easier and more efficient could provide a competitive edge. Conversely, negative onboarding experiences or views of the main control panel as outdated could hinder adoption and user satisfaction. A recurring theme in user feedback, which also impacts the overall user experience, is the perception of "upselling" or "nickel-and-diming".¹¹¹ These practices, while related to pricing, manifest within the control panel and account management areas, potentially creating a frustrating user journey even if the core tools themselves are functional.

IONOS Customer Support. A Review of Channels and User Satisfaction

Customer support is a critical component of any hosting service, influencing user satisfaction and problem resolution. IONOS offers a variety of support channels, but user experiences and expert opinions present a highly polarized view.


• Available Support ChannelsIONOS provides multiple avenues for customer assistance:
• Phone Support: Available 24/7, with IONOS offering country-specific phone numbers for its global customer base.⁹
• Live Chat: Advertised as available 24/7 by some sources.⁹ However, several users and reviewers have reported that live chat is frequently unavailable or involves long wait times.²⁰
• Email/Ticket System: An established channel for support requests.⁹
• Help Center/Knowledge Base: IONOS maintains an extensive online library of articles, FAQs, and guides for self-service troubleshooting.⁹
• Personal Consultant: A distinctive feature where IONOS assigns a dedicated personal consultant to each customer. This consultant is intended to provide tailored support and advice, accessible via chat, email, or direct phone call during business hours.¹ The provision of a "Personal Consultant" is a notable attempt by IONOS to differentiate its support model.
• User Experiences and Expert Opinions (2023-2025)Feedback on IONOS customer support is sharply divided. While some users and reviewers report positive interactions and effective problem resolution, a substantial number express significant dissatisfaction.Positive feedback often highlights prompt and knowledgeable phone support ²⁰, quick live chat responses when available ⁴⁹, and the overall helpfulness of the support team in certain instances. ThemeIsle rated IONOS support 5/5, citing excellent live chat experiences.⁶⁴ WhoisHostingThis also reported an overall excellent support experience, though noting occasional live chat unavailability.²⁰ CNET described IONOS customer service as "the best in the biz".¹¹⁰ Some BBB reviews indicate that issues were eventually resolved after IONOS officially responded to the complaint ¹⁴⁴, and some Reddit users have managed to get issues fixed or obtain price adjustments through persistent phone contact.137Conversely, negative feedback is prevalent and often severe. HostScore noted that users rated customer support below average due to delays and inconsistent issue resolution, with inconsistent live chat response times.⁴³ G2 reviews contain strong condemnations such as "worst customer service experience ever" and "beyond useless," detailing prolonged unresolved issues, particularly with third-party services like Microsoft 365 purchased through IONOS, and refusal by agents to escalate calls.¹³¹ BBB reviews show a very low average customer rating (1.16/5 stars from 94 reviews as of one pull), with numerous complaints about difficulty accessing accounts, unhelpful representatives, unresolved billing disputes, and aggressive collection tactics.¹⁴⁴ TrustRadius features a highly negative review from April 2022 (predating the 2023 focus but indicative of past sentiment) that criticized incomprehensible customer service and arbitrary overcharges.¹⁰⁷ Reddit forums contain numerous threads with highly critical user accounts, describing support as "horrible," "useless," and "a joke," often citing upselling attempts during support interactions and unresolved technical and billing problems.¹¹² ConsumerAffairs echoes these sentiments, with reports of poor customer service, complicated cancellation procedures, billing errors, deceptive practices, and rude staff.111The Personal Consultant feature, while marketed as a premium benefit ⁹, has also received criticism. One BBB review explicitly stated, "you schedule calls with the assigned 'personal consultant' but never receive any" ¹⁴³, suggesting that this unique offering may not always meet customer expectations or be consistently delivered.Regarding technical expertise, experiences are mixed. Some users encountered knowledgeable agents who resolved their issues effectively.⁴³ However, many negative reviews imply a lack of technical expertise or an inability of support staff to resolve problems adequately.111Response times vary significantly. While some users experience quick responses via live chat or phone ⁶⁴, others report long wait times or a complete lack of response.⁴³ The official IONOS status page has, at times, acknowledged increased hold times for their hotline.124Upselling attempts during support interactions are a recurring complaint in user reviews, particularly on Reddit and ConsumerAffairs.¹¹¹ This practice can undermine user trust and detract from the perceived quality of support.The significant volume of negative reviews across multiple platforms points to systemic challenges within IONOS's customer support operations. While the company offers a comprehensive array of support channels and a unique "personal consultant" feature, the execution appears inconsistent. The aggressive pricing strategy designed to attract a high volume of customers, especially for lower-tier plans, might contribute to under-resourced support teams or a tiered support system where users on basic plans receive lower priority or less experienced assistance. This could explain the wide variance in reported experiences. Furthermore, if support agents are incentivized with sales-related key performance indicators, it could lead to the reported upselling attempts, further eroding the quality of the support interaction. Persistent negative support experiences, especially those involving billing errors and unresolved technical issues, can severely damage brand reputation and customer loyalty, potentially negating the benefits gained from attractive introductory pricing. For SMBs, in particular, unreliable or unhelpful support can translate into significant business disruptions and financial losses. The "personal consultant" feature, if not consistently and effectively implemented, risks becoming a source of greater disappointment than standard support failures due to heightened expectations. The frequency of complaints related to billing and cancellation processes also suggests potential systemic issues within these administrative support functions, extending beyond purely technical support challenges.


Table 3: IONOS Customer Support Channels and User Feedback Summary (2023-2025)

Security Deep Dive. IONOS Infrastructure, Policies, and Protection Measures

Security is a paramount concern for any online presence. IONOS implements a multi-layered security approach, encompassing physical data center security, network and server protection, data privacy measures, and various security add-ons.


• Data Center Security and CertificationsIONOS operates a global network of data centers, with locations in Europe (including Germany, the UK, and Spain) and the United States.32 A key indicator of their commitment to security at these facilities is the ISO 27001 certification, which many of their data centers hold. This international standard specifies requirements for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continually improving an information security management system.9Physical security measures at these data centers are robust, typically including 24/7 on-site security personnel, multi-stage access control (such as double-door systems), electronic monitoring, card reader devices, biometric identification systems, and comprehensive video surveillance.73 Geo-redundancy is also a feature, meaning data is often replicated across multiple locations to ensure availability and durability.9 These measures provide a strong foundational layer for the security of hosted services.
• Network and Server SecurityIONOS deploys a range of technologies to protect its network and servers:
• DDoS Protection: Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) protection is a standard inclusion with IONOS hosting plans.²² For its Cloud offerings, IONOS provides DDoS Protect Basic (free of charge) and DDoS Protect Advanced. The Advanced tier includes features like always-on attack detection, automatic mitigation of common Layer 3 and Layer 4 attacks, and access to 24/7 DDoS expert support.⁸² Dedicated servers also benefit from an advanced firewall designed to intercept DDoS attacks.³⁷
• Firewall: IONOS Cloud incorporates built-in firewall capabilities to control inbound and outbound network traffic to virtual machines.⁸⁶ VPS plans offer customizable external firewalls.²³ A Web Application Firewall (WAF) is mentioned as a general security feature and is also a component of the SiteLock security packages offered by IONOS.⁴³
• Malware Protection & Scanning: Automatic malware scanning is provided across various hosting plans.²⁰ IONOS offers its own "Site Scan" tool; the basic version, included with contracts, performs daily malware scans (limited to a certain number of pages), reputation monitoring, and WordPress platform scans.¹⁴⁷ An upgraded "Site Scan + Repair" version offers more extensive scanning, automatic malware removal (using Secure Malware Alert & Removal Tool - SMART), vulnerability fixing for CMS platforms like WordPress, Drupal, and Joomla, a SiteLock Seal of Approval, a risk score assessment, and a dedicated dashboard.¹⁴⁷ Additionally, IONOS partners with SiteLock to offer more comprehensive security packages (Basic, Pro, Business) that include daily scans, malware removal, vulnerability patching, WAF, and CDN services.²²
• SSL Certificates: A free Wildcard SSL certificate is commonly included with most IONOS hosting plans, at least for the first year of the contract or as a standard feature.⁹ IONOS also offers premium SSL certificates for purchase, including Domain Validated (DV), Organization Validated (OV), and Extended Validation (EV) certificates, often from providers like DigiCert or Sectigo.¹⁴⁸ Pricing for these premium certificates varies, with DV SSL Starter around $25/year, OV SSL Business approximately $70-$80/year (introductory), and EV SSL Premium around $200/year. Wildcard versions of these premium certificates are typically more expensive.¹⁴⁸
• Server Hardening Practices: For IONOS Cloud Virtual Machines (VMs), the company recommends security best practices such as implementing the principle of least privilege access, creating individual user accounts while disabling default root/administrator accounts after initial setup, and utilizing SSH keys for access.⁸⁶ IONOS also advocates for a "design for failure" approach, encouraging the distribution of VMs across multiple availability zones or data center regions to enhance resilience.⁸⁶ Furthermore, IONOS employs SIEM and IDS/IPS technologies to monitor and protect its server infrastructure.³⁷


This comprehensive suite of security features indicates a strong focus on protecting customer data and services. The inclusion of a free Wildcard SSL is a valuable offering. However, the tiered nature of malware scanning and WAF (with more robust protection often tied to paid upgrades like Site Scan + Repair or SiteLock plans) means users must assess if the basic included security is sufficient for their needs.


• Data Privacy and GDPR ComplianceIONOS places considerable emphasis on compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), particularly for data hosted within its European Union data centers. This is crucial for its extensive European customer base and for international clients who choose to store data in these locations.71The company clearly distinguishes its roles under GDPR: IONOS acts as a data processor for customer data stored within its cloud services, and as a data controller for the personal information of its direct customers.83 IONOS states that Technical and Organizational Measures (TOMs) are in place to protect data, with a shared responsibility model: customers are responsible for measures like encrypting their own data, while IONOS is responsible for the secure operation of its data centers.83 IONOS Cloud asserts that it does not move customer data to other geographical locations without explicit customer consent.83 Their S3 Object Storage is specifically highlighted as a GDPR-compliant solution suitable for backup and archiving purposes.84
• History of Security Incidents or Data BreachesThe research materials reviewed did not reveal specific details of major, widespread security incidents or data breaches directly compromising IONOS's core infrastructure and leading to extensive customer data loss within the 2023-2025 timeframe. IONOS has a documented process for reporting malfunctions and security incidents, covering threats like malware infections, ransomware attacks, and insider threats. The company also states it will not prosecute security researchers who report vulnerabilities in good faith.85While 154 discusses past iCloud security incidents (such as phishing attacks and a vulnerability in the "Find My iPhone" feature), these are presented as general examples of cloud security risks and are not specific to IONOS breaches. Some user complaints allude to "attacks on my site" and subsequent upselling of security products by IONOS support, or instances where IONOS took sites offline due to perceived security issues.111 However, these appear to relate to compromises of individual websites (which can occur due to various factors, including user-side vulnerabilities like outdated software or weak credentials) or disputes over the necessity and handling of security measures, rather than indicating systemic breaches of IONOS's own infrastructure.The nature of web hosting means individual websites remain constant targets for malicious actors. IONOS's security documentation acknowledges a variety of threat types.85 The user complaints about being directed to purchase security upgrades after experiencing an "attack" on their site 112 could suggest that, in some instances, the customer experience is reactive, or that the business model involves selling solutions to security problems that arise on user-hosted sites.IONOS provides a baseline level of security across its product range, including essential DDoS protection and basic SSL certificates. However, more advanced or comprehensive security features, such as sophisticated WAF capabilities, automated malware removal, and extensive backup solutions, are often reserved for higher-tier plans or are available as paid add-ons (e.g., SiteLock Site Scan + Repair 147). This tiered approach to security is a common model in the hosting industry. The marketing of "secure hosting" might lead some users to assume that all-encompassing protection is included by default. Consequently, when individual websites are compromised—an event that can occur for numerous reasons, including vulnerabilities on the user's side—the subsequent recommendation or requirement to purchase security upgrades can lead to customer frustration and a perception of being upsold, especially if the initially provided security measures were believed to be sufficient. For SMBs, particularly those without dedicated IT security personnel, it is crucial to meticulously evaluate the included security features of their chosen hosting plan against their specific risk profile and any compliance obligations. Relying solely on the basic security provisions may not be adequate for all use cases, and the potential costs of necessary security add-ons should be factored into the total cost of ownership. The company's commitment to GDPR compliance ⁸³ is a significant advantage for customers in the European Union, but the shared responsibility model means users must actively manage their own data security within the IONOS-provided infrastructure. The strong emphasis on DDoS protection ⁸², which has reportedly interfered with performance testing ¹²⁵, suggests that IONOS may prioritize network-level threat mitigation, potentially at the expense of allowing users to fully benchmark or stress-test their applications. This approach can be a double-edged sword: beneficial for general protection but potentially restrictive for users needing to understand precise performance limits under duress.


Table 4: IONOS Security Features Matrix by Hosting Type

Data Backup and Recovery. IONOS Solutions and Policies

Data backup and recovery capabilities are essential for business continuity and mitigating data loss. IONOS offers various backup solutions, with policies and features differing across its hosting products.


• Standard Backup Policies by Hosting Type
• Shared Hosting (including basic WordPress): Daily backups are generally an included feature for shared hosting plans.²⁰ The typical retention period for these automated backups is a maximum of six or seven days.²⁰ Users can usually restore their WordPress installations and associated databases directly from their IONOS account interface. It's important to note that a restoration overwrites the current data with the selected backup.⁵⁴ This daily backup with a short retention period provides a fundamental safety net for shared hosting users.
• Managed WordPress Hosting (higher tiers): Some higher-tier Managed WordPress plans, such as the Grow and Boost plans, may include a 12-month free subscription to Jetpack Backup.²⁹ Jetpack Backup offers more robust and WordPress-specific backup and restore functionalities compared to basic shared hosting backups.
• VPS Hosting: For VPS hosting, automatic daily backups are not explicitly stated as a standard inclusion for all plans in sources like ²⁰, and.⁵¹ In fact⁵¹ suggests that daily backups are standard for most IONOS hosting plans except for cloud and VPS hosting. IONOS offers an optional Cloud Backup service, powered by Acronis, which is compatible with VPS plans.²³ This implies that VPS users often need to opt for paid backup solutions or implement their own backup strategies, as comprehensive automated backups might not be a default feature.
• Dedicated Servers: Users of dedicated servers are generally responsible for their own backup strategies. IONOS states that backups can be created at any time and potentially "saved forever" if user-initiated.³⁷ Cloud Backup solutions are recommended and available as an add-on service for dedicated servers.³⁷
• Cloud Hosting (IONOS Cloud): IONOS Cloud provides more granular and feature-rich backup options. For Database as a Service (DBaaS) offerings like MongoDB, automated snapshots are typically taken daily (base snapshots) and weekly (full snapshots), with a retention period of seven days. These snapshots are stored in IONOS S3 Object Storage, and offsite backup options may be available for Enterprise tiers, along with point-in-time recovery capabilities.⁸⁸ For general cloud server backups, IONOS Cloud Backup (powered by Acronis) is available in tiered plans (Starter, Plus, Premium, Ultimate). These plans offer varying storage capacities (starting from 100GB) and features such as versioning, customizable scheduling, antivirus protection, ransomware protection, and patch management.¹¹⁵
• Backup Frequency and Retention PeriodsBackup frequency and retention vary significantly:
• Shared and basic WordPress hosting generally feature daily backups with a 6 to 7-day retention period.²⁰
• The Acronis-powered IONOS Cloud Backup service allows for customizable backup scheduling and versioning policies.¹¹⁵
• IONOS Cloud's MongoDB DBaaS has daily snapshots with a 7-day retention.⁸⁸
• When using Veeam Backup with IONOS S3 Object Storage, the retention policy is user-configurable, with an example of a 30-day retention period provided in documentation.⁸⁹ The default retention for basic shared hosting is relatively short. More advanced services offer greater flexibility but are typically paid services or require user configuration.
• Restoration Process and User ControlSelf-service restoration capabilities are available for many IONOS services. Shared WordPress users can restore their sites from backups up to seven days old directly through their IONOS account.54 The IONOS Cloud Backup service also provides self-service restore options, including full system image backup and recovery.115 For users leveraging solutions like Veeam with IONOS S3 storage, the restoration process is user-managed.89 The availability of self-service restoration is a positive aspect, though the ease and intuitiveness of this process can vary depending on the specific service and interface.
• Cost of Backup Services and RestorationThe cost structure for backups is diverse:
• For shared and basic WordPress hosting, daily backups are generally included free of charge.²²
• IONOS Cloud Backup (Acronis-powered) plans start from $7 per month for 100GB of storage (Starter plan) and go up to $35 per month for 100GB on the Ultimate plan, which includes more advanced features.¹¹⁵ Flexible pricing is also available, with storage priced at $0.07/GB per month, and additional monthly fees per device for advanced security, management, or backup features. Overage charges for storage are $0.07/GB (or $0.06/GB for plans with 2TB or more).¹¹⁵
• Optional Cloud Backup for VPS plans is priced from approximately 6.5 cents per GB per month.²³ Restoration from included backups (like shared hosting) is typically free. For paid backup services, restoration is part of the service offering.


The official backup policy for shared hosting, specifically regarding backup frequency and retention, is generally daily backups with a 6-7 day retention period, as supported by multiple sources.²⁰ While IONOS provides a baseline backup service for its entry-level shared hosting, users with more critical data or longer retention needs, especially on VPS or dedicated servers, should expect to invest in more robust, often paid, backup solutions like IONOS Cloud Backup or implement their own strategies. The relatively short retention period for standard shared hosting backups underscores the importance for users to consider their own offsite backup routines if longer-term recovery points are necessary. The "unlimited storage" often advertised for shared plans does not equate to unlimited backup storage; backup services usually have their own quotas or are tied to the primary storage limit of the plan.

User and Expert Feedback on IONOS (2023-2025)

Recent user and expert reviews of IONOS present a mixed landscape, with notable points of praise often counterbalanced by significant criticisms, particularly concerning customer support and billing practices.


• Overall Sentiment from Review Aggregators and Experts
• WhoisHostingThis.com (2025 Review): Rated IONOS 4.1/5, finding it dependable with efficient servers, strong user ratings, exceptional uptime, and great features. However, support was rated lower (3.0/5), and the live chat system was noted as unreliable. The custom control panel was deemed easy to use, though different from cPanel/Plesk.²⁰
• HostScore (May 2025 Review): Highlighted reliable server uptime, an easy-to-use dashboard, and built-in DDoS/WAF protection. Criticisms included unhelpful customer support, expensive signup prices (likely referring to renewals or higher-tier plans), SSL limitations, and renewal price increases. They deemed IONOS suitable for beginners but not ideal for developers needing more powerful VPS or feature-rich shared plans.⁴³
• Cybernews (2025 Reviews): In comparisons, IONOS was praised for affordability, a user-friendly control panel, and good security. Performance was generally reliable with good uptime, though speed (LCP, TTFB) sometimes lagged competitors, and stress tests were inconclusive due to DDoS protection. Customer support availability was a concern.³⁹
• Forbes Advisor UK (April 2024 Review): Noted competitive pricing, fast website loading, and unlimited storage on some basic plans. Highlighted 99.9% uptime and 24/7 support. Mentioned MyWebsite Design Service as a plus.¹⁰⁵
• ZDNet (2025 VPS Review): Selected IONOS as the best VPS hosting service overall, citing a good balance of price, customization, and security, with plans starting at $2/month. Performance was deemed solid and reliable.⁴⁰
• PCMag (October 2024 Review): Ionos was an Editors' Choice for large-scale cloud hosting, praising dependable uptime, excellent cloud packages, and easy-to-use website creation tools.⁵⁰
• HostAdvice (Multiple 2025 Reviews): Generally positive ratings (e.g., 9.1/10 overall, 4.6/5 for WordPress). Praised affordable entry prices, scalability, strong security, NVMe SSDs, and an intuitive dashboard. Noted higher renewal rates and inconsistent live chat as cons.²⁰


The overarching sentiment is that IONOS offers good value, particularly with its introductory pricing and for users with basic to moderate needs. Performance is generally reliable, but not always class-leading in speed tests. The custom control panel is often seen as user-friendly for beginners. However, customer support experiences and billing transparency (especially renewal costs) are significant areas of concern for many users.


• Trustpilot User Reviews (Summary for 2023-2025)Access to live Trustpilot reviews was limited by snippet.150 However, references from other sources indicate mixed feedback.
• HostScore mentions Trustpilot reviews contribute to a mixed overall user satisfaction picture for IONOS.⁴³
• A specific review from January 2025 on WebsitePlanet (which might syndicate Trustpilot reviews) detailed a very negative experience with an order not being fulfilled despite payment, leading to loss of a domain name and branding.¹⁵¹ Conversely, another review from July 2024 praised IONOS VPS for security and performance.¹⁵¹
• The Better Business Bureau (BBB) platform, which often reflects similar sentiments to Trustpilot, shows a very low average customer review rating for IONOS Inc. (e.g., 1.16/5 stars from 94 reviews).¹⁴⁴ Common themes in BBB complaints include aggressive billing, difficulty canceling services, poor customer service, and feeling misled by promotional offers.
• G2 User Reviews (Summary for 2023-2025)Access to live G2 reviews for IONOS Cloud was limited by snippet.152 However, reviews for "IONOS 1&1 Domains and hosting" were available.
• Praise: Some users in early 2025 found the website explanations clear and praised IONOS for incredible bundles for startups, excellent pricing, and free first-year domain registration.¹³¹ One user mentioned easy configuration.¹³¹
• Criticism: A significant number of recent G2 reviews (Jan-Feb 2025) were highly critical of customer support, labeling it the "worst customer service experience ever" and "beyond useless." Specific issues included unresolved Microsoft 365 problems with support deflecting responsibility, prolonged server outages (48+ hours for a VPS client) with no resolution, and agents refusing to escalate issues. Some users felt IONOS had declined from its earlier days as 1&1. One user described the UI as looking like "ancient tech".¹³¹
• HostScore also references G2 feedback in its assessment of mixed user satisfaction.⁴³
• HostAdvice User Reviews (Summary for 2023-2025)
• HostAdvice itself, in its expert reviews, generally rates IONOS favorably, often highlighting its affordable pricing, range of features, and decent performance.²⁰ For example, a 2025 review gave an overall score of 9.1/10, praising value for money, especially for VPS and business hosting, while noting higher renewal rates and inconsistent live chat as drawbacks.³⁶
• User reviews aggregated on HostAdvice (though specific dates for these individual user reviews are not always clear in snippets) contribute to the overall positive expert ratings seen on the platform.¹³⁸
• Reddit User Discussions (Summary for 2023-2025)Discussions on Reddit regarding IONOS in 2023-2025 are predominantly negative, particularly concerning customer service and billing practices.
• Many users strongly advise against using IONOS, citing "terrible service," "horrible pre-sales support," and experiences of being "scammed" with unexpected charges (e.g., for PHP Extended Support on sites not using PHP, or for security services that were already paid for or ineffective).¹¹²
• Complaints about aggressive upselling, difficult cancellation processes, and being sent to collections for disputed renewal fees are common.¹¹²
• Some long-term users note a decline in service quality over the years, particularly after being 1&1.¹³⁷
• A few users report "okay" experiences for the price if they are technically self-sufficient and vigilant about billing, and some have had success getting issues resolved or prices adjusted with persistent phone support.¹³⁷
• The overall sentiment on Reddit leans heavily towards caution or avoidance of IONOS.


A clear pattern emerges from this collective feedback: IONOS is often praised for its low introductory prices, a broad feature set on paper, and generally reliable uptime. However, this is frequently overshadowed by strong criticisms of its customer support responsiveness and effectiveness, significant price hikes upon renewal, and billing practices that users perceive as unclear or aggressive. The "Personal Consultant" feature, while a good marketing point, does not consistently translate into a superior support experience for all users. Experiences can vary significantly, with some users finding the service adequate or even good for their needs, while a vocal segment reports major frustrations.

Common Themes. IONOS Praises and Complaints (2023-2025)

Aggregating user and expert feedback from 2023 to 2025 reveals consistent themes regarding IONOS's strengths and weaknesses.


• Frequent Praises:
• Affordable Introductory Pricing: This is almost universally cited as a major draw. IONOS's low entry-level prices, especially for shared hosting, WordPress hosting, and website builder plans (often $1/month for an initial term), make it highly attractive for new users and those on a tight budget.²⁰
• Generally Reliable Uptime: Many reviews and tests indicate that IONOS meets or exceeds its advertised uptime guarantees (typically 99.9% or 99.99%), providing a stable hosting environment.²⁰
• User-Friendly Interface (for some): The custom IONOS control panel is often described as intuitive and easy to navigate, particularly for beginners, although users accustomed to cPanel may have a different experience.²⁰ The Data Center Designer (DCD) for cloud services is also praised for its visual approach to infrastructure management.⁸⁰
• Decent Feature Set for the Price: Especially with introductory offers, users often get a good range of features, including free domains (for the first year), SSL certificates, and adequate storage for basic needs.²⁰
• Good Performance (in some tests/configurations): While not consistently top-tier in all speed benchmarks, some tests show good loading speeds and response times, particularly for VPS plans or when caching is effectively utilized.²⁰
• Scalability Options: IONOS offers a wide range of services, from shared hosting to dedicated servers and cloud solutions, allowing businesses to scale their hosting as their needs grow.²⁰
• Common Complaints:
• Poor Customer Support Experiences: This is one of the most frequently and strongly criticized aspects. Users report long wait times, unresponsive live chat, unhelpful or technically unskilled agents, difficulty escalating issues, and a general sense of frustration when seeking support.⁴³
• Significant Renewal Price Hikes: The substantial increase in price after the initial promotional period is a major point of contention, often leading to "bill shock" and accusations of deceptive pricing.¹⁷
• Billing Issues and Difficult Cancellation Process: Numerous complaints revolve around incorrect billing, being charged for services after cancellation, and an overly complicated or obstructive cancellation process.¹¹¹ Some users report being sent to collections agencies for disputed amounts.¹¹¹
• Aggressive Upselling: Users have reported upselling attempts during the signup process and even when contacting customer support for technical issues.¹¹¹
• Inconsistent Performance/Speed: While some report good speeds, others find IONOS performance, particularly website loading times (LCP, Fully Loaded Time), to be mediocre or slower than competitors, especially on shared hosting plans.²¹
• Limitations on Basic Plans: Entry-level plans may have restrictive resource limits (e.g., storage, number of email accounts) or lack features available on higher tiers or with competitors.⁴⁹
• Website Builder Limitations: While the AI website builder is noted, users have criticized the lack of advanced customization, poor mobile responsiveness of templates, and limited third-party integrations for e-commerce.⁹⁶ The lengthy approval process for the website builder was also a significant complaint in one review.⁹⁶


The pattern that emerges is a service that excels at attracting customers with low initial costs and a broad feature set on paper. However, the user experience can be significantly impacted by challenges in customer support, unexpected cost increases at renewal, and billing complexities. For users who are technically adept, require basic hosting, and are vigilant about contract terms and renewal dates, IONOS can offer good initial value. However, those who prioritize consistent, high-quality customer support and predictable long-term pricing may find the experience frustrating. The company's efforts to innovate with AI tools and expand its cloud offerings are positive developments, but these need to be matched by improvements in core areas of customer service and billing transparency to build lasting trust with its large SMB customer base.

IONOS Technical Infrastructure and Technologies

IONOS operates a substantial technical infrastructure to support its wide range of hosting and cloud services. This includes a global network of data centers, various server hardware configurations, and the implementation of several speed and security-enhancing technologies.


• Data Center Locations and CertificationsIONOS maintains a significant global footprint with multiple data centers. Key locations include the United States (e.g., Lenexa, Kansas; Las Vegas, Nevada; Newark, New Jersey), the United Kingdom (e.g., London, Worcester), Germany (multiple locations), and Spain.1 In total, IONOS operates or utilizes around 29 data centers.8A critical aspect of their infrastructure is security and reliability certifications. Many of their data centers are ISO 27001 certified, which is an internationally recognized standard for information security management systems.9 Some facilities also boast PCI-DSS compliance and SSAE16/ISAE3402 reports.73 These certifications attest to adherence to stringent security and operational standards. IONOS also highlights its commitment to sustainability, stating that its data centers in North America and Europe are powered by 100% renewable electricity, and they engage in responsible reuse and recycling of old server equipment.30
• Server Hardware (CPU, RAM, Storage Types)IONOS offers a variety of server hardware configurations tailored to different hosting plans:
• CPU: For dedicated and cloud servers, IONOS utilizes processors from both Intel (including various Xeon E3, E, Silver, and Gold models, with generations like Kaby Lake, Haswell, Skylake, Ice Lake) and AMD (including Ryzen Pro and EPYC series, such as EPYC Gen 3 Milan).²⁶
• RAM: Options range from 1 GB for entry-level VPS plans ²³ up to 230 GB or more for high-end cloud servers.⁶⁶ Dedicated servers are commonly offered with configurations like 16 GB, 32 GB, 64 GB, 96 GB, or 128 GB of DDR4 or DDR5 ECC RAM.²⁶
• Storage: A mix of storage technologies is available:
• HDD (Hard Disk Drive): Typically SATA drives, offered in larger capacities (e.g., 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, up to 48TB in storage servers) for dedicated servers where bulk storage is a priority.²⁶
• SSD (Solid State Drive): SATA SSDs are common in many shared, WordPress, and dedicated server plans for improved performance over HDDs (e.g., 240GB, 480GB, 800GB).²²
• NVMe SSD (Non-Volatile Memory Express SSD): Offered for higher performance, particularly in VPS plans (e.g., 10GB up to 720GB) and some dedicated/cloud configurations, providing significantly faster read/write speeds than traditional SSDs.²³
• RAID: RAID configurations (e.g., RAID 1 for redundancy) are implemented on many dedicated servers, particularly those with dual SSD or HDD setups, to protect against data loss from single drive failure.²⁶
• Speed Enhancement TechnologiesIONOS employs several technologies aimed at improving website loading speed and overall performance:
• CDN (Content Delivery Network): IONOS provides its own CDN service, which caches website content on a distributed network of edge servers located globally. This helps reduce latency by serving content from servers closer to the end-user. The IONOS CDN supports features like IPv4/IPv6, an API for automation, and integration with other IONOS services such as S3 Object Storage and Compute Engine.⁷⁰ Additionally, integration with Cloudflare CDN is mentioned for some shared hosting plans, offering users an alternative or complementary CDN solution.⁴³
• Caching Mechanisms:
• IONOS utilizes built-in caching mechanisms across its hosting platforms to store frequently accessed data and reduce server load.⁴³
• For WordPress hosting, particularly on higher-tier plans like "Grow" and "Boost," a specific "caching plugin" is included.²⁹
• OPcache, a PHP accelerator, is employed to speed up WordPress sites and is automatically activated for PHP versions 7.0 and higher.⁴⁵
• The availability and user-configurability of more advanced server-side caching technologies like Memcached, Redis, or Varnish on standard IONOS shared, VPS, or dedicated plans are not explicitly detailed in the provided official documentation.¹²⁷ While the IONOS Digital Guide discusses Memcached and Redis in general terms ¹²⁸, their direct integration or offering within IONOS plans is less clear compared to some competitors who explicitly list these as features.⁷⁴
• Supported PHP Versions: IONOS offers robust support for a wide range of PHP versions. This includes the latest stable releases (e.g., PHP 8.1, 8.2, 8.3) as well as older versions (e.g., 4.0, 5.x, 7.0-7.4) through a paid "PHP Extended Support" service. This service provides security checks and updates for PHP versions that are no longer officially supported by the PHP community, allowing users to maintain legacy applications securely.⁶⁰ Users can typically switch between PHP versions via their control panel.⁶¹
• HTTP/2: The HTTP/2 protocol is supported on IONOS hosting platforms. HTTP/2 enhances performance through features like request multiplexing, header compression, and server push, leading to faster page loads, especially for sites using SSL/TLS encryption.³²
• HTTP/3: The official status of HTTP/3 support on IONOS hosting platforms was not definitively found in the provided research materials from 2024-2025.¹⁸ Adoption of HTTP/3, which offers further performance benefits over HTTP/2 (particularly in lossy network conditions due to its use of QUIC), would be a significant enhancement.


IONOS's infrastructure relies on certified data centers and a range of server hardware, including modern AMD and Intel CPUs and high-performance NVMe storage for certain plans. They implement standard speed enhancement technologies like CDN ^and basic caching. The comprehensive PHP version support is a notable strength. However, clarity on the availability of advanced caching systems like Redis or Memcached for broader user configuration and the status of HTTP/3 adoption remain areas where more explicit information would be beneficial.

IONOS Security Measures and Policies

IONOS implements a comprehensive security framework that spans physical data center protection, network and server safeguards, data privacy protocols, and optional security add-ons to protect customer data and services.


• Data Center Security and CertificationsIONOS operates a global network of data centers, with significant presence in Europe (Germany, UK, Spain) and the USA.32 Many of these facilities are ISO 27001 certified, an international standard for information security management systems, underscoring a commitment to high security and operational standards.9 Physical security at these sites includes 24/7 on-site security personnel, multi-layered access controls (such as double-door systems and biometric identification), electronic monitoring, and extensive video surveillance.73 Geo-redundancy is also a key feature, with data often replicated across multiple locations to enhance availability and protect against localized disasters.9
• Network and Server Security MeasuresIONOS employs several technologies to secure its network and servers:
• DDoS Protection: Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) protection is a standard feature across IONOS hosting plans.²² IONOS Cloud offers DDoS Protect Basic (free) and DDoS Protect Advanced, the latter providing always-on attack detection, automatic mitigation for Layer 3 and Layer 4 attacks, and 24/7 expert support.⁸² Dedicated servers also benefit from advanced firewall capabilities to intercept DDoS attacks.³⁷
• Firewalls: The IONOS Cloud platform includes built-in firewall capabilities for controlling traffic to Virtual Machines (VMs).⁸⁶ VPS plans typically offer customizable external firewalls.²³ A Web Application Firewall (WAF) is mentioned ^as a general security feature and is also a component of the SiteLock security packages offered as an add-on.⁴³
• Malware Protection and Scanning: Automatic malware scanning is a feature advertised with various hosting plans.²⁰ IONOS provides its own "Site Scan" tool; a basic version included with contracts performs daily malware scans (with limitations on pages scanned), reputation monitoring, and WordPress platform scans.¹⁴⁷ An upgraded "Site Scan + Repair" version offers more extensive scanning, automatic malware removal (SMART), vulnerability fixing for CMS platforms, a SiteLock Seal of Approval, risk scoring, and a dedicated dashboard.¹⁴⁷ Additionally, IONOS partners with SiteLock to offer more comprehensive security packages (Basic, Pro, Business plans) that include daily scans, malware removal, vulnerability patching, WAF, and CDN services.²²
• SSL Certificates: Free Wildcard SSL certificates are commonly included with most IONOS hosting plans, often for the first year or as a standard ongoing feature.⁹ IONOS also sells premium SSL certificates, including Domain Validated (DV), Organization Validated (OV), and Extended Validation (EV) types, often from Certificate Authorities like DigiCert or Sectigo.¹⁴⁸ Prices for these premium certificates vary, with DV SSL Starter around $25/year, OV SSL Business approximately $70-$80/year (introductory), and EV SSL Premium around $200/year; Wildcard versions are typically more expensive.¹⁴⁸
• Server Hardening Practices: For IONOS Cloud VMs, the company provides best practice guidelines that include implementing the principle of least privilege access, creating unique user accounts while disabling default root/administrator accounts post-setup, and utilizing SSH keys for secure access.⁸⁶ IONOS also advocates for a "design for failure" architectural approach, encouraging the distribution of VMs across multiple availability zones or data center regions to enhance resilience against localized failures.⁸⁶ Furthermore, IONOS employs Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) and Intrusion Detection/Prevention System (IDS/IPS) technologies to monitor and protect its server infrastructure.³⁷ These practices contribute to a more secure operating environment for customers.
• Data Privacy and GDPR ComplianceIONOS places a strong emphasis on compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), a critical consideration for its large European customer base and international clients who opt to host data within its EU data centers.71 The company clearly defines its roles under GDPR: when customers store data in the IONOS Cloud, IONOS acts as a data processor, while for its direct customers' personal information, IONOS acts as a data controller.83IONOS states that Technical and Organizational Measures (TOMs) are implemented to safeguard data. This involves a shared responsibility model, where customers are responsible for certain aspects, such as encrypting their own data, and IONOS is responsible for the secure operation of its data centers.83 IONOS Cloud also asserts that customer data is not moved to different geographical locations without the customer's explicit consent.83 Their S3 Object Storage service is specifically promoted as a GDPR-compliant solution for backup and archiving needs.84
• History of Security Incidents or Data BreachesThe reviewed research materials for the 2023-2025 period did not reveal specific details of major, widespread security incidents or data breaches that directly compromised IONOS's core infrastructure and resulted in extensive customer data loss. IONOS has a documented procedure for customers and researchers to report malfunctions and security incidents, including threats like malware infections, ransomware attacks, and insider threats. The company also states a policy of not prosecuting security researchers who report vulnerabilities in good faith.85While one source 154 discusses past security incidents related to Apple's iCloud (such as phishing attacks and a vulnerability in the "Find My iPhone" feature), these are presented as general examples of cloud security risks and are not specific to IONOS. Some user complaints allude to their individual sites experiencing "attacks," followed by recommendations from IONOS support to purchase security products, or instances where IONOS took sites offline due to perceived security issues on the user's end.111 These instances appear to relate to compromises of individual websites—which can occur for numerous reasons, including user-side vulnerabilities like outdated software or weak credentials—or disputes over the necessity and handling of security measures, rather than indicating systemic breaches of IONOS's own infrastructure.The inherent nature of web hosting means individual websites are constant targets for malicious actors. IONOS's security documentation acknowledges a variety of threat types.85 The pattern of user complaints about being encouraged to purchase security upgrades after their site experiences an "attack" 112 could suggest that, in some cases, the customer experience is reactive, or it may reflect a business model where solutions to security problems arising on user-hosted sites are offered as paid services.IONOS provides a foundational level of security across its product offerings, including essential DDoS protection and basic SSL certificates. However, more advanced or comprehensive security capabilities, such as sophisticated Web Application Firewalls, automated malware removal, and extensive backup solutions with longer retention, are often part of higher-tier plans or available as paid add-ons (e.g., SiteLock Site Scan + Repair 147). This tiered approach to security is a common practice in the hosting industry. The marketing of "secure hosting" might lead some users to assume that all-encompassing protection is included by default. Consequently, when individual websites are compromised (an event that can occur due to various factors, including user-side vulnerabilities), the subsequent recommendation or requirement to purchase security upgrades can lead to customer frustration and a perception of being upsold, particularly if the initial security provisions were perceived as sufficient. For SMBs, especially those lacking dedicated IT security staff, it is crucial to meticulously evaluate the included security features of their chosen hosting plan against their specific risk profile and any compliance obligations. Relying solely on the basic included security might not be adequate for all use cases, and the potential costs of necessary security add-ons should be factored into the total cost of ownership. IONOS's stated GDPR compliance ⁸³ is a significant advantage for customers within the European Union, but the shared responsibility model underscores that users must still actively manage their own data security within the provided infrastructure. The strong emphasis on DDoS protection ⁸², which has reportedly interfered with some performance testing methodologies ¹²⁵, suggests that IONOS may prioritize network-level threat mitigation, sometimes at the expense of allowing users to fully benchmark or stress-test their applications. This approach can be beneficial for general protection but potentially restrictive for users needing to understand precise performance limits under duress.


Table 4: IONOS Security Features Matrix by Hosting Type

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