Hello there,
Curious about IONOS hosting? Wondering if it’s a good choice, a bad one, or just okay? Let’s dive right into my IONOS review for 2023 and uncover the details.
IONOS Hosting Unveiled
With a lively tune setting the mood, let’s get straight into it. IONOS has been around since 1988, originating in Europe. It boasts an array of services, spanning from WordPress hosting to VPS solutions. Despite its tenure, IONOS doesn’t seem to enjoy immense popularity, and online chatter isn’t entirely positive. So, what’s the verdict? Is it trading quality for quantity?
Peeking into IONOS Hosting
This review predominantly centers on shared hosting, with enticing discount deals awaiting you in the description. And hey, if you’re seeking intel on other hosting types, drop a comment below.
Starting with a notable aspect: IONOS web hosting operates on 1and1 Control Panel. Unlike many shared hosting providers, IONOS lets you host for either one or twelve-month terms. An intriguing feature emerges: their business plan comes at a mere $1 per month for the initial term. And oh boy, what a plan it is! Unlimited websites, boundless storage space, unmetered bandwidth, a free domain name for a year, and up to six gigabytes of RAM for your websites. A single dollar for all that? A deal that seems almost too good to be true.
Is IONOS Hosting Worth It?
Here’s my take: if you’re scouting for hosting a single site, IONOS might not clinch the top spot. However, their Business plan shines when it comes to managing multiple sites.
The user experience walks a fine line. IONOS employs its own custom dashboard, an alternative to the traditional cPanel structures. The UI is sleek and navigable, though there’s a slight learning curve. While custom dashboards generally triumph over older systems, the jury’s still out on IONOS’s approach. The design impresses, but certain tools could use better placement. Simple tasks like installing a new WordPress instance can feel circuitous. IONOS’s dashboard does the job, but some streamlining wouldn’t hurt.
Performance, the perennial concern with affordable shared hosting. To set the scene, Google suggests your website load fully in around 2.5 seconds for optimal search engine optimization. My tests reveal that a WordPress site with a basic theme loaded in a mere 1.4 seconds. IONOS’s performance is commendable, surpassing Bluehost and HostGator but trailing behind Hostinger’s lightning-fast servers.
The PHP Enigma
Ah, Reddit, a source of enlightenment. It’s emerged that IONOS might charge for extended PHP support if your current version is 7.4 or below. PHP, a scripting language, is integral to server operations. Not a concern for most, but if you’re not a developer or running older projects, ensuring it’s at the latest version suffices. In contrast, other providers don’t automatically update PHP and won’t charge you for sticking with an older version. Keep this in mind before diving in.
Security Suite and More
IONOS covers security basics well. Each shared web hosting plan includes free SSL certificates, DDoS protection, and more. But here’s where IONOS distinguishes itself: those SSL certificates aren’t just basic; they’re wildcard certificates, safeguarding not only your main domain but also all subdomains.
Opt for the Expert plan, and you’ll receive a malware site scanner, providing an added layer of server-side security. Kudos to IONOS for daily backups, a lifeline during critical moments.
Geo-Redundancy for Security and Performance
One final note on security and performance: geo-redundant infrastructure. Try saying it three times fast! Essentially, it means your website’s data resides on two separate servers. Even if one experiences downtime or maintenance, your site remains accessible and operational. A nifty feature, indeed.
Is IONOS Hosting the Answer?
While I can’t dub IONOS hosting as the ultimate solution for all, it does hold merit. With satisfactory performance, an adequate dashboard, and a pool of resources, it’s a solid contender. If your quest involves hosting multiple websites, IONOS could provide the best bang for your buck.
Thank you for staying the course through my IONOS hosting review. For more informative articles, you’ll find them right here. And if IONOS aligns with your needs, remember, discounts are within your reach. If you’ve already taken the plunge, share your experiences with this provider. Until next time!