IONOS vs Carbonmade: Final verdict
IONOS vs Carbonmade presents a clear distinction between a versatile website builder and a specialized portfolio platform.
-
IONOS (Overall Grade: 6.9/10)
is a comprehensive website builder and hosting platform that caters to a wide range of users, from small businesses to large enterprises. It offers a variety of customizable templates, robust ecommerce capabilities, and extensive marketing tools. IONOS excels in hosting quality, security, and AI capabilities, making it a reliable choice for users who need a versatile and secure platform for their online presence. -
Carbonmade (Overall Grade: 4.4/10)
is tailored specifically for creatives looking to showcase their work online. It provides an easy-to-use interface with customizable layouts, making it ideal for photographers, illustrators, and designers. While it lacks ecommerce functionalities and advanced marketing tools, Carbonmade shines in ease of use and design functionalities, offering a straightforward solution for creating professional portfolios without the need for coding skills.
|
|
|
---|---|---|
Design functionalities & templates |
7.2 |
7.3 |
Ease of use |
7.8 |
8.3 |
Ecommerce |
7.1 |
0 |
Website Editors |
7.8 |
7.6 |
Product testing options |
6.5 |
7.2 |
Price |
7.8 |
7.9 |
Hosting quality |
8.8 |
6.1 |
Website speed optimization |
7.2 |
5.0 |
Plugins and integrations |
6.5 |
0 |
Marketing features |
7.5 |
1.0 |
Customer support |
7.3 |
5.8 |
Security |
7.5 |
5.8 |
AI capabilities |
7.2 |
0 |
User Management |
3.1 |
2.8 |
Which one is the best for ecommerce: IONOS or Carbonmade?
Verdict
: IONOS is a robust choice for ecommerce, offering a comprehensive suite of tools for building and managing online stores. Carbonmade, however, does not support ecommerce functionalities, making it unsuitable for users looking to sell products online.
-
IONOS
: Known for its extensive ecommerce features, IONOS provides tools for store management, payment and shipping options, and product and inventory management. It is well-equipped to handle various ecommerce needs, from selling on social media platforms to managing a scalable online store. When comparing IONOS vs Carbonmade, IONOS stands out as the clear choice for ecommerce. -
Carbonmade
: Designed specifically for creatives, Carbonmade excels in providing customizable layouts for online portfolios. However, it lacks any ecommerce capabilities, making it unsuitable for users who need to sell products online.
Which one is the best for informational and business websites?
Verdict
: IONOS is the better choice for creating informational and business websites due to its comprehensive features, ease of use, and robust hosting and security measures. Carbonmade, while excellent for creatives, lacks the versatility needed for broader business applications.
-
IONOS
: IONOS scores 7.4 for informational and business websites, making it a strong contender in this category. It offers a wide range of customizable templates and drag-and-drop functionality, allowing users to create professional websites without coding knowledge. IONOS also provides reliable hosting services and ensures that websites are optimized for search engines, enhancing online visibility. Its comprehensive approach to speed optimization and extensive plugin support make it a versatile choice for various business needs. -
Carbonmade
: Carbonmade scores 5.9, indicating it is less suited for general informational and business websites. Designed specifically for creatives, Carbonmade excels in providing customizable layouts for online portfolios. It offers an easy and fast way to create and manage portfolios, featuring pre-designed templates and various tools tailored for showcasing creative work. However, its lack of plugins and integrations, along with limited hosting and security features, makes it less ideal for broader business applications.
IONOS vs Carbonmade: Detailed comparison
Design functionalities & templates
Design FunctionalitiesRepresents how well each platform allows for creative design and customization of websites.Score Components:
- Template Variety (30%): Range and quality of design templates.
- Customization (30%): Flexibility and options for design alterations.
- User Interface (20%): Ease and intuitiveness of the design process.
- Responsiveness (10%): Adaptability to different devices and screen sizes.
- Innovation (10%): Unique design features and tools.
🏆
Winner: Carbonmade.
If you’re a creative professional looking for a platform that offers more tailored design features and flexibility, Carbonmade is the preferred choice.
IONOS offers a wide variety of templates and designs for their website builder. With over 200 templates to choose from, users can find a design that suits their needs and preferences. The templates are categorized into different industries and styles, making it easy for users to find the perfect design for their website. Additionally, IONOS regularly updates their template library, ensuring that users have access to the latest design trends. Whether you’re creating a personal blog or an ecommerce website, IONOS has a template for every type of website.
Compared to IONOS, Carbonmade does not have templates, the platform creates a personalized portfolio website based on the inputs of the users. Carbonmade offers a specialized platform for creatives to build personalized, professional portfolios with a wide range of features tailored to showcase their work effectively. The website builder supports responsive designs optimized for all devices, allows unlimited uploads of images and videos, including 4K content, and provides various premade blocks and layouts for customization without the need for external templates or platforms. Additionally, Carbonmade includes advanced features like gallery slideshows, gradient backgrounds, SEO optimization, and analytics to help users present their work in a dynamic and engaging way.
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Ease of use
Ease of useReflects the platform’s overall user-friendliness.Score
Components:
- Learning curve (40%): Quickness and ease of getting started.
- Interface design (30%): Simplicity and intuitiveness of layout.
- User guidance (20%): Quality of tutorials and support.
- Flexibility (10%): Adaptability to various user skills.
🏆 Winner: Carbonmade
. With a score of 8.3, Carbonmade excels in ease of use, particularly for creatives looking to showcase their work online. Its straightforward drag-and-drop interface and customizable layouts make it accessible even for those without coding skills. IONOS, scoring 7.8, also offers a user-friendly experience with its intuitive interface and essential features, but it may not be as specialized or as easy to use for portfolio creation as Carbonmade.
Learning Resources
🏆 Winner: Carbonmade
. Both platforms provide comprehensive learning resources, but Carbonmade’s focus on video tutorials and a detailed help center specifically tailored for creatives gives it an edge. IONOS offers versatile resources suitable for a broader audience, including beginners and advanced users, but Carbonmade’s targeted approach makes it more effective for its user base.
For ecommerce
EcommerceMeasures the platform’s effectiveness in supporting online business activities.Score Components:
- Ecommerce themes and templates (20%): Variety and design of templates.
- Product management (25%): Ease of managing and organizing products.
- Payment options (25%): Variety and convenience of payment methods.
- Ecommerce features (20%): Features for managing an ecommerce store.
- Integration (10%): Compatibility with external e-commerce tools and services.
IONOS is a robust choice for ecommerce, offering a comprehensive suite of tools for building and managing online stores. It includes features like store management, payment and shipping options, and product and inventory management. Carbonmade, however, does not support ecommerce functionalities, making it unsuitable for users looking to sell products online.
|
|
|
---|---|---|
Ecommerce themes and templates |
6.5 |
0.0 |
Product page customization |
6.8 |
0.0 |
Payment processing and commissions |
7.0 |
0.0 |
POS capabilities |
5.5 |
0.0 |
Payment gateways |
7.2 |
0.0 |
Product numbers |
6.0 |
0.0 |
Additional ecommerce features |
6.3 |
0.0 |
IONOS ecommerce features:
- Store Management
- Marketing Tools
- Payment and Shipping options
- Products and Inventory management
Carbonmade ecommerce features:
Carbonmade does not provide any ecommerce features.
Ecommerce themes & templates
IONOS offers a variety of ecommerce themes and templates designed to help businesses set up their online stores efficiently and effectively. Their online store builder supports a range of ecommerce needs, from selling on social media platforms to managing a scalable ecommerce website without any coding or design skills required.
Carbonmade does not offer any ecommerce themes or templates.
Product page customization
IONOS provides extensive customization options for product pages. Users can adjust the design and layout, ensuring that product images, descriptions, and specifications are displayed according to individual preferences. Additionally, IONOS allows for the setup and management of product options and variations, such as size and color, enabling customers to select their preferred version of a product.
Carbonmade does not support product page customization as it lacks ecommerce capabilities.
Payment processing
IONOS supports a wide variety of third-party payment processors, including PayPal, Stripe, and Square, without charging direct fees for payment processing. Users can choose from an extensive list of payment options to suit their business needs and customer preferences, enhancing the flexibility and security of online transactions.
Carbonmade does not have payment processing capabilities.
In summary, IONOS is well-equipped for ecommerce with its extensive features and customization options, while Carbonmade is not designed for ecommerce and lacks the necessary functionalities.
Website Editors
Website EditorsEvaluates the platforms’ website building and editing capabilities.Score Components:
- Customization tools (40%): Range and power of editing features.
- Editor usability (30%): User experience within the editor.
- Design flexibility (20%): Freedom in layout and design changes.
- Update and maintenance ease (10%): Simplicity of updating and maintaining the site.
🏆
Winner: IONOS
. IONOS, with a score of 7.8, provides an intuitive website builder equipped with AI assistance, designed for users to quickly create professional-looking websites without needing coding skills. This platform offers customizable templates, AI-generated content, and is optimized for mobile use, ensuring a responsive design across all devices. With features that cater to both basic and advanced website needs, including eCommerce capabilities, IONOS aims to simplify the web creation process.
Carbonmade’s editor, scoring 7.6, is designed for creatives to build personalized, professional online portfolios without requiring coding knowledge. Its editor provides responsive design across devices, 4K video support, unlimited image and video uploads, and premade blocks for customization. The platform also includes unique features such as private portfolios, a before/after block, gallery slideshows, and a talent pool to connect with other creatives and potential clients.
Mobile editor/app
🏆
Winner: IONOS
. When it comes to mobile editing capabilities, neither IONOS nor Carbonmade offers a dedicated mobile editor app. However, IONOS provides limited editing abilities through a mobile browser, allowing users to make basic adjustments to their websites on the go. This feature, although not as robust as a dedicated app, still offers some level of convenience for users needing to make quick changes.
Carbonmade, on the other hand, does not offer any mobile editing options, which can be a significant drawback for users who need to manage their portfolios while away from their desktops. This lack of mobile editing capabilities limits the flexibility and accessibility of the platform.
In summary, IONOS receives a higher rating due to its limited mobile editing capabilities via a mobile browser, while Carbonmade falls short in this aspect, offering no mobile editing options at all.
Product testing options
Product Testing OptionsAssesses the options for trying out platform features before commitment.Score Components:
- Trial quality (40%): Extent and usefulness of the trial or free version.
- Feature accessibility (30%): How many features are available to test.
- Trial duration (20%): Length of the trial period.
- Ease of transition (10%): Smoothness of moving from trial to paid plans.
Overall Result
:
Carbonmade wins
. Carbonmade scores 7.2, offering a trial version that allows users to test all features, making it easier for creatives to evaluate the platform thoroughly. IONOS scores 6.5, providing a 30-day money-back guarantee, which allows users to test premium features but lacks a traditional trial version.
|
|
|
---|---|---|
Free Plan |
No | No |
Trial Duration |
No, however Site123 offers 30 day money back guarantee | Yes |
Testing Premium Features |
It is possible to test the premium features during the 30 day refundable period. | All the features within the trial period |
Money Back Guarantee |
30 day money back guarantee | No |
Price
PriceLooks at the cost-effectiveness and value for money of each platform.Score Components:
- Plan value (40%): What each pricing tier offers.
- Transparency and clarity (30%): Clearness of pricing structures.
- Flexibility of plans (20%): Range of options to suit different budgets.
- Hidden costs (10%): Additional expenses not included in the plan.
IONOS offers a range of plans with significant discounts for annual subscriptions, while Carbonmade provides more affordable options tailored for creatives.
|
|
|
---|---|---|
$0-$10 |
No offering at this amount. |
BEGINNER ($9/month): 8 Projects, Unlimited images/videos, Basic Blocks, Limited Support, 3 Navigations, SD Video, Audio Uploads. Value for Price: 5.0 |
$10-$15 |
Starter ($12/month): Basic for newcomers with 10GB space, 10 pages, 2GB email, free domain first year. Value for Price: 5.0 |
PRO ($12/month): 50 Projects, More Portfolio Grids, Premium Blocks, Unbranded, Portfolio statistics, Custom Pages, Private Portfolio, Unlimited images/videos, 5 Navigations, HD Video & Audio, Priority Support. Value for Price: 7.0 |
$15-$25 |
Plus ($18/month): Enhanced with 50GB space, 200 pages, custom HTML, SiteAnalytics, online booking, AI Text Generator & AI Text Improver, AI SEO Text Generator. Value for Price: 7.5 |
UNLIMITED ($22/month): UNLIMITED projects/pages, Everything else, All features in PRO, Extra Karma. Value for Price: 8.5 |
$30+ |
Pro ($30/month): Advanced for scaling, unlimited space/pages, 50GB email, SEO tools, comprehensive marketing tools. Value for Price: 9.0 |
No offering at this amount. |
location. As a result in rare cases the prices displayed here can differ from the ones you see on their
websites.
Hosting quality
Hosting
qualityExamines the reliability and performance of the hosting solutions.Score Components:
- Uptime (40%): Consistency and reliability of website availability.
- Speed (30%): Loading times and performance.
- Bandwidth and storage (20%): Sufficiency of resources provided.
- Data centers (10%): Quality and distribution of hosting infrastructure.
🏆
Winner: IONOS
IONOS offers a comprehensive range of hosting services with a 99.99% uptime guarantee and multiple data centers across the EU and USA. Carbonmade, while providing managed hosting with unlimited storage, does not disclose uptime statistics or data center locations, making IONOS the more reliable choice for hosting quality.
|
|
|
---|---|---|
Do they offer hosting? |
Yes, diverse range of hosting services including shared, VPS, dedicated, and WordPress hosting |
Yes, with unlimited storage |
Data Centers: |
Total of 7 data centers in EU (Frankfurt, Berlin, Paris, Logroño) and USA (Las Vegas, NV; Newark, NJ; Lenexa, KS) |
Not disclosed |
Type of hosting: |
Shared, Dedicated, VPS, WordPress Hosting |
Managed Hosting |
Uptime: |
99.99% |
Not disclosed |
Uptime Guarantee: |
Yes, 99.99% |
No |
Website Speed Optimization
Website Speed OptimizationEvaluates optimization of website loading timesScore Components:
- PageSpeed Score (30%): Google’s score indicating performance optimization.
- Loading Time (30%): The average time until a website is fully interactive.
- Mobile Optimization (15%): Optimization effectiveness for mobile devices.
- Resource Optimization (15%): Optimizing images, scripts, and other heavy resources.
- CDN Usage (10%): Use of CDN to enhance speed across geolocations.
🏆 Winner: IONOS
While both IONOS and Carbonmade offer tools for building websites, IONOS has a more comprehensive approach to speed optimization, making it the better choice for users prioritizing website performance.
|
|
|
---|---|---|
Focus |
HTML, CSS, and JavaScript Optimization |
Not specified |
Performance Tools |
Image and Multimedia Optimization, CDN |
Not specified |
Key Strategies |
Caching, WordPress Optimization |
Not specified |
Load Times |
Varies widely, depending on optimization |
Varies depending on optimization |
Page Speed Scores Range |
Varies widely, depending on optimization |
Varies depending on optimization |
Core Web Vitals Improvement |
Emphasis on LCP, FID, CLS improvements |
Not specified |
IONOS offers a robust set of tools and strategies for optimizing website speed. These include HTML, CSS, and JavaScript optimization, image and multimedia optimization, caching, WordPress optimization, and the use of a Content Delivery Network (CDN). These strategies help ensure that websites built with IONOS load quickly and perform well, regardless of the user’s location. IONOS also places a strong emphasis on improving Core Web Vitals, focusing on metrics such as Largest Contentful Paint (LCP), First Input Delay (FID), and Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS).
On the other hand, Carbonmade does not provide specific information on its speed optimization features or strategies. While it offers customizable layouts and templates for creatives to showcase their work, it lacks the detailed speed optimization tools and strategies that IONOS provides. This makes IONOS the better choice for users who prioritize website performance and speed optimization.
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Plugins and integrations
Plugins and integrationsMeasures the range and effectiveness of additional plugins and integrations.Score Components:
- Variety of options (40%): Range of available add-ons.
- Integration smoothness (30%): Ease of integrating plugins into the site.
- Quality of plugins (20%): Functionality and reliability of the options.
- Custom integration capabilities (10%): Support for custom or third-party integrations.
🏆 Winner: IONOS.
IONOS scores 6.5, offering a range of over 100 plugins to enhance website functionality, including ecommerce capabilities, social media integration, and SEO optimization. Carbonmade, with a score of 0, does not support any plugins or integrations, focusing solely on simplicity for online portfolio creation.
IONOS’s ability to extend website features through various plugins makes it a more versatile choice for users looking to add more functionalities to their websites.
Marketing Features
Design FunctionalitiesRepresents how well each platform allows for creative design and customization of websites.Score Components:
- Template Variety (30%): Range and quality of design templates.
- Customization (30%): Flexibility and options for design alterations.
- User Interface (20%): Ease and intuitiveness of the design process.
- Responsiveness (10%): Adaptability to different devices and screen sizes.
- Innovation (10%): Unique design features and tools.
🏆
Overall Winner: IONOS
. IONOS excels with its extensive marketing tools, making it a robust choice for businesses looking to enhance their online presence. Carbonmade, while user-friendly for creatives, lacks many essential marketing features.
|
|
|
---|---|---|
SEO Tools |
✓ |
✗ |
Email Marketing |
✓ |
✗ |
Blogging |
✓ |
✗ |
Social Media Integration |
Extensive integration for direct sales on Facebook and Instagram |
Basic social network links |
Analytics and Reporting |
Detailed insights through built-in metrics and SiteAnalytics |
Basic analytics with Google Analytics integration |
Ads and Promotions |
Google Ads management and promotional tools |
✗ |
Customer Support
Customer supportEvaluates the quality and availability of support options.Score Components:
- Response time (40%): Speed of support responses.
- Support quality (30%): Effectiveness and helpfulness of the support.
- Availability (20%): Range of support channels (phone, chat, email).
- Resource richness (10%): Quality of self-help and educational materials.
🏆 Winner: IONOS
. In the IONOS vs Carbonmade comparison, IONOS takes the lead with its 24/7 customer support availability. Users can reach out to IONOS support at any time via phone, ensuring immediate assistance. This round-the-clock support is crucial for users who may encounter issues at any time of the day.
Carbonmade, on the other hand, offers support primarily through a ticket-based system. While response times are generally quick, users do not have access to live support, which can be a drawback for those needing immediate help. Despite this, Carbonmade’s email support is efficient, with most inquiries being resolved within a few hours.
Security
SecurityLooks at the platforms’ security measures and data protection.Score Components:
- Data protection (40%): Safeguards for user and customer data.
- SSL and encryption (30%): Implementation of secure connections.
- Compliance (20%): Adherence to industry security standards.
- Regular updates (10%): Frequency of security updates and patches.
🏆
Winner: IONOS
. IONOS stands out with its robust security measures, including end-to-end encryption, two-factor authentication, and secure file storage protocols. These features ensure that user data is well-protected, making it a reliable choice for users who prioritize security.
Carbonmade, while emphasizing the security of personal information through physical, electronic, and managerial safeguards, does not provide detailed website security measures. This makes it less suitable for users who need comprehensive security for their websites.
AI Capabilities
AI capabilitiesMeasures the effectiveness of AI-driven features and tools.Score Components:
- Automation efficiency (40%): Impact of AI on streamlining processes.
- Personalization (30%): AI-driven customization for users or customers.
- AI-Assisted design (20%): Role of AI in website design and functionality.
- Data analysis (10%): Use of AI in interpreting user data and analytics.
|
|
|
---|---|---|
Personalized Design |
AI-driven design recommendations |
|
SEO Optimization |
AI-powered SEO tools for better search engine visibility |
|
Content Generation |
AI-generated content, including text and images |
|
Additional AI Features |
AI Section Generator, AI Color Palette Generator |
|
🏆 Winner: IONOS
. IONOS, with a score of 7.2, leverages AI to enhance the website creation process significantly. Its AI capabilities include personalized design recommendations, automatic content generation, and SEO optimization. These features make it easier for users to create professional and visually appealing websites without extensive technical knowledge.
Carbonmade, with a score of 0, does not offer any AI capabilities. It focuses on providing a straightforward and user-friendly platform for creatives to showcase their work, but it lacks the advanced AI tools that IONOS provides.
User Management
User ManagementAssesses the platforms’ capabilities in managing user roles, permissions, and accessibility.Score Components:
- Role Customization (40%): Flexibility in creating and defining user roles and
permissions. - Ease of Management (30%): User interface and tools for managing users.
- Access Control (20%): Effectiveness of access control measures for different user
levels. - Scalability (10%): Ability to manage a growing number of users efficiently.
🏆 Winner: IONOS
. When it comes to managing users, IONOS and Carbonmade offer different levels of flexibility.
- IONOS permits multiple users for website editing, though it lacks detailed information on user roles and permissions.
- Carbonmade, on the other hand, allows only one user to manage and edit a website, making it less suitable for collaborative projects.
User Management Scores:
-
IONOS:
3.1 -
Carbonmade:
2.8
Additional Features
|
|
|
---|---|---|
SSL Certificate |
✓ |
X |
Custom Domain |
✓ |
✓ |
Free Custom Domain Included |
✓ |
X |
International Domains |
✓ |
✓ |
Mobile Responsive |
✓ |
✓ |
Page Speed |
✓ |
✓ |
Website Builder Mobile App |
X |
X |
Convert a Website To An App |
X |
X |
Website Analytics |
✓ |
✓ |
Multilingual Sites |
✓ |
✓ |
Multiple Users |
✓ |
X |
IONOS vs Carbonmade: User Feedback
As IONOS is primarily a hosting provider with a website builder as an additional product, most reviews focus on its hosting services. Users have mixed experiences with IONOS 1&1 Websites & Shops. While praised for its great packages, personalized support, and streamlined interface for IT professionals, some encounter issues with backend functionality and find customer service representatives too pushy. Despite occasional short outages, the overall reliability and responsiveness of the service are appreciated by users.
Users appreciate Carbonmade for its ease of use, modern design templates, and no-code platform, which simplifies creating professional portfolios. However, some express a desire for a freemium plan and note limitations in customization and mobile site loading times. The platform is highly recommended for creatives, particularly illustrators and graphic designers, for its variety of design options and efficient customer service. Despite concerns over pricing, the overall sentiment is positive, with users finding value in Carbonmade’s ability to showcase their work effectively and streamline portfolio management.
The making of this blog
We followed a clear, step-by-step process to write and research this article.
IONOS vs Carbonmade: FAQ
Which platform is better for creatives looking to showcase their work, IONOS or Carbonmade?
Can I use IONOS and Carbonmade for ecommerce?
How do IONOS and Carbonmade compare in terms of ease of use?
What are the hosting capabilities of IONOS and Carbonmade?
Which platform offers better customer support, IONOS or Carbonmade?