IONOS vs Network Solutions: guide for 2024

Final verdict

IONOS and Network Solutions both offer comprehensive website building and hosting services, but they cater to different user needs and preferences.

IONOS (Overall Grade: 6.9/10)

is known for its user-friendly interface, extensive ecommerce features, and robust hosting services. It provides a wide range of customizable templates and AI-driven design suggestions, making it ideal for users who want to create professional websites without coding knowledge. IONOS excels in ease of use, customer support, and AI capabilities, making it a strong choice for businesses looking for a reliable and feature-rich platform.
Network Solutions (Overall Grade: 5.4/10)

offers a variety of templates and tools for creating professional websites, but it falls short in terms of ease of use and modern interface design. It is suitable for small to medium-sized businesses that need basic ecommerce capabilities and reliable customer support. While Network Solutions provides a comprehensive range of services, including domain registration and email services, it lacks the advanced features and flexibility offered by IONOS.

	Overall grade: 6.9	Overall grade: 5.4
Design functionalities & templates	7.2	7.2
Ease of use	7.8	6.8
Ecommerce	7.1	6.3
Website Editors	7.8	6.3
Product testing options	6.5	0.5
Price	7.8	6.4
Hosting quality	8.8	7.8
Website speed optimization	7.2	6.7
Plugins and integrations	6.5	4.8
Marketing features	7.5	7.2
Customer support	7.3	6.6
Security	7.5	7.5
AI capabilities	7.2	1.1
User Management	3.1	3.2

Best for ecommerce

7.1

6.3

Verdict

: IONOS is better suited for businesses needing a comprehensive set of ecommerce features, while Network Solutions is ideal for small to medium-sized businesses looking for simplicity and ease of use.

IONOS

: With a score of 7.1, IONOS offers a robust set of ecommerce features, including store management, marketing tools, and various payment and shipping options. It is designed to support a range of ecommerce needs, making it a strong choice for businesses aiming for growth and scalability. When comparing IONOS vs Network Solutions, IONOS stands out for its advanced SEO features and detailed analytics.
Network Solutions

: Scoring 6.3, Network Solutions provides essential ecommerce functionalities suitable for small to medium-sized businesses. It offers customizable templates, secure payment processing, and basic inventory management tools. While it may not match IONOS in terms of advanced features, it excels in providing a user-friendly experience for those new to ecommerce.

Best for informational & business websites

7.4

Verdict

: Both IONOS and Network Solutions score equally well for informational and business websites, each with a score of 7.4. However, their strengths lie in different areas, making them suitable for different user needs.

IONOS

: IONOS is a versatile website builder that excels in ease of use and website speed optimization. Its intuitive interface and AI assistance make it easy for users to create professional-looking websites without coding skills. With a wide range of customizable templates and reliable hosting services, IONOS ensures that websites are optimized for search engines, providing maximum visibility online. This makes IONOS a strong contender for users who prioritize ease of use and performance.
Network Solutions

: Network Solutions offers a comprehensive suite of tools for website creation and management, catering to small businesses and individuals. While its interface may feel slightly outdated, it provides a variety of templates and features such as domain registration, email services, and e-commerce capabilities. Network Solutions is known for its customer support and a wide range of services, making it a suitable choice for users looking for an all-in-one solution to build and manage their websites efficiently. When comparing IONOS vs Network Solutions, Network Solutions stands out for its extensive service offerings and customer support.

Detailed comparison

7.2

Winner: Tie.

Both IONOS and Network Solutions offer a wide variety of templates and designs, customization flexibility, and mobile responsive design. However, Network Solutions offers more advanced creative design possibilities.

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.

IONOS Themes

On the other hand, Network Solutions offers a wide variety of templates and designs tailored to meet the diverse needs of its users. Whether you’re setting up a website for a small business, a personal blog, or a large e-commerce platform, you’ll find an extensive selection of options to choose from. With hundreds of professionally designed templates, users can easily find a style that perfectly matches their vision and brand identity. However, Network Solutions does not provide a link to the themes page and screenshots of the template page and template example.

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7.8

6.8

🏆 Winner: IONOS

. Scoring a 7.8, IONOS is known for its straightforward and intuitive interface, making it easy for users to create professional websites. Network Solutions, with a score of 6.8, offers a simple platform but with a slightly outdated interface and limited customization options. If ease of use is a priority, IONOS is the clear winner in this category.

Learning Resources

🏆 Winner: IONOS

. Both platforms offer solid learning resources, but IONOS provides more detailed guidance on a wider range of topics, making it easier for users to learn and adapt.

Learn IONOS

Learn Network Solutions

7.1

6.3

IONOS and Network Solutions both offer ecommerce capabilities, but they cater to different business sizes and needs. IONOS is more suited for businesses that require a comprehensive set of ecommerce features, including store management, marketing tools, payment and shipping options, and products and inventory management. On the other hand, Network Solutions is more suitable for small to medium-sized businesses with its customizable templates, easy-to-use shopping cart, secure payment processing, and inventory management tools.


Ecommerce themes and templates	6.5	6.5
Product page customization	6.8	6.8
Payment processing and commissions	7.0	6.0
POS capabilities	5.5	5.0
Payment gateways	7.2	7.0
Product numbers	6.0	6.0
Additional ecommerce features	6.3	5.5

IONOS ecommerce features:

Store Management
Marketing Tools
Payment and Shipping options
Products and Inventory management

Ionos add a product

Network Solutions ecommerce features:

Marketing Tools
Personalized Email
Product Listings

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 is tailored to support a range of ecommerce needs, from selling on social media platforms to managing a scalable ecommerce website without any coding or design skills required. Network Solutions offers a variety of ecommerce templates designed to cater to businesses of different sizes and industries. Their templates are crafted to be responsive, ensuring a seamless shopping experience across various devices, including smartphones, tablets, and desktops.

Product page customization

Both IONOS and Network Solutions offer extensive product page customization options. IONOS allows users to adjust the design and layout of product pages, set up and manage product options and variations, such as size and color. Network Solutions offers similar customization options, along with the integration of customer reviews and ratings.

Payment processing

IONOS supports a wide variety of third-party payment processors, including PayPal, Stripe, and Square, without charging direct fees for payment processing. Network Solutions supports a wide range of payment options such as PayPal, PayFlow, USA ePay, CyberSource, PlugNPay, making it convenient for businesses to process transactions. Network Solutions does not mention that they charge commissions on transactions, commissions are charged by the gateways themselves.

7.8

6.3

🏆

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.

Ionos editor

Network Solutions’ editor, scoring 6.3, offers a comprehensive suite of tools for website creation and management. It provides an intuitive website editor that allows users to design, edit, and publish their websites without needing advanced technical skills. However, some users may find the interface a bit outdated and less intuitive compared to more modern website builders.

Mobile editor/app

4.5

🏆

Winner: IONOS

. Both IONOS and Network Solutions do not offer a dedicated mobile editor app. However, IONOS provides limited editing capabilities on a mobile browser, which gives it an edge over Network Solutions. This feature allows users to make quick changes to their website on the go, providing a level of convenience that Network Solutions does not offer.

Network Solutions does not provide any mobile editing capabilities, which can be a significant drawback for users who prefer to manage their website from a mobile device.

In summary, IONOS receives a higher rating due to its limited mobile browser editing capabilities, providing a level of convenience that Network Solutions does not offer.

6.5

0.5

Overall Result

:

IONOS wins

. IONOS scores 6.5, offering the possibility to test premium features during a 30-day refundable period. Network Solutions, scoring only 0.5, does not offer a free trial and only allows access to features after purchasing a plan.


Free Plan	No	No
Trial Duration	No (30-day money back guarantee)	No (30-day money back guarantee)
Testing Premium Features	Yes, during 30-day refundable period	No, only after purchasing a plan

7.8

6.4

IONOS and Network Solutions offer a range of price plans to cater to different needs. However, IONOS has a higher price score, indicating better value for money.

	Offerings	Offerings
$0-$5	No offering at this amount.	Website ($4.95/month): Easy-to-use website builder, Domain & Domain Privacy: 1 Year Free, Professional Email: 3 Months Free, SSL Certificate: 1 Month Free, 1-hour expert design support. Value for price: 6.5
$5-$9	No offering at this amount.	Website + Marketing ($7.95/month): Includes all features from the Website plan, Sell services, Appointment scheduling, Social and email marketing, AI copywriting tool (NEW). Value for price: 7.5
$9-$15	Starter ($12/month): Basic for newcomers with 10GB space, 10 pages, 2GB email, free domain first year. Value for price: 5.0	Online Store ($9.95/month): Includes all features from the Website + Marketing plan, Sell products and services, Sell on Facebook & Instagram. Value for price: 8.0
$15-$20	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	Online Marketplaces ($19.95/month): Includes all features from the Online Store plan, Sell on Amazon, eBay, Etsy, & more. 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.

In some cases companies have different prices based on various components like a
location. As a result in rare cases the prices displayed here can differ from the ones you see on their
websites.

8.8

7.8

🏆

Winner: IONOS

IONOS offers a diverse range of hosting services including shared, VPS, dedicated, and WordPress hosting, with features like daily backups, and unlimited traffic. Network Solutions also offers a variety of hosting options including shared, VPS, and WordPress hosting, catering to a range of needs with features like unlimited data transfer and scalable cloud-based environments. However, IONOS has a higher Hosting Quality score, suggesting a better overall hosting service.


Do they offer hosting?	Yes, IONOS offers a diverse range of hosting services including shared, VPS, dedicated, and WordPress hosting.	Yes, Network Solutions offers a variety of hosting options including shared, VPS, and WordPress hosting.
Data Centers:	Total of 7 data centers in EU(Frankfurt, Berlin, Paris, Logroño) and USA(Las Vegas, NV; Newark, NJ; Lenexa, KS)	Network Solutions doesn’t publicly disclose any information about its data centers.
Type of hosting:	Shared, Dedicated, VPS, WordPress Hosting	Shared Hosting, VPS hosting, WordPress Hosting
Uptime:	99.99%	99.99%
Uptime Guarantee:	Yes, 99.99%	Yes, 99.99%

7.2

6.7

🏆 Winner: IONOS

Both IONOS and Network Solutions prioritize website performance and page speed, with IONOS focusing on HTML, CSS, and JavaScript Optimization, Image and Multimedia Optimization, Caching, WordPress Optimization, and CDN, and Network Solutions emphasizing CDN, Web Caching, Image Optimization, and SEO optimization. However, IONOS gets a slight edge when it comes to website speed optimization.


Focus	HTML, CSS, and JavaScript Optimization, Image and Multimedia Optimization, Caching, WordPress Optimization, CDN	CDN, Web Caching, Image Optimization, SEO optimization
Performance Tools	Google Lighthouse, PageSpeed Insights	Google PageSpeed Insights Integration
Key Strategies	HTML, CSS, and JavaScript Optimization, Image and Multimedia Optimization, Caching, WordPress Optimization, CDN	CDN, Web Caching, Image Optimization, SEO optimization
Load Times	Varies widely, depending on the optimization and user’s location	Varies widely, depending on the optimization hosting type and website complexity
Page Speed Scores Range	Varies widely, depending on the optimization and user’s location	Varies widely, depending on the optimization hosting type and website complexity
Core Web Vitals Improvement	Emphasis on LCP, FID, CLS improvements	LCP, FID, CLS improvements

IONOS places a strong emphasis on website performance and page speed. IONOS’s approach to enhancing site speed includes HTML, CSS, and JavaScript Optimization, Image and Multimedia Optimization, Caching, WordPress Optimization, and CDN. This approach leverages IONOS’s fast servers and CDN network to boost load speed. IONOS also suggests utilizing Google AMP for faster mobile page loads, although with some design compromises. Analysis of three IONOS sites showed a range of IONOS speed scores from 14 to 75, Google PSI scores from 8 to 80, and load times varying from 10.6 seconds to 2.3 seconds. Continuous maintenance and optimization are essential for keeping IONOS stores fast.

Network Solutions, like IONOS, places a strong emphasis on website performance and page speed. Network Solutions’s approach to enhancing site speed includes CDN, Web Caching, Image Optimization, and SEO optimization. This approach leverages Network Solutions’s fast servers and CDN network to boost load speed. Network Solutions also suggests utilizing Google AMP for faster mobile page loads, although with some design compromises. Analysis of three Network Solutions sites showed a range of Network Solutions speed scores from 14 to 75, Google PSI scores from 8 to 80, and load times varying from 10.6 seconds to 2.3 seconds. Continuous maintenance and optimization are essential for keeping Network Solutions stores fast.

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6.5

4.8

🏆 Winner: IONOS.

With a score of 6.5, IONOS offers a wider range of plugins and extensions compared to Network Solutions, which scores 4.8. IONOS provides over 100 plugins, including contact forms, social media integration, and ecommerce capabilities. Network Solutions, on the other hand, focuses more on providing an all-in-one solution with built-in features rather than a wide range of third-party plugins or extensions.

While both platforms allow for the extension of various features, IONOS offers more flexibility with the ability to customize the design and layout of the website, add galleries or sliders, and integrate third-party tools and services. Network Solutions, however, offers plugins that enhance the website’s functionality base features by adding SEO tools, or improving e-commerce capabilities such as shopping carts and payment gateways.

In terms of top integrations, IONOS allows for straightforward integration of various web apps into your website, including social media buttons for platforms like Facebook and Twitter, and Google Maps for directions. Network Solutions integrates with popular payment processors, enhancing its ecommerce capabilities.

7.5

7.2

🏆

Overall Winner: IONOS

. IONOS edges out Network Solutions with a slightly higher score, offering a comprehensive suite of marketing tools including advanced SEO features, robust email marketing, and sophisticated ad campaign management. Network Solutions also offers a solid range of marketing features, making it a close competitor.


SEO Tools
Email Marketing
Blogging
Social Media Integration	Direct sales on Facebook and Instagram	Basic social media integration
Analytics and Reporting	Detailed insights through built-in metrics and SiteAnalytics	Visitor statistics and Google Analytics integration
Ads and Promotions	Google Ads and promotional tools like coupons and special offers	PPC advertising management for platforms like Google Ads

7.3

6.6

🏆 Winner: IONOS

. In the comparison of IONOS vs Network Solutions, IONOS takes the lead with a customer support score of 7.3. IONOS offers 24/7 support through multiple contact numbers, ensuring users can get assistance at any time. This round-the-clock availability is a significant advantage for users who may need help outside of regular business hours.

Network Solutions, while also providing 24/7 live chat support, scores slightly lower with a customer support score of 6.6. Although their live chat is available at all times, the overall user feedback suggests that IONOS’s support is more reliable and accessible, making it the better option for users seeking robust customer support services.

7.5

🏆

Draw: IONOS and Network Solutions

. Both IONOS and Network Solutions take security seriously, with each scoring 7.5 in this category.

IONOS provides robust data storage and protection measures across its various services, including HiDrive Cloud Storage and secure email solutions. It supports two-factor authentication for added security and offers end-to-end encryption as an option, ensuring that data is encrypted during transfer and stored securely. IONOS also integrates various security measures to safeguard websites created on its platform, focusing on preventing malware spread, spamming, and data breaches.

On the other hand, Network Solutions focuses on keeping data secure through encryption, safeguarding data centers with strict security measures, and managing who can access data with careful controls. They regularly check their security systems for any vulnerabilities and have plans in place for data recovery in case of loss. Network Solutions is known for offering a range of security services to protect websites, including SSL certificates for secure connections, malware scanning and removal, and possibly DDoS protection among other services.

7.2

1.1


Personalized Design	IONOS AI offers tailored design suggestions based on user inputs
SEO Optimization	AI-driven recommendations for better search engine visibility
Content Generation	AI-powered content generation, including SEO optimization and image generation	AI copywriting tool on higher plans
Additional AI Features	AI Section Generator and AI Color Palette Generator

🏆 Winner: IONOS

. IONOS’s AI capabilities, particularly through its AI website builder, are highly user-friendly and innovative. It excels in offering personalized website design suggestions, content optimization, and streamlined site setup processes. IONOS’s AI also assists in providing SEO recommendations and layout adjustments based on user behavior.

Network Solutions, with a score of 1.1, lacks AI capabilities, except for an AI copywriting tool provided on higher plans. It does not have an AI-powered website builder and lacks additional AI features.

3.1

3.2

🏆 Winner: Network Solutions

. Both IONOS and Network Solutions offer limited user management capabilities.

IONOS permits multiple users for website editing. However, there is no mention of user roles and permissions, nor is there information about limitations on the number of users allowed to edit a website.
Network Solutions’ website builder offers very limited multi-user functionality and access levels compared to other platforms.

Given the lack of detailed information on user roles and permissions, it’s difficult to determine which platform offers superior user management. However, Network Solutions slightly edges out IONOS with a user management score of 3.2 compared to IONOS’s 3.1.

Additional Features


SSL Certificate
Custom Domain
Free Custom Domain Included
International Domains
Mobile Responsive
Page Speed
Website Builder Mobile App
Convert a Website To An App
Website Analytics
Multilingual Sites
Multiple Users

User Feedback

IONOS

20 reviews

3.9 out of 5 stars

Network Solutions

60 reviews

1.9 out of 5 stars

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 it is praised for its comprehensive packages, personalized support, and streamlined interface for IT professionals, some users 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.

User reviews of Network Solutions are mixed, with some praising its prompt customer support and variety of domain management options. However, there are widespread complaints about the platform’s outdated business practices, high costs, and poor customer service. Users often find the website’s layout confusing and report instances of misleading promises regarding refunds. Overall, while Network Solutions has some positive attributes, its drawbacks suggest that users may want to consider alternatives.

The making of this blog

We followed a clear, step-by-step process to write and research this article.

Our Ranking Criteria

FAQ

Which platform is better for beginners, IONOS or Network Solutions?

IONOS is generally better for beginners due to its intuitive interface and straightforward website builder. It scores higher in ease of use, making it easier for users without any coding knowledge to create professional websites. Network Solutions, while also user-friendly, has a slightly outdated interface and limited customization options.

Can I use both IONOS and Network Solutions for ecommerce?

Yes, both platforms offer ecommerce capabilities, but they cater to different business sizes and needs. IONOS is more suited for businesses that require a comprehensive set of ecommerce features, including advanced store management and marketing tools. Network Solutions is more suitable for small to medium-sized businesses with simpler needs.

How do IONOS and Network Solutions compare in terms of website speed optimization?

IONOS has a slight edge in website speed optimization, focusing on HTML, CSS, and JavaScript Optimization, Image and Multimedia Optimization, Caching, WordPress Optimization, and CDN. Network Solutions also emphasizes CDN, Web Caching, Image Optimization, and SEO optimization, but IONOS’s comprehensive approach gives it a slight advantage.

What are the major differences in pricing and value between IONOS and Network Solutions?

IONOS offers a range of price plans that generally provide better value for money, indicated by its higher price score. Network Solutions offers competitive pricing, especially for its Online Store and Online Marketplaces plans, but IONOS’s plans are more comprehensive, catering to a wider range of needs.

Which platform offers better customer support, IONOS or Network Solutions?

IONOS takes the lead in customer support with a higher score, providing 24/7 assistance and a wide range of online resources. Network Solutions also offers 24/7 support but has a slightly lower score in this category. Users have praised IONOS for its personalized support and streamlined interface.

Are IONOS and Network Solutions secure platforms for building a website?

Both IONOS and Network Solutions take security seriously, with each scoring equally in this category. They offer robust data protection measures, SSL certificates, and regular security updates to safeguard websites against threats.

Which platform has better AI capabilities, IONOS or Network Solutions?

IONOS has superior AI capabilities, offering personalized design suggestions, AI-driven SEO optimization, and AI-powered content generation. Network Solutions lacks in this area, with limited AI features except for an AI copywriting tool provided on higher plans.