Ionos vs Hostens: guide for 2024

Ionos vs Hostens: Final verdict

Looking at IONOS vs. Hostens, IONOS offers a more comprehensive hosting package with advanced features and robust scalability options, while Hostens stands out for its economical pricing and reliable uptime.

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  IONOS (Overall grade: 8.2)
  
  provides a feature-rich hosting service that includes a variety of hosting types like shared, cloud, WordPress, ecommerce, VPS, and dedicated hosting. It excels in offering advanced features such as georedundant data centers, comprehensive security measures like DDoS protection and malware scanning, and flexible performance management. Users benefit from daily backups, a free Wildcard SSL certificate, and 24/7 customer support with the addition of a personal consultant. IONOS’s infrastructure ensures faster load times and caters well to businesses requiring extensive security and higher performance for high-traffic websites. Its user-friendly interface, extensive help resources, and customizable user roles make it an attractive option for enterprises and agencies.
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  Hostens (Overall grade: 7.9)
  
  delivers a reliable and economical hosting solution, focusing mainly on shared and VPS hosting. With data centers in Vilnius, Washington DC, and Singapore, it promises a consistent uptime of 99.95% using TIER III standards. Hostens offers daily and weekly backups, free SSL certificates, and proactive support through multiple channels. Though affordable, it lacks some of the advanced features offered by IONOS, such as a CDN for global content delivery and more extensive PHP version support. Hostens includes a free website builder and instant setup, making it accessible for beginners and small websites. While it provides good value with competitive pricing and reliable performance, it may not cater as well to larger businesses needing more advanced and scalable solutions.

Hosting types offered

Both platforms provide a variety of hosting types, each designed to meet the different needs of users.

Although both offer a variety of hosting plans tailored to different needs, in
certain cases, one platform may prove to be more suitable.

Detailed comparison

🏆 Winner Hostens: A higher uptime guarantee and efficient data center infrastructure make Hostens stand out.

Hostens offers a 99.95% uptime guarantee, ensuring operational stability for your website almost around the clock. With data centers located in Vilnius, Washington DC, and Singapore, Hostens leverages TIER III standards for power and connectivity redundancy. Additionally, their proactive support and free SSL certification add to the reliability and security of your hosted sites. The performance metrics, including fast speed and responsive support, contribute to its high user satisfaction ratings.

IONOS also delivers a strong uptime at 99.9%, utilizing georedundant infrastructure and advanced DDoS protection for continuous service. The inclusion of daily backups and scalable performance levels add flexibility to their offerings. A free Wildcard SSL certificate and 24/7 customer service make it a secure and user-friendly option. IONOS’s plans include mobile management, PHP extended support, and HTTP/2 protocol for optimized load times, making it another reliable choice for hosting.

🏆 Winner
IONOS: offers a reliable, performance-focused hosting service with a broad set of features including streamlined speed enhancements and robust scalability options.

Both IONOS and Hostens bring strong hosting performance to the table, but IONOS edges out with its advanced features. IONOS utilizes SSD storage, HTTP/2 protocol, and a Cloudflare CDN for accelerated page load times. PHP 8.2 with JIT compiler is also available for faster execution. Hostens, on the other hand, provides SSD RAID storage and Apache web service, but lacks a CDN for global content delivery. While IONOS leverages a georedundant infrastructure across multiple data centers, Hostens operates mainly from its Vilnius data center with additional locations in Washington DC and Singapore.

Website Speed

IONOS prioritizes speed with dual platform technology, merging web servers and storage on the same platform, and using HTTP/2 for encrypted traffic. Its Cloudflare CDN distributes content globally, significantly improving load times. Hostens relies on SSD RAID and includes a free website builder, but it’s missing the CDN advantage. IONOS generally offers faster load times and better overall performance for high-traffic websites.

Scalability

IONOS provides scalable performance management where users can adjust levels as needed, costing $2 per additional level. Scaling doesn’t happen automatically but includes email notifications for performance limits. Dedicated servers are not specified. Hostens offers VPS hosting options but lacks specified details on automatic scalability and dedicated server availability. For IONOS, the scalability costs and options are clearer, providing a better-scoped solution for growing websites.

🏆 Winner IONOS: offers advanced security features, comprehensive compliance measures, and robust customer support.

Technical security measures:

IONOS provides a diverse range of SSL certificates, featuring up to 256-bit encryption and includes Domain Validated, Organization Validated, and Extended Validation options. Hostens also offers similar SSL options with 256-bit encryption and an automated issuance process. IONOS supports a more extensive range of PHP versions, from PHP 4.0 to the latest versions, with features like OPcache and JIT Compiler. Hostens supports PHP versions from 5.6 to 8.1 and offers a PHP execution time of 300 seconds. Both providers comply with GDPR. IONOS enhances site security with additional measures such as DDoS protection and malware scanning.

Operational security measures:

IONOS employs daily backups with six days of recovery, georedundant data centers, and customized firewall rules. Their georedundant approach ensures data mirroring across two data centers for higher uptime and data protection. Hostens includes daily and weekly backups and operates a TIER III data center with redundant power and internet connections. IONOS provides advanced DDoS protection and automated malware removal in selected plans, while Hostens focuses on high-standard data center security and 24/7/365 network monitoring.

Compliance and certifications:

Both IONOS and Hostens adhere to GDPR requirements, ensuring robust data protection and privacy standards. IONOS features ISO-certified data centers, enhancing their compliance portfolio. Information about HIPAA compliance and PCI compliance for both services is not specified. Hostens has updated legal documents and internal processes to maintain GDPR compliance, ensuring data security and user privacy.

🏆 Winner
Hostens: An economical choice with comprehensive feature offerings.

Both IONOS and Hostens offer robust hosting solutions, but they cater to different user needs. IONOS is more geared towards users who appreciate extensive security measures, with features such as DDoS protection, daily backups, and malware scanning. It also boasts a versatile range of plans that include a free domain for the first year, email hosting, and a free Wildcard SSL certificate. Users benefit from a dedicated mobile admin app for management and a personal consultant for personalized support. Hostens, by contrast, focuses on affordability and flexibility, offering unmanaged VPS hosting with full root access and shared hosting plans that include a free domain with an annual billing cycle. Notable features include quick setup, a free website builder, and support for PHP, Ruby, and Python. Hostens also offers proactive support via multiple channels such as email, live chat, or ticket system, making it accessible for users who prefer frequent assistance.

When it comes to user-friendly features like website builders, both providers present viable options for different user profiles. IONOS includes a managed WordPress hosting feature that offers automatic updates and malware scanning, while its “Click & Build” options facilitate easy installation of popular CMS platforms like TYPO3, Joomla, and WordPress. Hostens offers a free website builder with its shared hosting plans, which can be particularly useful for users looking to quickly set up a site without extensive technical knowledge. These features make it easier for users to build and manage their websites efficiently. Hostens’ dedicated resources in Professional Hosting and the white-label reseller hosting option make it attractive for users who wish to have a more hands-on approach or start a hosting business.

Email services:

IONOS offers comprehensive email hosting services with its plans, allowing customers to set up professional emails associated with their domains. This includes features necessary for email campaigns and transactional emails. Hostens does not explicitly outline email hosting in the given information but generally includes basic email functionalities in shared and professional hosting options. For more advanced or large-scale email campaigns, users might need to explore third-party services.

🏆 Winner IONOS: A versatile hosting provider with a range of plans to suit various needs, enhanced by exceptional features and support.

Evaluating the pricing of plans among various hosting providers can be complex due to their differing pricing and renewal strategies. Additionally, certain plans require annual commitments, which adds to the difficulty of making comparisons. The prices listed are based on monthly commitments; plans requiring annual commitments are indicated. Additionally, although some providers offer identical plans for WordPress and shared hosting, we have created separate tables for each to enhance clarity.

Comparing the pricing plans of IONOS and Hostens reveals distinct differences in their offerings. IONOS provides several web hosting plans with rich features, such as free Wildcard SSL certificates, professional email services, and daily backups, with prices ranging from $4 to $9 per month. On the other hand, Hostens offers competitively priced shared hosting plans starting at $2.80 per month, which includes features like free domains, substantial bandwidth, and comprehensive support across multiple locations. For WordPress users, IONOS presents tailored plans starting at $4 per month, including Fiverr credits and free domains, while Hostens integrates WordPress capabilities within their shared hosting environment. Enterprise customers might favor IONOS’s unlimited resources and scalability, whereas Hostens combines extensive email and database capacity with affordability for larger operations.

Enterprise plans

For enterprises, IONOS is well-suited with its Ultimate Plan, offering unlimited websites, storage, and databases with maximum CPU and MEM resources for $16/month, alongside free domains, SSL certificates, and daily backups. Hostens address enterprises with their Maxi Plan in Professional Hosting, providing 50 GB disk space, 6 vCPU, and unlimited bandwidth at $89.99/month. Both providers cater to large-scale needs, yet IONOS stands out with its broader spectrum of included features and enhanced support for extensive operations.

🏆 Winner IONOS: offers a user-friendly setup process, particularly for WordPress hosting with its WP Assistant.

When comparing the admin panels of IONOS and Hostens, IONOS provides a user-friendly experience through its customized control panel, making it accessible for both technical and non-technical users. The WP Assistant in the IONOS platform further simplifies the process for setting up and managing WordPress sites with ease. Hostens, on the other hand, utilizes the Installatron tool for easy script installations and provides a free website builder for those who are not tech-savvy. While IONOS focuses on integrating a wider range of apps via its Click & Build system, Hostens prioritizes immediate usability right after payment with a straightforward admin interface.

Regarding migration tools, IONOS offers varied support for migrating WordPress sites, including a managed hosting solution that assists in the process. The WP Assistant and additional support from personal consultants can make site migration smooth but specifics on automated migration tools are not clearly outlined. Hostens uses the Installatron tool to assist in migrations, and while there is no explicit mention of a specific migration tool provided for free or for a fee, their easy installer and support guide users through the process. Both hosting services offer adequate tools but IONOS edges slightly with its managed support.

Evaluating the help center resources, IONOS provides an extensive Help Center and 24/7 customer support, including a personal consultant for personalized advice. Hostens’ knowledge base covers a wide array of topics and is supported by live chat, a ticket system, and email support. Both platforms have user-friendly resources but IONOS also includes a personal consultant, offering a more personalized support system.

The platforms provide extensive knowledge bases filled with guides, how-to articles, and instructional content. IONOS offers a wide range of resources alongside 24/7 chat and phone support. Hostens also boasts a detailed help center with an intuitive search function and around-the-clock support via live chat, phone, and ticketing, ensuring comprehensive user support.

🏆 Winner IONOS: A comprehensive user role and permission management system for enhanced control.

IONOS and Hostens present distinct approaches for managing user roles, permissions, and accessibility. IONOS allows users to define roles with granular permissions, where roles can be created, cloned, and deleted as needed. By default, new users receive an Administrator role, which has all permissions that cannot be altered. Hostens, using cPanel, enables initial cPanel Admin privileges to manage multiple accounts and offers the capability to upgrade for additional accounts at a cost. For VPS hosting, Hostens customers manage their servers with full root access. Additionally, resellers using Hostens have administrative control over their client accounts, facilitating flexible resource allocation and user management.

When examining user interfaces and tools, IONOS leverages the Cloud Panel, which provides a clear, centralized dashboard for managing roles and permissions. The Cloud Panel lists all roles with comprehensive details such as role name, status, and assigned users. Customizing roles in IONOS is straightforward, requiring users to activate roles and assign permissions via the Permissions Page. Hostens, on the other hand, relies on the cPanel interface, which is renowned for its ease of use and intuitive layout, enabling users to handle routine website and server management tasks efficiently. Each user type in Hostens is provided with suitable tools, including the Installatron tool for script and CMS management.

Access control measures and the ability to manage a growing number of users are essential attributes of any hosting provider. IONOS excels with its detailed permissions system, allowing specific access configurations through permission groups, ensuring users only access necessary sections of the Cloud Panel. The flexibility in role creation and assignment enhances scalability for large teams. Hostens, with its cPanel Admin privileges, simplifies user management for shared and reseller hosting scenarios. For VPS hosting, users handle extensive server-level configurations autonomously, capable of managing complex requirements without limitations.

IONOS user roles table:

Hostens user roles table:

🏆 Winner IONOS: Offers an extensive range of customer service options, including 24/7 phone support and direct access to a personal consultant.

IONOS provides a wide array of customer support channels, including phone, chat, and email support available 24/7. They also offer personalized support with a direct line to a personal consultant, enhancing their appeal for those who prefer one-on-one assistance. Their help center, community resources, and a 30-day money-back guarantee further make their customer service comprehensive and accessible.

Hostens, while slightly behind in overall service, still offers solid support via live chat, a ticket system, and email. Their knowledge base is extensive, and the client area provides answers to many common issues. Hostens also maintains a blog that keeps customers informed about industry news and updates. Although they lack phone support and dedicated enterprise support, their response times are quite efficient, typically addressing queries within an hour.

Ionos vs Hostens: User feedback

User feedback for this hosting provider is quite mixed. Positive aspects include affordable pricing, easy setup, and a comprehensive range of hosting features and tools. However, many users express dissatisfaction with poor customer support, outdated user interfaces, and frequent upselling. Some reviewers also report critical issues such as unreliable service, deceptive business practices, and poor handling of domain and payment matters. Overall, the provider seems to appeal to budget-conscious users but falls short in reliability and support.

Summary: Users generally appreciate the hosting provider for its reliable uptime and responsive customer support. Many reviewers highlight the ease of setup and user-friendly interface as significant positives. However, some users have expressed concerns over occasional slow server speeds and higher pricing compared to competitors. Overall, the hosting service receives favorable reviews, but there is room for improvement in performance consistency and cost efficiency.

Ionos vs Hostens: FAQ