Contabo vs One.com: guide for 2024

Final verdict

Looking over Contabo vs. One.com, it’s clear why both hosts are so popular. They have both hosted millions of
websites that run on WordPress for decades, building up a loyal customer base.

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  One.com (Overall grade: 7.9)
  
  
  delivers a practical and straightforward solution for beginners and intermediate users. Its hosting plans, which include shared, WordPress, and e-commerce options, come with extensive features such as free SSL certificates, daily backups, and a website builder. The user-friendly admin interface and strong support with 24/7 phone and chat availability make it ideal for those needing quick and effective assistance. While it may not offer dedicated hosting or the high customization levels that advanced users might seek, its simplicity, affordability, and productive features make it an attractive option, especially for small to medium-sized businesses.
  
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  Contabo (Overall grade: 7.6)
  
  
  brings robust performance with its high-performance VPS and dedicated server offerings. Featuring advanced hardware like AMD EPYC 7282 16-core processors and high-speed SSDs, it guarantees minimal downtime and optimal site speed. Security features such as DDoS protection and two-factor authentication add to its reliability. However, its more technical interface and occasional customer support challenges may deter users without advanced technical knowledge. Despite these drawbacks, Contabo’s ability to provide significant resource customization and scalability makes it highly suitable for high-traffic and multimedia websites that require dedicated resources and higher control over server settings.
  

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
Contabo: It’s superior uptime and significantly faster response times make Contabo a better choice for users who require high performance and stability from their hosting provider.

Contabo shows a slightly superior performance in terms of reliability and speed. Both hosting services have impressive uptimes, with Contabo slightly edging out Example hosting one with a 99.99% uptime over a 3-month period compared to Example hosting one’s 99.89%. This difference in uptime is reflected in the number and duration of outages, where Contabo experienced 3 outages totaling 12 minutes, while Example hosting one had 5 outages totaling 2h 12 minutes.

Contabo’s advantage is more pronounced in terms of server response time. It boasted an average response time of 389ms, which is significantly lower than the shared hosting industry standard and faster than Example hosting one’s average response time of 670ms, which can peak up to 1152ms. This suggests that Contabo is not only more reliable in maintaining uptime but also in delivering faster website loading speeds, making it a preferable option for users prioritizing performance.

Winner Contabo: Offers a wide range of high-performance features and excellent security.

The general performance of Contabo and one.com varies significantly. Contabo utilizes fast AMD EPYC 7282 16-core processors and offers traffic plans with 32TB of outgoing data per month. It provides both SSD and Gen 4 PCIe NVMe SSD storage, ensuring speedy website performance. In contrast, one.com offers high-performance servers with ultra-fast load times but doesn’t specify the type of CPUs used. For CDN, neither hosting mentions it explicitly, so we can’t conclude their availability. Contabo boasts multiple data centers in the US, UK, Germany, and Singapore. One.com doesn’t specify their data center locations.

Website Speed

Contabo and one.com both aim for fast load times. Contabo’s use of SSD and Gen 4 PCIe NVMe SSDs provides a significant speed boost, along with its maximum connection speed of up to 10Gbit/s. One.com focuses on ultra-fast load times and caches content efficiently with performance caches included in their hosting plans. However, Contabo provides more hardware power and superior storage speed, which means more consistent and higher page speed scores.

Scalability

Both Contabo and one.com offer scalable hosting options, but with different approaches. Contabo lets users upgrade VPS packages without downtime, making it easy to scale as needed. One.com also allows upgrades, but the process requires choosing larger plans as your website grows. Neither mentions automatic scaling clearly, though Contabo’s approach to scalability without sacrificing uptime is a strong advantage. Costs for scaling are not detailed extensively for either provider.

🏆 Winner
one.com: one.com offers a more robust security package with enhanced features and user-friendly tools.

Both Contabo and one.com, have notable differences in their approaches to technical and operational
security, as well as in their compliance with regulations.

Technical security measures:

Contabo provides a wide range of technical security measures, such as always-on DDoS protection, Imunify AV for malware scanning, and flexibility in PHP version selection. Additionally, they offer advanced monitoring tools to identify potential issues early. Conversely, one.com includes automated malware and DDoS protection, daily backups, and vulnerability scans with auto-patching. Both providers offer Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) and free SSL certificates. one.com further enhances technical security with tools like a secure File Manager and SFTP for secure file transfers.

Operational security measures:

Contabo emphasizes data center security with 24/7 surveillance and controlled access using magnetic cards. They implement role-based access controls (RBAC) and enforce strict physical security protocols. one.com, on the other hand, offers regular scans and domain lock features to prevent unauthorized domain transfers. Their operational measures include SMS alerts for suspicious email logins and visual testing for Managed WordPress users. Both hosting providers offer automated backup solutions, but one.com’s inclusion of vulnerability monitoring and regular updates to website tools adds an extra layer of protection.

Compliance and certifications:

Both Contabo and one.com comply with GDPR requirements, ensuring the protection of personal data. Contabo’s infrastructure supports high redundancy and reliability, which aids in meeting various industry compliance standards. PCI compliance isn’t specifically stated for either provider. one.com uses cookies for personalization and analytics in alignment with GDPR but doesn’t detail certifications like HIPAA or PCI compliance.

🏆 Winner one.com: A practical and straightforward solution for users seeking ease of use and solid features.

Both Contabo and one.com provide a range of hosting features that cater to different user needs. Contabo emphasizes performance and flexibility, using high-performance AMD EPYC 7282 16-core processors, and offering a variety of OS options, including Ubuntu, Windows, and CentOS. It also supports custom image deployment, providing users with substantial freedom over their server configurations. Contabo’s interface allows for detailed control over various server settings, including advanced features such as DDoS protection and extensive monitoring capabilities. However, one.com shines with its simpler approach, particularly appealing to beginners. Its plans come with a free three-month trial, which includes essential features such as email hosting, a free SSL certificate, daily backups, and more. Additionally, one.com’s Website Builder and one-click WordPress install make it straightforward for those looking to establish a quick online presence.

When it comes to customization, Contabo provides more options for advanced users, like custom image deployment and detailed performance monitoring. This can be highly beneficial for those needing more control over their hosting environment. On the flip side, one.com features an intuitive website builder, ensuring even those with minimal technical skills can develop professional-looking sites. Its service also comes with strong staging environments and performance caching tools, which can greatly assist in optimizing site performance before going live. While Contabo may offer more in-depth control and resources for advanced projects, one.com’s user-friendly approach, coupled with a strong focus on essential features at an affordable price, positions it as a compelling choice for users seeking simplicity and reliability.

Email services:

Contabo and one.com both offer comprehensive email hosting services. one.com provides unlimited email accounts across all its plans, which is ideal for users requiring extensive email functionality. Contabo offers similar capabilities but does not highlight certain unique features like email account limits. Neither provider resells third-party email services such as Google Workspace or Outlook, but they both support hosting transactional email services, allowing users to handle everything from form submissions to marketing campaigns effectively.

🏆 Winner
one.com: Offers a versatile range of hosting solutions with value-added features tailored for various needs.

Evaluating the pricing of plans among various hosting providers can be complex due to their differing pricing and renewal strategies. 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.

Both Contabo and one.com offer a diversity of hosting plans catered to different user needs. Contabo provides extensive VPS options starting at $3.99/month, with self-managed plans having features like high storage and significant traffic allowance. Their dedicated servers are robust, with the most premium option at €301.97/month, offering 32 physical cores and unlimited domains on Plesk. Contrastingly, one.com’s shared hosting starts with highly affordable introductory prices and includes added benefits such as daily backups, website builders, and green hosting options. Their managed WordPress hosting includes performance caches and auto-updates for security, which stand out in comparison. Below are detailed comparisons of their offerings:

Enterprise plans

For enterprises, Contabo offers high-end dedicated servers like the AMD EPYC 32 Core at €301.97/month with 256GB RAM and unlimited domains on Plesk. These plans come with various OS options, high storage, and comprehensive support. One.com, on the other hand, doesn’t offer specific enterprise-focused plans but their Guru shared hosting plan provides substantial resources—10 websites, 750GB storage, and enhanced support features—making it suitable for small to mid-sized enterprises needing a comprehensive solution.

🏆 Winner One.com: Offers user-friendly setup and extensive support.

Both Contabo and One.com offer unique admin panels designed to simplify website management for users. Contabo’s Control Panel allows users to review services, manage servers, and perform tasks such as upgrading VPS and extending SSD storage. It’s geared towards users with some technical understanding but remains user-friendly. On the other hand, One.com offers a more streamlined admin interface with a 1-click install tool, a free Website Builder, and direct access to additional services like Webshop. One.com’s admin panel is more accessible to non-technical users, emphasizing ease of use and quick setup.

For server management, Contabo’s Control Panel includes dedicated features such as server status monitoring, reboots, and snapshots. It’s tailored for users who need granular control over their server environment. Conversely, One.com’s Control Panel emphasizes simplicity and accessibility, featuring an intuitive Website Builder and 1-click installation options that require minimal technical skills, making it ideal for beginners.

Contabo does not explicitly mention free migration tools but provides managed services for expert assistance, which implies additional support could incur a cost. One.com, however, offers free site migration as part of its Managed WordPress add-on, offering seamless transitions for users switching to their platform. One.com’s free migration service adds significant value, especially for non-technical users.

Contabo has a broad range of tutorials and FAQ sections to aid users in managing their services. Help is accessible via tickets and phone support, with managed support available for complex tasks. One.com provides comprehensive resources through its Help Center and Academy, alongside 24/7 chat and email support. Their support team is always available, ensuring prompt responses.

Winner one.com: A user-friendly hosting provider with streamlined user roles and management features.

When comparing Contabo and one.com in terms of managing user roles and permissions, both providers offer a range of functionalities to cater to different user needs. Contabo allows users to authorize others to have specific permissions for their servers, and also provides comprehensive options for updating personal information and security settings. On the other hand, one.com’s approach focuses on creating guest users through its Control Panel, indicating a simpler yet effective role-based access system. While Contabo provides more detailed and varied user roles, one.com’s ability to quickly create guest users through a streamlined process may appeal to users looking for straightforward management options.

Both Contabo and one.com offer user-friendly interfaces for managing users, but there are differences in the tools provided. Contabo’s Control Panel allows users to manage services like upgrading VPS, extending storage, and ordering add-ons, all with a user-friendly interface. It also features security enhancements like Two-Factor Authentication. Conversely, one.com offers a Control Panel that integrates directly with its Website Builder and Webshop, making it easy for users to navigate and manage their services. Both interfaces are designed to be accessible and functional, but Contabo’s control panel appears more tailored for tech-savvy users, offering a wider array of customizable options.

Assessing the effectiveness of access control measures, Contabo stands out with mandatory Two-Factor Authentication for all customers, providing an extra layer of security. It also offers free DDoS protection for all plans, which is automatically activated for all servers. This makes Contabo a secure option for managing a growing number of users. One.com, while simpler in its offerings, ensures user management through role-based access control by allowing the creation of guest users. This makes it flexible but might lack the additional security measures that Contabo provides. Overall, both hosting providers manage user access effectively, but Contabo offers more advanced security features.

Contabo user roles table:

one.com user roles table:

🏆 Winner
One.com: Boasting 24/7 phone and chat support, One.com offers reliable assistance whenever needed.

When comparing customer support options, Contabo offers phone and email/ticket support alongside a comprehensive knowledge base and FAQ section. They stand out with a detailed server status page and managed services for additional help. However, Contabo lacks live chat support and has no 24-hour customer service availability, which might be a downside for users needing immediate assistance outside of working hours.

One.com, on the other hand, provides 24/7 support via phone and live chat, making it highly accessible and ensuring users can get help any time of day. Their help center is dedicated to creating valuable self-service articles, and their academy offers educational resources on various topics. One.com also includes free SSL certificates and daily backups in all plans. The immediate availability of support and extra features like promotional offers make One.com a more user-friendly option.

User feedback

Contabo offers affordable and powerful VPS plans, which are particularly beneficial for running demanding software and complex tasks. Several users have praised the reliability, stability, and cost-effectiveness of the service, highlighting its great value for money. However, frequent downtime, limited customer support, and a somewhat outdated control panel have been significant points of concern. Some users have experienced slow response times and unresolved service requests, suggesting areas for improvement in customer service and operational transparency.

The hosting provider receives mixed reviews, lauded for its affordability, user-friendly interface, and efficient 24/7 customer support. Users appreciate features like easy domain registration, a clean control panel, and hosting plans with useful tools like one-click installations for CMS platforms. However, some users face frequent upselling of additional services, occasional performance issues, and unexpected price hikes. While it’s ideal for beginners and simple websites, it may lack advanced functionalities and flexibility desired by more experienced developers.

FAQ