Network Solutions vs Ionos: guide for 2024

Final verdict

Looking over Network Solutions vs. IONOS, 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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  IONOS (Overall grade: 8.2)
  
  
  stands out with its robust and comprehensive hosting services. It excels in uptime, reliability, and performance thanks to features like HTTP/2 protocol, SSD storage, and a Cloudflare CDN, which guarantees faster load times and efficient page rendering. Users benefit from a user-friendly admin panel, extensive security features, and flexible scalability options, making it a standout choice for high-traffic e-commerce sites and agencies. Additionally, IONOS offers more affordable pricing plans with value-added benefits such as a free domain for the first year and daily backups. Customer support is also comprehensive, with 24/7 availability and dedicated personal consultants, further enhancing the user experience.
  
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  Network Solutions (Overall grade: 7.4)
  
  
  provides a reliable web hosting service with a solid uptime guarantee of 99.9% and daily malware scans. It boasts a range of hosting plans suitable for various needs, from basic shared hosting to more premium options that include unlimited websites and email accounts. The user interface is straightforward and easy to navigate, making it favorable for beginners. However, it lacks some advanced features like a content delivery network (CDN) and does not offer as much scalability or flexibility as IONOS. While it provides decent customer support via phone and live chat, it does not match the round-the-clock personalized support offered by IONOS. High costs and frequent upselling further reduce its overall value.
  

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 IONOS: Exceptional uptime and comprehensive features make IONOS a leading choice for web hosting.

IONOS equally guarantees 99.9% uptime and enhances reliability with georedundant infrastructure, daily backups, and DDoS protection. A standout feature is the Cloudflare CDN, boosting load times by distributing data globally. The hosting plans are affordable and scalable, with additional perks like a free Wildcard SSL certificate and 24/7 customer service.

For anyone prioritizing uptime, availability, and comprehensive hosting features, IONOS offers a well-rounded, reliable solution. With a mobile admin app, HTTP/2 protocol, and scalable performance levels, it caters to both small-scale and large-scale hosting needs effectively.

Network Solutions guarantees a 99.9% uptime, with recorded uptime performance of 99.917% over a month. It offers 24/7 support and a reliable infrastructure, especially impressive for Unix servers. Users reported a total downtime of around 42 minutes within a month, but speed performance remains above average.

🏆 Winner
IONOS: A highly reliable and scalable hosting service with unmatched performance features.

Both Network Solutions and IONOS guarantee 99.9% uptime, ensuring that your website remains operational almost all the time. However, IONOS has an edge with its dual platform technology, HTTP/2 protocol, and SSD storage, providing faster load times and efficient page rendering. Network Solutions offers competitive disk space and SiteLock for malware scanning but lacks a dedicated content delivery network (CDN). On the other hand, IONOS integrates a Cloudflare CDN for global content distribution and offers scalable performance management, which Network Solutions does not.

Website Speed

IONOS outperforms Network Solutions in website speed with its use of the HTTP/2 protocol, PHP 8.2 with JIT compiler, and SSD storage. These features collectively lead to faster load times and enhanced performance. Network Solutions also provides SSD storage and daily malware scans, but it lacks the advanced server technologies that IONOS employs, such as content delivery networks and the latest PHP version, making IONOS the better choice for speed optimization.

Scalability

IONOS offers performance scales that customers can adjust as needed, with each additional performance level costing $2/month. Network Solutions, while offering multiple plans, does not provide the same flexibility; customers need to upgrade to a higher-tier plan for enhanced resources. IONOS also includes email notifications when performance thresholds are reached, offering a more transparent scaling process. Information on dedicated servers for either provider is not available, adding an uncertainty for businesses needing extensive dedicated resources.

🏆 Winner
IONOS: Provides extensive technical, operational, and compliance security features for optimal website protection.

Both Network Solutions and IONOS, have notable differences in their approaches to technical and operational
security, as well as in their compliance with regulations.

Technical security measures:

Network Solutions offers various SSL Certificates, including Xpress, Basic, Advanced, Wildcard, UCC, and Extended options with up to 256-bit encryption. It ensures HTTPS and browser recognition while daily malware scans are performed. IONOS provides Domain Validated, Organization Validated, and Extended Validation SSL Certificates, with features such as Site Seal and protection against phishing. Both providers offer 256-bit encryption, but IONOS also enhances its security with PHP Extended Support, PHP JIT Compiler, OPcache, and support for multiple PHP versions, from 4.0 to the latest 8.3, ensuring a higher level of security performance.

Operational security measures:

Network Solutions incorporates daily malware scans, SiteLock protection, CodeGuard backups, and the nsProtect Assured Website Seal. To guard against phishing, it uses Click-time Anti-Phishing and Lazy Expunge for email recovery. IONOS, on the other hand, includes advanced DDoS protection, malware scanning and removal, daily backups, georedundant data centers, and customizable firewall rules. It also uses intrusion detection and SIEM software for continuous monitoring and applies SSH, SFTP, and Cloudflare CDN for secure data management, thus offering more comprehensive operational security.

Compliance and certifications:

Network Solutions covers GDPR/PCI compliance aspects through its SSL offerings. IONOS explicitly states GDPR compliance and hints at PCI compliance through its SSL encryption. IONOS goes further by certifying its data centers with ISO standards, portraying a strong commitment to regulatory adherence.

🏆 Winner Network Solutions: An all-inclusive hosting provider with diverse packages for different needs.

Network Solutions and IONOS both offer a robust array of hosting services tailored to cater to different user requirements, but they have key differences worth noting. Network Solutions provides a reliable uptime guarantee of 99.9%, daily malware scans, and diverse hosting plans from Starter to Premium Plus, which includes a range of multiple features such as SSL Certificates and SiteLock for malware protection. On the other hand, IONOS utilizes georedundant infrastructure ensuring high reliability and swift loading times through HTTP/2 protocol and a CDN with Cloudflare for performance optimization. IONOS offers managed WordPress hosting with perks like automatic updates and malware scanning, making it an attractive option for WordPress users.

Both providers offer varying degrees of customization and user-friendliness. Network Solutions includes open-source applications and tools supporting a wide range of programming languages, appealing to developers. IONOS provides a Click & Build feature for easy installation of popular apps like WordPress and Joomla, making it highly user-friendly. Network Solutions’ higher-end plans come with features such as unlimited websites and email accounts, while IONOS offers scalable performance management and staging environments which might be particularly useful for professional development. Price-wise, IONOS offers more cost-effective options for long-term plans, with added benefits like a free domain for the first year and a Wildcard SSL certificate included in all plans.

Email Services:

Network Solutions offers email hosting with their plans, starting from five email boxes in their Starter package to unlimited email boxes in their higher-tier plans. These email services enable users to set up their own email campaigns seamlessly. IONOS, on the other hand, provides professional email services across all their plans and includes anti-phishing and anti-spam filters for enhanced security. Both providers support transactional emails, although IONOS takes it a step further with personalized advice from a personal consultant available 24/7. While Network Solutions does not mention any third-party email service reselling, their comprehensive email hosting services still cater well to general business needs.

🏆 Winner IONOS: In terms of overall value and features provided at competitive prices, IONOS stands out as the superior choice.

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 Network Solutions and IONOS reveals differing strengths. Network Solutions offers a range of web hosting plans from $5.69 to $31.61 per month with extensive features like SiteLock Premium and SSL certificates. Their WordPress-specific plans range from $7.99 to $18.98 per month, including cloud backup and multisite management options. On the other hand, IONOS presents competitively priced plans starting as low as $4 per month, extending up to $9 per month, with features like daily backups, unlimited storage on higher tiers, and free Wildcard SSL certificates. Both providers include domain names and professional email services in their plans, but IONOS excels with its affordability and extensive support options.

Enterprise plans

For enterprise-level hosting, IONOS’ Ultimate Plan provides maximum CPU and MEM resources, unlimited websites, and unlimited storage for $16/month, making it an excellent high-value option. Network Solutions’ Premium Plus plan offers similar extensive features, including unlimited email boxes and SiteLock Premium, but costs significantly higher at $31.61/month, which may not be as cost-effective as IONOS.

🏆 Winner IONOS: Offers user-friendly setup and comprehensive support for a smoother hosting experience.

Both Network Solutions and IONOS offer different types of admin panels designed to cater to various user needs. Network Solutions primarily uses a custom solution that allows users to access their hosting features efficiently. This admin panel is accessible for both technical and non-technical users, offering a straightforward, guided setup process. It integrates with easy website builders and FTP credentials, making it simpler for users to manage their web hosting needs. The custom panel is user-friendly yet somewhat limited in its capabilities compared to more standard solutions.

IONOS, on the other hand, provides a more tailored WordPress experience with WP Assistant, but also supports other platforms through its Click & Build feature. This allows for installation of applications like TYPO3, Joomla, Drupal, and PrestaShop with minimal effort. Their admin panel is designed to be intuitive, making it easy for new users to navigate. Technical users will appreciate the customization options available, while non-technical users benefit from guided assistance. Both the custom panel and the Click & Build apps offer a streamlined way to manage the hosting environment effectively.

Network Solutions provides migration services that involve agent assistance to enable seamless transfer of your website with minimal downtime. They also help with transferring website security products like SSL certificates and SiteLock. These services are generally linked to support and may require coordination with their team. IONOS also supports site migration but enhances the process with managed WordPress hosting and tools that simplify the setup. With Click & Build, users can easily migrate their site and set up multiple CMS options. While Network Solutions offers personalized help, IONOS wins by providing a more straightforward, automated process that requires less manual intervention.

The help centers of both providers are designed to assist users at different levels of expertise. Network Solutions has an extensive Online Support Center with articles, user guides, and tutorials. Additionally, their customer support team is available 24/7 via phone or chat, ensuring they address any technical issues efficiently. Meanwhile, IONOS boasts a comprehensive Help Center filled with detailed information and instructions, bolstered by 24/7 customer support via phone, chat, and email. The inclusion of a personal consultant adds an extra layer of personalized help.

🏆 Winner IONOS: A versatile and highly flexible user management system.

When comparing the user management capabilities of Network Solutions and IONOS, IONOS stands out for its customization and flexibility. Network Solutions offers roles such as Primary Contact, Admin Contact, and Technical Contact, each with clear but limited permissions. In contrast, IONOS provides more flexibility allowing multiple users to be assigned various roles, each role customizable in terms of permissions. Users can create, clone, and delete roles, providing extensive control over what each user can do within the Cloud Panel.

Network Solutions employs a straightforward interface that allows administrators to easily add, edit, or delete users using a step-by-step process. The interface is user-friendly but offers a more rigid role structure. IONOS, on the other hand, offers a robust interface within its Cloud Panel where roles can be created, edited, and assigned various permissions through an intuitive menu. This level of control and customization aids in fine-tuning user management according to business needs.

In terms of access control measures, Network Solutions has a simpler system that is easier to manage for small to mid-sized teams but may fall short in scalability. The roles have clear boundaries, which can restrict complex access needs. IONOS’s granular permission settings and ability to customize permissions for role-specific tasks make it more scalable for growing businesses. This approach supports efficient management of a larger user base, ensuring that each user has appropriate access without exposing sensitive areas unnecessarily.

Network Solutions user roles table:

IONOS user roles table:

🏆 Winner IONOS: Offering round-the-clock support and personalization through a dedicated consultant.

When comparing customer support, IONOS provides more comprehensive options with 24/7 availability via phone, chat, and email, as well as a dedicated personal consultant for tailored assistance. On top of that, their support infrastructure includes a Help Center and Community resources, making it easy for customers to find help anytime they need it.

Networksolutions offers 24/7 phone support and live chat, but lacks email/ticket support and dedicated personal consultants. This might be sufficient for small businesses and individuals with fewer needs, but for those requiring more personalized and varied support channels, IONOS stands out as the stronger choice.

User feedback

User feedback on this hosting provider highlights several key strengths and weaknesses. On the positive side, many users find the interface user-friendly and appreciate the ease of navigating through the platform, particularly when managing domains and webpages. However, there are significant concerns about the provider’s customer service, which many describe as unresponsive and ineffective at solving technical issues, often resulting in prolonged waits and unmet assurances. Additionally, users criticize the high costs, frequent upselling, and lack of timely communication during server outages, which collectively detract from the overall user experience.

The user feedback on the hosting provider is highly mixed. Some customers appreciate the affordability and ease of use, particularly for startups, and praise the good customer support and convenient packages. However, many others criticize the company’s unreliable service, outdated user interface, and poor handling of issues, including severe downtime and inadequate customer support. There are also concerns about deceptive business practices and difficulty with account management, leading to significant dissatisfaction among long-term users.

FAQ