OVH Cloud vs Contabo: guide for 2024

OVH Cloud vs Contabo: Final verdict

Looking over OVH vs. Contabo, both providers offer compelling services but differ significantly in their strengths and weaknesses.

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  OVH (Overall grade: 8.2)
  
  
  provides a well-rounded hosting experience with a variety of hosting types, including shared and cloud hosting. Its standout features include extensive compliance certifications, impressive security measures like advanced anti-DDoS protection, and a user-friendly control panel that makes server management accessible to users of all technical levels. OVH’s hosting plans are also quite competitive in pricing, making it a great choice for small-scale and high-traffic websites alike. However, OVH could improve its uptime reliability and does not offer specialized SSD options as found in Contabo.
  
• 
  Contabo (Overall grade: 7.6)
  
  
  excels in providing high-performance and affordable VPS plans, backed by a substantial uptime guarantee of 99.996%. Its use of advanced AMD EPYC processors and extensive global data center presence ensure fast response times and service reliability. Contabo is particularly well-suited for high-traffic and multimedia websites due to its superior bandwidth and GPU options. However, it lacks features like a built-in website builder and has limited customer support options, with some users reporting notable delays in service response times. Contabo’s strengths lie in its powerful performance and value-for-money hosting solutions, though its customer support can be a drawback for some users.
  

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: Offers superior uptime and performance metrics.

Contabo presents a significant advantage with a 99.996% uptime guarantee, ensuring your website remains online almost uninterrupted. It uses advanced AMD EPYC 7282 processors and offers extensive data traffic and fast connection speeds, making it a reliable choice for high-performance needs. Additionally, its data centers are globally distributed, helping maintain service availability across different geographic locations.

OVHcloud has shown improvements in its uptime performance, moving from 99.37% to a more competitive 99.962%. It also offers a global infrastructure and high availability options, which include redundant Points of Presence and Anti-DDoS protection. Although OVHcloud provides valuable features like automatic backups and performance hosting plans, it falls slightly short in uptime reliability compared to Contabo.

🏆 Winner: ContaboContabo offers a well-rounded hosting solution with scalable options and fast, reliable infrastructure.

When comparing the general performance of OVHcloud and Contabo, several factors come into play. Contabo outshines with its use of AMD EPYC 16-core processors, providing nimble response times and optimal load handling. OVHcloud’s Performance Web Hosting plan offers a range of resources from 2 to 8 vCores, accommodating various needs. Both services include SSD options, though Contabo offers advanced Gen 4 PCIe NVMe SSDs. OVHcloud does include a basic CDN, while Contabo provides free IPv4 and IPv6 addresses with private networking options. Contabo’s data centers are more extensive, with locations in the US, UK, Germany, and Singapore, compared to OVHcloud’s geographical presence.

Website Speed

Website speed is a critical factor in choosing a hosting service. Contabo’s use of AMD EPYC processors and optional Gen 4 PCIe NVMe SSDs translates to quicker load times and higher PageSpeed scores. OVHcloud provides high-performance resources, but lacks the specialized SSD options found in Contabo. Both hosting providers offer DDoS protection and SSL certificates, essential for maintaining speed under varying traffic conditions. OVHcloud’s CDN, while basic, aids in distributing content effectively; however, Contabo’s superior CPU and storage technology usually result in faster pages for end-users.

Scalability

As far as scalability is concerned, both OVHcloud and Contabo offer options to fit various needs, but they approach it differently. OVHcloud plans come with an optional boost feature to handle traffic spikes at an additional cost. Contabo provides seamless scalability with easy upgrades for VPS packages, maintaining availability and uptime. While OVHcloud’s resources need to be upgraded manually, Contabo supports automated scaling through its DevOps features. Both services offer dedicated servers; however, the cost for scaling with Contabo remains more affordable due to the cheaper, self-managed VPS plans. Specific pricing details for upgrades and elastic scaling capabilities are unknown.

🏆 Winner
OVHcloud: Offers a broader range of compliance certifications and advanced security features for a secure hosting environment.

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

Technical security measures:

OVHcloud and Contabo both offer SSL certificates, but OVHcloud provides a wider range, including free Let’s Encrypt SSL and paid Sectigo options. OVHcloud also incorporates advanced firewall protection and anti-DDoS measures as default settings, which are key to mitigating online threats. Contabo provides always-on DDoS protection and includes Imunify AV for cPanel servers, but OVHcloud’s offering of multiple SSL types and extensive anti-DDoS mitigation make it more comprehensive in this aspect. Both providers support dynamic sites with PHP but do not specify versions.

Operational security measures:

Both OVHcloud and Contabo emphasize physical security at their data centers with 24/7 surveillance; however, Contabo details the use of magnetic cards and role-based access controls, enhancing physical security further. OVHcloud includes automatic backup and restore options with multiple recovery points, which is crucial for data management. Contabo requires two-factor authentication (2FA) and provides advanced monitoring tools and automated management for resellers, adding layers to security and operational efficiency. OVHcloud offers task automation through Crontab and an extensive API for product management, indicating a more flexible operational environment.

Compliance and certifications:

OVHcloud boasts a vast array of compliance certifications, including GDPR, PCI DSS, ISO standards, HIPAA, and more, which are vital for various regulatory needs. Contabo is fully GDPR compliant and emphasizes security protocols that suggest alignment with PCI standards, although specific details are not stated. OVHcloud’s extensive list of certifications makes it a reliable choice for businesses requiring stringent compliance across multiple regulatory frameworks.

🏆 Winner
Contabo: Contabo stands out with its robust performance and versatility, presenting a comprehensive hosting solution tailored for various user needs.

Both OVHcloud and Contabo offer an array of features that cater to different types of users. OVHcloud provides managed hosting with unlimited monthly traffic and a user-friendly control panel, making it an excellent choice for users who want simplicity and effective anti-DDoS protection. Its one-click CMS installation feature allows easy deployment of popular CMS platforms, and the unlimited FTP and SSH access(available for specific plans) further contribute to its user-friendly environment. However, OVHcloud lacks a built-in website builder, which could be a limitation for those seeking an all-in-one solution.

Contabo, on the other hand, focuses on high-performance and security with its use of AMD EPYC processors and SSD storage options. It offers free DDoS protection and a 99.996% uptime guarantee, making it reliable for high-traffic websites. The comprehensive control panel allows for extensive customization and management of servers, domains, and DNS settings. Though it doesn’t explicitly mention a website builder in the provided context, its flexibility in offering multiple OS options, snapshots, and powerful DevOps features like CI/CD pipelines can cater to advanced users. Contabo’s free services and affordable plans with significant traffic allowance make it an attractive choice for performance-oriented users.

Both providers support a range of users from beginners to experts with user-friendly website builders and WordPress staging areas. However, in terms of developer tools, both OVHcloud and Contabo offer robust options including SSH access, support for multiple programming languages, and Git for version control, thus appealing to developers looking for advanced capabilities.

Email services:

OVHcloud and Contabo both offer comprehensive email hosting capabilities, allowing users to manage their email accounts efficiently. OVHcloud provides various email options based on the plan, with up to 1000 email addresses for its Performance Web Hosting plan. Contabo also supports email hosting and allows users to create and manage email campaigns. Both providers offer essential features for transactional emails, making them adept choices for handling email services. However, neither provider mentions reselling third-party services like Google Workspace or Outlook.

🏆 Winner OVHcloud: OVHcloud offers a wide range of customizable hosting plans ideal for both small-scale and high-traffic websites, all at competitive prices.

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 OVHcloud and Contabo shows OVHcloud’s shared hosting starts at just $1.04/month for a single website with 1 GB of storage, making it an economical choice. Contabo’s entry-level plan for self-managed VPS starts at $3.99/month but offers much higher specs including 8GB RAM and 50GB storage. Both providers offer unique features such as free domains with OVHcloud and a high traffic limit with Contabo. For managed services, OVHcloud doesn’t have a direct equivalent, which might make Contabo appealing for those needing more managed solutions. Overall, OVHcloud presents a slightly broader and more affordable range of shared and cloud hosting options.

Enterprise plans

OVHcloud’s enterprise plans offer robust disk storage and high email capacity, ideal for organizations handling substantial volumes of data and interactions. Contabo, on the other hand, stands out with its dedicated and virtual dedicated server plans, providing substantial CPU core options and expansive RAM for enterprises needing significant computational power. Each provider presents unique strengths, catering to a variety of enterprise needs.

🏆 Winner OVHcloud: A user-friendly hosting solution with comprehensive managed services.

Both OVHcloud and Contabo offer customized control panels, but they cater to different user experiences. OVHcloud’s control panel is a simplified, centralized interface that focuses on providing a seamless and manageable environment for users. Its 1-Click CMS installation feature makes it incredibly accessible for non-technical users who want to quickly set up their websites. On the other hand, Contabo offers a more technical control panel that emphasizes server management, allowing users to oversee services, manage servers, and handle OS installations. This panel is more geared towards users who have a higher level of technical knowledge but still offers the necessary functions for comprehensive server management.

When comparing the accessibility and user-friendliness of the admin panels, OVHcloud’s panel seems more approachable for users with varied levels of technical expertise. It offers a user-centric, easy-to-navigate interface that simplifies website management tasks. Contabo’s control panel, while equally robust in features, caters more to those with a technical background, offering detailed server management options. This makes OVHcloud the better option for users seeking simplicity, while Contabo would better suit those looking for more advanced server control options.

In terms of migration tools, OVHcloud offers various methods such as FTP Explorer, FTP Client, or SSH, along with the convenience of automatic backups, which aids in the migration process. This array of tools ensures that users have multiple options to move their website files as needed. Contabo, however, primarily focuses on server management and does not explicitly mention dedicated migration tools, suggesting a more manual process. While both providers offer mechanisms to assist in migration, OVHcloud provides a more user-friendly and flexible array of options for this task.

OVHcloud offers a well-rounded knowledge base with multilingual guides, a community forum, detailed automation guides, and a dedicated help center. It also includes a partner program and a marketplace for additional solutions. Meanwhile, Contabo offers tutorials and a comprehensive FAQ section, focusing on practical and useful information for server management. The support page allows users to submit tickets and requests, enhancing the overall support experience. Both providers have strong help center resources, but OVHcloud’s breadth and accessibility make it more advantageous for a wide range of users.

The platforms provide extensive knowledge bases filled with guides, how-to articles, and instructional content. OVHcloud offers a wide range of resources alongside 24/7 chat and phone support. Contabo 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 OVHcloud: A feature-rich hosting provider offering extensive user role management capabilities.

OVHcloud and Contabo differ significantly in their approaches to user roles, permissions, and accessibility. OVHcloud allows for the creation of an unlimited number of users, with roles that can be precisely defined using OpenStack. This flexibility means you can tailor user permissions to match specific needs, ensuring a secure and streamlined workflow. Roles like Administrator, Network Operator, and ObjectStore Operator can be combined for multifaceted access. Contabo, on the other hand, offers a more straightforward system where users can authorize other individuals to have certain permissions. While practical, Contabo’s approach is less flexible compared to OVHcloud’s comprehensive role management.

OVHcloud’s OVHcloud Control Panel provides tools for generating access configuration files and assigning multiple roles to individual users. These capabilities make managing infrastructure more streamlined. OVHcloud supports direct interaction with its cloud resources using the OpenStack API, enhancing usability for developers and network operators. Contabo’s user management tools are embedded in a simple, user-friendly Control Panel, allowing users to update personal information, enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA), and manage server permissions effortlessly. Though easy to use, the tools lack the depth found in OVHcloud’s offerings.

When it comes to access control and scalability, OVHcloud excels. The platform’s ability to create and disable multiple accesses on demand enhances security and user management efficiency. The infinite number of OpenStack users ensures that as your business grows, so too can your user base without limitations. Contabo mandates Two-Factor Authentication for all users, providing a robust security foundation. However, its system for managing user growth doesn’t match the scalable, flexible approach offered by OVHcloud.

OVHcloud user roles table:

🏆 Winner OVHcloud: Offers 24/7 technical support and comprehensive customer service options to cater to various business needs.

OVHcloud and Contabo both offer multiple customer support options but with different service levels and availability. OVHcloud stands out with its 24/7 business and enterprise support, ensuring immediate assistance for critical incidents, albeit at a higher cost. In contrast, Contabo provides phone and email support, though their responses can vary in quality and speed, and they don’t offer round-the-clock support or live chat.

Contabo is more affordable but lacks immediate response times for severe issues, with support tickets being their primary method of communication. They provide managed services and emergency support upgrades but don’t have live chat or a money-back guarantee. OVHcloud offers people a more comprehensive range of support options, accommodating various business demands, particularly for critical environments.

OVH Cloud vs Contabo: User feedback

User feedback for this hosting provider reveals a stark contrast in experiences. On one hand, users appreciate the competitive pricing, diverse range of services, multiple datacenter locations, and solid server performance when issues do not arise, reflecting a favorable cost-benefit ratio. On the other hand, many users criticize the provider’s customer service, highlighting slow response times, inadequate technical support, and unresolved billing discrepancies, with some experiencing significant delays and lack of assistance in critical situations. Overall, while the hosting services can be robust and reliable, the customer support and service delivery times need considerable improvement.

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.

OVH Cloud vs Contabo: FAQ