What is IONOS?
IONOS (formerly 1&1) is a German web hosting giant and one of the largest hosting providers in Europe. With over 8 million customer contracts, IONOS offers incredibly competitive pricing, especially for new customers. Their data centers are powered by 100% renewable energy.
What sets IONOS apart is their personal consultant service - each customer gets a dedicated support representative. This European approach to customer service is unique in the hosting industry.
✓ Pros
- ✓ Lowest introductory prices
- ✓ Personal consultant included
- ✓ Georedundant data centers
- ✓ Free domain for first year
- ✓ 100% renewable energy
- ✓ Daily backups included
✗ Cons
- ✗ Higher renewal prices
- ✗ Interface can feel dated
- ✗ Less popular in US market
- ✗ Limited community resources
Performance & Speed
Pricing Plans (January 2026)
The industry's lowest introductory pricing. Includes free domain, wildcard SSL, and personal consultant. 100% green energy powered data centers.
- ✅ 10 GB SSD Storage
- ✅ Free Domain (1 Year)
- ✅ Wildcard SSL
- ✅ Daily Backups
- ✅ Unlimited Space
- ✅ Free Domain (1 Year)
- ✅ SiteLock Malware Scan
- ✅ Personal Consultant
- ✅ Unlimited Space
- ✅ SiteScan Security
- ✅ Staging Environment
- ✅ Priority Support
💰 First Year Total Cost Breakdown
All plans cost just $12 for the entire first year, then renew at standard rates.
🇩🇪 What Makes IONOS Unique
Final Verdict
IONOS offers incredible value, especially for new customers with their $1/month introductory pricing. The personal consultant service is a unique touch that many customers appreciate. However, be aware of renewal prices and evaluate whether the long-term costs work for you.
Great for budget-conscious users in Europe, or anyone who appreciates having a dedicated support consultant.
Get Started with IONOS →Frequently Asked Questions
Are there setup fees?
No, IONOS does not typically charge setup fees for their shared hosting plans.
Is a domain included?
Yes, most annual shared hosting plans include a free domain registration for the first year.
Where are their servers located?
IONOS has data centers in the US (Las Vegas, Newark), UK (London), Germany (Berlin, Karlsruhe), and Spain (Logroño), allowing you to choose the best location for your audience.