I’m often asked whether IONOS actually does hosting, and the short answer is yes, but the longer answer needs context. IONOS is a well-known name in the UK hosting space, mainly because of its very low introductory prices and broad range of hosting products. That said, cheap hosting usually comes with trade-offs, and IONOS is no exception.
After reviewing real user feedback, independent reviews, and hands-on experiences, it becomes clear that while IONOS does provide hosting, it won’t suit every type of user. The service looks appealing on the surface, but there are important details that are easy to miss before signing up.
Key Points I Have Covered:
- Whether IONOS hosting delivers on its promises
- Why user complaints persist despite low pricing
- Where IONOS struggles compared to competitors
In this article, I break down what IONOS actually offers, where it performs well, where it falls short, and what users should realistically expect.
What Hosting Services Does IONOS Offer?
IONOS provides a broad range of hosting services designed to appeal to beginners, small businesses, and more technical users. On paper, the selection looks impressive, but the practical experience can be underwhelming depending on your needs.
IONOS hosting services include:
- Shared hosting for basic websites and blogs
- WordPress hosting with pre-configured environments
- VPS hosting for users needing more control
- Dedicated servers aimed at high-performance requirements
- Cloud hosting with scalable infrastructure
While this variety sounds appealing, many users find that the lower-tier plans feel restrictive. Basic shared hosting plans often limit email accounts, lack a built-in CDN, and require upgrades for features that competitors include as standard.
For a full breakdown of how each IONOS hosting service performs in real-world use, including pricing, limitations, and genuine user complaints, see our detailed IONOS hosting review for the complete analysis.
Why Is IONOS Hosting So Cheap, and What’s the Catch?
IONOS is frequently advertised as one of the cheapest hosting providers in the UK, but the low pricing is arguably the biggest red flag. Introductory offers are aggressively discounted, yet renewal prices are significantly higher, which can catch users off guard.
The real “catch” lies in what isn’t included. Entry-level plans often feel stripped back, forcing users to pay extra for features they assumed were standard. Performance optimisations, additional email accounts, and advanced security tools are usually locked behind higher-priced tiers. This pricing strategy makes IONOS attractive upfront but frustrating over time, particularly for users managing growing websites.
Another common complaint is that upgrading plans doesn’t always solve performance issues, leaving users paying more without seeing meaningful improvements.
Is IONOS a Reliable Web Hosting Provider?
Reliability is one area where IONOS receives mixed feedback. Uptime is generally strong, which aligns with the company’s claims of enterprise-grade infrastructure and green-powered data centres. However, uptime alone doesn’t define reliability for most website owners.
Page loading speeds are a frequent criticism. Compared to competitors like Hostinger, many IONOS-hosted sites load noticeably slower, especially on shared plans. For UK businesses relying on SEO and user experience, this can be a serious drawback. Slow websites don’t just frustrate visitors; they can also negatively impact search engine rankings and conversion rates.
The backend experience also affects reliability. Users report occasional control panel errors and system glitches, which undermine confidence in an otherwise stable infrastructure.
What Do Users Say About IONOS Hosting?
User reviews paint a far more negative picture than IONOS’s marketing suggests. While the provider claims to offer reliable and affordable hosting with strong support, actual user experiences often reflect deep dissatisfaction, especially in areas such as email reliability, cancellation procedures, and customer support.
Below are some recent reviews from Trustpilot, shared exactly as written by the users:
Liyan, Jan 30, 2026 – Rated 1 out of 5 stars
Mail Sever is down always
Mail Sever is down always. Never recommended worst hosting provider in the world!!!!!
Trudix CRS, Jan 26, 2026 – Rated 2 out of 5 stars
I was trying to cancel my IONOS Web…
I was trying to cancel my IONOS Web Hosting Plus and keep the domain name by choosing “Keep domains and cancel contract” but I’ve got “Sorry, this page cannot be accessed at this time (Error 500)” every time I am trying to do that. I have created a ticket regarding this matter at 25/01/2026, 12:38 am and so far until now there are no replies back to me. This is very frustrating as I am reading the reviews just now and it looks suspicious as other people have experienced similar difficulties.
Ionos.co.uk please reply to my ticket and cancel the Webhost I have, and keep the domain name.
Thank you!
Christopher, Jan 24, 2026 – Rated 1 out of 5 stars
I find the Hosting Team at Ionos very frustrating and unhelpful, so much so in fact that I am now in the process of moving many of my hosted websites with Ionos to another hosting provider. I have been a loyal customer for around 12 years I believe and never have I experienced such poor customer service.
These reviews suggest systemic issues rather than isolated complaints. Problems with support delays, error-prone account dashboards, and unresolved tickets seem to affect both new and long-time users.
While no host is perfect, this level of dissatisfaction among paying customers raises genuine concerns about IONOS’s ability to deliver a consistent, user-focused experience, especially when users need help the most.
Can You Trust IONOS Customer Support When Things Go Wrong?
IONOS promotes its 24/7 phone support as a key selling point, and while phone access is genuinely available, the quality of support is inconsistent. Many users report long resolution times, repeated explanations to different agents, and limited technical depth when dealing with complex issues.
The most concerning feedback relates to cancellation requests and billing problems. Users frequently mention unanswered tickets and difficulty accessing account management pages. When problems arise, especially those involving contracts or renewals, the support experience often becomes stressful rather than reassuring.
For business owners, unreliable support during critical moments can be more damaging than slow website performance.
Should You Choose IONOS or Look Elsewhere?
This is where a comparison helps put things into perspective. While IONOS competes aggressively on price, it often falls behind on usability and speed when compared to other UK-focused hosts.
| Feature | IONOS | Hostinger |
|---|---|---|
| Introductory Pricing | Very Low | Low |
| Renewal Costs | High | Moderate |
| Website Speed | Average to Slow | Fast |
| Ease of Use | Complex for beginners | Beginner-friendly |
| Email Accounts | Limited on basic plans | More generous |
| Support Experience | Mixed | Generally positive |
For users who prioritise affordability above all else, IONOS may still be tempting. However, those who value speed, simplicity, and consistent support are likely to find better long-term value elsewhere.
What I Personally Think About IONOS Hosting?
In my view, IONOS hosting is a classic example of a provider that looks better on paper than it performs in practice. Yes, it does hosting, and yes, it can work for very basic websites with minimal demands.
But the combination of slow loading speeds, confusing interfaces, email limitations, and worrying customer support reviews makes it hard for me to recommend confidently.
For hobby sites or users who specifically want phone support at a low entry price, IONOS might be acceptable. However, for business websites, eCommerce projects, or anyone serious about performance and ease of use, I believe there are far better alternatives available in the UK market.
