Yes, you can absolutely create a website with IONOS. IONOS offers a user-friendly, AI-powered website builder, plus flexible WordPress hosting and custom web design services. Whether you’re a blogger, small business owner, or just need a simple portfolio, IONOS provides the essential tools, templates, hosting, domain registration, professional email, and 24/7 support.
Here’s what you’ll learn in this post:
- What IONOS actually offers for UK users
- The different ways to build a website with them
- Real experiences, including my own and a professional’s take
- Pricing, features, pros and cons
- Whether IONOS is worth it for you
What is IONOS and Who Is It For?
IONOS is a web hosting and site-building service that caters to individuals and small-to-medium businesses. They provide everything from domain registration to AI-powered website creation and email hosting. Based in Europe, they’ve made strong inroads into the UK market.
Ideal users:
- Beginners looking to build a site fast
- Local businesses need an affordable online presence
- Freelancers or creatives showcasing portfolios
- Those needing AI-assisted web design
How Does the IONOS Website Builder Work?
IONOS uses an intuitive drag-and-drop website builder powered by AI. It helps you build sites quickly, even without coding knowledge.
Using the drag-and-drop editor
The interface is clean and straightforward. You choose a template, drag elements like text, buttons or images where you want, and customise fonts, colours, and layout.
AI-powered design & content tools
One standout is their AI Content Generator. It can write your homepage copy, suggest design layouts, and even generate placeholder images or logos. This makes the process fast, especially if you’re starting from scratch.
What Are the Different Ways to Build a Site with IONOS?
IONOS gives users multiple options depending on how hands-on or advanced you want to be.
- IONOS Website Builder: The easiest way to launch a site. Includes templates, AI content tools, and hosting in one plan.
- WordPress Hosting: For users familiar with WordPress. Choose managed or unmanaged options.
- Custom Design Services: IONOS also offers professional web design for those who want an expert to handle it all.
I personally tested the website builder and found it quick and responsive. However, I reached out to a professional web developer who has worked with several clients using IONOS.
Here’s what they told me:
“From a developer’s perspective, IONOS works fine for quick setups. But if you’re integrating third-party apps or expect heavy traffic, there can be limitations. I had a client whose website ran into integration issues with a third-party tool recommended by IONOS, which led to ongoing billing even after cancellation. Always double-check with support and keep records of any commitments.”
That experience really underlines the need to manage expectations with all-in-one platforms, especially when dealing with billing or support.
What Features Make IONOS a Good Website Builder?
Despite a few drawbacks, there are several strong points worth noting.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| AI Tools | Auto-generate content, images, and design layouts |
| All-in-One | Website builder + hosting + domain + email |
| Responsive Templates | Mobile-optimised, professional-looking designs |
| SEO Tools | Basic SEO setup tools included |
| UK-Based Support | 24/7 customer service available locally |
| Free Domain | For the first year on most plans |
| 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee | Try it risk-free |
That said, not all user experiences are equal. One customer shared:
“Disgusted I had a website with them, I cancelled in July 2025 due to issues with a third-party app. Despite confirmation from their advisor, I kept getting charged monthly until December. Even after multiple calls, a promised refund and £50 compensation were never processed. My bank found no pending payments. IONOS are quick to take your money but slow to refund. Not trustworthy.”
While that’s a frustrating scenario, others have had more positive experiences:
“I’m very happy with the support I received today from IONOS. JackieRose was extremely helpful and understanding, even though we couldn’t resolve my issue. The support felt genuine.”
Is IONOS Suitable for Small Businesses in the UK?
Absolutely. IONOS is well-suited for UK-based small businesses that need a quick and professional online presence without investing in custom development.
They offer:
- Free domain for a year
- Email hosting with your domain
- GDPR-compliant features
- Localised customer support
- Scalable plans as your business grows
The IONOS Website Builder includes industry-specific templates for salons, tradespeople, restaurants, and consultants, making setup even faster.
How Much Does It Cost to Make a Website with IONOS?
IONOS offers transparent and competitive pricing:
| Plan | Monthly Cost (Starting) | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Starter | £1 for 6 months, then £5/month | 1 website, domain, AI tools |
| Plus | £10/month | Additional storage, more AI features |
| WordPress Hosting | From £1/month | Managed & unmanaged options |
| Custom Web Design | From £199 setup + monthly fee | Professional design & support |
IONOS occasionally runs discounts, so keep an eye out.
One important note: If you cancel, make sure you get written confirmation. Some users, like the one above, reported ongoing charges despite cancellation.
What Support and Guarantees Does IONOS Offer?
IONOS provides 24/7 support via phone and chat. I’ve used their live chat myself and got a helpful response within five minutes.
They also offer:
- Knowledge base: Guides, FAQs and tutorials
- Onboarding help: Initial setup assistance
- 30-day money-back guarantee: Cancel within 30 days for a refund
However, support consistency seems to vary. One reviewer mentioned:
“UDP bandwidth is capped to 350 Mbits/s, despite their promise of 1 Gb/s. Support was unresponsive for days and wouldn’t process a refund.”
What Was My Experience Like Building a Website with IONOS?
When I built my own test site with IONOS, I was expecting to hit some roadblocks, especially when it came to layout customisation. But I was pleasantly surprised.
The setup process took less than 15 minutes. The AI tools actually suggested a homepage structure that suited my blog layout, and the image suggestions weren’t generic; they fit the tone of what I was building.
What really impressed me was the ability to change page structures without breaking the layout. For example, switching a two-column section to one column automatically adjusted spacing and padding. No need to fix everything manually.
If you’d like a more in-depth look at other users’ experiences, I recommend checking out our detailed IONOS review, which breaks down real customer feedback, performance benchmarks, and support quality.
For anyone like me who’s used Wix or Squarespace before, IONOS feels like a serious contender, less flashy, perhaps, but very capable and performance-driven.
Should You Build Your Website with IONOS?
If you’re a beginner or small business owner in the UK, then yes, IONOS is a solid place to start. It’s affordable, comes with all-in-one tools, and you can be live within a day.
However, if you rely on third-party apps or have advanced integration needs, it might not be ideal. Billing and refund policies also seem to be a weak spot for some users, so tread carefully and keep records.
FAQs
What is included in the IONOS website builder plans?
Each plan includes hosting, a domain, email, templates, AI tools, and customer support. Higher-tier plans offer more storage and customisation.
Can I switch from the IONOS website builder to WordPress?
Yes, you can migrate or start with WordPress hosting directly through IONOS. They provide both managed and unmanaged options.
Does IONOS have free trial options?
Not exactly, but they offer a 30-day money-back guarantee if you’re not satisfied.
Is IONOS good for eCommerce?
IONOS supports small online shops, but it may lack the flexibility of platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce for larger stores.
Can I use a custom domain with IONOS?
Yes, every paid plan includes a free domain for the first year. You can also transfer existing domains.
Is IONOS good for UK users?
Yes. IONOS has strong infrastructure and support within the UK, and all pricing is in GBP.
How reliable is IONOS customer support?
It’s hit or miss. Some users report excellent service, while others have faced delays or unresolved issues, especially regarding refunds or technical limitations.
