Overall
When assessing A2 Hosting and IONOS against the backdrop of an industry average HostScore of 67%, it becomes evident that both providers perform below this benchmark, with scores of 58.1% and 63.6% respectively.
Be extra cautious when choosing between these two options, as there might be other providers that align more closely with or exceed industry standards.
Service Offering
| Feature | A2 Hosting | IONOS |
|---|---|---|
| Hosting Services | Shared, VPS, Dedicated, and Reseller Hosting | Shared, VPS, and Dedicated Hosting |
| Specialized Services | Managed WordPress, Email, and Minecraft Hosting | Managed WordPress, Adult Websites, Email, and Minecraft Hosting |
| Server Locations | USA, Netherlands, Singapore | USA, UK, Germany, Spain, France |
| Control Panel | cPanel | cPanel |
| Uptime Guarantee | 99.9% | 99.9% |
| Money Back (Days) | 30 | 30 |
| Free Migration | Yes | No |
| Support Channels | Live chat and email | Phone, live chat, and email |
Both A2 Hosting and IONOS offer shared, VPS, and dedicated hosting. A2 Hosting also provides reseller hosting, whereas IONOS offers specialized services for adult websites.
IONOS has a broader range of server locations, which may offer better performance and local support for a global audience.
Plans & Pricing
| Hosting Type | A2 Hosting | IONOS |
|---|---|---|
| Shared Hosting | $2.99 - 14.99/mo | $5.00 - 13.00/mo |
| VPS Hosting | $2.99 - 99.99/mo | $2.00 - 30.00/mo |
| Dedicated Hosting | $109.99 - 529.99/mo | $50.00 - 150.00/mo |
| Cloud Hosting | $ - /mo | $ - /mo |
| WordPress Hosting | $11.99 - 41.99/mo | $4.50 - 11.00/mo |
| Windows Hosting | $ - /mo | $6.00 - 11.00/mo |
| Coupon | - | - |
| Coupon Details | - | - |
IONOS’s shared hosting plans range from $5.00 to $13.00 per month, offering a competitive price point for users looking for value. A2 Hosting’s VPS hosting options are broader, but IONOS offers very affordable VPS hosting starting from $2.00 to $30.00 per month.
Development Features & Others
| Feature | A2 Hosting | IONOS |
|---|---|---|
| Language Support | PHP, Java, Python, Node.js, Django, Perl, and Ruby on Rails | PHP, Java, Python, Node.js, Django, Perl, Ruby on Rails, and ASP.NET |
| Dev Features | GIT access, WP-CLI, cron jobs, Multiple PHP versions, and SSH access | GIT access, WP-CLI, cron jobs, Multiple PHP versions, and SSH access |
| Staging Tool | Softaculous | No |
| Free SSL | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in Cache | Higher plans | Yes |
| Global CDN | Yes | Yes |
| Free Malware Scan | Yes | Yes |
| DDoS Protection | Yes | Yes |
| Web Application Firewall (WAF) | Yes | Yes |
Both providers support a wide array of development features, including multiple programming languages and GIT access. However, A2 Hosting offers a broader range of language support, including Java, Node.js, and Django.
About A2 Hosting
A2 Hosting's origins trace back to 2003 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where it was founded by Bryan Muthig. Starting as a hobby project offering web hosting for friends and family, A2 Hosting swiftly transitioned into a professional business focusing on high-performance hosting solutions, particularly for WordPress sites. Responding to customer demands for speed and reliability, A2 Hosting pioneered SSD hosting to boost website loading times and developed the A2 Optimized solution, enhancing WordPress site performance through optimized settings for speed and security.
A2 Hosting Pros
- Server locations in North America, Europe, and Asia
- Free website migration assistance
- Developer-oriented features even on shared hosting
- Custom performance optimizations tools available in higher shared plans
A2 Hosting Cons
- Steep price increase during the renewal
- Free site transfers mainly for cPanel installations
- HTTP/2 only on TURBO plans
- Lowest shared plan does not support automatic backup
About IONOS
With roots tracing back to its establishment in 1988 as 1&1 Internet in Germany, IONOS has evolved into a significant player in the internet services domain. Following mergers and rebranding, including a pivotal union with ProfitBricks in 2018, the company adopted the name 1&1 Ionos under the leadership of CEO Achim Weiss. Renowned for its global provision of web hosting, cloud computing, and domain services.
IONOS Pros
- Reliable server uptime performance
- Easy-to-use user dashboard
- Built-in DDoS and web applications firewall (WAF) protection
IONOS Cons
- Unhelpful customer support
- Expensive signup price
- Limitations in SSL usage
- Price increase during the renewal
Our Recommendation
Key Differentials Between A2 Hosting & IONOS
- Customer Support: IONOS provides a more extensive range of support channels, including phone support, which may be beneficial for users who prefer more direct communication options.
- Free Migration: Unlike A2 Hosting, IONOS does not offer free migration, which could be a deciding factor for those looking to transfer existing sites.
Final Verdict
Opt for IONOS if you’re seeking a hosting provider with a solid performance record, extensive server location options, and robust security features. It’s ideal for users requiring reliable and secure hosting with a global reach.
Use A2 Hosting if you need a hosting solution with a focus on speed and performance, customizable hosting options, and developer-friendly features. It’s especially suitable for technically inclined users and those with specific needs for server performance and location.
Explore broader market options: With the average HostScore at 67%, users might find that exploring other hosting providers could unveil options that better meet their expectations in terms of reliability, performance, and customer service.
