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InMotion Hosting vs IONOS
InMotion Hosting
IONOS
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, and performance to help you choose the right hosting provider.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | InMotion Hosting | IONOS |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Price | $4.62/mo | $1.00/mo ★ |
| Renewal Price | $14.50/mo ★ | $32.00/mo |
| Storage | 100GB NVMe Storage | N/A |
| Bandwidth | Unlimited | N/A |
| Websites | 2 | N/A |
| Free Domain | ||
| Free SSL | ||
| Server Locations | ||
| Regions | 3 | 4 ★ |
| Locations | US East, Ashburn, Virginia US West, Los Angeles Western Europe, Amsterdam | US East, Newark, Lenexa Western Europe, London, Madrid Central Europe, Frankfurt, Karlsruhe, Berlin US West, Las Vegas, Nevada |
Features | ||
CMS & Platforms (7) | ||
Languages & Frameworks (9) | ||
Databases (4) | ||
Developer Tools (8) | ||
Performance & CDN (4) | ||
| Caching | ||
| CDN | ||
| LiteSpeed | ||
| SSD Storage | ||
Security (6) | ||
| 2FA | ||
| Backups | ||
| DDoS Protection | ||
| Malware Scan | ||
| SSL | ||
| WAF | ||
Support (4) | ||
Extras & Guarantees (5) | ||
| Slight discrepancies are possible. We recommend verifying details on the provider's website. | ||
| Visit InMotion Hosting | Visit IONOS | |
Pricing & Plans
InMotion Hosting Plans
IONOS Plans
Pros & Cons
InMotion Hosting
Pros
- 90-day money-back guarantee — longest in the industry
- NVMe SSD storage on all plans for fast performance
- cPanel included on all hosting plans
- Free website migration with no downtime
- 99.99% uptime guarantee backed by SLA
- US-based 24/7 human support (phone, chat, tickets)
Cons
- Higher renewal prices compared to promo rates
- No data centers outside the US (LA and DC)
- Core plan limited to chat/ticket support only
- VPS and dedicated plans can be expensive with Premier Care bundles
IONOS
Pros
- Very competitive introductory pricing (from $1.00/mo)
- Wide range of products: shared, WordPress, VPS, dedicated, website builder
- Free domain and Wildcard SSL on all plans
- 99.99% uptime guarantee
- 24/7 phone and chat support
- Strong European data center infrastructure
- Unlimited storage and bandwidth on select plans
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Price increase on renewal (Plus plan: $1 → $14/mo)
- Control panel can be confusing for beginners
- Upselling during checkout process
- Limited resources on basic plans
- Feature documentation is sparse compared to competitors
Frequently Asked Questions
InMotion Hosting
What is Shared Hosting?
Shared Hosting is a web hosting solution where multiple websites share resources on a single server, making it a cost-effective option for businesses with moderate traffic levels. With Shared Hosting, your website resides alongside other sites on the same server infrastructure, while the hosting provider manages all server maintenance, security updates, and hardware management.
Who is shared hosting best for?
Shared hosting is the right fit if you’re launching a new site, running a business site with predictable traffic, or want a fully managed environment without the overhead of a VPS or dedicated server. The Pro plan extends that further for growing agencies, with WHM access, up to 4 isolated cPanel accounts, and a dedicated IP for managing multiple client sites under one plan. If you’re running a high-traffic ecommerce store, a resource-intensive web application, or a site regularly exceeding 500,
How many websites can I host on a shared hosting plan?
The number of websites you can host on your Shared Hosting plan varies depending on the plan you choose. Launch plans include 2 websites, Power plans support up to 10, and Pro plans cover up to 40 websites. The Pro plan also includes WHM access and multi-account isolation, which makes it the practical choice for agencies hosting client sites.
Is shared hosting a good option for agencies?
The Pro plan is built for exactly this use case. It supports up to 40 websites across up to 4 isolated cPanel accounts, includes WHM access for account-level management, and comes with a dedicated IP. That account isolation matters: it keeps client sites separated for both security and performance, without requiring a full reseller or VPS setup. For agencies managing a moderate number of client sites, it covers the core operational requirements cleanly.
Does InMotion Hosting use LiteSpeed?
No. InMotion does not use LiteSpeed, and that’s a deliberate choice. LiteSpeed is a proprietary, licensed web server. Hosting providers that use it are bound by its licensing terms, which limits how they can configure and optimize it for individual customer environments. InMotion runs UltraStack, a proprietary performance configuration built on open source software: NGINX, PHP-FPM, and OPcache. Because every component is open source, our engineering team can modify, tune, and optimize the stack
What data center locations are available?
InMotion operates data centers in Virginia, California, and Amsterdam, Netherlands. During setup, you choose the location closest to your primary audience. Data center proximity can have a noticeable impact on the quality of your web hosting experience including speed, latency, infrastructure, and even SEO.
What are the limitations of shared hosting?
Three worth knowing before you buy: Shared resources. CPU, RAM, and bandwidth are distributed across accounts on the same server. A traffic spike from a neighboring site can create latency for yours. Shared IP address. Your site shares an IP with others on the server. If a neighboring site gets flagged for spam, that can affect email deliverability for your domain. The Pro plan includes a dedicated IP, which eliminates this. Software restrictions. Shared environments have limits on what applica
How reliable is shared hosting?
InMotion’s shared hosting is backed by a 99.99% credit-backed uptime SLA, 24/7 security monitoring, and infrastructure we own and operate directly. That last part matters: because we manage the hardware and network ourselves, security and performance issues can be addressed at the infrastructure level without routing through third parties.
What happens when I outgrow shared hosting?
VPS Hosting is the natural next step. With a VPS, your resources are no longer shared; you get dedicated CPU, RAM, and storage, along with root access and more control over your server environment. InMotion’s migrations team can handle the transfer using a cPanel backup, and 24/7 human support is available throughout the process. All website migration services are available via our migrations team. If you choose to transfer your website, we have a comprehensive support center with extensive step
What is VPS Hosting?
VPS Hosting, short for Virtual Private Server Hosting, is a versatile solution that balances the benefits of shared hosting and dedicated servers. It involves dividing a physical server into multiple virtual servers, each with its dedicated resources like CPU, RAM, and storage. VPS hosting is ideal for businesses needing more control and resources than shared hosting but without the complexity of a dedicated server. As the stepping stone between Shared Web Hosting and Dedicated Hosting, VPS Host
When do I need VPS Hosting?
You or your business needs VPS hosting when you have a large website or online application that requires more resources, control, security, and scalability. Here are some situations where VPS hosting may be necessary: Your website or application receives high traffic: If your website or application receives a large amount of traffic, shared hosting may not be able to handle the load. VPS hosting can provide dedicated resources to ensure that your website or application runs smoothly even during
What is the difference between a Managed VPS and Unmanaged VPS?
Managed VPS Hosting is a plan that offers complete hands-off management of your server. The management of the server such as OS security patches, cPanel or CWP, and WHM updates, is overseen by a team of in-house experts. Managed VPS plans also include Premier 24/7 Live Support, Launch Assist, cPanel, and Web Host Manager (WHM). Self-managed VPS has cheaper options, as they do not come with cPanel, nor other graphical user interface (GUI) software for server management, only SSH. These servers ar
What makes InMotion Hosting VPS Hosting different?
InMotion Hosting offers new customers access to High Availability server clusters, delivering exceptional speed and performance at no extra cost. Our cutting-edge NVMe technology provides more than double the link speed of traditional HDD drives, with 3-6x faster data transfer rates between storage devices and hardware components. With InMotion’s VPS infrastructure, businesses can significantly enhance the performance of their website or web application. For small businesses, developers, and des
How many websites can I run on a VPS?
The number of websites you can run on a VPS depends on the plan you choose and the resources required by each site. A robust VPS web hosting plan can host multiple websites, including those with dynamic content, high traffic, or complex applications. With VPS hosting with cPanel, managing multiple domains is simple, and you can efficiently allocate resources across websites, making it an excellent option for businesses, agencies, or developers.
How much traffic can my website handle on a VPS?
The traffic your website can handle on a VPS depends on the plan’s allocated resources, such as CPU, RAM, and storage. High-performance VPS hosting is designed to manage more traffic than shared hosting, making it suitable for websites that experience regular spikes in visitors or have consistent high traffic. When you buy VPS hosting from a reliable VPS provider, you’ll get scalable resources that grow with your needs, ensuring your site remains fast and responsive even as traffic increases.
Can I install custom software on my VPS plan?
Yes, one of the main advantages of virtual server hosting is the ability to install custom software. With VPS hosting, especially Linux VPS hosting, you have root access to your server, giving you the freedom to install, configure, and run any software you need. This flexibility makes VPS hosting ideal for developers, businesses, and anyone requiring specific software not available on standard hosting plans.
How do I transfer my website to InMotion VPS Hosting?
All Managed VPS Hosting plans paired with cPanel or Control Web Panel include free website transfers and server setup through Launch Assist. Launch Assist is a service we offer for our high-end plans to help customers easily transfer or launch your site. A VPS with an added control panel comes with two free hours of dedicated support with a trained SysAdmin who can help migrate or customize your server. Take advantage of Launch Assist for zero-downtime, fully-managed website migrations, and cust
Can I upgrade or downgrade my VPS Hosting plan?
Upgrading and downgrading your VPS hosting plan is simple and easy. If you’ve outgrown or underutilized your current plan, you can easily sign in to your Account Management Panel to upgrade or downgrade your plan to match your current hosting needs. InMotion Hosting is more than just a VPS hosting provider. From WordPress and Shared Hosting to Dedicated Servers, our full suite of solutions is built to support your business at every stage. Flexible billing options make it easy to choose the plan
What is the difference between cPanel, Control Web Panel, and no panel?
The choice between cPanel, CWP, or no panel depends on your specific business needs and preferences. If you prefer a more standardized and widely used control panel or if you require specific features that are only available in cPanel, then cPanel may be the better choice for you. If cost is a major consideration, then Control Web Panel (CWP) may be a better option for your business. Keep in mind, using any control panel can make it easier to manage your website and hosting environment, especia
What data center locations do you offer and what should I choose?
InMotion Hosting offers VPS Hosting within our data center locations in California and Virginia, USA, as well as within a European data center in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Does Tier 3 support help with VPS server management?
Absolutely. Tier 3 support is our highest level of technical support, included with all InMotion Hosting VPS plans with Premier Care. Our Tier 3 team consists of senior system administrators who handle complex server issues like advanced configurations, application deployments, security hardening, and performance optimization. When you contact our Advanced Product Support (APS) team, your issue goes right to the Tier 3 experts who are available 24/7.
What is a Dedicated Server?
A dedicated server is a single-tenant physical server that is assigned to a single person or organization. InMotion Hosting dedicated servers have enterprise-grade hardware and software, high-bandwidth, and increased physical resources that outperform other web hosting products. All of InMotion Hosting dedicated web servers come with higher RAM and faster CPUs compared to our Virtual Private Servers or Shared Hosting servers. Dedicated Server grade CPUs have more features and have higher frequen
Do I need a Dedicated Hosting Server for my website?
A dedicated server is a resource-rich machine that organizations with heavy traffic or multiple websites typically use. The dedicated server ensures end users have the best visit to your or your client’s website. With hyperfast load times, no downtime, and plenty of storage and memory available, your visitors enjoy fast website speeds. As your business grows, you also want to ensure your website has everything it needs to flourish, including memory, storage, and resources. Dedicated server hosti
Which Dedicated Hosting plan should I choose?
InMotion Hosting has two types of dedicated hosting services, managed InMotion Hosting with Premier Care and unmanaged Bare Metal. With a Premier Care dedicated server plan, you have all the resources of the machine managed by a team of in-house technical professionals. In contrast, an unmanaged bare metal server is ideal for advanced users such as system administrators, web developers, and IT administrators. Bare metal server users control their entire server via command line code and are respo
What data center locations do you have for Dedicated Servers?
InMotion Hosting provides Dedicated Servers in our data center facilities situated in California and Virginia within the United States, along with a European data center located in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Do you offer fully managed dedicated server hosting?
Yes, InMotion Hosting offers Managed Dedicated Server plans with Premier Care. These plans come with a high level of support and management, meaning we handle many operational responsibilities so you can focus on your business rather than server maintenance. Our managed dedicated servers with Premier Care include: Automated OS updates and patching Real-time network monitoring DDoS protection (via Corero) built in 24/7 human support Hardware-level maintenance and replacement Free migration setup
How do I migrate my website to a dedicated server?
We make migration as smooth as possible. Here’s how the process works (and what you’ll need to plan): Choose a dedicated server plan Pick a configuration that meets or exceeds the requirements of your current website/application (CPU, memory, disk, bandwidth). Backup your website/data On your current host, take fresh backups of files, databases, email/router settings, and any configuration files. Transfer files & databases Import your files and databases into the new server (e.g. via cPanel/
What security / DDoS protection comes with a dedicated server?
Security is a major area we invest in. Here’s what you get when you host a dedicated server with InMotion Hosting: Corero-based DDoS protection All managed dedicated servers include real-time DDoS mitigation through Corero systems. We detect and block malicious traffic to protect server availability. Network monitoring & automated mitigation Our infrastructure is monitored 24/7. If an attack is detected, mitigation strategies are enacted immediately (e.g. traffic filtering, reroutes). Firewall
How does Tier 3 support help with dedicated server management?
Tier 3 support is our highest level of technical support, included with all InMotion Hosting Dedicated Server plans with Premier Care. Our Tier 3 team consists of senior system administrators who handle complex server issues like kernel optimizations, security hardening, and complex application troubleshooting. When you contact our Advanced Product Support (APS) team, your issue goes right to the Tier 3 experts. Our Tier 3 specialists are available 24/7.
IONOS
What exactly is web hosting?
Whether a large or small business, an institution or as individual user, anyone planning on creating an online presence will require the appropriate storage space for their future website. This is where web hosting services come into play, i.e. for the provision of storage space for a website by a hosting provider (also known as a provider).This storage space is referred to as disk space. The provision of disk space on a server (a computer designed for this purpose), as well as providing the nec
Which web hosting plan is the right one for me?
This depends on your requirements. If you are planning a simple website, consisting mostly of static HTML pages and minimal multimedia content with manageable data traffic, then our starter package is the ideal option for you. We also offer more advanced packages that are suitable for dynamic web projects and high traffic.With our most powerful web hosting packages, you can comfortably manage resource-intensive, multimedia-based websites as well as extensive online stores and shops. Compare the
What is the difference between web hosting and a domain?
A domain is an internet address that leads to a web server. This server stores the respective content, services and offers that you publish on your domain, i.e., the content that makes up your entire website. If you enter an internet address in the search bar of your web browser, you can retrieve the data that has been provided on the respective server. Providing adequate storage space on a web server is called hosting. Your domain is your business card on the web. It should be as simple and as
Is shared hosting the only type of web hosting?
No, other very popular types of web hosting include:VPSVPS stands for virtual private server, where a server is divided into individual virtual servers. The advantage of VPS is that each website can technically be hosted on its own server, and even though hardware is still shared with other websites, the computing resources are your own.DedicatedWith a dedicated server, you are 100% in control of your resources. This makes the website particularly stable and reliable, and you avoid issues that a
How do I know which web hosting provider is right for me?
Choosing the right web hosting provider comes down to your goals, your budget, and how much flexibility you need.Start with experience and reliability. Look for a provider with a proven track record and infrastructure you can count on. You want a solution that fits your specific web project, not a one-size-fits-all package. Flexible plans are also important, so you can scale resources up or down as your needs change.Security should be a top priority. Your data should be hosted in secure data cen
Why do professional web hosting services come at a cost?
Powerful IT resources and advanced security measures come at a cost. To keep your website secure and performing at its best, infrastructure, hardware, and software must stay up to date. Continuous investment is essential to reliably protect your data and technical environment.If you’re considering “free” web hosting, it’s important to look closely. Check for hidden fees and limitations. Many free providers display ads on customer websites or restrict important features. While the basic offer may
Which special features are inlcuded with an IONOS Web Hosting plan?
If you wish, we can provide you with web hosting without a minimum term, i.e. with monthly billing and a cancellation period in the corresponding packages of only one month.IONOS web hosting is ideal for running WordPress; there is a complete plan available especially for this.If you have any questions: Our support is available 24/7. In addition, your personal consultant will also be at your side – completely free of charge.All our web hosting plans include an SSL certificate.Discover these spec
Does IONOS web hosting include 1-click app installs?
Yes, our shared hosting plan includes over 70 applications that can be installed with just a few clicks. Thanks to the quick and easy installation process, you can enjoy this wide variety of apps instantly and without any hassle. The IONOS web hosting plan provides 100% compatibility with apps such as the following, plus a whole lot more.MediaWikiThe Wiki hosting app MediaWiki is one of the many applications included in the hosting plan. The software is open source, written in PHP, and allows us
Any other basic tips or information I need to keep in mind?
Here are the essentials you'll need for your siteTraffic: Traffic means how much data is used on a website. If you have lots of visitors, you are getting a lot of traffic.Web space: Web space is the storage available on the web server. It is also called storage or disk space.Domain: The domain is the name of your website. If you need to run more than one website under different names, then you may need more than one.Subdomains: Some websites will have lots of different parts and sections. A subd
What is the difference between web hosting and a server?
A server, or web server, is part of the web hosting infrastructure. They are powerful computers on which both configuration files and the data of the hosted websites are stored, i.e., websites and all website content. A root-access server is a server with root access to the configuration data of a server.The IONOS web hosting service does not offer root access as we take care of all the necessary configurations for you. If you choose a dedicated server, a virtual private server or a cloud server
Which security aspects do I have to consider?
One of the most obvious risks to site security is lack of encryption. If you have SSL for your site, your website is more secure against hacking and other threats.The different types of DDoS attacks target the different aspects of web hosting through volumetric attacks, application layer attacks and TCP state exhaustion attacks. Having DDoS protection is an important security precaution.Backups are not only helpful in the cases of hacked sites, it could happen that you delete important files, or
What exactly is a blog created with WordPress?
WordPress is the world’s most popular content management system. Around 30% of all websites are built with WordPress, giving it more than 60% market share in the CMS space. These numbers highlight just how widely trusted and used the platform is.A key reason for its success is ease of use. WordPress makes it simple to create, manage, and publish content, even without technical experience. At the same time, it offers extensive customization options. Because WordPress is Open Source, a global comm
Why choose hosting optimized for WordPress?
WordPress makes it easy to design, manage, and publish blog posts or website content. When you choose professional hosting for WordPress from an experienced provider like IONOS, you combine that ease of use with reliable technical performance.Instead of investing in your own server infrastructure, you rent an environment optimized for WordPress. That means you can focus on creating content while we handle maintenance, updates, and security. We keep the technical infrastructure up to date so your
Who is WordPress best suited for?
WordPress is flexible, easy to customize, and suitable for a wide range of users, including:BloggersBusinessesAgenciesOnline stores (e-commerce)Bloggers are the classic target group for WordPress, as the content management system was originally developed with them in mind. It is one of the most popular platforms in the blogging world. Small and large businesses, as well as agencies, also benefit from its flexibility. It allows you to create everything from professional portfolios and business we
What are the benefits of hosting optimized for WordPress?
Hosting plans from IONOS optimized for WordPress offer several key advantages:IONOS handles all technical and server-related tasksStep-by-step instructions guide you through the setup processEssential plugins come pre-installedThe Assistant from IONOS for WordPress helps you choose from a wide range of free themesOur 24/7 support team is available to help with technical questionsAn SSL certificate is includedProfessional email is includedUsing WordPress, you can create websites, online stores, a
Is the IONOS version different from others?
No. The version of WordPress offered by IONOS does not differ from the version that can be found on the official WordPress site.By choosing IONOS as your provider, you will automatically start with the newest version of the software, and your WordPress site will receive automatic updates to ensure it is up to date at all times. There are no differences between the two when it comes to functionality. IONOS customers benefit from a comprehensive service including round-the-clock support for any qu
Can I use the Gutenberg editor? Are the themes provided by IONOS compatible?
The answer to both questions is: yes! The Gutenberg editor is available as a plugin and can be installed at any time with just a few clicks. All of the themes for WordPress offered by IONOS are compatible with the Gutenberg editor.Try it out and enjoy managing your WordPress site even more easily and comfortably than before. Create posts and pages or build a whole new website, shaping your online presence to your needs and requirements. Should the Gutenberg editor not satisfy you, you can switch
How do I get started and where do I get support?
Once your server is up and running, you can jump into your cloud panel and take charge:https://login.ionos.com/. Quick-start guide: Discover easy-to-follow guides and practicaltips to streamline your setup and maximize your server’s potential:https://www.ionos.com/help/server-cloud-infrastructure/. Comprehensive support every step of the way: Your server’s performance and yourpeace of mind are our top priorities. From hardware reliability to software essentials, we’rehere for you. Explore our S
What are typical use cases for servers?
If you decide on one of our VPS+ hosting plans, you will have access to an operating environment that is tailored to support your application or software needs. You'll be able to install any apps yourself in no time, via root access. Typical use cases might be as:Web serversEmail serversShop serversDevelopment serversCustomers can use the product for both non-commercial and commercial purposes.
Is a Linux or Windows operating system better?
When it comes to choosing an operating system for your web server, personal preference plays a key role. For those who value an intuitive user interface, Windows server operating system may be the ideal choice, thanks to its familiar design that makes setting up a server easy for beginners.Alternatively, if cost is a concern, a virtual server plan with Linux could be a great option. This open-source operating system doesn't have licensing fees and is known for its security and small attack surfa
Ready to Choose?
Both providers offer great features. Visit their websites to see the latest deals and pricing.
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US East, Ashburn, Virginia
Western Europe, Amsterdam
Western Europe, London, Madrid
Central Europe, Frankfurt, Karlsruhe, Berlin