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IONOS vs Liquid Web
IONOS
Liquid Web
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, and performance to help you choose the right hosting provider.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | IONOS | Liquid Web |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Price | Not offered | Not offered |
| Storage | 350 GB NVMe SSD | 30 GB SSD |
| Bandwidth | N/A | 1 TB |
| Websites | Unlimited | N/A |
| CPU | N/A | 1 vCPU |
| RAM | N/A | 1 GB |
| Free Domain | ||
| Free SSL | ||
| Server Locations | ||
| Regions | 4 | 4 |
| Locations | US East, Newark, Lenexa Western Europe, London, Madrid Central Europe, Frankfurt, Karlsruhe, Berlin US West, Las Vegas, Nevada | US East, Lansing, Ashburn US West, Phoenix, San Jose Western Europe, Amsterdam, London Australia & Oceania, Sydney |
| Plan Details | ||
| Limited plan details available | Limited plan details available | |
| Backups | Acronis Cyber Backups | |
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 IONOS | Visit Liquid Web | |
Pricing & Plans
IONOS Plans
Liquid Web Plans
Pros & Cons
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
Liquid Web
Pros
- 100% network and power uptime SLA (not just 99.9%)
- Heroic Support — 24/7/365 phone, chat, and tickets with <59s response
- Fully managed VPS and dedicated servers with root access
- Nexcess managed WordPress/WooCommerce with autoscaling
- Enterprise-grade Intel Xeon and AMD EPYC processors
- Free Acronis Cyber Backups on all plans
- Multiple US data centers (Michigan, Arizona, Texas)
- 30-day money-back guarantee on managed hosting
Cons
- Premium pricing — managed VPS from $36/mo, dedicated from $335/mo regular ($167.50 promo)
- No shared hosting option for budget users
- Nexcess WordPress plans have promotional pricing that increases on renewal
- Windows VPS and dedicated plans cost significantly more
- Cloud Sites product has been discontinued
- No free domain included with any plan
Frequently Asked Questions
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
What is shared hosting?
In order to be able to offer customers the highest technical standards at low prices, IONOS provides web hosting in the form of shared hosting. This kind of hosting is the ideal form of web hosting for entry-level businesses. Shared web hosting servers are home to several different websites. This means that your site would share server CPU resources with other websites.
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
What does 1-click installation mean?
When ordering your VPS, you can install popular applications like n8n, OpenClaw, or Vaultwarden right away — no manual setup required. In the ordering process, simply click the Applications tab, select one or more apps, and your server is automatically set up with everything you need. Docker, the web interface, and all dependencies are ready to use right away.
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
Liquid Web
How does VPS hosting work?
A hosting provider uses a hypervisor to divide a physical server into isolated virtual environments and assign resources to each VPS.
What are the benefits of VPS hosting?
VPS hosting gives websites and applications more control, capacity, and flexibility than shared hosting.
What is VPS hosting used for?
Businesses and technical users choose VPS hosting when they need more resources, control, or flexibility than shared hosting provides.
What are the limitations of VPS hosting?
VPS hosting provides more control and capacity than shared hosting, but it doesn’t fit every workload.
Is all managed hosting for WordPress hosting the same?
Not all managed hosting for WordPress is the same. While all providers offer specialized services tailored to WordPress, there are significant differences among them in terms of hosting platform features, performance, support, and pricing.
What is managed hosting for WordPress?
Managed hosting for WordPress hosting is a form of web hosting that makes it easier to run a WordPress site because technical tasks are done for you. Unlike regular hosting, managed hosting for WordPress includes tailored support and optimizations that make WordPress run like a well-oiled machine.
Do I need managed hosting for WordPress?
If you’re not into web tech or are less than skilled at troubleshooting, managed hosting is the ideal fit. Also, if you prefer to focus on content creation and business operations, managed hosting for WordPress will free up time to grow your online presence.
Is managed hosting for WordPress hosting worth it?
Managed hosting for WordPress is worth the investment if you don’t have the technical experience to manage a server in-house or if those resources could be more efficiently used elsewhere. Managed hosting offloads technical responsibilities like updates, backups, security, performance optimization, and more, so you can focus on the rest of your business and website. And it frees up resources for your organization without compromising on speed, security, or performance.
How is your platform optimized for WordPress?
Hosting resources are finely tuned for WordPress with intelligent caching, layered security, and Edge computing. Additionally, our support team is well-versed in WordPress. In fact, many team members have been using it since its launch in 2003, and they’ve learned a lot along the way.
Can I host my clients with your plans for WordPress?
Absolutely. Agencies and developers can purchase client plans individually or purchase our higher-level plans with more site capacity. We also have an amazing agency partner program that offers elevated support and referral payouts.
Do you offer reseller or affiliate programs for WordPress?
We’d love to talk more about this with you. We offer several flexible partner programs designed to support how you do business and help you better serve your customers. Please contact our partner team at 1.866.210.4185 or [email protected] to get started today.
When is managed hosting for WordPress not the right fit?
While hosting for WordPress offers great features and convenience, managed WordPress hosting may not be necessary in the following situations:Your budget is limitedIf you’re just starting out or you’re working with a shoestring budget, managed hosting may not be the most cost-effective choice.You’re skilled in ITIf you’re comfortable managing servers and performing maintenance yourself, you can probably go with a self-managed hosting solution like a VPS or dedicated server.Your environment needs
How does the 99.99% uptime SLA protect my store's revenue?
Downtime is a direct hit to your bottom line. Our 99.99% guarantee is a contractual commitment that your infrastructure remains reachable. If power or network availability fails beyond our threshold, we credit your account, providing professional-grade insurance for your storefront.Chat with an expert
What’s included in the "white-glove" migration service?
Moving a high-volume store is high-stakes. Our specialists handle the entire transition—auditing your database, moving your order history and configurations, and performing rigorous testing to ensure a seamless "cutover" with zero disruption to your customers.Chat with an expert
How does the PHP worker autoscaling handle traffic spikes?
During a flash sale or viral surge, our system automatically scales your RAM and CPU for 24 hours. By providing up to 100+ PHP workers, we ensure your store has the high-concurrency power needed to process thousands of simultaneous checkouts without lagging.Chat with an expert
Ready to Choose?
Both providers offer great features. Visit their websites to see the latest deals and pricing.
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US East, Newark, Lenexa
Western Europe, London, Madrid
Central Europe, Frankfurt, Karlsruhe, Berlin
Western Europe, Amsterdam, London
Australia & Oceania, Sydney