A direct web hosting comparison quickly reveals that IONOS offers more performance and international infrastructure, while STRATO impresses with its low prices and ease of use. IONOS is often the better choice for ambitious projects, while STRATO provides a solid foundation for simple websites.
Key points
- IONOS impresses with its global server availability and high performance reserves.
- STRATO scores with its user-friendliness and attractive entry-level offers.
- Data location Germany guarantees data protection for both providers.
- Performance and Scalability IONOS is better suited for growing projects.
- Support IONOS is more comprehensive, STRATO is easier to use.
A comparison of the scope of services
IONOS offers a comprehensive range of hosting tariffs - from private projects to business applications with large data volumes. The bandwidth ranges from 100 GB to 500 GB storage, including multiple domains, SSL certificates and ERP-capable application environments. Advanced users in particular benefit from the 1-click installation for CMS platforms such as WordPress as well as HTTP/2 compatibility and effective DDoS protection. Thanks to the global infrastructure high downtimes remain the exception.
STRATO offers standardized performance options that focus on the essentials - ideal for personal websites, simple company profiles or blogs. SSL certificates, included domains and storage space between 25 and 200 GB make STRATO an interesting option for price-conscious users. However, anyone planning growth-oriented or international projects will quickly reach their limits here - especially in terms of scalability and individual optimization options.
Price structure and tariff details
The cost factor often plays a decisive role when choosing the right hosting. IONOS starts with the standard tariff at €6 per month and offers 100 GB of storage and a domain. The highest tariff costs €30 per month and includes 500 GB of storage space, up to 4 domains and extended RAM access. The focus here is on e-commerce scenarios, databases and multisite projects.
STRATO offers lower entry-level prices from € 4 per month. However, users should take a close look here: The low price often comes with restrictions in terms of functionality - limited storage, no additional backups, fewer email accounts. Nevertheless, STRATO remains a suitable solution for smaller projects.
| Feature | IONOS | STRATO |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | 6 €/month | 4 €/month |
| Max. Memory | 500 GB | 200 GB |
| Number of domains | 1 to 4 | 1 to 2 |
| SSL Certificate | Including | Including |
| Scalability | High | Limited |
Performance and adaptability
Anyone who needs power for powerful projects ends up with IONOS. The provider confidently supports database applications, store systems and highly frequented websites - in some cases with 20 GB RAM and internationally distributed data centers. This performance basis makes IONOS the ideal solution for development teams, digital agencies and e-commerce projects with growth prospects.
STRATO is increasingly focusing on the German market and offers stable performance based on classic hosting technologies. However, data-intensive applications often lack elastic resources and customizable infrastructure parameters. For blogs, event pages or club websites, however, this is fully sufficient.
User interface and support quality
IONOS provides a comprehensive control panel that makes even advanced functions such as DNS management, CronJobs and backup control transparently accessible. Customer service is available around the clock - including by telephone. A wide range of documentation, FAQ articles and video tutorials also make it easier for technically experienced users to integrate more sophisticated tools.
STRATO, on the other hand, wins with a simple user interface designed for the less tech-savvy. The settings menu is logically structured, and there are clear default settings for hosted webmail and email settings. If you're looking for help, you'll find it - but not around the clock. Support is readily available on weekdays, but STRATO does not usually offer weekend support. The Webmail access for example, works particularly simply.
Data protection and location advantage
Both providers store data exclusively on servers in Germany in compliance with the GDPR. This is a huge advantage for anyone who relies on legal security and short response times for server requests. Both IONOS and STRATO operate their own data centers with clearly defined access controls and regular data backups.
Data protection is not neglected in either the communication or storage segment. Institutions with a focus on GDPR compliance (e.g. law firms, NGOs or healthcare websites) in particular benefit from this transparent processing. IONOS could offer more scope for international expansion with its global network, but STRATO is also suitable for fixed-location company websites in Germany.
Who is convincing in the long term?
In the long term, the right platform depends heavily on the project objective. With predictable growth and technical depth, IONOS provides the right hosting for agencies, start-ups and companies that work internationally. Anyone who continuously adds additional domains, projects or tools remains flexible with IONOS - even when the load increases.
STRATO, on the other hand, is ideal when functions such as ease of use, low costs and a clear focus on functionality are paramount. Ideal for clubs, creative portfolios or first web presences - STRATO delivers solid results without overloaded settings.
What does that mean for you?
If speed, system freedom and future-proofing your website are crucial, IONOS provides you with the resources you need. You can flexibly activate modules, customize server properties and even host internationally. Projects with a global audience or regularly growing content are in good hands with IONOS.
However, if clarity, affordable entry options and German data protection regulations are enough for you, you will find STRATO much easier. Operation, value for money and structure are predictable - ideal for sole traders, blogs or local companies.
Additional considerations for an informed decision
When choosing between IONOS and STRATO, other factors often play a role in addition to performance, costs and operation. Sometimes it's little things like the availability of specific developer tools or the number of daily backups that can be called up that can make the difference. A decisive detail could also be the extent to which the hosting environment can be customized. For example, if you need individual PHP versions, rely on Node.js or prefer certain scripting languages, you should clarify in advance whether the chosen tariff offers this flexibility.
IONOS goes into greater depth here: not only are more RAM and CPU resources available, you also often have access to advanced configuration options that are not available with STRATO. STRATO offers the advantage that you don't have to worry so much about the details and can usually get started quickly. For many users, this is completely sufficient if the requirements are limited to static HTML pages or a small blog.
E-mail and collaboration solutions
Both providers have comprehensive email solutions on board. In addition to webmail functions and POP3/IMAP support, both IONOS and STRATO offer their own calendar and address book functions, which are integrated into the webmail interfaces. With IONOS in particular, collaboration tools can also be added - depending on the tariff - to enable joint document management or team work. The focus on comprehensive business solutions, which are primarily found in the business environment, is noticeable here.
STRATO's e-mail package is also sufficient for many applications. You can create several email accounts and receive a certain amount of storage space for each one. However, if you have many employees or want to send large amounts of data, you should check carefully whether the selected tariff supports this. Larger mailboxes or special Exchange functions may require paid upgrades. In any case, it is advisable to thoroughly check the service description of the respective e-mail tariffs before making a decision.
Security concepts at IONOS and STRATO
In terms of security, both hosters offer certain standards: regular security updates on the servers, basic DDoS protection and SSL certificates are now a matter of course for both STRATO and IONOS. An encrypted connection is essential, especially for search engine rankings and visitor trust. However, anyone who requires advanced security measures such as web application firewalls (WAF), additional malware scanners or advanced intrusion detection systems should take a look at the small print. Some of these functions may already be included or can be booked as an additional option.
IONOS also often provides detailed security features, such as extended security protocols for e-commerce stores or stricter filtering rules at database level. STRATO remains more reserved when it comes to these specific topics, which is by no means less secure, but tends to offer fewer options for individual customization. Anyone who needs to meet very specific security requirements for compliance reasons is more likely to find what they are looking for with IONOS, while STRATO provides the solid standard package.
Migration and move to a new hoster
The decision for or against a hosting provider is also influenced by how easy or complicated the migration of existing websites can be. Anyone working with several databases, subdomains and external DNS entries will be looking for a provider with convenient migration assistants. IONOS often plays a pioneering role here thanks to its internationally designed tools: as long as you provide the access data of the old hoster, a lot of content can be transferred automatically.
STRATO also has migration aids, but they are less comprehensive. You often have to proceed manually and export and import WordPress databases yourself, for example. Beginners who only manage a few websites will have no problem with this. For complex projects, however, it can make sense to create a good checklist in advance or to call in expert help. It is also advisable to prepare in advance so that website visitors do not encounter a website that is switched off.
Individual domain management and DNS settings
With both hosters, you can either register new domains or transfer existing ones. Basic DNS settings, such as A and CNAME records, MX records or TXT records, are available to you in the administration interfaces. IONOS attaches great importance to offering even technically ambitious users a complete management interface. For example, you can flexibly create subdomains, determine email routing or activate DNSSEC.
With STRATO, these settings are typically kept simpler, but are still available. For example, if you only want to adjust the MX record for an external email solution, this can be done quickly. For more complex DNS structures - for example, with a large number of subdomains or for special CDN solutions - things can get a little more confusing with STRATO. This is where IONOS once again shows its advantage of being able to make more fine adjustments.
Developer tools and staging capabilities
Professional projects often appreciate the ability to make changes to websites without jeopardizing the live site. This is where staging environments come into play, in which updates and plugins can be tested first. With IONOS, such a procedure is often part of the standard repertoire, depending on the package booked. For example, you can clone WordPress, test updates and only switch to the live system if successful.
STRATO does not focus so much on staging, but it can be retrofitted manually with additional tools - provided that the tariff does not restrict the installation of your own staging plugins. If you only run a small project or do not regularly test difficult updates, you can get by just fine without a dedicated staging function. For professional users who frequently tweak their website, however, an integrated staging system is a real bonus point.
Special features in handling: From site builders to CMS installations
Both providers now offer their own site builders, which can be used to quickly create a simple website. IONOS integrates this with more extensive design options in some cases, while STRATO takes a minimalist approach with its own website builder. So if you value intuitive drag-and-drop functions, you will find basic features with both hosters. However, as soon as it goes beyond simple landing pages, there is usually no getting around content management systems such as WordPress, Joomla or Typo3. Both hosters score points here with 1-click installations.
It becomes interesting if you want to run several CMS in parallel. In many tariffs, IONOS allows several systems to be installed in parallel, which can run independently of each other. With STRATO, you occasionally come up against capacity or tariff-related limits. It is also worth taking a closer look when it comes to databases: The more installations, the more MySQL databases are required. STRATO often only offers a limited number of free databases, while IONOS is more generous with higher tariffs.
Billing models and contract terms
When planning the budget for a web hosting project, the question often arises as to whether you have to make a long-term commitment or whether you can cancel on a monthly basis. Both IONOS and STRATO offer tariffs with different terms. In most cases, you get cheaper monthly rates if you commit for one or two years. For those who want maximum flexibility, both providers also offer plans that can be terminated on a monthly basis, albeit often at slightly higher prices.
Another aspect is the price increase after the end of an introductory phase. Both IONOS and STRATO often offer low entry-level offers for the first few months, after which the fee increases. If you want to set up a long-term cost plan, you should therefore keep an eye on the regular tariffs. The introductory offer can be worthwhile, especially for clubs or small offices, provided you can live with the higher long-term price later on.
Last check: Who should I choose?
After all the details, let me give you a quick impulse: Do you want professional growth, tools and management at hosting level? Then IONOS is the right choice for you. Are you more interested in a stable start for little money? Then STRATO provides you with the right basis. Both providers serve target groups with different requirements without undercutting each other in terms of quality.
And if data protection is decisive for your decision: both providers score points with a server location in Germany and full GDPR compliance. Get started cheaply or become future-proof - you decide according to your priorities.
