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IONOS website builder: pros and cons

In favour of the IONOS builder: mailbox and domain in the package, a large German provider and a very cheap start. Against it: the much higher price after the promotion, extra modules that raise the bill, and the fact that you cannot take your site with you.

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Last updated: 23 October 2026 · By Maurice, freeehouse team · About 3 minutes to read

What speaks for IONOS?

  • Everything from one source. According to the pricing page, a domain for one year and an email address with mailbox are in the package. With other builders, the mailbox costs extra.
  • Large provider in Germany. IONOS is one of the best-known hosts in the country, with customer service by phone.
  • Cheap start. According to the pricing page, Plus costs €1 a month in the first year.
  • Three plans. From Starter to Pro, depending on storage and features.
  • More than a website. If you need further services such as extra mailboxes or servers, you will find them with the same provider.

What speaks against IONOS?

  • Price jump after the promotion. According to the pricing page, Plus rises to €18 a month after 12 months, and Pro from €18 to €33 after 6 months.
  • Extra modules. Features such as SEO tools or shop extensions often cost extra. In conversations we have seen bills with several parallel contracts.
  • No taking it with you. The site runs inside the builder. According to IONOS, a data export is no longer possible after a cancellation takes effect.
  • Linked contracts. Website, domain and mailbox are often tied together. That makes switching prone to mistakes.
  • Your own work. As with any builder, you design and maintain the site yourself.

Is the IONOS builder good for Google?

It offers the usual basics such as page titles and descriptions. IONOS also sells its own modules for search engine optimisation. More important for visibility than any module are clear subpages for each service, good copy, a fast site and a well-kept Google Business Profile. More in the guide Getting your website found on Google.

Who is IONOS right for?

For businesses that like to bundle website, domain and mailbox with one large German provider and look after the site themselves. If you already have mailboxes at IONOS, the builder saves you a second contract.

IONOS is less of a fit if you want permanently low costs, have no time for upkeep, or want to own the site independently of the provider.

What do businesses that switched from IONOS say?

Of the first 35 customers at freeehouse in October 2026, 5 came from IONOS. The same rule applies to all of them: domain and mailbox stay where they are, and only the website moves. Typical questions beforehand: what happens to the emails once the contract ends, and which service exactly may be cancelled.

If what bothers you most at IONOS is price and upkeep: freeehouse rebuilds your site with no build cost, and your mailbox stays at IONOS. You only pay for hosting, cheaper than today. Claim your spot on the waiting list

Checklist: stay with IONOS or switch?

  1. 1

    Do you pay more after the promotion ends than you expected?

  2. 2

    Are modules running that you do not use?

  3. 3

    Do you lack the time to look after the site?

  4. 4

    Does your site look older than your competitors' sites?

  5. 5

    Do you want to be able to take the site with you someday?

The more yeses, the more a website switch is worth it. Domain and mailbox can stay at IONOS in the process.

Frequently asked questions

Is IONOS reputable?

Yes. IONOS is a large, established provider. The downsides concern the pricing model and the builder, not its reputation.

Is the IONOS builder suitable for beginners?

Yes, you can use it without programming skills. For a really good site you still need time for copy, images and structure.

Is IONOS cheaper than Wix?

In the first year, clearly. After that, IONOS Plus at €18 a month including VAT is about on a level with Wix Light at €14 plus tax, though IONOS includes a mailbox.

What about MyWebsite?

MyWebsite is the former name of the IONOS builder. Many older contracts still run under that name and on different terms.

Sources

Providers' prices and terms change often. What counts is what's in your customer account and your contract. Not legal advice.

Read more

Alternatives to the IONOS website builderWhat does a website cost at IONOS?Website builders: the main drawbacksIONOS or STRATO: which website builder?
Maurice, Jan & Jule

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