IONOS vs AWS
Considering a switch from AWS to a European alternative? IONOS offers full GDPR compliance and EU-only data hosting without the legal uncertainties that come with US-based services. Here's how they compare on features, pricing, and data protection.
Quick Overview
IONOS
EU- Headquarters
- Montabaur, DE
- Pricing
- From €1/mo
- Open Source
- No
AWS
USAmazon Web Services is a comprehensive cloud computing platform by Amazon offering over 200 services including compute, storage, databases, and machine learning from data centers worldwide.
The Case for IONOS
- IONOS stores all data exclusively in Germany, GB, Spain, US, under European jurisdiction. Unlike AWS, which is subject to the US CLOUD Act and FISA Section 702, IONOS cannot be compelled by foreign governments to hand over your data.
- IONOS offers a Data Processing Agreement (DPA) that is fully aligned with GDPR Article 28. There is no legal ambiguity about data transfers or adequacy decisions — your data processor is European, and the law that governs it is European.
Why Switch to IONOS?
Concerns with AWS
- US CLOUD Act jurisdiction
- Complex data residency configurations required for EU compliance
- FISA Section 702 surveillance risk
- US government access to data even in EU regions
IONOS Compliance
GDPRISO 27001DPA
- Headquarters
- Montabaur, DE
- Data Centers
- DE, GB, ES, US
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IONOS vs AWS — FAQ
Is AWS GDPR compliant?
AWS may offer GDPR compliance features and EU data residency options, but as a US-headquartered company, it remains subject to the US CLOUD Act and FISA Section 702. These laws can compel US companies to hand over data regardless of where it is stored. The EU-US Data Privacy Framework provides some safeguards, but its predecessors (Safe Harbor and Privacy Shield) were both invalidated by the European Court of Justice. IONOS, as a European company, is not subject to these US laws at all.
How does IONOS compare to AWS in features?
IONOS offers Cloud servers (VPS), Dedicated servers, Managed Kubernetes, S3-compatible object storage, and 6 more features. While AWS's ecosystem may be larger due to its market position, IONOS covers the core functionality that most teams need. The trade-off is typically between breadth of integrations (AWS) and data sovereignty with regulatory certainty (IONOS).
Can I migrate from AWS to IONOS?
Yes. Most European software providers, including IONOS, offer migration tools or documentation to help you transition from US-based services. Under GDPR Article 20, you have the right to data portability — meaning AWS must provide your data in a machine-readable format. The migration process varies in complexity depending on your data volume and integrations, but for most teams it can be completed within a few days to a few weeks.