Cloudways Review: Is This Cloud Hosting Worth It?
Are you fed up with the limits of shared hosting? Cloudways, a managed cloud hosting service, could be your answer. It lets you pick from DigitalOcean, AWS, and Google Cloud Platform. This gives you a flexible way to host your WordPress site1.
But, with recent changes like price hikes and some providers gone, you might doubt Cloudways. In this detailed review, we’ll look at its performance, features, and cost. We aim to help you figure out if Cloudways fits your business needs1.
Cloudways offers cloud-based hosting—but what does that really mean? Get the full picture of web hosting fundamentals here.
Key Takeaways
- Cloudways offers a range of cloud hosting options, including DigitalOcean, AWS, and Google Cloud Platform.
- The platform has faced changes since its acquisition by DigitalOcean, including price increases and the removal of certain providers.
- Cloudways provides features like Cloudflare Enterprise integration, Redis Object Cache Pro, and NVMe SSDs for enhanced performance.
- Pricing and performance of Cloudways are compared to other popular hosting providers like SiteGround and Hostinger.
- Customer satisfaction and user experiences with Cloudways are explored through reviews and personal accounts.
What is Cloudways Cloud Hosting
Cloudways is a managed cloud hosting platform. It lets users pick from many infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS) providers. These include Digital Ocean, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Google Cloud Platform2. It offers a wide range of cloud hosting options to meet different needs and budgets.
Understanding Cloud Infrastructure
Cloudways makes cloud infrastructure easy to use. It has a simple interface and advanced features. This lets users manage their servers without worrying about technical details3.
Available Cloud Providers
Cloudways gives users a choice of five top cloud hosting providers:3 Digital Ocean, AWS, Google Cloud, Linode, and Vultr. This flexibility helps users pick the best cloud for their needs and budget.
Key Platform Features
Cloudways’ managed hosting platform has many great features, including3 server-level caching and automatic WordPress updates. It also has advanced security like firewalls and SSL installation. Plus, it offers detailed server metrics and self-healing servers for better monitoring and troubleshooting2.
Using Cloudways’ cloud hosting services, users get a scalable, secure, and high-performance hosting. It makes website management easy and lets users focus on their main business goals23.
Cloudways Review: Performance and Speed Tests
Cloudways has shown great results in website performance. It uses NGINX servers and high-performance hardware. This makes it a top choice in speed tests by industry leaders4.
Our tests with GTMetrix and Google PageSpeed Insights on a basic WordPress site showed fast load times. Cloudways ranked in the top 5% of the fastest hosting providers4. Its multiple caching layers, including Varnish cache, have greatly reduced TTFB, a key speed metric4.
| Metric | Cloudways Performance |
|---|---|
| Average TTFB | 332 ms4 |
| TTFB Comparison to Competitors | Better than WP Engine and Kinsta4 |
| Average Uptime (last 12 months) | 99.99%4 |
| Global TTFB | 446 ms4 |
| Core Web Vitals |
Cloudways’ performance is also boosted by its global infrastructure. It has over 65+ data center locations5. This ensures fast loading times for users worldwide, with an average global TTFB of 446 ms4.
Cloudways also handles loads well. It had a response time of 266 ms with 500 visitors and 56,069 requests4.
Overall, Cloudways is committed to performance and speed. It’s a top choice for businesses and individuals looking for reliable and fast hosting6.
Pricing Structure and Server Options
Cloudways has flexible pricing to fit many budgets and needs. Prices start at $10 a month for basic plans and go up to $1,035 for top-tier options7. You can pick from servers by DigitalOcean, AWS, and Google Cloud to match your needs.
DigitalOcean Plans
DigitalOcean plans on Cloudways are budget-friendly, from $11 to $576 a month8. They balance performance, storage, and memory well. This makes them great for small to medium businesses and personal sites.
AWS and Google Cloud Options
For bigger sites and businesses, Cloudways has powerful servers from AWS and Google Cloud. These cost more, starting at $28 and going up to $1,056 a month8. But they offer top-notch cloud resources for high-traffic sites and e-commerce.
Monthly vs. Pay-as-you-go Billing
Cloudways lets you choose between monthly billing and pay-as-you-go. Monthly plans are stable and predictable, while pay-as-you-go is flexible8. You can also get discounts like 30% off with “HOSTSCORE” or 25% for two months with “HOSTSCORE”8.
Cloudways’ pricing and server options suit a wide range of businesses. They offer a mix of affordability, performance, and scalability for different needs78.
Server Management and Control Panel
At Cloudways, we have a user-friendly dashboard that’s fast and easy to use9. It lets you manage servers, install websites, and scale resources easily. You can handle many websites on one server and access settings right from the dashboard10.
Cloudways is known for its smooth user interface. The dashboard is quick to respond and looks great, making it easy to manage your hosting10. It’s perfect for both experienced web developers and new users, offering a simple way to manage servers10.
Cloudways gives users the tools they need to succeed. You can scale resources, install apps with a few clicks, and watch server performance in real-time9. This control and flexibility are key for users who want to manage their hosting actively10.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Hosting Dashboard | A user-friendly, self-developed dashboard that provides easy access to server management, website installation, and resource scaling. |
| Server Management | Allows users to manage multiple websites on a single server and access various settings and features directly from the dashboard. |
| User Interface | A responsive and visually appealing interface that simplifies server management for both seasoned web developers and newcomers. |
| Resource Scaling | Users can scale resources up or down as needed to meet the changing demands of their hosting environment. |
| Application Installation | Users can install various applications with just a few clicks, streamlining the setup process. |
| Real-time Monitoring | The platform offers the ability to monitor server performance in real-time, ensuring users can stay on top of their hosting needs. |
The Cloudways hosting dashboard and server management are made to help users manage their hosting easily. With its strong features and easy interface, Cloudways aims to help users manage their hosting and grow their online presence109.
Security Features and Monitoring
At Cloudways, we take website security very seriously. Our platform has strong security features to keep your online presence safe. We offer free SSL certificates11 to ensure your website and visitors communicate securely. We also provide regular automated backups12 so you can quickly restore your site if needed.
Cloudways fights off malicious bot activity with Malcare Bot Protection12. This feature protects against brute force and DDoS attacks, keeping your site safe for real users.
We also monitor your server in real-time1211 to watch for any issues. This lets you quickly fix problems. We make sure access is secure with SSH and SFTP12, keeping your data safe.
Cloudways keeps your site safe by applying security patches12 regularly. We also have DDoS protection12 to block attacks, making your site even more secure.
You can block certain IP addresses12 from accessing your site. This helps you deal with suspicious or malicious attempts fast. Cloudways sends you real-time notifications12 about any security issues or server problems, so you can act fast.
Cloudways follows international security standards like GDPR11. This means your data and your visitors’ privacy are well-protected. With these strong security features and monitoring, Cloudways offers a safe and reliable hosting environment for your online presence.
WordPress Optimization and Features
At Cloudways, we know how crucial a fast WordPress site is. That’s why we offer many features to make your site run smoothly13. You can customize your hosting and use our caching plugins to speed things up13.
Cloudways is all about making WordPress better. Our servers are optimized for fast page loads13. Plus, our Breeze caching plugin works great with our servers to cut down on loading times13.
We also make it easy to set up a CDN to boost your site’s speed13. And with Redis Object Cache Pro, your site will load even faster13.
Managing your WordPress site is easy with Cloudways. Our dashboard lets you tweak server settings for the best performance13. We also have tools for cloning and staging environments, making updates simple13.
Cloudways also focuses on keeping your site safe. We offer free SSL certificates, bot protection, and regular backups13. Plus, our 24/7 support means your site is always in good hands13.
Cloudways’ managed WordPress hosting is all about making your life easier13. With its strong features, top-notch security, and fast performance, it’s a great choice for anyone looking to improve their WordPress site13.
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Modular Hosting Options | Choose the specific features you need, with flexible pricing based on your setup13. |
| Optimized Servers | Enjoy lightning-fast page loads and improved site performance compared to shared hosting13. |
| Breeze Caching Plugin | Leverage our built-in caching solution to minimize loading times and enhance user experience13. |
| Redis Object Cache Pro | Take your WordPress optimization to the next level with even faster response times13. |
| Intuitive Dashboard | Easily manage your servers, applications, and server-side settings from a centralized platform13. |
| Security Features | Safeguard your WordPress site with free SSL certificates, bot protection, and regular backups13. |
At Cloudways, we’re dedicated to a seamless WordPress experience. Our platform is designed to help you get the most out of your WordPress site. You’ll enjoy fast performance, strong security, and full control13.
Server Locations and Global Coverage
At Cloudways, we know how key it is to reach people all over the world. That’s why we give you access to over 44+ data centers across 4 continents. This lets you pick the server closest to your audience14. With data centers strategically placed, your site will run smoothly and fast, no matter where visitors are15.
Data Center Options
Cloudways offers many data center choices. You can pick from Digital Ocean, Vultr, Linode, AWS, and Google Cloud14. This variety helps you find the best fit for your hosting needs and where your site is located16.
CDN Integration
To boost your site’s global reach and speed, Cloudways pairs well with the Cloudflare Enterprise CDN. It starts at just $1.99 per month per domain14. This CDN makes sure your site’s content is fast and comes from the nearest server, giving users a great experience wherever they are15.
With Cloudways’ wide server network and easy CDN setup, you can make your site reach everyone worldwide. This way, you ensure your users get the best experience possible141516.
Customer Support Experience
At Cloudways, we know how crucial good customer support is, especially for those handling high-performance apps. Our research shows Cloudways has an amazing 88% 5-star reviews from happy customers17. This highlights their dedication to top-notch service.
Our own experience with Cloudways’ support team was outstanding. They were very efficient and knew their stuff. When we faced problems like setting up SSL certificates, they were quick to help, usually in one minute. They fixed our issues in about 10 minutes18. They even helped with issues not usually covered, like domain registrar problems.
The support team is based in Pakistan. We found them to be very knowledgeable and eager to solve our problems. One time, a support agent spent half an hour with us to fix a server timeout issue. This showed their commitment to making us happy18.
Overall, Cloudways’ support has made a big difference for us. Their live chat and knowledge base have helped us manage our hosting needs well. This has saved us from needing a dedicated server admin or expensive agency services18.
In short, Cloudways’ customer support stands out. Their quick response, technical skills, and extra effort to solve problems have kept us using Cloudways for our hosting needs.
Migration and Website Setup Process
At Cloudways, we know moving your website can be tough. That’s why we offer a free migration service for your first website19. This makes it easy to move your site to our platform without stress. For more migrations, we charge just $25 per website19.
Cloudways also has a WordPress Migrator plugin to help you migrate your site. This lets you manage the move yourself. It’s a way to control the process and make sure your website moves smoothly19.
Domain Configuration
Setting up your domain might need some extra work. Cloudways doesn’t offer domain registration services19. So, you’ll need to buy your domain elsewhere and point it to Cloudways servers. This gives you control over your domain and lets you choose the best registrar for you.
Cloudways helps with domain setup with detailed guides and resources. These guides make it easy to link your domain to your Cloudways website. This ensures your online presence looks professional and unified.
In short, Cloudways makes migrating your website easy with its free service and WordPress Migrator plugin. But, you’ll need to handle domain setup yourself. With the right help, you can set up your website on Cloudways quickly and confidently19.
Platform Limitations and Drawbacks
Cloudways is a top-notch cloud hosting service, but it has some downsides. It doesn’t offer domain registration or email hosting20. Users need to use third-party services like Rackspace for email, which costs $1 per email account20. Also, setting up domain pointing can be tricky for beginners, making it harder to learn.
Another issue is the cost of offsite backups, which is higher than some other hosts20. This might be a problem for those watching their budget or needing lots of backups20. But, Cloudways has great backup tools, like on-demand snapshots and automated backups.
Cloudways’ trial period is short, which might not give users enough time to get used to it21. Setting up can also be more complicated than other hosting services19. This could be a hurdle for those new to cloud hosting19.
Despite these issues, Cloudways is still a great choice for small to medium-sized businesses and agencies20. It offers scalable servers, flexible pricing, and top-notch support. This makes it a solid option for those looking for a reliable hosting service20.
In short, Cloudways is a strong cloud hosting platform, but it has its limits. These include no built-in domain or email hosting, higher backup costs, and a complex setup. Yet, its performance, scalability, and support make it a good pick for many users.
Pro and Cons
Cloudways is a cloud hosting platform with many benefits16. It connects to five top cloud providers – DigitalOcean, Linode, Vultr, AWS, and Google Cloud. Each provider has plans for different hosting needs16. Prices start at $10 a month for basic plans and go up to $274.33 for top-tier options16. It also offers hourly billing, so you only pay for what you use16.
Cloudways is known for its fast and reliable service, with a rating of 8.6 out of 1022. Its ThunderStack server architecture boosts website speed and reliability22. It also has advanced features like Cloudflare Enterprise and automated backups for top security and growth16.
But, Cloudways has some downsides22. It doesn’t include email hosting or SMTP servers, so you need to set those up yourself22. Also, the support chat has a 15-minute limit before it turns into a ticket, which might not work for everyone22. It’s best for tech-savvy users, businesses with clear hosting needs, and agencies or resellers16.
| Cloudways Advantages | Cloudways Disadvantages |
|---|---|
|
|
Cloudways is a strong and feature-rich cloud hosting platform for medium to large websites or fast-growing sites16. It might not be perfect for everyone, but its flexibility, performance, and advanced features make it a great choice for many22.
Alternatives
Cloudways is a well-known cloud hosting provider, but there are other options too. Cloud hosting competitors like Kinsta and WP Engine offer managed WordPress hosting. They focus on better performance and security. For those who want more control, RunCloud or CyberPanel with cloud providers like DigitalOcean are good choices23.
For those on a tight budget, shared hosting or VPS for small projects might be better. SiteGround and traditional VPS providers are good for smaller needs.
1 For smaller hosting needs, SiteGround, Hostinger, WPX, ChemiCloud, and Cloudways Vultr HF are worth looking at. They offer managed WordPress hosting at good prices. They also have features like LiteSpeed and NVMe SSDs for better performance.
| Provider | Pricing | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| CyberPanel | 23 Plans start from $6.99/month | 23 Offers Rspamd Manager and WordPress Manager features |
| Ploi | 23 Pricing plans from Free to Unlimited, starting at €0 per month | Provides a range of hosting solutions for developers |
| Hostinger | 23 Offers plans like Premium, Business, and Cloud Startup starting from $2.99/month | Renowned for its budget-friendly hosting options |
| Plesk | 23 Pricing plans such as Web Admin EditionVPS, Web Pro EditionVPS, and Web Host EditionVPS start from $14.13/month | Provides a comprehensive web hosting control panel |
| ServerAvatar | 23 Offers features like Unrestricted User Management and Live Monitoring of Server Health | 1 Mentioned as a cheaper alternative to Cloudways |
When looking for alternatives to Cloudways, think about performance, security, and value. These factors help find the best hosting for your needs and budget. Exploring these options can lead to a cloud hosting solution that meets your requirements.
Personal Experience
We’ve been using Cloudways for a long time and have seen great results. Their cloud hosting is fast and reliable24. One of our clients, with over 100,000 monthly visitors, pays about $50 a month for top-notch service24.
Our own tests show fast load times and easy server management. However, setting up an account was a bit tricky24.
Cloudways starts at $10 a month for a VPS, which is a good deal compared to others24. Their VPS offers dedicated resources and flexibility, making it better than shared hosting24.
We use Vultr High Frequency VPS for sites that need speed, like membership sites and online stores24. Cloudways lets us run one or many VPS servers from one account. This is great for hosting different sites or segmenting websites24.
Cloudways boasts a 99.95% uptime and a 3-day trial25. This makes it easy to try before you buy25. Their Cloudflare Enterprise CDN service also helps speed up websites and improve scores25.
With over 60 data centers, Cloudways sets up servers fast, in about 13 minutes26. They offer three levels of expert support, making them a solid choice for businesses26.
Our experience with Cloudways has been great. They deliver fast performance, reliable uptime, and top-notch support242526.
Conclusion
Cloudways is a top-notch cloud hosting solution for medium to large websites. It’s also great for sites that are growing fast. With its fast performance and many cloud provider options, it stands out in the market27.
Cloudways works with 54 hosting packages from different partners. This includes 11 DigitalOcean, 10 Linode, 7 Vultr, 14 Amazon Web Service, and 12 Google Cloud plans27. DigitalOcean plans start at $14 and go up to $42 a month. They offer up to 192GB of RAM and discounts of up to 40%27.
Cloudways supports many content management systems like WordPress, Drupal, and Magento27. It has servers all over the world and a built-in CDN for fast speeds27. It also offers 24/7 support, free SSL, backups, firewalls, and one-click installation. These are valuable features that some providers charge extra for27.
While Cloudways might have some downsides and can cost more for big setups, it’s still a great choice28. It’s especially popular among pro bloggers for creating VPS space and hosting multiple WordPress sites28. The ability to adjust server resources on the fly is a big plus, making it flexible as sites grow28.
Before choosing Cloudways, it’s important to weigh its pros and cons. Consider your specific needs and technical skills. This will help you decide if Cloudways is the right fit for your business or personal projects.
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