Need Custom Website?
If you’re searching for a powerful and beginner-friendly cloud hosting provider, Cloudways is a name you’ve likely come across. Known for its ease of use, scalability, and managed cloud infrastructure, Cloudways makes cloud hosting accessible even to users without technical backgrounds. In this review, we’ll explore everything you need to know—from performance and features to support, pricing, and who it’s best suited for.
What is Cloudways?
Cloudways is a managed cloud hosting platform that sits on top of infrastructure providers like DigitalOcean, AWS, Google Cloud, Vultr, and Linode. It handles server setup, security, maintenance, and updates, so you don’t have to. This means you get the power of cloud servers without the complexity.
Whether you’re launching a WordPress site, an eCommerce store, or a custom app, Cloudways removes much of the hassle traditionally associated with cloud servers.
Key Features That Set Cloudways Apart
1. Managed Cloud Hosting
You don’t need to worry about server-side tasks. Cloudways manages your stack (Nginx, Apache, MySQL/MariaDB, PHP), so you can focus on your website or application.
2. Performance and Speed
- SSD-based storage for fast read/write speeds
- Built-in advanced caching with Varnish, Memcached, and Redis
- Free built-in CDN
- PHP 8.x support for enhanced performance
3. User-Friendly Dashboard
Even if you’re new to hosting, the Cloudways dashboard is intuitive. You can deploy, monitor, and scale servers and applications with a few clicks.
4. Staging Environments
Create one-click staging environments to test changes before pushing them live.
5. Security & Backups
- Free SSL certificates
- Automated daily backups (with manual options too)
- Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
- IP allowlisting (formerly referred to as whitelisting) for added database security
6. Developer-Friendly Tools
- SSH & SFTP access
- Git integration
- WP-CLI and Composer
- Cron job manager
7. Multiple Cloud Providers
You can choose from:
- DigitalOcean (most affordable)
- Vultr (with high frequency options)
- Linode
- AWS
- Google Cloud
Each has global data centers, allowing you to host near your audience for faster load times.
8. Vertical Scaling
Need more resources? You can scale your server up (RAM, CPU, storage) without affecting your application’s data or settings.
Cloudways Pricing Explained
Cloudways uses a pay-as-you-go pricing model. You only pay for what you use. There’s no fixed contract or upfront fees. Here are example starting prices (as of 2025):
| Provider | Starting Price | RAM | Storage | Bandwidth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DigitalOcean | $11/month | 1GB | 25GB | 1TB |
| Vultr HF | $13/month | 1GB | 32GB | 1TB |
| Linode | $12/month | 1GB | 25GB | 1TB |
| AWS | Varies | — | — | — |
| Google Cloud | Varies | — | — | — |
You can try any plan free for 3 days without adding a credit card.
Customer Support
Cloudways offers 24/7/365 live chat support, ticketing, and a large knowledge base. Premium support add-ons are available for businesses needing SLA-backed service and advanced troubleshooting.
Users praise Cloudways’ support team for being helpful, fast, and technically knowledgeable—especially for WordPress-related issues.
Who Is Cloudways Best For?
- WordPress Users: Especially if you want managed hosting that outperforms shared plans.
- eCommerce Stores: WooCommerce stores benefit from fast speeds and reliable uptime.
- Agencies & Developers: With team collaboration tools and Git support, Cloudways is perfect for client projects.
- Bloggers & Creators: Great if you’ve outgrown shared hosting but aren’t ready to manage a VPS yourself.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Excellent performance and uptime
- Choice of top-tier cloud providers
- Easy scalability
- Simple dashboard for beginners
- Built-in security features
- No long-term contracts
Cons
- No built-in email hosting
- Slight learning curve if you’re completely new
- Add-ons (like Object Cache Pro) require higher-tier plans
How It Compares to Other Hosts
| Feature | Cloudways | SiteGround | Bluehost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cloud Infrastructure | Yes | No | No |
| Managed Hosting | Yes | Yes | Partially |
| Free Migration | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Free CDN | Yes (Built-in) | Yes (Cloudflare) | Yes (Cloudflare) |
| Email Hosting | No | Yes | Yes |
| Pay-as-you-go pricing | Yes | No | No |
Get Started with the Right Hosting
Not sure if Cloudways is right for you? Use our Website Starter Tool to discover the best hosting solution for your needs, based on your goals, platform, and budget. It’s a free, personalized experience built to help you make a confident decision.
Final Thoughts
Cloudways remains one of the best options for beginners and growing websites in 2025. With top performance, flexibility, and beginner-friendly features, it offers a powerful alternative to traditional shared hosting. If you’re ready to move beyond basic plans but don’t want the complexity of unmanaged servers, Cloudways is absolutely worth a look.
Start your hosting journey smartly. Test Cloudways free or use our Website Starter Tool to match yourself with the perfect hosting setup.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Cloudways good for beginners?
Yes. While Cloudways gives access to powerful cloud infrastructure, its managed dashboard and 24/7 support make it beginner-friendly. You don’t need server knowledge to use it effectively.
Can I host WordPress sites on Cloudways?
Absolutely. Cloudways is optimized for WordPress with one-click installs, performance caching, and specialized support for WordPress users.
Does Cloudways offer email hosting?
No. You’ll need to set up email separately via a service like Google Workspace or Rackspace. This helps keep server resources focused on site performance.
Is there a free trial?
Yes, Cloudways offers a 3-day free trial with no credit card required. It’s a great way to explore the dashboard and features before committing.
Can I scale my server later?
Yes. Cloudways allows vertical scaling, so you can increase RAM, storage, or CPU anytime as your website grows.
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