After using Cloudways for several months, I can confidently say that it’s a game-changer for anyone looking for a reliable, scalable, and managed cloud hosting solution. What I really appreciate about Cloudways is how it combines the flexibility of cloud hosting with ease of use
- Easy-to-use interface, even for beginners.
- Managed cloud hosting, taking care of server setup, maintenance, and security.
- High performance with fast loading times and minimal downtime.
- Scalability enables you to upgrade resources as needed easily.
- Pricing can be higher than shared hosting options, especially for larger plans.
- Some technical knowledge is still needed for advanced configurations.
Price: $14/Month
When it comes to cloud hosting, Cloudways is a name that frequently comes up in conversations. Whether you’re a small business owner, a freelancer, or a developer looking for a cloud hosting solution, Cloudways might be a service that’s worth considering.
But is it truly worth your time and money? In this detailed Cloudways review, I’ll cover everything you need to know about their pricing, features, user experience, customer support, and much more.
By the end of this post, you’ll have a clear idea of whether Cloudways is the right hosting solution for you.
Introduction to Cloudways
In 2012, Aaqib Gadit and Pere Hospital established Cloudways. The business was first established in Malta and has since expanded to serve customers worldwide.
When Cloudways first started as a bootstrapped firm, its goal was to make cloud hosting easier for SMBs by offering a managed platform that allowed users to install apps on top of top cloud providers, including DigitalOcean, AWS, Google Cloud, Linode, and Vultr.
In August 2022, Cloudways was acquired by DigitalOcean for $350 million in cash. Despite the acquisition, Cloudways continues to operate as a standalone business unit under the leadership of its co-founder and CEO, Aaqib Gadit.
Cloudways is a managed cloud hosting platform that enables users to deploy applications on top of cloud infrastructure providers, including Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud, DigitalOcean, Vultr, and Linode.
What sets Cloudways apart from many other hosting services is its ability to combine the flexibility of cloud hosting with the ease of use typically associated with traditional web hosting platforms.
The platform is specifically designed for businesses and developers who require a high-performance cloud infrastructure but don’t want to manage it themselves.
Cloudways offers scalable hosting solutions with features that can accommodate both small websites and larger, resource-demanding applications.
Pricing Table of Cloudways Review
One of the main selling points of Cloudways is its transparent and competitive pricing. Here’s a breakdown of Cloudways’ various hosting plans based on the cloud provider you choose:
| Plan | Monthly Price | Key Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| DO Standard (1 GB) | $14 | 1 GB RAM, 1 CPU, 25 GB SSD, 1 TB bandwidth, free SSL, 24/7 support | Small blogs, startups |
| DO Standard (2 GB) | $28 | 2 GB RAM, 1 CPU, 50 GB SSD, 2 TB bandwidth, staging, backups | Growing sites, small stores |
| DO Standard (4 GB) | $54 | 4 GB RAM, 2 CPU, 80 GB SSD, 4 TB bandwidth, free Object Cache Pro | E-commerce, agencies |
| DO Premium (8 GB) | $99 | 8 GB RAM, 4 CPU, 160 GB SSD, 5 TB bandwidth, CDN, priority support | High-traffic sites |
| Autonomous (Basic) | $25 | Auto-scaling, unlimited PHP workers, Kubernetes, 1 TB bandwidth | High-traffic WP sites |
| Autonomous (Pro) | $75 | Advanced auto-scaling, premium CDN, 2 TB bandwidth, priority support | Large e-commerce, LMS |
Notes:
- Prices are hourly, so you only pay for what you use (e.g., $0.0194/hour for DO 1 GB).
- 3-day free trial, no credit card needed. No money-back guarantee post-trial.
- Autonomous plans auto-scale for traffic surges, ideal for WooCommerce or LMS.
- Add-ons: Malware protection ($3/month), Cloudflare Enterprise ($4.99/month).
- AWS and Google Cloud plans start higher (e.g., $38.56/month for AWS 2 GB).
My Personal Experience Using Cloudways
After using Cloudways for a few months, I must admit that I’m impressed with its performance. The main benefit, in my opinion, is its simplicity of use; the user interface is clear and easy to use, and the process of setting up a cloud server was faster than I expected.
Cloudways makes everything significantly easier, even for someone like me who lacks extensive server management knowledge.
The speed of my website has been consistently fast, and since switching to Cloudways, I’ve observed fewer failures. However, their customer service was what really stood out to me. Their staff was always there to help and efficiently resolved any issues I encountered.
I would recommend Cloudways to both individuals and businesses seeking reliable cloud hosting solutions.
Core Features of Cloudways Review
Cloudways offers a comprehensive set of features that set it apart from traditional shared hosting services. Here are some of the most notable features:
1. Managed Hosting
Cloudways provides managed cloud hosting services, which means they handle the technical aspects, including server setup, maintenance, updates, and security. This allows you to focus on your website or application without worrying about the server.
2. One-Click App Deployment
Cloudways offers one-click installations for various applications like WordPress, Magento, Joomla, and others. This feature is especially useful for users who want to launch their sites quickly without needing to delve into technical details.
3. 24/7 Support
Cloudways provides round-the-clock customer support through live chat, email, and ticket systems. Their support team is highly rated for its knowledge and responsiveness, making it easier to resolve any hosting issues quickly.
4. Scalability
The platform allows you to scale your cloud resources easily as your website grows. Whether you need more storage, bandwidth, or CPU power, scaling up or down can be done with just a few clicks.
5. Free SSL & HTTP/2 Support
Cloudways includes a free SSL certificate with all hosting plans, which ensures secure browsing for your visitors. Additionally, they support HTTP/2, which can speed up your site’s load times.
6. Automated Backups
Cloudways offers automated backups for your website, ensuring that you don’t lose valuable data. You can also restore backups with a single click, which adds an extra layer of security.
7. Advanced Caching
The platform utilizes Varnish, Memcached, and Redis for advanced caching, ensuring your site loads quickly. This helps enhance the performance of dynamic sites, improving the user experience.
8. CloudwaysBot
CloudwaysBot is an intelligent assistant that helps users monitor their server’s performance and provides real-time alerts on server status and performance. This allows you to make informed decisions about your server resources.
Pros and Cons Table of Cloudways Review
Pros
- Scalability enables you to upgrade resources as needed easily.
- 24/7 customer support that is responsive and helpful.
- One-click app installations for WordPress, Magento, and other popular platforms.
- Free SSL certificates are included with all plans.
- Advanced caching features to improve website speed.
Cons
- No domain registration is included in the basic plans.
- It can be more expensive when using top-tier cloud providers, such as AWS or Google Cloud.
Performance & Usability of Cloudways Review
Cloudways delivers solid performance through its integration with top-tier cloud providers, including AWS, DigitalOcean, and Google Cloud. The speed is excellent, and websites hosted on Cloudways experience minimal downtime.
I’ve personally observed a significant improvement in website load times after switching to Cloudways.
The user interface is straightforward, even for non-tech-savvy users. The dashboard is well-organized, making it easy to navigate through various settings. Plus, CloudwaysBot alerts you when your server requires attention, further simplifying server management.
Customer Support Offered by Cloudways Review
Cloudways shines in customer support. They offer 24/7 support through live chat, tickets, and email. My personal experience with Cloudways’ support has been positive; they are quick, professional, and knowledgeable.
They also have a comprehensive knowledge base, making it easy to find solutions to common problems without needing to contact support.
Summary of Cloudways Review Based on Customer Ratings
Here’s a breakdown of Cloudways based on customer ratings:
| Feature | Rating (Out of 5) |
|---|---|
| Good Value for Money | 4.5 |
| Features | 5 |
| Return Policy | 4.2 |
| Customer Service | 4.8 |
| Price & Quality | 4.5 |
| Ease of Use | 4.6 |
How Cloudways Review Works
Cloudways works by allowing you to deploy applications on top of leading cloud providers, without requiring deep technical expertise.
You can manage your cloud hosting environment from the Cloudways dashboard, where you can monitor server performance, deploy apps, set up automatic backups, and more.
Cloudways also handles the maintenance and security of the servers, letting you focus on growing your website or business.
3 Best Alternatives of Cloudways Review
While Cloudways is a great choice, there are some alternatives worth considering. Here’s a quick look:
1. WP Engine
WP Engine is a managed WordPress hosting service known for its top-notch performance and support. It’s ideal for users looking for hassle-free WordPress hosting. However, WP Engine is more expensive than Cloudways and lacks the flexibility in cloud provider options.
Pricing: Starts at $59/month.
2. SiteGround
SiteGround is another popular choice offering managed hosting services. It has excellent customer support and great performance. However, it’s not as flexible as Cloudways when it comes to server management.
Pricing: Starts at $3.99/month.
3. Kinsta
Kinsta is a premium managed WordPress hosting provider, known for its speed and reliability. However, it’s also on the pricier side, making it better suited for high-traffic websites.
Pricing: Starts at $35/month.
Why Cloudways is Better Than These Alternatives
Cloudways offers greater flexibility, as you can choose from multiple cloud providers and scale resources as needed. It’s also more affordable than both Kinsta and WP Engine, making it an ideal choice for small businesses and developers.
FAQs Section for Cloudways Review
Is Cloudways good for beginners?
Yes, Cloudways is beginner-friendly due to its easy-to-use dashboard and 24/7 customer support.
Can I install WordPress on Cloudways?
Yes, Cloudways allows you to install WordPress with one click.
Does Cloudways offer a money-back guarantee?
Cloudways does not offer a traditional money-back guarantee; however, it provides a 3-day free trial.
Can I upgrade my hosting plan easily?
Yes, Cloudways allows you to scale your resources with just a few clicks.
What cloud providers can I use with Cloudways?
Cloudways supports AWS, Google Cloud, DigitalOcean, Vultr, and Linode.
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Final Thoughts for Cloudways Review
After using Cloudways for several months, I can confidently say it’s an excellent choice for developers and businesses looking for managed cloud hosting. The service offers flexibility, performance, and scalability that you can’t get from traditional shared hosting.
Its managed features, excellent support, and user-friendly dashboard make it a strong contender in the cloud hosting space.
If you’re looking for a cloud hosting solution that combines ease of use with high-performance capabilities, Cloudways is definitely worth considering.
