Cloudways Review
Last updated: 2026-07-10
Overview
Cloudways is a managed cloud hosting provider that takes a different approach from Kinsta or WP Engine. Instead of locking you into their infrastructure, Cloudways lets you choose from five cloud providers (DigitalOcean, AWS, Google Cloud, Vultr, Linode) and then manages the server for you. You get the power of cloud hosting without needing to be a sysadmin. Founded in 2011 and acquired by DigitalOcean in 2022, Cloudways is ideal for developers and technical users who want performance and control without the management overhead.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Choose your own cloud provider (DigitalOcean, AWS, Google Cloud, Vultr, Linode)
- Best performance-per-dollar in managed hosting
- Free SSL, dedicated firewalls, and automated backups
- Easy vertical scaling — upgrade server resources with one click
- Git deployment integration for developers
- No long-term contracts — pay monthly, cancel anytime
Cons
- No cPanel — custom dashboard (developer-focused, not beginner-friendly)
- No email hosting (must use third-party)
- No domain registration (must buy domains elsewhere)
- Steeper learning curve for non-technical users
- Support is ticket-based (no phone support on lower plans)
Features
Cloudways' standout feature is choice — you pick your cloud provider, server size, and location. The custom dashboard manages server-level operations: one-click SSL, free CDN (Cloudflare add-on), automated backups, staging environments, Git deployment, and SSH/SFTP access. Vertical scaling lets you upgrade server resources with one click (no migration needed). The platform supports WordPress, Magento, Laravel, Symfony, and custom PHP applications — not just WordPress. Dedicated firewalls, bot protection, and two-factor authentication are included. However, there's no cPanel, no email hosting, and no domain registration — you handle those separately.
| Free plan | ❌ No |
| Starting price | $11/mo (DigitalOcean, 1GB) |
| Infrastructure | DigitalOcean, AWS, Google Cloud, Vultr, Linode |
| CDN | Cloudflare (free add-on) |
| SSL | Free, auto-renewed |
| Backups | Automated (frequency varies by plan) |
| Staging sites | ✅ Yes |
| Site migration | Free |
| Support | 24/7 ticket + chat (premium plans) |
| Server locations | 60+ data centres (across providers) |
Pricing
Cloudways pricing starts at $11/mo for a DigitalOcean server (1GB RAM, 1 core, 25GB storage). AWS starts at $36.52/mo, Google Cloud at $33.02/mo, Vultr at $13/mo, and Linode at $12/mo. You pay monthly with no long-term contracts. A 3-day free trial requires no credit card. Pricing is transparent — you see exactly what resources you get. Add-ons like premium backups, premium SSL, and dedicated IP cost extra. For the performance you get, Cloudways offers the best value in managed hosting.
Final Verdict
Cloudways is the best choice for developers and technical users who want cloud power without managing servers themselves. At $11/mo starting, it offers the best performance-per-dollar in managed hosting. The ability to choose your cloud provider and scale vertically is a major advantage. The main drawback is the learning curve — if you've never managed a server, the dashboard will feel overwhelming. For non-technical users, Kinsta or WP Engine are better choices. For developers who know their way around server concepts, Cloudways is unbeatable value. 4.3/5.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cloudways good for beginners?
Not really. Cloudways is designed for developers and technical users. The custom dashboard assumes you understand server concepts like PHP versions, firewall rules, and caching. If you're a beginner, Kinsta or SiteGround are more beginner-friendly options.
How does Cloudways pricing compare to Kinsta?
Cloudways is much cheaper. A $14/mo DigitalOcean server (2GB RAM, 2 cores) on Cloudways handles more traffic than Kinsta's $35/mo Starter plan. However, Kinsta includes the MyKinsta dashboard, Cloudflare Enterprise CDN, and automatic scaling — you're paying for the management convenience.
Can I host non-WordPress sites on Cloudways?
Yes. Cloudways supports WordPress, Magento, Laravel, Symfony, and custom PHP applications. This is a significant advantage over Kinsta and WP Engine, which are WordPress-only.
Does Cloudways offer a free trial?
Yes — Cloudways offers a 3-day free trial with no credit card required. You can spin up a server, test performance, and deploy a site before paying anything.