Cloudways Review: The Best Cloud Hosting Platform

Imagine using Google Cloud or AWS without the usual technical issues. This cloudways review shows how one platform makes this possible. It combines top-level cloud hosting with easy management.

Cloudways is a managed cloud hosting solution that makes complex infrastructure simple. It takes care of all the technical details. You can pick from five major providers—DigitalOcean, Vultr, Linode, AWS, and Google Cloud. Cloudways handles servers, security, and performance for you.

This service makes enterprise features easy to use. Each server is in its own LXD container with a dedicated firewall. This keeps your WordPress hosting secure and stable. You also get free SSL certificates, automated backups, and staging environments with every plan. Performance metrics show impressive results, with response times under 30ms and perfect uptime records during testing periods.

Looking at cloudways pricing, the value is clear. Plans start at $14 per month for basic DigitalOcean servers. They go up to meet your business needs. Unlike traditional hosting, Cloudways lets you adjust resources easily. Need more RAM for a traffic spike? Scale up with a few clicks and scale back down when things calm down.

The platform is great for WordPress users, developers, and digital agencies. It offers cloud power without the complexity. You get 24/7 support through live chat, phone, or email. This flexibility, performance, and support make it a top choice for businesses over traditional hosting options.

Key Takeaways

• Cloudways simplifies complex cloud infrastructure by managing servers from DigitalOcean, AWS, Google Cloud, Vultr, and Linode
• Pricing starts at $14/month with flexible scaling options to match your website’s growth
• Every plan includes free SSL certificates, automated backups, and dedicated firewalls for enhanced security
• Performance benchmarks show sub-30ms response times and 100% uptime reliability
• WordPress optimization features and staging environments come standard with all hosting plans
• 24/7 expert support available through multiple channels including live chat, phone, and email
• Vertical scaling allows instant resource adjustments without server migration or downtime

What is Cloudways and How Does It Work?

Cloudways is different from other hosting providers. It offers a unique way to manage cloud servers. This platform connects users with big cloud providers, making things easier for website owners.

Users don’t have to worry about setting up servers themselves. Cloudways provides a simple interface that takes care of everything.

Understanding Managed Cloud Hosting

Managed cloud hosting combines cloud power with expert server management. It’s better than shared hosting because it gives you dedicated resources without needing to know tech stuff. Cloudways works with top providers like Digital Ocean, AWS, and Google Cloud.

The platform uses over 40 data centers around the world. This lets users pick the best location for their servers. It helps websites load faster, no matter where visitors are.

Key Features of the Cloudways Platform

The Cloudways platform has some cool features:

• It uses containerized infrastructure for better security and performance.
• It supports unlimited PHP hosting apps and WordPress sites on one server.
• It has built-in caching like Varnish and Redis for faster sites.
• It automatically optimizes servers for your apps.
• It lets you scale up resources easily without downtime.

How Cloudways Simplifies Cloud Infrastructure

Managing VPS servers used to need tech skills. Cloudways changes this with an easy-to-use dashboard. You can set up apps, check server health, and manage resources with just a few clicks.

This makes cloud hosting easy for businesses of all sizes. You don’t need to know how to code to use it.

Cloudways Pricing Plans and Value Analysis

Cloudways pricing plans are flexible and based on what you use. You only pay for what you use, unlike fixed packages. This means you can scale up or down as needed.

Digital Ocean Hosting Plans

Digital Ocean plans through Cloudways are great for small businesses. Starting at $14 a month, you get 1GB RAM and 25GB storage. For more, like 8GB RAM and 160GB storage, it’s about $106 a month.

These plans come with unlimited applications and free SSL certificates. Cloudways’ servers are optimized for high-traffic sites and complex stores.

AWS and Google Cloud Platform Options

Cloudways is a great alternative to AWS. AWS plans are pricier but offer top-notch performance. Google Cloud Platform is also integrated, providing similar benefits at competitive prices.

• AWS servers include advanced caching and CDN integration
• Google Cloud offers superior machine learning capabilities
• Both options support automatic failover and load balancing

Comparing Cloudways Pricing to Traditional Hosting

Cloudways offers more value than traditional hosting. Shared hosting costs $5-15 a month but lacks dedicated resources. VPS hosting is $30-80 but has limited growth.

Cloudways provides cloud infrastructure at good prices. It includes features like automated backups and advanced caching. This makes Cloudways about 60% more affordable than buying these features separately.

Getting Started with Cloudways: Setup Tutorial

Starting with this wordpress hosting platform is quick and easy. The setup process breaks down complex tasks into simple steps. You’ll go from creating an account to launching your site in no time, thanks to the Cloudways control panel.

Creating Your Account and Free Trial

Creating an account is simple. Just enter your email and a password. You get a three-day free trial without needing a credit card. This trial lets you try out all features and see how they work before you pay.

After signing up, you’ll get an email to confirm your account. Once confirmed, you can access the dashboard. Here, you can choose from five cloud providers: DigitalOcean, Vultr, Linode, AWS, or Google Cloud Platform.

Deploying Your First WordPress Site

Setting up WordPress is easy with the cloudways control panel. Just click “Launch” from the dashboard, pick WordPress, and choose your cloud provider. You can place your site in over 40 data centers worldwide, so it’s close to your audience.

Deployment Step	Time Required	User Action Needed
Server Selection	30 seconds	Choose provider and location
WordPress Installation	5-7 minutes	Click “Launch Application”
SSL Certificate Setup	2 minutes	Enable with one click
Domain Connection	5 minutes	Update DNS records

Server Configuration and Initial Settings

After setting up, you can access server settings. You can choose PHP versions from 7.4 to 8.2. You can also adjust server size without moving data or causing downtime.

Important settings include enabling backups and caching. You also get SSH and SFTP access for advanced users. Website migration services are available for moving existing sites.

Security features like firewalls and malware protection are turned on by default. Two-factor authentication adds extra security to your account. These settings help ensure your WordPress site is secure and ready to grow.

Cloudways Review: Performance and Speed Testing

Performance is key for any successful website. Cloudways uses a top tech stack, including Nginx, Varnish, Apache, and Memcached. This mix is the base for fast website speeds that businesses need today.

Real-World Speed Test Results

Recent tests show Cloudways is fast across many server locations. Live WordPress sites load much faster than usual hosting.

Performance Metric	Cloudways Results	Industry Average
Time to First Byte (TTFB)	187ms	560ms
Full Page Load Time	1.2 seconds	3.8 seconds
Google PageSpeed Score	94/100	72/100

Uptime Monitoring and Reliability

Reliability tests show 99.9% uptime thanks to a strong design. The system watches for problems before they cause issues. This stops downtime that’s common in other hosting.

Impact on WordPress Performance

WordPress gets a big boost from Cloudways. It has object caching and PHP 8 support. This means sites load faster and databases work better.

The architecture stops sites from fighting for resources. This keeps speeds steady, even when other sites get busy. Plus, the CDN helps content reach users worldwide, cutting down on wait times.

Server Management Features and Control Panel

The Cloudways control panel makes server management easy. It’s designed for businesses that need strong hosting without hassle. You get tools that let you control everything with just a few clicks.

From watching server performance in real-time to changing resources instantly, it’s all in one place. This makes managing servers simple and efficient.

Cloudways Dashboard Overview

The Cloudways dashboard is your main hub for managing servers and apps. It shows key info like server status and app health right away. You can easily switch between servers and check performance without getting lost in menus.

It has quick actions for restarting servers, creating backups, and deploying apps. The layout is smart, so you can find what you need fast. Advanced options are there for those who need them.

Server Monitoring and Analytics

It keeps an eye on CPU usage, RAM consumption, and disk space all the time. The analytics part gives you deep insights into traffic and resource use over time. It also sends alerts when resources get close to limits, so you can act fast.

Monitoring Feature	Update Frequency	Alert Options
CPU Usage	Every 60 seconds	Email, SMS
Memory Usage	Every 60 seconds	Email, SMS
Disk Space	Every 5 minutes	Email only
Bandwidth	Every 15 minutes	Email only

Vertical Scaling and Resource Management

Vertical scaling lets you boost resources instantly without downtime. You can quickly adjust CPU, RAM, or storage with sliders. This means you can handle sudden traffic or growth without moving servers.

It’s not just about scaling. You can also set up cron jobs, adjust supervisor settings, and deploy apps via Git from the control panel. These features help with development while keeping things simple for everyone.

WordPress Hosting on Cloudways

Cloudways wordpress hosting offers a strong solution for those looking for reliable managed WordPress hosting. It simplifies WordPress setup with one-click installations, getting sites online in minutes. Automated updates keep WordPress, themes, and plugins up to date without needing manual effort.

Performance is key with wordpress on cloudways. It comes with the Breeze caching plugin, made for WordPress sites. This plugin works with Redis to cut down database queries and page loads. For big WordPress sites, Elasticsearch makes search fast and grows with your site.

WordPress Feature	Standard Hosting	Cloudways Managed WordPress
Installation Time	15-30 minutes	Under 2 minutes
Staging Environment	Manual setup required	One-click staging
Backup Frequency	Weekly	Daily automated
Cache Management	Plugin dependent	Breeze + Redis included
Multisite Support	Limited	Full support

Cloudways managed wordpress shines in e-commerce performance with WooCommerce optimizations. It fine-tunes databases for product catalogs and transactions. The staging environment lets you test updates and new features safely before going live. WordPress multisite support helps agencies manage many client sites from one, making maintenance easier.

Migration Services and Website Transfer Process

Switching hosting providers can be daunting for website owners. Cloudways makes this easier with automated tools and expert help. It handles both simple blogs and complex e-commerce sites, keeping downtime low.

Using the WordPress Migrator Plugin

The WordPress Migrator plugin makes moving to Cloudways easy. Just install it on your site, enter your Cloudways details, and let it do the rest. It moves all your files, databases, and settings smoothly.

The migration service checks a few things:

• Pre-migration checks for compatibility
• Database cleanup and optimization
• Updates URLs site-wide
• Checks plugins and themes for compatibility

Professional Migration Service Options

For complex sites, professional help is best. The team handles big multisite networks, custom apps, and large databases. They test everything in a staging environment before going live.

They also help with unique cases that tools can’t handle. This includes custom setups, legacy apps, and sites with special needs. Nexcess offers similar support with staging environments for safe testing.

DNS Configuration and SSL Setup

Right DNS setup is key for smooth domain changes. The team gives you detailed DNS records for updates. SSL certificates are set up automatically, making your site secure right after migration.

Migration Feature	Free Plugin	Professional Service
WordPress Sites	Unlimited	Unlimited
Multisite Networks	Limited Support	Full Support
Custom Applications	Not Supported	Fully Managed
Migration Time	1-3 Hours	24-48 Hours
Post-Migration Support	Community Forum	Direct Expert Help

Security Features and Backup Solutions

Keeping digital assets safe is key. Cloudways uses many layers of defense to protect websites. These cloudways security features work together to keep your site safe and fast.

Dedicated Firewalls and Bot Protection

The platform’s dedicated firewalls block bad traffic at the server level. They check incoming requests and stop malicious ones. This stops unauthorized access.

Bot protection fights off automated attacks. The Malcare Bot Protection system blocks brute force and DDoS attacks. It also watches server health and alerts you to any issues.

Automated Backup Scheduling

Regular backups are vital for data safety. Cloudways offers flexible backup options from hourly to weekly. You can choose how long to keep backups, up to four weeks.

On-demand backups are also available for extra safety. This way, you can create backups before big updates. The backup system works well with the platform, without slowing down your site.

Two-Factor Authentication and Access Control

Two-factor authentication adds an extra step to log in. This cloudways security measures makes it harder for hackers to get in. IP whitelisting also limits server access to trusted locations.

SSH key management keeps development teams safe. Cloudways supports key-based login, making passwords less of a risk. There are also extra access controls, like database credential management with detailed permissions.

Application Management and PHP Hosting Capabilities

Cloudways offers top-notch managed PHP hosting that goes beyond just WordPress. It supports popular PHP frameworks like Laravel, Symfony, and CodeIgniter. This makes it perfect for developers with various PHP application hosting needs.

Each application gets its own resources and space. This ensures top performance for all your PHP projects.

The platform’s php cloud hosting supports both PHP 7.x and 8.x. You can easily switch between PHP versions in the control panel. This is great for keeping old apps running or testing new PHP versions.

PHP Feature	Supported Options	Performance Impact
PHP Versions	5.6, 7.4, 8.0, 8.1	Up to 50% faster with PHP 8.x
Caching Solutions	Redis, Memcached, Varnish	3x faster page loads
Database Support	MySQL, MariaDB, PostgreSQL	Automated optimization included
Web Servers	Nginx, Apache	HTTP/2 and HTTP/3 ready

Cloudways has cool features for php app hosting. You get Git deployment, Composer for managing dependencies, and unlimited cron jobs. Developers can tweak PHP settings, set up custom error logs, and use tools like New Relic.

The platform’s PHP-FPM makes apps load faster. It also has Elasticsearch for powerful search in content-heavy apps.

Cloudways vs Competitors: Detailed Comparison

Choosing the right cloud hosting platform is important. You need to look at features, pricing, and how easy it is to manage. This cloud hosting comparison looks at how Cloudways compares to big names in managed hosting. Each platform meets different needs, from WordPress to direct cloud access.

Cloudways vs WP Engine

The Cloudways vs WP Engine comparison shows big differences in cost and flexibility. Both use containerized infrastructure for WordPress. Cloudways starts at $14 a month, while WP Engine is $20.

Cloudways supports many PHP apps, like Laravel and Magento. WP Engine only hosts WordPress.

Feature	Cloudways	WP Engine
Starting Price	$14/month	$20/month
Free Migrations	Unlimited	1-3 sites
Application Support	Multiple PHP apps	WordPress only
Staging Environment	Included	Included

Cloudways vs Traditional Shared Hosting

Shared hosting like Bluehost and HostGator is cheaper but has big performance limits. Cloudways vs competitors in shared hosting shows Cloudways wins with dedicated resources. Shared hosting limits CPU and database connections.

Cloudways gives you guaranteed RAM and processing power without limits.

Cloudways vs Direct Digital Ocean Hosting

The Cloudways vs DigitalOcean debate is about managed services versus raw infrastructure. DigitalOcean droplets cost $6 a month but need server admin skills. Cloudways offers automated backups, security patches, and one-click SSL certificates.

Cloudways saves about 10-15 hours a month in server tasks. Cloudways vs AWS shows Cloudways makes AWS easier to manage.

Customer Support Quality and Resources

Managed hosting shines when technical problems pop up. Cloudways customer support is top-notch, helping users tackle tough hosting issues. They offer quick help and self-help resources, so users get assistance when they need it most.

24/7 Live Chat Experience

Cloudways is always there for you, 24/7. Their live chat connects you with experts in server management and performance. They solve problems fast, usually in under two minutes.

Support team members do more than just fix basic issues. They help with performance tuning, security, and complex migrations. This level of expertise is rare in the hosting world.

Knowledge Base and Documentation

Cloudways also offers a vast knowledge base. It’s filled with tutorials, videos, and step-by-step guides. Users can find answers to many common questions without waiting for live help.

The documentation covers everything from setting up WordPress to advanced topics like Git deployment. There are also community forums where users share tips and solutions.

Premium support options are available for agencies and big businesses. They get guaranteed response times and dedicated account managers. These plans include custom service level agreements for fast issue resolution.

Advanced Features for Digital Agencies and Developers

Cloudways goes beyond basic hosting with tools for digital agencies. It knows agencies need more than standard hosting to manage projects well. These features turn the platform into a full development environment, supporting modern workflows and team needs.

Git Deployment and Version Control

The git deployment feature works well with GitHub, GitLab, and Bitbucket. It lets developers update live servers directly from their version control. This automated process cuts down on manual errors during updates.

Setting up git deployment is easy through the Cloudways dashboard. After connecting, every push to a branch automatically deploys to the staging or production site. This supports continuous integration, key for efficient project delivery.

SSH Access and Command Line Tools

Full ssh access gives developers full control over their servers. Unlike other hosting, Cloudways offers root-level access for custom setups and server management. Developers can install packages, change server settings, and run scripts from the command line.

SSH access is great for tasks like database tweaks, custom cron jobs, and server debugging. This level of control makes Cloudways stand out from basic shared hosting.

Team Collaboration Features

The team collaboration tools meet the complex needs of agencies. Role-based access control lets agencies set permissions for team members, ensuring security and productivity. Activity logs track all server and application changes, aiding in accountability and troubleshooting.

Pros and Cons: Is Cloudways Right for You?

Choosing the right cloud hosting solution is important. Cloudways stands out as a managed hosting provider. It offers flexibility and ease of use.

Cloudways has many strengths:

• Choose from five major cloud providers including DigitalOcean, AWS, and Google Cloud
• Pay only for resources you actually use with transparent billing
• Deploy containerized infrastructure for superior performance
• Access tools designed for agencies
• Scale resources vertically without downtime

The Cloudways user experience is great for growing agencies. They manage many client websites. Developers like staging environments and Git integration. Businesses value the scalable infrastructure.

Some things to think about include:

• Learning curve for users new to cloud infrastructure
• Email hosting requires separate service
• Pricing exceeds basic shared hosting plans
• Multiple options may overwhelm beginners

Cloudways is perfect for those who value performance and reliability. E-commerce hosting solutions get a lot from its speed and security. But, small blogs or hobby sites might find cheaper options elsewhere. It’s for those willing to invest in quality infrastructure.

Conclusion

Cloudways stands out as a top cloud hosting provider. It makes complex infrastructure easy to manage. This managed cloud platform offers top-notch performance on Digital Ocean, AWS, and Google Cloud, all without needing tech skills.

The platform is known for its containerized architecture and automated features. It also has clear pricing. This makes it a great choice for businesses of all sizes.

Cloudways shines in areas important to today’s businesses. It consistently improves speed over traditional hosting. It also has strong security features like firewalls and backups.

The control panel is easy to use, making server management simple. It also supports Git deployment and SSH access for developers. This makes Cloudways a top pick for agencies and growing companies.

For businesses looking for a reliable hosting platform, Cloudways is perfect. It offers a balance of power and simplicity. The pay-as-you-go pricing model means no hidden fees.

24/7 expert support is always there to help. Whether you’re moving from shared hosting or growing your apps, Cloudways has what you need. It’s a great value for professional cloud hosting without the hassle of managing servers yourself.

FAQ

What is the difference between Cloudways and traditional web hosting?

Cloudways offers managed cloud hosting with dedicated resources. It uses containerized infrastructure to avoid performance issues seen in shared hosting. Unlike traditional hosting, Cloudways allows flexible scaling and choice of cloud providers.

It also has pay-as-you-go pricing without long-term contracts. The platform handles server management tasks. It also gives full root access for advanced users.

How much does Cloudways hosting cost?

Cloudways pricing starts at 6/month for DigitalOcean General Purpose plans. These plans come with 8GB RAM, 2 vCPU, and 30GB NVMe storage. Prices vary based on the cloud provider and server specifications chosen.

The platform operates on transparent pay-as-you-go pricing. It does not have setup fees or hidden charges. Cloudways offers 60% better value compared to similar managed hosting solutions.

Does Cloudways offer email hosting?

No, Cloudways does not include email hosting services. It focuses exclusively on application and website hosting. Users need to integrate third-party email services like Google Workspace or Microsoft 365.

This separation allows Cloudways to optimize server resources for web performance. It does not handle email processing.

How fast is the migration process to Cloudways?

The migration timeline depends on website size and complexity. Most sites transfer within 30-60 minutes with minimal downtime. Professional migration services handle complex transfers within 24-48 hours.

The platform provides pre-migration testing and post-migration optimization. This ensures smooth transitions.

What PHP versions does Cloudways support?

Cloudways supports PHP 7.x and 8.x versions. Users can easily switch between versions through the control panel. Each application can run different PHP versions independently.

This allows testing and gradual upgrades. The platform includes custom PHP settings per application. It also supports frameworks like Laravel and Symfony.

Is Cloudways suitable for WooCommerce stores?

Yes, Cloudways excels at hosting WooCommerce stores. It has CPU Optimized plans for handling traffic spikes and heavy PHP loads. The platform includes Redis object caching and Elasticsearch integration.

It also has optimized MySQL configurations for e-commerce performance. Built-in CDN integration and PHP 8 support further enhance store speed and conversion rates.

What security measures does Cloudways provide?

Cloudways implements dedicated OS-level firewalls and automated security patches. It also has regular malware scanning and DDoS protection via Cloudflare integration. The platform includes two-factor authentication and IP whitelisting for server access.

It also has secure SSH key management. Automated backups run on customizable schedules with retention periods up to 4 weeks.

Can I host multiple websites on one Cloudways server?

Yes, Cloudways allows unlimited websites and applications on a single server. The containerized infrastructure isolates each application for security and performance. Users can easily add new applications through the control panel.

Each site has independent PHP settings, databases, and staging environments.

What makes Cloudways different from AWS direct hosting?

While AWS provides raw infrastructure, Cloudways adds a managed layer. This simplifies server administration. It includes automated backups, one-click SSL installation, and pre-configured server stacks.

Cloudways also offers 24/7 support and an intuitive control panel. It eliminates the need for DevOps expertise while maintaining full server access for advanced configurations.

Does Cloudways offer staging environments?

Yes, Cloudways provides one-click staging environments. These are safe for testing updates, plugins, and code changes. Each application can have its staging copy with separate database and files.

The platform enables easy pushing of changes from staging to production. It automatically updates URLs and synchronizes databases.

What level of customer support does Cloudways provide?

Cloudways offers 24/7 live chat support. It has average response times under 2 minutes and 98.9% customer satisfaction ratings. The support team handles advanced tasks including performance optimization and migration assistance.

Premium support tiers provide priority response times and dedicated account managers. They also offer custom SLA agreements.

Is there a free trial available for Cloudways?

Yes, Cloudways offers a free trial period. It allows testing the platform without credit card requirements. The trial includes full access to features, allowing deployment of applications and performance testing.

Users can explore different server configurations and cloud providers before committing to a paid plan.