Cloudways is a managed cloud hosting platform designed for developers, small businesses, and agencies that want high-performance websites without the complexity of server management. It simplifies deployment on leading cloud infrastructures such as DigitalOcean, AWS, Google Cloud, Linode, and Vultr, offering a user-friendly control panel, automated backups, and robust security.
Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Malta, Cloudways has become one of the most reputable names in managed hosting, praised for its flexibility, performance, and value. Unlike traditional shared hosting, Cloudways provides dedicated cloud resources — meaning your site runs faster, scales better, and stays more secure.
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Pros and Cons Values
Product specification
Key Features
1. Managed Cloud Hosting
Cloudways bridges the gap between traditional hosting and unmanaged cloud services. You get full control of your server without dealing with the technical complexity of setup, patches, or scaling.
2. Optimized Stack (ThunderStack)
Cloudways uses its proprietary ThunderStack, a powerful combination of Nginx, Apache, Varnish, Memcached, and Redis — all optimized for speed and stability.
3. Easy Application Deployment
With just a few clicks, you can deploy applications like WordPress, Magento, Laravel, Joomla, or WooCommerce. No manual configuration required.
4. Staging & Cloning
Test updates or new designs safely in a staging environment before pushing them live. Cloning allows you to duplicate entire applications or servers instantly.
5. Free SSL and Managed Backups
Cloudways integrates Let’s Encrypt SSL for free HTTPS certificates. Daily automated backups ensure your data is always safe and easily restorable.
6. Team Collaboration Tools
You can assign team members with specific roles and permissions — perfect for agencies managing multiple clients.
7. Vertical Scaling
Need more resources? Scale your CPU, RAM, and storage with a few clicks — no migrations or downtime.
Performance and Reliability
Performance is where Cloudways shines. Independent benchmark tests and user reviews consistently highlight load times under 500ms for WordPress websites hosted on optimized servers.
Performance Highlights:
- SSD storage and built-in caching layers (Varnish + Redis)
- PHP 8.x and HTTP/2 support
- Global data centers across 65+ locations
- Integrated Cloudflare CDN for global speed optimization
In real-world testing, a WordPress website with optimized caching loaded in 0.41 seconds on a DigitalOcean server (2GB RAM plan). Uptime averages above 99.98%, ensuring exceptional reliability.
Security and Compliance
Cloudways prioritizes security with a multi-layered defense system:
- Dedicated firewalls
- Two-factor authentication
- Bot protection via MalCare
- End-to-end encryption (SSL)
- Regular OS and firmware patching
Additionally, Cloudways is compliant with GDPR and supports advanced configurations for PCI-DSS readiness — crucial for eCommerce sites handling payments.
Customer Support
Cloudways offers 24/7/365 support via live chat and ticketing. Their support agents are technically proficient and responsive. Premium support tiers (Advanced and Premium) include phone support and a dedicated account manager.
Support Channels:
- Live Chat (available inside dashboard)
- Knowledge Base & Documentation
- Community Forum
- Optional Phone Support (with premium add-on)
Users often report average response times under 2 minutes for live chat queries — one of the fastest in the hosting industry.
Integrations and Add-ons
Cloudways provides multiple add-ons to extend functionality:
- Elastic Email: For transactional emails
- Cloudflare CDN: Enhanced speed and DDoS protection
- Application Migration Add-on: Expert-managed site transfers
- Rackspace Email Hosting: Professional email solution
- DNS Made Easy: Simplified domain management
These integrations let businesses customize their hosting stack precisely to their needs.
Ease of Use
Unlike raw cloud providers such as AWS or Google Cloud, Cloudways offers a simple graphical interface. You can manage databases, SSL, backups, and deployments without touching the command line.
The dashboard is clean, fast, and well-organized:
- Quick-launch wizards for new apps
- Graphs for monitoring server resources
- One-click scaling and cloning
- Built-in Git and SSH access for developers
Even non-technical users can manage complex applications confidently.
Who Is Cloudways Best For?
Cloudways suits a broad range of users:
- Small businesses: Affordable performance hosting
- Developers: SSH/Git access and staging features
- Agencies: Team collaboration and client management tools
- E-commerce sites: High uptime and PCI-ready environment
- Bloggers and creators: Scalable, managed WordPress hosting
If you value control and performance without the hassle of server administration, Cloudways is one of the best choices available.
Independent Test Summary
| Test | Result | Description |
|---|
| GTmetrix Load Time | 0.41s | WordPress on DO server |
| Uptime (12 months) | 99.98% | Verified by UptimeRobot |
| TTFB | 134ms | Excellent response speed |
| Support Response | <2 mins | Live chat average |
| Security Rating | A+ | SSL & firewall protections |
How Cloudways Compares
| Platform | Starting Price | Managed | CDN | Uptime | Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cloudways | $14/mo | ✅ Yes | ✅ | 99.98% | 24/7 chat |
| SiteGround | $17.99/mo | ✅ | ✅ | 99.95% | Chat & tickets |
| WP Engine | $20/mo | ✅ | ✅ | 99.99% | 24/7 chat |
| Hostinger | $3.99/mo | ❌ Shared | ✅ | 99.9% | Chat only |
Cloudways stands out for combining cloud-grade performance with true managed hosting convenience.
Pricing and Plans
Cloudways operates on a pay-as-you-go model, meaning you only pay for what you use. Prices depend on your chosen cloud provider and server specifications.
| Cloud Provider | Starting Price (per month) | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| DigitalOcean | $14/month | Affordable and reliable |
| Linode | $14/month | Excellent developer tools |
| Vultr | $14/month | High-speed NVMe storage |
| AWS | $38.56/month | Enterprise-grade reliability |
| Google Cloud | $37.45/month | Global infrastructure |
Billing: Hourly or monthly options
Free Trial: 3-day free trial (no credit card required)
This flexible structure makes Cloudways ideal for scaling — whether you’re hosting a small WordPress site or a complex eCommerce platform.
Editor’s Verdict
Cloudways is an exceptional managed cloud hosting platform that bridges power and simplicity. It’s ideal for users who want the performance of AWS or Google Cloud — without needing a sysadmin.
Its transparent pricing, robust security, and responsive support make it one of the top-rated hosting solutions of 2025.
Rating: ★★★★★ (9.6/10)
Best for: Businesses and developers needing scalable, managed hosting.
FAQs
1. Does Cloudways offer cPanel?
No. Cloudways uses its own proprietary control panel, which is simpler and more intuitive.
2. Can I host multiple websites?
Yes, you can host unlimited applications on a single server, depending on resources.
3. Is there a free trial?
Yes, Cloudways offers a 3-day free trial — no credit card required.
4. Does Cloudways include email hosting?
No, but you can use add-ons like Elastic Email or Rackspace Email.
5. Can I migrate my existing site?
Yes. Cloudways provides a free WordPress migrator plugin and a managed migration add-on.
Final Verdict:
Cloudways offers unmatched flexibility, performance, and value for a managed cloud host. For businesses serious about uptime, scalability, and simplicity, it remains a Top 10 Hosting Choice for 2025.
