Cloudways Vs A2 Hosting Comparison

## Introduction

Picking the right web hosting provider is a big deal for any website owner. With so many choices out there, figuring out which one fits your needs can be tough. This comparison between [Cloudways](/reviews/cloudways-review) and [A2 Hosting](/reviews/a2-hosting-review) is here to lend a hand. Cloudways scores an impressive 4.6 out of 5, offering managed cloud hosting with top providers like AWS and Google Cloud. On the other hand, A2 Hosting, with a solid 4.5 out of 5, is famous for its performance-driven approach and Turbo servers that can speed things up by 20x. In this head-to-head, we'll dive into their strengths and weaknesses, focusing on performance, pricing, features, and support. By the end, you'll have a good idea of which hosting service suits your needs best.

## Quick Comparison Table

| Feature                | Cloudways          | A2 Hosting        |
|, , , , , , , , , , , , |, , , , , , , , , , |, , , , , , , , , -|
| Overall Rating         | 4.6/5              | 4.5/5             |
| Speed Rating           | 4.8/5              | 4.7/5             |
| Uptime Rating          | 4.9/5              | 4.6/5             |
| Support Rating         | 4.4/5              | 4.3/5             |
| Value Rating           | 4.3/5              | 4.4/5             |
| Starting Price         | $14/mo (Cloud)     | $2.99/mo (Shared) |
| Hosting Types Available| Cloud, Wordpress   | Shared, VPS, Dedicated, Wordpress, Reseller |
| Money-Back Guarantee   | Not Mentioned      | Anytime (prorated) |

Performance Comparison

Let's talk performance. Both Cloudways and A2 Hosting deliver the goods. Cloudways boasts a speed rating of 4.8 out of 5, thanks to its premium cloud infrastructure from big names like AWS and Google Cloud. Plus, the built-in Cloudflare Enterprise CDN adds extra speed and reliability. A2 Hosting isn't far behind with a 4.7 out of 5, offering Turbo servers that can ramp up page loads 20 times faster. SSD storage and the LiteSpeed web server also play a big role in its strong performance.

When it comes to uptime, Cloudways is a step ahead with a stellar 4.9 out of 5. The robust cloud infrastructure and automated backups are key here. A2 Hosting, while a bit behind with a 4.6 rating, still provides good uptime with multiple data center locations around the globe.

Pricing Comparison

Cloudways starts at $14 per month for Cloud and Wordpress hosting. This might seem steep, but it reflects the premium nature of its managed hosting solutions. A2 Hosting offers a more wallet-friendly option, with shared hosting starting at just $2.99 per month. That's a big plus for those seeking cost-effective solutions.

For Wordpress hosting lovers, A2's $2.99 per month price tag is a steal compared to Cloudways' $14. This price difference is reflected in the value ratings: Cloudways at 4.3 and A2 Hosting at 4.4. A2's anytime money-back guarantee sweetens the deal with a prorated refund policy.

Feature Breakdown

Security

Cloudways provides free SSL certificates and automated backups, boosting site security. The option to choose from five cloud providers adds an extra layer of protection, thanks to diversified infrastructure.

A2 Hosting also offers free SSL certificates and solid security measures like SSD storage. However, advanced security features like Turbo servers are only on higher-tier plans.

Management & Tools

Cloudways stands out with its user-friendly dashboard, making cloud resource management a breeze. Features like server cloning and team collaboration tools make it a hit for businesses.

A2 Hosting caters to developers with tools like SSH, Git, and WP-CLI. Though functional, the interface can feel a bit old-school compared to Cloudways' modern design.

Performance Features

Cloudways packs a punch with a built-in Cloudflare Enterprise CDN and automated backups, ensuring top-notch performance and reliability.

A2 Hosting fights back with Turbo servers and LiteSpeed web server technology. These features deliver great speed, especially on the higher-tier plans.

Extras

Cloudways includes staging environments and team collaboration tools, making it a top pick for developers and teams.

A2 Hosting offers free site migration and flexible data center locations, adding convenience to their services.

Support Comparison

Support is crucial, and both Cloudways and A2 Hosting are pretty close here. Cloudways edges slightly ahead with a 4.4 rating over A2 Hosting's 4.3. Cloudways provides 24/7 support via live chat and ticketing, so help's always at hand. A2 Hosting also delivers 24/7 support, known for being responsive and helpful. While both offer solid support, Cloudways' higher rating hints at slightly better customer satisfaction.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Cloudways

Pros:

• Stellar performance on premium cloud infrastructure.
• Flexible pay-as-you-go pricing.
• Options to choose top cloud providers.
• Built-in Cloudflare Enterprise CDN.

Cons:

• No email hosting included.
• Higher starting price compared to shared hosting.
• No domain registration service.

A2 Hosting

Pros:

• Turbo servers offer excellent performance.
• Anytime money-back guarantee (prorated).
• Developer-friendly tools like SSH, Git, WP-CLI.
• Multiple data center locations worldwide.

Cons:

• Turbo features are on higher-tier plans only.
• Renewal prices can be steep.
• Interface might feel a bit dated.

Who Should Choose Cloudways?

Cloudways is perfect for those wanting premium cloud hosting with flexibility to choose top providers like AWS and Google Cloud. It's a great fit for developers and businesses needing a robust, scalable platform with advanced features like server cloning and team collaboration. If you're all about performance and customization, Cloudways is the way to go.

Who Should Choose A2 Hosting?

A2 Hosting is a winner for budget-conscious users who still want performance-focused hosting. Its affordable shared and Wordpress plans are perfect for individuals and small businesses. With Turbo servers and a ton of developer tools, it’s ideal for tech-savvy users who crave flexibility without breaking the bank.

Final Recommendation

If you're looking to save some cash and still get solid performance, A2 Hosting shines with its affordable pricing and strong features. The anytime money-back guarantee is a nice touch for those watching their budget. Meanwhile, Cloudways excels in performance and flexibility, making it the better pick for users who need premium cloud hosting with advanced features. Though both have their upsides, Cloudways takes the higher overall rating, reflecting its top-tier performance and feature set. In the end, the right choice should match your specific needs and budget.