Cloudways Review 2026

## Introduction

Cloudways is a managed cloud hosting platform that really shines for its flexibility and performance. It’s no wonder it’s one of our top picks, boasting an impressive overall rating of 4.6 out of 5. By offering servers on major cloud providers like AWS, Google Cloud, DigitalOcean, Vultr, and Linode, Cloudways lets you pick the infrastructure that fits your needs best. Whether you're a developer, small business owner, or blogger, Cloudways has something for everyone with its solid features and user-friendly dashboard. In this deep dive, we’ll explore Cloudways's key features, performance, pricing, pros and cons, and customer support. Let’s figure out if it’s the right fit for your hosting needs.

Key Features

Managed Cloud Infrastructure

Cloudways provides a managed cloud hosting experience. This means they handle all those pesky server management tasks like updates and security, so you can focus on your website. It’s perfect for those who want the power of cloud hosting without the headache of server maintenance.

Choice of 5 Cloud Providers

With Cloudways, you’ve got the option to choose from five leading cloud providers: AWS, Google Cloud, DigitalOcean, Vultr, and Linode. This gives you the flexibility to select based on performance, location, or just personal preference, ensuring you get hosting that’s just right for you.

Built-in CDN (Cloudflare Enterprise)

A built-in CDN through Cloudflare Enterprise boosts your site's speed and security by spreading content across global servers. This is important for cutting down load times and improving user experience, especially if you have an audience scattered around the globe.

Free SSL Certificates

Security’s a big deal with Cloudways. They offer free SSL certificates to encrypt data between your website and its visitors. This not only protects sensitive info but also ups your site’s credibility and search engine ranking.

Automated Backups

Cloudways takes care of automated backups, so your data is safe and recoverable if anything unexpected happens. You can even set backup frequency and retention periods, giving you peace of mind with minimal fuss.

Staging Environments

Creating staging environments lets you test changes before going live. This is a lifesaver for developers and businesses that need to make sure updates don’t mess up the user experience.

Server Cloning

Server cloning makes duplicating your server setup a breeze, ideal for scaling or testing. This feature saves time and effort, especially for businesses planning to expand or start new projects.

Team Collaboration Tools

Cloudways has team collaboration tools that make teamwork smooth by allowing multiple users to manage and access your server. This is great for agencies or businesses with many stakeholders involved in web projects.

Performance Analysis

Cloudways scores a fantastic 4.8 out of 5 for speed and 4.9 out of 5 for uptime, showcasing its solid performance chops. These ratings suggest websites hosted on Cloudways have minimal downtime and fast loading times, key for keeping users engaged. The use of premium cloud infrastructure from top providers like AWS and Google Cloud, combined with Cloudflare Enterprise CDN, really cranks up the performance levels. While they don’t disclose specific uptime percentages and load times, the ratings indicate a reliable and speedy hosting environment.

Pricing Breakdown

Cloudways offers two main types of hosting: cloud hosting and WordPress hosting, both starting at $14 per month. It’s a bit higher than regular shared hosting plans, but that’s the price for premium cloud infrastructure. Cloud hosting is perfect for developers and businesses needing strong performance and scalability. On the other hand, WordPress hosting is tailored for those who want to harness WordPress with optimized cloud performance. With a value rating of 4.3 out of 5, Cloudways offers a competitive deal for those who prioritize flexibility and performance over cost.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Excellent performance on premium cloud infrastructure: Cloudways uses top-tier cloud providers, ensuring high-speed and reliable hosting.
• Flexible pay-as-you-go pricing: This model lets you scale resources up or down as needed, optimizing cost-efficiency.
• Choice of cloud provider: Users can select from AWS, Google Cloud, DigitalOcean, Vultr, and Linode, tailoring their hosting environment.
• Built-in Cloudflare Enterprise CDN: Boosts website speed and security globally, perfect for international audiences.

Cons:

• No email hosting included: You’ll need to purchase separate email hosting services, which might be a hassle.
• Higher starting price than shared hosting: Although justified by performance, the cost might be a hurdle for smaller projects.
• No domain registration service: You’ll have to register your domain with another provider, adding an extra step.

Customer Support

Cloudways scores 4.4 out of 5 in customer support, which indicates strong service but with some room for improvement. You can expect help through 24/7 live chat and ticket support, which is important for quickly resolving urgent issues. Additional support features like knowledge base articles and community forums are available too. While supportive, the overall rating suggests the experience can vary.

Who Is Cloudways Best For?

Cloudways is a great pick for users who need a solid, scalable, and high-performance hosting environment. This includes developers, small to medium-sized businesses, and enterprises that need the flexibility to choose their cloud provider. Bloggers and WordPress enthusiasts will also find the optimized WordPress hosting plans beneficial. However, if you’re looking for budget-friendly options or a package that includes email and domain services, you might want to look elsewhere.

Final Verdict

Cloudways offers a strong managed cloud hosting solution with a strong overall rating of 4.6 out of 5. It’s an excellent choice for anyone seeking powerful performance and flexibility through premium cloud providers. While the higher starting price and lack of email and domain services might deter some, the benefits of speed, uptime, and scalability make it a worthy investment for those who value performance. If you’re a developer or business looking for a reliable cloud hosting partner, Cloudways is a top contender. However, if budget constraints or all-inclusive packages are your priority, you may need to explore other options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cloudways good for beginners?

Cloudways can work for beginners who want managed hosting without server maintenance worries. However, its lack of domain registration and email services means beginners have to handle these separately.

Does Cloudways offer email hosting?

No, Cloudways doesn’t include email hosting. You’ll need to set up email services through another provider, which can add complexity to the setup process.

Can I register a domain with Cloudways?

Cloudways doesn’t offer domain registration services. You’ll need to purchase your domain separately from a registrar.

What kind of support can I expect from Cloudways?

Cloudways provides 24/7 live chat and ticket support, along with a knowledge base and community forums. The support is generally well-rated, but experiences may vary.