Cloudways is a managed cloud hosting platform that acts as an intermediary between you and major infrastructure providers (DigitalOcean, AWS, Google Cloud, Vultr, and Linode). You choose the provider and server size; Cloudways handles configuration, updates, and technical support.
What type of hosting is Cloudways?
Cloudways is neither shared hosting nor a conventional VPS you have to manage on your own. Its model is classified as managed cloud hosting, combining:
- The power and scalability of cloud computing (servers on AWS, GCP, DigitalOcean, etc.).
- The convenience of managed hosting: the provider configures the stack (PHP, MySQL/MariaDB, Redis, Nginx/Apache), applies patches, and handles backups.
The difference from shared hosting is fundamental: each application you deploy on Cloudways runs on its own server (or on a server exclusive to your account), with no noisy neighbors.
The difference from a raw VPS (like an unmanaged DigitalOcean Droplet) is that you don't need to SSH in to install PHP or configure Nginx — Cloudways handles it through its dashboard.
How Cloudways works, step by step
1. Create an account and choose an infrastructure provider
When you sign up, you select which cloud you want your server to run on. DigitalOcean is the most popular and cost-effective option; AWS and Google Cloud offer more power and advanced networking features.
2. Launch a server
From the Cloudways dashboard you choose the server size (RAM, CPU, SSD storage) and data center region. Within seconds, Cloudways provisions the server at the chosen provider and installs the full stack: PHP, MySQL/MariaDB, Redis, Nginx/Apache, optional Varnish, and certbot for SSL.
3. Add applications
Within a server you can deploy multiple applications (websites). Cloudways supports WordPress, WooCommerce, Magento, Laravel, generic PHP, and more. Each application has its own database, its own credentials, and its own staging URL.
4. Manage everything from the dashboard
The Cloudways panel centralizes: automatic backups, site cloning, one-click staging environments, free SSL (Let's Encrypt), resource monitoring, and SSH/SFTP access if you need it. You never have to touch the operating system unless you want to.
Available infrastructure providers and pricing
Cloudways does not charge separately for its management software: the price includes the underlying server cost plus Cloudways' margin. Here's an approximate comparison:
| Provider | Entry plan (USD/mo) | RAM / CPU | Storage |
|---|---|---|---|
| DigitalOcean | ~$14 | 1 GB / 1 vCPU | 25 GB SSD |
| Vultr | ~$14 | 1 GB / 1 vCPU | 32 GB SSD |
| Linode (Akamai) | ~$14 | 1 GB / 1 vCPU | 25 GB SSD |
| AWS | ~$36 | 1 GB / 1 vCPU | 20 GB SSD |
| Google Cloud | ~$37 | 1.7 GB / 1 vCPU | 20 GB SSD |
Approximate prices. Always verify at cloudways.com, as they change frequently.
For most WordPress sites or WooCommerce stores, the DigitalOcean 2 GB RAM plan (~$28/mo) is the recommended starting point.
Who is Cloudways designed for?
Cloudways is not for everyone. It has a clear ideal user profile:
- Developers and freelancers who want cloud-level power without managing servers manually.
- Web agencies that host multiple clients and need to isolate sites, push updates quickly, and clone staging environments.
- WooCommerce or Magento stores that have outgrown shared hosting and need guaranteed resources.
- Projects that scale fast: on Cloudways, upgrading from a 1 GB to a 4 GB server takes minutes with no migration needed.
It is not ideal for anyone looking for the lowest possible price: quality shared hosting can cost $4–8 USD/month, while Cloudways' minimum plan runs around $14 USD. It's also not ideal if you need integrated corporate email (you'll need Google Workspace or another external service for that).
To see how Cloudways stacks up against other options for your specific type of project, check our hosting comparisons section with use-case-specific analyses and budget breakdowns.
Advantages and limitations at a glance
Advantages
- No long-term contracts: pay by the hour or month.
- Preconfigured technical stack (PHP, MySQL, Redis, SSL) ready in minutes.
- Automatic backups and staging environments included.
- 24/7 support from technicians specialized in the platform.
- Vertical scaling (more RAM/CPU) without migrating the site.
- Generous bandwidth allowance compared to shared hosting.
Limitations
- No integrated corporate email: you'll need an external service.
- Higher price than basic shared hosting.
- The learning curve can be daunting for non-technical users.
- No native website builder like Wix or a built-in Elementor license.
Key takeaways
- Cloudways is managed cloud hosting: you choose the infrastructure provider (AWS, GCP, DigitalOcean) and Cloudways manages the server.
- It is fundamentally different from shared hosting: each account runs on its own isolated server.
- The tech stack (PHP, MySQL, Redis, Nginx, SSL) comes preconfigured — no need to touch the operating system.
- Ideal for agencies, developers, and stores with real traffic; not the cheapest option for small or low-traffic sites.
- The pricing model is transparent: you pay the real cost of the provider's server plus the platform's margin.
Not sure if Cloudways is the right fit for your project? The team at elenlace.com will analyze your case at no cost and recommend the platform that best matches your needs and budget.
FAQ
Is Cloudways better than shared hosting for WordPress?
In terms of performance and isolation, yes. Each site on Cloudways runs on its own server with guaranteed resources. However, if your site has low traffic and a tight budget, quality shared hosting may be sufficient at a lower cost. The move to Cloudways is justified when your site generates revenue or exceeds roughly 5,000 monthly visits.
Can I use Cloudways without knowing how to code?
Yes, with caveats. The dashboard is designed to be user-friendly, and installing WordPress is a one-click process. However, for tasks like migrating an existing site, setting up redirects, or troubleshooting server errors, some technical knowledge helps considerably. Cloudways has an extensive documentation library and 24/7 support to help bridge that gap.
Does Cloudways offer a free trial?
Cloudways has offered 3-day free trials in the past. Availability may vary; check cloudways.com at the time of sign-up to see current offers. They have also offered money-back guarantees during the initial days if the service doesn't meet expectations.
Does Cloudways replace reseller hosting for agencies?
It depends on your business model. Cloudways has an agency program with discounts and a multi-client management panel, making it competitive. However, cPanel-based reseller hosting may be more familiar for agencies accustomed to that environment, and sometimes cheaper per client. Both options are valid; the choice depends on whether you prioritize price, technical control, or ease of management.
Prefer it done for you? El Enlace handles hosting and professional web development.
Useful resources
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