Your hosting is one of the most important things for your website. It needs to offer you value for your money, outstanding performance and an ease-of-use. Cloudways offers everything you kinda need for your website.
I’ve used Cloudways for three years for this very website before I got interested in VPS hosting. I’ll dig deep into my Cloudways experience – a managed cloud server service many users worldwide are raving about. You’ll discover what sets it apart from its competitors, its range of features, including easy website migration, server-level backups with easy restore buttons, a free WordPress performance plugin, and a built-in CDN.
By the end of this comprehensive review, you’ll feel like part of the Cloudways community and be able to decide if it’s the right fit for your hosting needs. You’re not alone in this; we’re here to guide you through every step. Let’s embark on this journey together.
Key Takeaways
- Have managed hosting on Digital Ocean, Vultr, Linode, AWS and Google Cloud
- Cloudways offers included daily backups, migration plugin
- Affordable pay-as-you-go pricing
- Secure and reliable hosting offering great support
What is Cloudways?
Cloudways, my friend, is a top-notch managed cloud server service that links its platform to a cloud provider of your choosing, unlike a traditional hosting platform. Cloudways offers many features like automatic server-level backups, staging sites, a highly effective WordPress performance plugin Breeze, free SSL certificates, and much more.
This cloud hosting platform is a breath of fresh air as it takes the complexity out of managing cloud servers. It’s like having your IT team with a customer support agent ready to assist you. You don’t need to have technical knowledge. They work with five leading cloud hosting providers – Digital Ocean, Linode, Vultr, AWS, and Google Cloud, giving you the flexibility to choose the one that best suits your needs.
Did you know that Digital Ocean owns Cloudways? They hide Vultr and Linode on their commercial site, but it’s available in the dashboard, which is a big plus in my book.
With Cloudways hosting service, you can focus on growing your business, knowing that all the technicalities of server management are taken care of. Whether you are a small business owner with a limited budget or a growing enterprise, Cloudways is an affordable and efficient solution. Whether you’re hosting a simple WordPress blog or a high-traffic e-commerce store doesn’t matter. Cloudways has got you covered.
What Does Cloudways Promise?
They’re offering you a choice, and lots of it! You can pick from top-tier cloud infrastructures to host unlimited applications. Best part? No strings attached. You aren’t tied down with any contracts or monthly payments. It’s all pay-as-you-go, so you only fork out for what you use.
Then there’s performance – and not just any old run-of-the-mill kind. We’re talking about servers optimized with advanced caching, Cloudflare Enterprise CDN, and more tech that will skyrocket your online business performance into the stratosphere.
But wait, there’s more! Simplicity is at the heart of their platform; no technical jargon or complexities are involved here. Every function is just a click away, meaning managing your servers will be as easy as pie.
Now let’s talk about security and reliability because who doesn’t want peace of mind when running an online business? With managed servers come managed security, automated backups, 24/7 real-time monitoring…you name it!
Stuck in a rut? Don’t sweat it! Their 24/7 expert support got you covered, whether through live chat, a ticketing system, or their extensive knowledge base – not to mention a helpful community ready to lend a hand whenever needed.
Now, let’s shift gears and delve deeper into the performance and reliability of the hosting service that Cloudways provides.
Cloudways WordPress performance
Buckle up because you’re in for a lightning-fast ride! The performance and reliability offered by this hosting provider are phenomenal. It’s like strapping a rocket to your website. The Cloudways review you’ve been waiting for is finally here, and it’s all about speed, stability, and top-notch performance. With Cloudways, you’re not just getting cloud hosting. You’re getting reliable hosting designed to deliver blistering website speeds and uncompromised uptime.
WordPress dashboard performance
In terms of performance, you’ll notice a BIG difference when using the WordPress dashboard. With shared hoting it was always slow. I had to wait a couple of minutes before I could create or edit a post, it took a couple of seconds. So a speedy dashboard was very important to me.
I didn’t expect much change, but the excellent performance Cloudways gave when editing! Wowzers! No more needing to wait on a very slow and sometimes inresponsive dashboard was amazing. The loading times were a lot shorter and the speed on the cheapest plan was already so good!
Enough about the backend what about the other side?
WordPress Hosting Benchmark tool
Because in terms of performance you visitors depend on many different things to get excellent performance, I usually only test what the current server can provide. The WP Hosting Benchmark is a well-known way to test your hosting server speed. And the Vultr 1GB plan scored an whopping 7.8!
How Reliable Is Cloudways?
Cloudways promises to keep your website running 24/7 thanks to their robust server infrastructure, and well, I never had the idea that my website was unreachable. They provide great uptime.
Because Cloudways, by default, offers server-level backups, you don’t need to be afraid that you’ll be destroying your website without being able to revert to a previous version. I know I had to do that sometimes because I made too many changes that killed my website… again.
With such powerful performance and steadfast reliability, it’s no wonder Cloudways has become the go-to choice for many. But, the ride doesn’t stop here. Let’s shift gears and discuss another key differentiating Cloudways: their remarkable customer support.
Can You Reach The Customer Support
Knowing that a team of professionals is ready and willing to help when you’re in a bind is reassuring. That’s where Cloudways customer service comes in, offering a user experience that is both supportive and responsive. Whether you have a simple question about your server configuration or a complex issue impacting your site’s performance, there’s a knowledgeable team available 24/7 to provide an answer.
You can reach out through live chat, request a call, or even engage with the Cloudways community on social media platforms. What’s impressive about Cloudways customer support is its broad range of resources, including a comprehensive knowledge base, a blog full of useful articles, and an active community forum.
However, it’s worth mentioning that some users have found the support responses to be a bit on the technical side. This might feel overwhelming if you’re a beginner, but remember. It’s all part of the learning curve in managing your website. Over time, you’ll find that this depth of information is a strength, equipping you with the knowledge to handle similar issues in the future. As with any service, your mileage may vary, but overall, Cloudways offers an excellent support system committed to enhancing your hosting experience.
As we transition from discussing customer support, it’s important to consider the cost of these services and the overall value that Cloudways brings to your website hosting needs.
Is Cloudways A Good Price/Value?
You’re probably wondering about the cost of all these features and benefits – and rightfully so. After all, value is not just about the number of features, but also about the price you pay for them. The good news is, Cloudways offers an excellent balance between affordability and features. They use a pay-as-you-go pricing model, which means you only pay for what you use. This makes Cloudways an ideal choice if you’re looking for a hosting solution that’s flexible and budget-friendly.
Although Cloudways doesn’t show Vultr and Linode on their website, you can still select them in the Cloudways dashboard.
| Cloud Provider | Basic Monthly Plan | RAM | Processor | Storage | Bandwidth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DigitalOcean | $11 | 1GB | 1 core | 25GB | 1TB |
| Vultr | $14 | 1GB | 1 core | 25GB | 1TB |
| Linode | $14 | 1GB | 1 core | 25GB | 1TB |
| AWS | $38.56 | 2GB | 2 vCPU | 20GB | 2GB |
| Google Cloud | $37.45 | 1.75GB | 1 vCPU | 20GB | 2GB |
For beginners, start with the cheapest Digital Ocean, 1GB. This will cost you $11/month, but if you want to test the waters, this is a solid pick. Keep tabs on your CPU and RAM usage, if either of them exceed 80%, you can scale up to another plan.
As you can see, the pricing is quite reasonable, especially considering the array of features and benefits you get. The biggest gripe with Cloudways is the lack of email hosting. This is something you need to arrange your self, but you get a lot of options like an staging environment, which isn’t always common. This review highly recommends Cloudways for the value it provides. But don’t just take my word for it, try it out for yourself. Let’s delve deeper into what you get for your money in the upcoming ‘features and functionality’ section.
What Are The Cloudways Features and Functionality?
Let’s not beat around the bush. The features and functionality are where it’s really at with this hosting service. Cloudways thrives in offering a plethora of features that cater to various needs. From their one-click installation of applications, Migration plugin, staging, and cloning for testing changes, to their efficient server speed, Cloudways has got you covered.
Moreover, Cloudways doesn’t just stop at offering an array of features, it incorporates advanced functionalities like server monitoring tools, cron job management, and even an in-built Cloudflare Enterprise CDN for optimizing your site’s speed.
The cherry on top is Cloudways’ user-friendly dashboard which makes managing your site and server a breeze, even for non-tech-savvy individuals. The hosting platform’s versatility, combined with the robustness of the cloud providers, makes it a compelling choice for anyone seeking a superior hosting experience.
However if you want to use email, you’ll need to arrange your own email hosting. This can be done through Cloudflare or by buying an addon available in the Cloudways dashboard.
The hosting platform integrates seamlessly with the top five cloud providers, namely: Digital Ocean, Linode, Vultr, AWS, and Google Cloud, offering you a variety of options to choose from. Their unique blend of an Apache and Nginx stack improves server performance and ensures your site runs smoothly and swiftly.
As we dive deeper, let’s look at the various hosting platforms supported by Cloudways and how they can further cater to your specific needs.
Cloudways Supported Hosting Platforms
Since Cloudways is no ordinary hosting platform, it offers a lot. You can pick any hosting plan depending on your current needs. These hosting plans are dedicated servers and will allocate server resources in the cloud. These hosting platforms are:
- Digital Ocean: Known for its developer-friendly platform, DigitalOcean provides an ideal environment for businesses of all sizes. It’s a reliable and cost-effective hosting platform supported by Cloudways.
- Linode: Linode is another excellent option, offering high-performance SSD Linux servers for all your infrastructure needs. It’s perfect for businesses looking for powerful and affordable cloud hosting server options.
- Vultr: If performance is your top priority, Vultr HF is the way to go. It’s known for its high-speed SSD cloud servers that guarantee top-notch performance.
- AWS and Google Cloud: For those looking for a more premium option, Cloudways also supports AWS and Google Cloud. These platforms are perfect for larger websites and apps that demand more resources and superior performance.
Each of these cloud services offers unique advantages, and Cloudways makes it possible for you to leverage these benefits for your website. So, whether you’re a small business owner looking for a cost-effective solution or a large enterprise needing high-performance servers, Cloudways has got you covered.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Cloudways handle security and data protection?
Cloudways prioritizes your data’s security with a robust, cloud-based firewall to ward off cyberattacks. You’ll feel secure knowing they also offer automatic server-level backups, ensuring your data is always protected and recoverable. Security is even more increased when using Cloudways combined with Cloudflare.
Does Cloudways offer any discounts or promotional offers for new customers?
Yes, Cloudways indeed offers promotional discounts for new customers. By using the Cloudways coupon, you can save money on your first three months. It’s a great way to start your journey with Cloudways.
How does Cloudways compare to traditional hosting services?
Cloudways offers a unique, user-friendly experience compared to traditional hosting services. It gives you the freedom to choose from top cloud providers, ensuring high-performance hosting. It’s more expensive though, you pay a higher price for their managed service. You’ll feel part of the Cloudways community, receiving excellent value and support.
Can Cloudways handle high-traffic websites or e-commerce platforms?
Absolutely! Cloudways is designed to handle high-traffic websites and e-commerce platforms with ease. If you’re smart pick the cheapest Digital Ocean option, and if the usage for the CPU and memory goes over 80%, you can easily scale up. Its robust server infrastructure and caching mechanisms ensure your site stays fast and reliable, even during peak traffic times.
Is it possible to migrate an existing website to Cloudways and what is the process?
Absolutely, you can migrate your existing website to Cloudways. They provide a free WordPress migration plugin, which makes the process a breeze. You simply install the plugin, enter your Cloudways details, and it’ll handle the rest.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, Cloudways could be your silver bullet for web hosting needs. It’s robust, reliable, and packed with features that offer great value for money. However, keep in mind it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution, so it’s important to consider your specific requirements.
In the end, Cloudways stands tall in the hosting crowd, with its unique approach and commendable performance. But like any other service, it has room for improvement. Decide wisely, after all, your website’s home matters.