Cloudways is a friendly, growth-ready platform that simplifies getting your website online. It pairs a custom control panel with top hosting providers like DigitalOcean, AWS, Google Cloud, Vultr, and Linode. This gives you SSD storage, built-in caching, and flexible server choices so sites load fast and scale with traffic.
The managed experience handles server tasks behind the scenes, from auto-healing servers to HTTP/2 by default and optional HTTP/3 via Cloudflare Enterprise. You get free SSL via Let’s Encrypt, a free Breeze cache plugin for WordPress, and one free managed migration to make setup painless.
Cloudways offers pay-as-you-go pricing and a 3-day free trial with no credit card required, so testing is low risk. Note that domain registration and email hosting aren’t included. The platform adds modern security—OS firewalls, patching, 2FA, and optional Cloudflare WAF and DDoS protection—while 24/7 support stands ready for businesses that need it.
Key Takeaways
- Managed cloud hosting that pairs a simple dashboard with top infrastructure providers.
- Performance-first stack: SSDs, caching, HTTP/2 and optional HTTP/3 for faster pages.
- Free SSL, Breeze plugin for WordPress, and one free managed migration to simplify setup.
- Pay-as-you-go pricing and a 3-day free trial with no credit card for low-risk testing.
- Includes security basics and 24/7 support; email and domain services are not included.
- Best for agencies, managed WordPress sites, ecommerce, and media-heavy sites needing scale.
Cloudways Product Review Overview
This overview breaks down who the platform suits, the top features, and the practical trade-offs teams should know.
Who this managed cloud hosting platform is for
Developers, agencies, freelancers, and SMBs that need managed hosting will find the service helpful. It targets ecommerce brands and media-heavy sites that expect growth and traffic spikes.
The platform lets teams choose a preferred provider, deploy quickly, and avoid hiring a sysadmin. It supports WordPress, Magento, and other PHP applications with staging, automated backups, and auto-healing servers.
Key takeaways at a glance
- Performance: SSD storage, Breeze cache, and layered caching for faster pages.
- Management: 24/7 monitoring, security patching, and a friendly control panel.
- Support: Live chat and round‑the‑clock support reduce troubleshooting time.
- Trade-offs: No built-in email or domain registration and higher costs on larger provider servers.
- Billing: Pay-as-you-go pricing gives budget control; a short free trial lowers the barrier to test.
Is cloudways right for your business today?
Deciding if the platform fits your needs means matching performance, management style, and budget. Evaluate whether you need more control than shared hosting but less overhead than DIY cloud servers.
Best fit: managed WordPress, agencies, eCommerce, media-heavy sites
Managed WordPress and WooCommerce sites benefit from tuned caching, SSD storage, and scalable resources that keep pages fast under traffic spikes.
Agencies gain from unlimited installs, staging, and collaboration tools that simplify handling multiple client websites.
Not ideal: email, domain needs, and beginners
If you need turnkey email hosting or domain registration, plan for third-party services. Beginners who prefer point‑and‑click shared hosting may find the dashboard has a learning curve.
- Pricing note: Pay-as-you-go works well for variable traffic but can feel less predictable than fixed shared plans.
- Security & performance: The platform provides solid foundations, but you’ll still make configuration choices in the dashboard.
- Add-ons: Optional Cloudflare Enterprise and SafeUpdates can reduce risk for high-traffic stores.
- Support: Live support helps when moving from shared hosting to managed hosting.
| Need | Good fit? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Managed WordPress/WooCommerce | Yes | Optimized caching, staging, and scalable servers for growth. |
| Agencies | Yes | Unlimited installs, collaboration, and client workflows. |
| Turnkey email/domain | No | Requires external email hosting and registrar services. |
| Beginner-friendly shared hosting | No | Less point-and-click simplicity; some configuration expected. |
Quick checklist: pick this platform if your priorities are performance, scaling, and control. If you need built-in email or a fully managed shared plan, consider other hosting options.
Platform architecture and stack: from cloud servers to application management
A clear separation between infrastructure and app management makes it easy to run modern PHP sites on powerful cloud servers. The platform lets you pick a provider, region, and size while the control layer handles the underlying server tasks.
Supported providers
The service supports DigitalOcean, AWS, Google Cloud, Linode, and Vultr. Each provider fits different needs:
- DigitalOcean — value and simplicity for small to mid sites.
- AWS / Google Cloud — premium ecosystems and global reach.
- Linode & Vultr — strong regional coverage and competitive pricing.
Stack essentials and management
The stack blends Nginx and Apache with PHP-FPM to balance compatibility and speed for PHP apps like WordPress and Magento. You can switch PHP 7.4/8+ per application to match code needs.
Database flexibility comes from MySQL or MariaDB choices. Application isolation, SSH/SFTP access, and Git deployment help you run multiple apps safely on a single server.
- Custom control panel for server and application management instead of cPanel.
- Vertical scaling and attachable block storage for predictable growth.
- Configuration options are available without requiring full-time admins.
Result: a platform designed for reliable performance, layered security, and simpler day-to-day management of web applications on cloud servers.
Performance and speed: SSD hosting, advanced caching, and CDN
Fast page loads start at the disk. Using SSD storage cuts latency and improves read/write speeds so pages render quicker for users. That lower I/O time helps your website deliver content faster on first load and repeat visits.
Multi-layer caching keeps dynamic sites responsive during spikes. The platform bundles Varnish for full-page caching, Redis for object and database caching, Memcached for in-memory sessions, and Nginx to serve static assets efficiently.
Built-in caching: Varnish, Redis, Memcached, Nginx
The mix reduces server CPU and database hits. Varnish handles whole-page responses, while Redis and Memcached cut database load. Nginx then quickly serves images, CSS, and JS from cache.
HTTP/2 and HTTP/3 via Cloudflare Enterprise
Servers support HTTP/2 by default for multiplexing and header compression. For next‑gen transport speed and reliability, HTTP/3 is available through Cloudflare Enterprise, which also adds image optimization and smart routing.
Breeze plugin for WordPress site speed
The Breeze plugin ships pre-installed to simplify optimization. It trims configuration time, boosts site speed scores, and pairs well with image optimization and a CDN to handle global traffic.
“Faster first loads and stronger Core Web Vitals mean better engagement and SEO outcomes.”
- Auto-healing restarts recover common hiccups without manual intervention.
- Pair caching with CDN edge delivery to cut TTFB and serve content closer to users.
- Monitor performance metrics to right-size resources before peak traffic.
Result: built-in performance features let you scale servers and traffic without slowing down the website.
Security and reliability: firewalls, free SSL, and proactive protection
Security starts at the server level and shapes how resilient your sites stay under attack.
Core protections include dedicated OS‑level firewalls on every server, free Let’s Encrypt certificates for encrypted connections, and IP whitelisting to limit SSH/SFTP access.
Dedicated OS firewalls, IP controls, and 2FA
Access controls like IP whitelists and SSH keys reduce exposure. Two‑factor authentication adds an extra layer for account access.
These small steps prevent many common breaches without heavy setup.
Regular patching, WAF, and DDoS mitigation
Servers receive routine security updates to close vulnerabilities quickly.
Cloudflare Enterprise brings a WAF and enterprise DDoS shielding across L3/L4/L7. It can block attacks in under three seconds, protecting dynamic sites and APIs.
- MalCare integration helps stop brute‑force and bot traffic on WordPress sites.
- Auto‑healing restarts services to prevent small failures from becoming downtime.
- Encryption in transit and edge threat mitigation support compliance needs.
| Protection | What it does | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| OS-level firewall | Blocks unwanted network traffic to the server | Reduces attack surface |
| Free SSL (Let’s Encrypt) | Encrypts data in transit between users and site | Protects user data and SEO signals |
| Cloudflare WAF & DDoS | Filters malicious requests and absorbs attacks | Keeps websites available during surges |
| MalCare & bot protection | Detects and blocks brute-force attempts | Prevents credential stuffing and downtime |
Follow best practices: use strong SSH keys, apply the principle of least privilege, and review access lists regularly. Periodic audits and SafeUpdates help keep plugins and themes current.
Ease of use: control panel, onboarding, and verification
A clear dashboard turns complex server tasks into simple, repeatable steps for new users. The custom control panel replaces cPanel and groups server and application controls in one view.
Custom dashboard vs. cPanel: what to expect
The interface organizes server controls, app installs, domain mapping, SSL installation, backups, and vertical scaling. It feels cleaner than raw cloud consoles and offers more capability than basic shared hosting panels.
One-click tools include staging, quick SSL installs, and migration helpers to speed setup. Role-based access lets teams collaborate securely while preserving admin rights.
ID verification considerations for U.S. users
Some U.S. users may receive a request to confirm identity. That typically involves emailing a government ID and social handles.
This step helps protect the platform from abuse and keeps security strong. Once verified, users can launch sites quickly and use guided workflows to manage servers and websites.
| Feature | What it does | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| Server controls | Start, stop, resize | Fast scaling and routine ops |
| One-click staging | Clone sites for testing | Safe deploys to production |
| SSL & backups | Install certs and schedule backups | Better security and recovery |
| Team access | Role-based permissions | Secure collaboration |
Managed WordPress on Cloudways
Managing many WordPress sites is easier when installs, staging, and safe updates are built into the stack.
Unlimited installs let agencies consolidate multiple sites on a single server. That reduces overhead and simplifies backups, caching, and security for client portfolios.
Staging, SafeUpdates, and update automation
Staging environments provide a safe space to test themes, plugins, and custom code before pushing changes live.
SafeUpdates automatically checks, tests, and applies WordPress core, theme, and plugin updates to cut the risk of breakage.
Migration choices
The platform offers a free managed migration for a hands-off move. For DIY moves, the WordPress Migrator plugin gives flexible control.
- Auto-installed Breeze cache jump-starts performance out of the box.
- Free SSL and simple domain mapping speed production cutovers.
- Pair Redis with WooCommerce to smooth carts and heavy queries.
- Scheduled backups and restore points help recover from bad updates fast.
- Use application-level monitoring to spot slow plugins and heavy queries early.
Tip: Standardize stacks across client sites for consistent performance and easier support. This keeps troubleshooting predictable and reduces time spent on maintenance.
Cloud providers and configuration options
Picking the right region and server size shapes real-world performance and costs for your site. The platform connects to five major providers with 60+ global locations, so you can place servers near your audience for lower latency.
Choosing locations and sizing resources
Pick a region close to primary users to speed page loads. Start with modest CPU and RAM and watch metrics in staging before going live.
- Start small: launch a smaller server and scale up based on real traffic data.
- Monitor: track CPU, memory, and disk I/O to know when to upgrade.
- CDN: add an edge CDN to serve global users while keeping origin resources lean.
Vertical scaling and block storage
Vertical scaling upgrades CPU and RAM without reinstalling the server, so growth is smoother. Attach block storage if media libraries or backups outgrow disk space.
| Provider | Value | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| DigitalOcean | Cost‑effective | Small to mid sites |
| AWS / Google Cloud | Premium ecosystem | Global reach & heavy traffic |
| Linode / Vultr | Competitive regional options | Cost vs performance balance |
Tip: standardize provider and region choices across client sites to simplify management and troubleshooting.
Pricing and value: pay‑as‑you‑go plans, free trial, and what’s included
Knowing how billing works makes it easier to forecast monthly hosting expenses.
Pay-as-you-go billing charges hourly so you only pay for the server time you use. That keeps costs aligned with traffic and seasonal changes.
Provider choice affects value. DigitalOcean and Vultr usually deliver the best cost-to-performance on this managed cloud hosting layer. AWS and Google Cloud can be pricier once the platform markup is added.
What every plan includes
- 24/7 customer support and live chat
- Real-time monitoring, automated backups, and free SSL
- One free managed migration and unlimited application installs
- Staging, auto-healing, SSH/SFTP, and regular security patching
Start with a smaller server on DigitalOcean or Vultr for value. Add-ons like Cloudflare Enterprise and SafeUpdates raise costs but boost security and performance.
| Item | Included | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Support | 24/7 live chat & ticketing | Good for routine help; premium SLAs extra |
| Billing | Hourly pay-as-you-go | Pay by card during trial; PayPal after upgrade |
| Security & backups | Free SSL, patching, automated backups | Standard across all hosting plans |
Monitoring, uptime, and auto-healing management
Round‑the‑clock metrics and automated fixes keep servers healthy during traffic spikes. The platform provides 24/7/365 monitoring across 15+ metrics, including incoming traffic, CPU, memory, disk I/O, and network throughput.
24/7 real-time monitoring metrics
The built-in dashboard visualizes key metrics so teams can right‑size a server and control costs. Alerts and graphs surface trends before they impact website performance.
Check database and PHP‑FPM stats regularly to keep dynamic applications responsive and reduce slow queries during peak loads.
Auto-healing managed cloud servers
Auto‑healing restarts services when processes fail, cutting mean time to recovery and avoiding manual restarts in many cases. Uptime is positioned at 99.99% in platform comparisons, with a public status page for transparency during outages or maintenance.
“Better visibility and automated recovery reduce downtime and help storefronts and publishers stay online during surges.”
- Set thresholds for alerts so your team can act during spikes.
- Use monitoring insights to plan vertical scaling and control hosting costs.
- Watch for abnormal traffic or CPU patterns as early security signals.
| Feature | What it tracks | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Resource dashboard | CPU, memory, disk, network | Guides right‑sizing and cost control |
| Application metrics | PHP‑FPM, DB queries, response time | Prevents slow pages and failed requests |
| Auto‑healing | Service restarts on failure | Reduces manual intervention and downtime |
| Status page | Outages & maintenance windows | Transparent incident communication |
Customer support experience
Quick help matters. For many users, timely assistance prevents small issues from becoming big problems. The platform provides 24/7/365 channels so you can get help at any hour.
Live chat, tickets, and knowledge base
The default support mix includes live chat for instant questions and a ticketing system for detailed issues. There is also an extensive, beginner-friendly knowledge base and FAQs for do-it-yourself fixes.
Tip: start with the docs and chat for common tasks like SSL installs or scaling a server. If you must open a ticket, consolidate related questions into one submission to keep context clear.
Community forums exist but have lower activity, so official channels are faster for most problems.
Advanced and premium SLAs: when to upgrade
Standard ticket SLAs run around three hours for normal issues, with faster handling for urgent cases. Upgrading to Advanced Support doubles live chat access and improves SLAs (faster response windows).
Premium support adds hotline access and deeper hands-on help. That plan starts near $100/month and often suits agencies and ecommerce shops with revenue at risk.
| Support level | What you get | Who benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | 24/7 live chat, tickets, knowledge base | Most small sites and new users |
| Advanced | Faster SLAs, expanded chat access | Growing sites and agencies wanting quicker turnarounds |
| Premium | Hotline, priority troubleshooting, custom assistance | High-revenue ecommerce and mission-critical websites |
Be realistic about scope: platform and server issues are covered, but deep plugin or theme debugging may not be. Keep your environment notes, plugin lists, and recent changes ready to speed up resolutions.
Use the system status page for provider or platform events, and maintain clear, timely communication with support to resolve incidents faster.
Limitations and trade-offs to consider
Before you commit, know the features that may require outside services or extra costs. The platform reduces DIY complexity, but it isn’t a one-stop shop for every need.
No built-in email hosting or domain registration
The service does not include email hosting or domain registration. You must buy email from a provider like Google Workspace and point DNS records to the server.
File access and multisite SSL caveats
There is no native file manager. Use SFTP, SSH, or Git for file uploads and deployments.
Multisite SSL can be tricky for some WordPress networks. Test certificate behavior in staging before going live.
- Cost at scale: Larger server sizes, especially on AWS and Google Cloud, bring higher managed markups versus raw instances.
- Budgeting: Account for add-ons, bandwidth, and backup storage to avoid invoice surprises.
| Limitation | Impact | Workaround | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| No email hosting | Email must run elsewhere | Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, or mail host | Update DNS MX records to point mail correctly |
| No file manager | Manual file workflows | SFTP, SSH, or Git deployment | Automate with CI/CD for repeatable releases |
| Multisite SSL limits | Certificate complexity | Test in staging; use wildcard or SAN certs | Verify redirects and domain mapping |
| Higher pricing at top tiers | Increased monthly bills | Right-size servers; compare provider pricing | AWS/Google Cloud markup can be significant |
Tip: run multisite setups in staging, review invoices monthly, and plan for third-party email and registrars to keep performance and security predictable.
Cloudways vs competitors
Choosing the right host comes down to trade-offs: bundled extras versus raw performance.
Cloudways vs Bluehost, HostGator, and GoDaddy
Cloudways focuses on managed cloud infrastructure and speed, tapping partners like Google Cloud for global regions.
Bluehost, HostGator, and GoDaddy lean toward shared bundles that include a free domain and basic email hosting for the first year.
Why it matters: pick Bluehost/HostGator/GoDaddy for turnkey domains and simple email. Choose Cloudways when site performance and flexible server choices matter most.
How it stacks up against DreamHost and InMotion Hosting
DreamHost and InMotion offer broader product lines—shared, VPS, dedicated—with money-back guarantees and cPanel options.
Cloudways offers pay-as-you-go pricing and a 3-day free trial instead of long refund windows.
Pick Cloudways for scaling, caching, and multi-provider reach. Opt for DreamHost or InMotion for all‑in‑one simplicity and bundled domains or email hosting.
- Compare total cost: include email hosting, domains, CDN, and add-ons when judging pricing.
- Support: advanced SLAs are available on Cloudways for mission-critical sites.
Real-world use cases and who benefits most
Concrete use cases reveal how agencies and publishers turn hosting features into business wins. Below are two common scenarios where the platform shines.
Agencies managing multiple client sites
Agencies consolidate dozens of client websites on fewer servers using unlimited app installs and team roles.
Client Billing streamlines invoicing, while staging and SafeUpdates protect uptime during changes.
Per-client isolation and role-based access keep workspaces tidy and secure. Standardize themes and plugins to speed maintenance across portfolios.
Ecommerce and media-rich WordPress websites
Stores and publishers gain from Redis object caching, Varnish full-page cache, PHP‑FPM tuning, and SSD storage for faster pages.
Block storage and CDN edge caching serve large assets quickly. Vertical scaling and monitoring help handle holiday traffic spikes and then scale back to save costs.
Result: better performance, fewer emergencies thanks to auto-healing, and the option to add Cloudflare Enterprise for global speed and DDoS resilience.
| Use case | Key tools | Business benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Agencies | Unlimited installs, Client Billing, staging | Lower ops, easier billing, safer deploys |
| Ecommerce | Redis, PHP‑FPM tuning, CDN | Faster checkouts, higher conversions |
| Media publishers | Block storage, CDN, Varnish | Quick delivery of large assets |
Add-ons and new tools that elevate the platform
A focused set of extensions boosts speed, security, and billing workflows for teams. These extras sit on top of your server and give clear, measurable wins for high‑traffic sites and agencies.
Cloudflare Enterprise CDN for speed and security
Cloudflare Enterprise adds global edge caching, Argo Smart Routing, and image optimization to speed page loads and reduce origin load. Always Online keeps content available during origin outages.
Enterprise WAF rulesets and rapid DDoS mitigation bolster security. Together, these features improve performance and protect websites under attack.
Client Billing for agencies and freelancers
Client Billing centralizes invoicing and automates recurring payments. It supports multiple payment methods and gives revenue and expense views for profitability tracking.
That makes it easier to invoice clients, reconcile hosting costs, and forecast margin on managed services.
Malware Protection add-on and MalCare integration
Malware Protection runs deep file scans, real-time monitoring, and automated threat removal to keep websites clean. MalCare helps block brute-force and malicious bot activity at WordPress login pages.
Continuous scans plus proactive blocking reduce downtime and cleanup time after an incident.
- Speed gains: edge caching, smart routing, and image tools lower TTFB and improve UX.
- Enterprise security: WAF, DDoS shields, and Always Online raise resilience.
- Cash flow: Client Billing streamlines invoicing and financial visibility for agencies.
- Site integrity: Malware Protection and MalCare cut cleanup time and block common attacks.
| Add-on | Main benefit | Best use |
|---|---|---|
| Cloudflare Enterprise | Global CDN + WAF + DDoS | High-traffic websites and global audiences |
| Client Billing | Automated invoices & reporting | Agencies and freelancers managing many clients |
| Malware Protection / MalCare | Continuous scans and bot defense | WordPress sites with login exposure |
Tip: enable add-ons from the platform dashboard and pilot Cloudflare Enterprise on your busiest site first to measure ROI. Evaluate based on audience location, threat profile, and your internal billing workflow.
Conclusion
Strong, measurable wins come from testing a managed cloud hosting setup before you scale. Try a small server on a value provider, measure performance, and confirm the workflow fits your team.
Cloudways blends managed hosting conveniences with SSD storage, multi‑layer caching, auto‑healing, free SSL, and routine patching to cut maintenance work. Agencies, ecommerce stores, and growing WordPress sites benefit most from these performance and security tools.
Be mindful of trade‑offs: no built‑in email or domain services and higher pricing on premium providers. Use staging, SafeUpdates, and backups to reduce release risk. Track monitoring and vertical scaling so your website capacity matches demand.
Map your requirements, choose a region, launch a server, and use the three‑day free trial to validate speed, security, and support for your business.
