Cloudways
Managed cloud hosting that runs WordPress on your choice of DigitalOcean, AWS, or Google Cloud. Owned by DigitalOcean.
Overview
Cloudways is managed cloud hosting for WordPress, owned by DigitalOcean. Instead of running its own servers, it provisions and manages WordPress on a cloud provider you pick per server: DigitalOcean, AWS, Google Cloud, Linode, or Vultr, across 150+ data centers in 50+ countries. Plans start at $11/month on the DigitalOcean entry tier, which includes 50 GB of storage, unlimited websites, and unmetered visits.
The platform runs NGINX with PHP up to 8.4, a built-in Redis object cache, and a free WAF on Flexible servers. It leans toward developers and agencies: SSH, pre-installed WP-CLI, Git, free 1-click staging and cloning, white-label invoicing and team roles, and a 99.99% platform uptime SLA. Free SSL, automated daily backups (7-day default retention), free migration, and 24/7 support come standard. There is no cPanel; everything runs through the custom Cloudways dashboard.
Best for
- Developers and agencies who want shell-level control: SSH, pre-installed WP-CLI, Git, free 1-click staging and cloning, plus white-label invoicing and team roles.
- Teams that want to choose and switch their cloud provider, picking DigitalOcean, AWS, Google Cloud, Linode, or Vultr per server across 150+ data centers in 50+ countries.
- Operators hosting many sites cheaply: the $11/month entry plan includes unlimited websites, unmetered visits, and 50 GB of storage.
- Performance-minded WordPress sites that benefit from NGINX, PHP 8.4, and a built-in Redis object cache at no extra cost.
- Sites needing a built-in WAF, free SSL, automated daily backups, and 24/7 support standard on every plan.
Less ideal for
- Buyers who want a refund safety net. There is no money-back guarantee; the only trial is 3 days, no credit card required.
- Hands-off owners who expect the host to keep WordPress current: automatic WordPress core updates are not provided.
- Sites that want hack cleanup and a bundled CDN included: there is no malware-removal guarantee and no free CDN.
- Customers wanting mailboxes with their hosting: email is not included; it is an optional Rackspace add-on at $1/mailbox/month.
- Users who prefer a familiar cPanel interface, since Cloudways uses only its custom dashboard.
Pricing
Performance & infrastructure
WordPress management
Support & security
Platform & integrations
Alternatives to Cloudways
Bluehost Budget-friendly, WordPress.org-recommended hosting aimed at first-time site owners.
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DreamHost Independent host whose DreamPress tier is managed WordPress hosting; WordPress.org-recommended.
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Flywheel Managed WordPress hosting built for designers and creative agencies; now part of WP Engine.
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