Cloudways Reviews, Pricing, Features & Alternatives in 2026
Cloudways is a managed cloud hosting platform that simplifies server management by allowing you to deploy applications on top infrastructure providers like DigitalOcean, AWS, and Google Cloud.
Cloudways is a managed hosting platform that takes the complexity out of cloud server management. Instead of wrestling with command lines or server security patches, you get a simplified interface to launch and manage high-performance applications. You can choose your preferred infrastructure from providers like DigitalOcean, AWS, or Google Cloud while Cloudways handles the technical heavy lifting like automated backups, security updates, and server monitoring.
It is designed for agencies, developers, and e-commerce businesses who need the power of the cloud without the headache of sysadmin tasks. You can scale your server resources with a single click and manage multiple team members under one account. Whether you are running a high-traffic WordPress site or a custom PHP application, the platform provides a dedicated environment optimized for speed and reliability.
Screenshots & Interface
Dashboard View
Main dashboard with project overview
Kanban Board
Kanban-style task management
Timeline View
Gantt chart timeline view
Automations
Workflow automation builder
Key Features
Stop worrying about server maintenance and focus on growing your business. Cloudways provides a suite of management tools that give you total control over your hosting environment without needing deep technical expertise.
Choice of Infrastructure
Select your preferred cloud provider from DigitalOcean, AWS, or Google Cloud to match your specific performance and budget needs.
One-Click Installations
Deploy popular applications like WordPress, Magento, and Laravel in seconds with automated installers that save you hours of manual setup.
Staging Environments
Create secure staging areas to test new features or updates before pushing them to your live site with a single click.
Vertical Scaling
Increase your server RAM and storage instantly as your traffic grows so your website never slows down during peak times.
Automated Backups
Schedule off-site backups at your preferred frequency and restore your entire server or specific files with just one click.
Dedicated Firewalls
Protect your applications from malicious traffic and security threats with platform-level firewalls that are managed and updated for you.
Integrations
DigitalOcean
AWS
Google Cloud
Cloudflare
Object Cache Pro
New Relic
Rackspace Email
Elasticsearch
Redis
Varnish
Pricing Plans
Cloudways uses a transparent pay-as-you-go model, meaning you only pay for the resources you actually use. You can start with a 3-day free trial to test the platform without entering any credit card details. Paid plans vary based on your chosen cloud provider, with entry-level options starting around $11 per month.
Based on feedback from developers and agency owners on G2 and Trustpilot, here is what you should consider before choosing Cloudways for your hosting:
Pros
Excellent server performance and fast loading speeds
Very easy to scale resources during traffic spikes
Intuitive dashboard simplifies complex server management tasks
Responsive 24/7 customer support via live chat
Flexible pay-as-you-go pricing with no long-term contracts
Cons
Free trial period is quite short at three days
No built-in email hosting requires third-party services
Interface can be overwhelming for absolute beginners
Off-site backup storage incurs a small additional fee
Who Should Use Cloudways?
Perfect for web agencies and developers who need to manage multiple client sites on high-performance cloud infrastructure without hiring a full-time sysadmin.
Best for Company Sizes
small-business
mid-market
freelancer
Popular Industries
Our Verdict
Cloudways is a top-tier choice if you want the speed of a VPS but the simplicity of managed hosting. You get to pick your favorite cloud provider while the platform handles the security and optimization, making it a massive time-saver for growing businesses.
While the lack of native email hosting is a minor hurdle, the performance gains and ease of scaling usually outweigh the extra step. Highly recommended for WordPress users, agencies, and e-commerce stores that have outgrown traditional shared hosting and need more power.
Ready to Try Cloudways?
Start your 3-day free trial today—no credit card required. See why over 0 teams trust Cloudways