Cloudways
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.
Engine Yard
Engine Yard is a managed platform-as-a-service that automates the deployment, management, and scaling of Ruby on Rails, Python, and Node.js applications in the cloud to ensure high availability.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Cloudways | Engine Yard |
|---|---|---|
| Website | cloudways.com | engineyard.com |
| Pricing Model | Subscription | Subscription |
| Starting Price | $11/month | $150/month |
| FREE Trial | ✓ 3 days free trial | ✓ 14 days free trial |
| Free Plan | ✘ No free plan | ✘ No free plan |
| Product Demo | ✓ Request demo here | ✓ Request demo here |
| Deployment | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Target Users | ||
| Target Industries | ||
| Customer Count | 0 | 0 |
| Founded Year | 2011 | 2006 |
| Headquarters | Mosta, Malta | Austin, USA |
Overview
Cloudways
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.
Engine Yard
Engine Yard provides a managed platform that takes the complexity out of deploying and scaling your web applications. Instead of spending your time configuring servers or managing database backups, you can focus entirely on writing code. The platform automates the entire infrastructure lifecycle, from initial setup to ongoing security patches and vertical or horizontal scaling.
You get a curated stack optimized for Ruby on Rails, Node.js, and Python, ensuring your apps run reliably on AWS. Whether you are launching a new startup or migrating a high-traffic enterprise application, the platform provides 24/7 support from experts who understand your specific framework. It eliminates the need for a dedicated DevOps team by providing built-in monitoring, automated backups, and environment cloning tools.
Overview
Cloudways Features
- 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.
Engine Yard Features
- Automated Deployment. Deploy your code updates instantly using Git integration or command-line tools to keep your application current.
- Environment Cloning. Create exact replicas of your production environment in minutes to test new features safely before going live.
- Managed Backups. Protect your data with automated database snapshots and recovery options that ensure your information is always safe.
- Vertical & Horizontal Scaling. Adjust your computing resources up or out automatically to handle traffic spikes without manual intervention.
- 24/7 Expert Support. Access deep technical expertise from engineers who help you optimize your stack and resolve performance bottlenecks.
- Security Patching. Keep your operating system and language stacks secure with automated updates and proactive vulnerability management.
Pricing Comparison
Cloudways Pricing
- 1GB RAM
- 1 Core Processor
- 25GB Storage
- 1TB Bandwidth
- 24/7/365 Support
- Free SSL Certificate
- Everything in Entry, plus:
- 2GB RAM
- 1 Core Processor
- 50GB Storage
- 2TB Bandwidth
- Object Cache Pro included
- Cloudflare Enterprise add-on
Engine Yard Pricing
- Ticketing support (12x5)
- Platform automation tools
- Automated backups
- Security updates
- Environment cloning
- Deployment management
- Everything in Standard, plus:
- 24/7 emergency support
- Faster response times
- Proactive monitoring
- Architecture reviews
- Direct engineer access
Pros & Cons
Cloudways
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
Engine Yard
Pros
- Exceptional technical support from Ruby on Rails experts
- Reliable automation for complex infrastructure tasks
- Simplifies AWS management without losing control
- Stable environment for legacy application hosting
Cons
- Higher price point than unmanaged cloud providers
- Interface can feel dated compared to newer competitors
- Limited flexibility for non-supported language stacks