Review
Cloudways review: managed cloud hosting, explained
Cloudways sits between cheap shared hosting and do-it-yourself servers. You pick a cloud provider and a server size, and Cloudways handles the setup and day-to-day management. This review explains how it works, what it costs and who it suits. Last updated October 27, 2026.
Quick verdict
Cloudways is a strong choice for growing WordPress and PHP sites that have outgrown shared hosting, and for people who want cloud performance without managing a server themselves. If you only need the cheapest way to launch a first site, a simpler shared host is easier to start with.
Cloudways at a glance
| Best for | Growing sites, agencies and people who want more control |
| Starting price | From about $11–14/month, pay as you go |
| Our top 5 | Web Hosting & Domains |
Prices and features change often, so confirm current details on the official website before you buy.
Who Cloudways is best for
- Growing websites that have outgrown shared hosting
- Agencies and freelancers who manage several client sites
- Store owners who want room to scale
- People who want cloud servers without server administration
Who might look elsewhere
- First-time site owners who want the simplest, cheapest start
- People who want a free domain or email bundled in
- Anyone who prefers a flat, fixed price with no usage-based billing
What Cloudways is
Cloudways is a managed cloud hosting platform. Instead of running its own data centers, it sets up servers on cloud providers such as DigitalOcean, Vultr, Linode, AWS and Google Cloud. You choose the provider and the server size, and Cloudways adds a control panel, security tools and server management on top.
It supports WordPress, WooCommerce and other PHP-based applications, so it is not limited to one type of site.
What is included
Plans are mainly priced by server size, and the core tools come with every plan. These include free SSL certificates, automated backups, staging environments for testing changes, server cloning and team access. A caching plugin for WordPress is also provided.
Cloudways offers migration help for WordPress sites. Check the current migration terms on the official website before you start.
Cloudways pricing
Cloudways uses pay-as-you-go pricing. Plans start at roughly $11 to $14 per month on the smaller DigitalOcean servers, depending on the source and current offers. Larger servers and other cloud providers cost more, so the final price depends on the provider and size you choose.
A short free trial is available for new users, currently listed as three days. Cloudways does not include a free domain, and email is a paid add-on, so budget for those separately. Check the refund and cancellation terms before you commit.
Ease of use
Reviewers generally describe the dashboard as clean and the setup as straightforward: launching a server with an app takes a few clicks. It is still more technical than shared hosting, and some users mention a little trial and error with server settings at the start.
Cloudways vs shared hosting
Shared hosting puts many sites on one server and often bundles a domain and email at a low intro price. Cloudways gives you your own cloud server at a higher starting price. If your site is small and new, shared hosting is usually enough. If traffic is growing or you want more control, Cloudways is worth comparing.
Cloudways alternatives
- Kinsta: Premium managed hosting built only for WordPress.
- Hostinger: Lower-cost shared hosting for a first site.
- Bluehost: Guided WordPress setup for beginners.
Frequently asked questions
Is Cloudways good for beginners?
It can be, but it is not the simplest option. The dashboard is friendly, yet you still choose a cloud provider and server size. Beginners who want the lowest price and the least setup may prefer shared hosting first.
Does Cloudways include a free domain or email?
No. Domain registration and email are separate costs. Check the current plan details on the official website.
Does Cloudways have a free trial?
Yes. New users can try the platform for a short free trial, currently listed as three days. Confirm the current terms on the official website.
Which cloud provider should I choose on Cloudways?
Smaller DigitalOcean servers are the usual starting point for new sites because they are the least expensive. Move to a larger server or another provider if your traffic or needs grow.
Can I move my existing site to Cloudways?
Yes. Cloudways offers migration help for WordPress sites, and other sites can be moved manually. Check the current migration terms before you start.
Keep reading
- Shared vs cloud vs managed WordPress hosting: The main hosting types explained.
- Hostinger vs Bluehost: Two beginner-friendly hosts compared.
Ready to try Cloudways?
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