Cloudways Review 2023: A Detailed Look at Features, Performance, and Usability

Cloud Hosting has become an increasingly popular option for businesses seeking scalable, high-performing infrastructure to power their websites and applications.

Cloudways is one of the leading names when it comes to managed cloud hosting solutions tailored specifically for WordPress and other CMSs.

In this detailed Cloudways review, we’ll explore its key features, performance benchmarks, ease of use, and overall value as a hosting provider:

Overview of Cloudways’ Cloud Hosting Services

+ Founded in 2012, Cloudways focuses on streamlining cloud hosting for CMS platforms
+ Offers managed hosting solutions optimized for WordPress, Magento, Docker, Joomla and more
+ Built-in caching, security, and performance features
+ 4 data center locations (US, EU, Asia Pacific, Middle East) and **60+ points of presence** globally
+ Cloud hosting platforms include **DigitalOcean, AWS, Google Cloud, Linode and Vultr**

Critical Features and Tools

Simplicity and Ease of Use

+ Streamlined WP hosting management via intuitive Cloudways dashboard
+ Quickly scale resources for computing, memory, storage etc
+ Automated vertical scaling adjusts to traffic spikes seamlessly
+ 1-click installer for WP, Magento and 100+ other apps

Enhanced Performance

+ Built-in NGINX web server offers faster page loads
+ Free CDN with caching delivers blazing speeds globally
+ Redis caching further boosts dynamic content delivery
+ Regular free site speed optimizations

Security

+ Free SSL across all plans
+ Advanced malware detection with firewalls
+ Automated regular backups ensure disaster recovery
+ Two-factor authentication (2FA) for user accounts
+ IP whitelisting prevents unauthorized access

Support Options

+ 24/7 chat, Email and phone support
+ Detailed documentation and video tutorials
+ 3-day free trial allows thorough testing before purchase

Let's analyze Cloudways hosting value across crucial metrics:

Performance Benchmarks

Cloudways delivers excellent performance benchmarks across key metrics:

+ 99.98% average uptime beating industry standards
+ Sub-200ms server response times ensure lag-free experiences
+ In-house speed tests show consistent 850+ ms WordPress load times
+ Handles peak traffic of over 1 million visitors/month smoothly

Customers can further boost speeds via Cloudways in-built **caching** and worldwide **CDN**. Most users observe significantly faster site loading times after migrating to Cloudways.

Scalability for Higher Traffic

Cloudways offers flexible vertical scaling options to seamlessly accommodate traffic surges. Resources like computing power, RAM, storage etc can be upgraded or downgraded instantly via their dashboard.

For larger scaling needs, Cloudways supports seamless horizontal scaling. Users can set up server clusters to create highly scalable hosting solutions capable of handling extremely heavy traffic loads.

Hosting Plans and Pricing

Cloudways offers flexible plans spanning mainstream cloud hosting services:

DigitalOcean Plans

+ $10/month (1 GB RAM, 1 core CPU)
+ $80/month largest plan (8 GB/4 Cores)

Vultr Plans

+ Starts at $11/month (1 GB RAM/CPU)
+ Up to $85 for 8 GB plan

Linode

+ From $12/month (1GB/1 Core)
+ Up to $90 for highest tier

AWS

+ Starts at $36 (1.75 GB RAM)
+ Up to $274 (16 GB high-capacity)

Google Cloud

+ Beginner - $33 (1.7 GB/1 Core)
+ Max. $226 (13.75 GB plan)


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Exact pricing varies depending on cloud infrastructure chosen. But their managed plans can cost 50-80% lesser than native cloud vendor solutions.

Ease of Use

Cloudways simplifies cloud hosting and DevOps via an intuitive unified dashboard:

+ Quickly manage hosting environments and apps
+ Configure stacks with desired runtimes and services
+ Streamlined lifecycle workflows e.g auto-scaling, monitoring etc

Even non-developers find it easy to optimize and monitor hosting infrastructure. 1-click installers, speed optimization features, managed security - everything is accessible under one dashboard.

Support and Reliability

With data centers across key regions and 60+ global points of presence, Cloudways delivers reliable infrastructure and performance:

+ 24/7 chat and Email support channels
+ 99.98% SLA-backed uptime
+ Video tutorials and detailed documentation resources

While lacking in phone support, Cloudways offsets it via instantly available and knowledgeable chat support for a smooth user experience.

Pros of Cloudways Hosting

Here are the key advantages if you use Cloudways for managed cloud hosting:

Easy Cloud Migration

Seamless migration helps you switch without hassles including free site moving.

Enhanced Performance

Optimized NGINX stacks, free CDN and caching deliver faster page loads.

High Scalability

Vertical scaling and larger server clusters allow smooth growth from small to extremely large traffic volumes.

Increased Security

Business-grade security features like malware detection, firewalls, SSL etc help safeguard sites.

Simplified Management

Even non-technical users find it easy to manage hosting and apps from their simplified dashboard.

Availability and Support

With 4 key data center regions and 60+ POPs globally alongside 24/7 expert support, Cloudways ensures reliable infrastructure and assistance.

Cons of Cloudways Hosting

Cloudways isn't without limitations though:

Can Be Costlier

Mid to large-sized Cloudways plans often cost more than standard shared hosting rates but deliver enhanced performance and scalability.

Lack of Phone Support

No phone line for instant support is problematic for some users. But their chat assistance negates issues.

Minimum Technical Competency Required

While simplified, users require rudimentary technical skills for management unlike purely instant cPanel shared hosting.

Is Cloudways Worth It?

For managed cloud hosting optimized for WordPress and high traffic loads - Cloudways delivers immense value. Their performance far outpaces basic shared servers while still maintaining ease of management with affordable resource upgrades.

Unless you have a micro budget or very basic site, Cloudways cloud hosting solutions make for a smart choice compared to restrictive shared servers.

Their optimized infrastructure ensures your site handles growing traffic well without sacrificing speed or security.

Key Takeaways

+ Delivers CMS-optimized hosting and smooth cloud migration
+ Boosts site speed via optimized stacks and integrated CDN/caching
+ Ensures higher scalability to absorb future traffic spikes
+ Enhanced security features protect sites
+ Competitive pricing considering performance and scalability
+ Intuitive interface simplifies cloud hosting management
+ Reliable infrastructure and 24/7 expert assistance

So while lacking phone support and a simpler cPanel access, their expertise in managed cloud hosting offsets those gaps - making Cloudways a noteworthy option for WordPress sites aiming for better speed, security and traffic scalability.

FAQs About Cloudways Hosting

Is Cloudways good for WordPress?

Yes, Cloudways is an excellent managed hosting solution built specifically for WordPress sites.

Their optimized NGINX web servers, integrated caching, CDN and auto-scaling capabilities deliver great WordPress performance.

What happens after Cloudways free trial expires?

Unless you manually cancel the subscription before expiration, the free trial switches to a paid subscription based on the chosen server and cloud hosting plan.

Does Cloudways offer cPanel access?

No, Cloudways does not provide cPanel access unlike regular shared hosting. But their proprietary dashboard offers easy management of apps, services, servers and more.

Can Cloudways handle a million visitors per month?

Absolutely! Cloudways infrastructure effortlessly handles more than 1 million visitors per month thanks to the robust cloud platforms they build upon like AWS and Google Cloud. Auto-scaling allows absorbing unexpected traffic spikes too.

Is Cloudways better than SiteGround?

For smaller sites, SiteGround shared hosting plans may offer adequate performance at cheaper costs. But as site traffic and complexity grows, Cloudways outperforms with flexibility to scale resources and hosting infrastructure as needed.

Their expertise in managed cloud hosting makes them the better choice over basic shared hosting limitations.

Conclusion

Cloudways brings the power of managed cloud hosting to the masses. Their optimized infrastructure, performance capabilities and management simplification bridges the cloud expertise gap.

While slightly costlier for smaller use cases, growing sites benefit tremendously from their easily scalable hosting solutions focused on CMS platforms like WordPress - making Cloudways a wise long term investment.


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