A top-notch hosting service is key to making your website shine. I’ve often delved into hosting topics on this blog, and today is no different.
Are you thinking about using Cloudways for your WordPress or other website? Our Cloudways review will help determine if this popular host is for you.
What sets Cloudways apart? Well, they do things a bit differently. They don’t have their servers. Instead, you pick from five big cloud providers: DigitalOcean, Vultr, Linode, AWS, and Google Cloud.
After that, Cloudways sets up and takes care of your server. They also give you many tools to make running your site easier. The good news is that you can get fast performance without spending much. But it’s more challenging than regular hosting, so it might only be for some.
We’ll also explore its security protocols, customer service, backup and migration features, email hosting capabilities, and more.
So, please keep reading to find out what we’ll cover in our 2023 Cloudways review.
Cloudways: The New Age Hosting Paradigm
What’s Cloudways? It’s a hosting service that makes things easy and fast. From setting up your server and apps to taking care of server tasks, Cloudways does it for you. So you can direct all your energy toward growing your business.
Once you join Cloudways, you get lots of powerful tools. These tools help you manage your online stores and websites.
So, if you run an online store, work at an agency, or do freelance coding, Cloudways has what you need. It offers great features that make hosting easier for your business sites and client work.
Cloudways Cloud Hosting: Pros and Cons
Upsides of Cloudways
Many perspectives abound regarding cloudways, each fueled by individual anecdotes and experiences. However, as noted in my comprehensive hosting guide, no hosting solution emerges as the ultimate best; it all depends on your needs, financial capacity, and expertise. Below are some strong points for considering Cloudways.
- Transparent Costs:
One standout benefit of Cloudways lies in its transparent fee structure. Normally, cloud hosting costs can seem puzzling, with billing based on resource usage. Cloudways offers straightforward, month-to-month payment plans. No need for complicated calculations; just select a plan matching your requirements.
Moreover, a chatbot is available to suggest plans based on your website count, visitor statistics, and site function (like a blog or digital agency). Overall, this transparent pricing serves as a unique selling point when weighed against other cloud hosting options.
- Choice in Cloud Hosts:
Another compelling reason to pick Cloudways is your ability to select your cloud host. They collaborate with major cloud service providers like DigitalOcean, Amazon, and Google. While not being the actual hosting platform, Cloudways acts as an intermediary, thus offering flexibility in host selection coupled with transparent pricing. It’s particularly useful for those expecting fluctuating traffic.
- Speed Factors:
Besides storing your site files, a worthy host ensures rapid delivery of these files to any visitor. Although numerous factors influence site speed, having a speedy host can tip the scales in your favor. For instance, Time to First Byte (TTFB) serves as an effective speed metric. My experience shows that DigitalOcean through Cloudways exhibited exceptional TTFB speeds, notably outperforming several budget-shared hosts.
Of course, pricing adjusts based on your usage. Nevertheless, for those needing a host capable of managing traffic surges without compromising speed, Cloudways offers commendable solutions.
Downsides of Cloudways
Despite its merits, Cloudways isn’t without flaws. Multiple online criticisms are available, some anecdotal and others substantial. Here are my observations regarding Cloudways’ shortcomings.
- Complicated Initial Setup:
Arguably, the most glaring issue with Cloudways is its intricate setup process. Though marketed as a hassle-free cloud hosting facilitator for business owners, the reality contrasts starkly. The onboarding resources are sparse, and a series of conversations with customer support were needed to gain account access.
- Limited Trial Span:
One drawback of the fee structure is the brief trial period. Unlike most hosts offering extended trial durations, Cloudways restricts you to three days. If setup itself proves cumbersome, these three days will evaporate swiftly.
- Unique Backend:
Most hosts employ cPanel for server administration. Cloudways, however, opts for a proprietary backend, limiting options for user-based troubleshooting. This exclusivity extends to both account and server administration, adding an unnecessary layer of complexity.
To sum it up, Cloudways offers distinct advantages in transparent pricing, host variety, and performance. On the flip side, its complicated setup, limited trial period, and unique backend can serve as barriers for some users.
The Final Verdict: Is Cloudways Worth the Hype?
If you dread the idea of changing web hosts, think of it like this: It’s similar to moving to a new house and can be really stressful. To avoid future headaches, make a smart choice now for your hosting service.
Look for a host that:
- Doesn’t make you pay a lot for a small, new website.
- Keeps your site on its own server, so it runs fast.
- Let’s easily add more resources as your website gets bigger without making the cost go way up or complicating the process.
By picking the right host now, you can save yourself a lot of stress later on.
Conclusion of the Cloudways Review
In simpler terms, Cloudways is a great pick if you’re a small or medium business that needs to host PHP websites or online stores. It has all the features you’d want for cloud hosting.
What’s more,
Cloudways makes it easy for anyone, even if you’re not a tech whiz, to use cloud hosting. It takes care of the complex server stuff, so you can focus on building and running your website or app.
So, is Cloudways the right fit for you? Our insights might tip the scale. That wraps up our Cloudways review: How good or bad is Cloudways Cloud Hosting?
