Cloudways is popular among users searching for effective yet easy-to-use cloud hosting platforms. However, it still has its fair share of disadvantages, like restricted customization capabilities and expensive plans.
Nonetheless, finding a cost-effective managed cloud hosting that could compete with Cloudways is not easy.
Although more affordable web hosting services exist, they might be a step down from Cloudways or not good enough to reach your goals.
So, I’ve compiled a list of top Cloudways alternatives to help you find the best web hosting for your site. Let’s get started!
Disclaimer: If you buy any products through links on this site, I may earn a commission. But it doesn't make any difference to your cost, and it helps me keep this blog running. So you could always read my articles for free.
Why consider alternatives to Cloudways?
There are quite a few reasons to look for Cloudways alternatives. So, let’s explore the reasons one by one:
Managed cloud services are already on the pricier side. However, even considering that, Cloudways is still considered to be pretty expensive.
For example, the price of the basic plan on DigitalOcean in Cloudways is around $14 per month. On the other hand, if you buy the plan from DigitalOcean directly, you’ll spend around $5 per month.
However, you can’t forget Cloudways provides managed server resources, live chat, and additional security features, and is more beginner friendly.
Cloudways relies on external data centers like DigitalOcean, Google Cloud, AWS, Vultr, and more. So, using a host not having its own data centers can be a concern for some customers.
While I like Cloudways’ unique customer panel, some users may not feel the same. This is because of its dissimilarity with classic panels like Plesk or cPanel. On top of that, Cloudways does not host email. So, you’ll have to spend more to store your emails.
Other than that, Cloudways is not compatible with the Windows operating system. So, if you specialize in creating applications and websites for Windows, Cloudways won’t be useful for you.
Related: Cloudways review
Now, let’s take a deep dive to check out Cloudways competitors.
What are the best Cloudways alternatives?
Cloudways is a popular choice because it simplifies cloud hosting. But there are plenty of other options. Let’s dive in!
A2 Hosting
A2 Hosting has emerged as one of the notable alternatives to Cloudways for website hosting.
Like Cloudways, it offers managed hosting solutions but with a different approach. Unlike Cloudways, A2 Hosting maintains its own data centers for traditional hosting services.
Pros:
- Turbo servers deliver up to 20x faster page loads than competitors
- Their Guru Crew support team responds quickly
- More beginner-friendly control panel (cPanel) compared to Cloudways’ custom interface
- Free site migration that typically takes less than 24 hours
Cons:
- Higher renewal rates
- Limited choice of server locations (Michigan, Arizona, Amsterdam, and Singapore only)
- No cloud infrastructure options like those offered by Cloudways
- Harder to scale resources compared to cloud-based solutions
My verdict:
Choose A2 Hosting if you want traditional hosting with excellent speed and support. But consider Cloudways if you need cloud flexibility and more granular resource control.
Related: A2 Hosting review
Kinsta
Kinsta is a managed WordPress hosting provider that offers a robust Cloudways alternative.
Unlike Cloudways, which provides cloud infrastructure with customizable features, Kinsta specializes in high-performance hosting with a user-friendly approach.
It runs on Google Cloud Platform and is designed to optimize site speed and reliability.
Kinsta offers a simple, fully-managed hosting experience. Cloudways, on the other hand, allows more flexibility in choosing your cloud providers like AWS, Google Cloud, DigitalOcean, and more.
Kinsta also includes automatic backups and a staging environment, making it easier for beginners to manage their sites. However, Cloudways might appeal to users who want greater control over their server configurations and pricing.
Pros:
- Fully-managed, hands-off hosting
- Fast loading speeds with built-in performance tools
- Excellent customer support
- Daily backups and staging environments
Cons:
- Pricier compared to Cloudways
- Limited to WordPress hosting
My verdict:
Kinsta is great if you need a fully-managed, high-performance WordPress hosting solution. However, if you seek flexibility and a lower cost, Cloudways may be a better option.
ScalaHosting
If you’re looking for a hosting solution that rivals Cloudways, ScalaHosting might be a great competitor to Cloudways.
ScalaHosting offers managed cloud hosting with a focus on performance and customer support. It comes with scalable resources, allowing you to adjust your server requirements as your website grows.
You get features like managed SSD servers, daily backups, free SSL certificates, and more. On top of this, you’ll get a custom control panel that makes managing your hosting easier.
Like Cloudways’ custom panel, ScalaHosting has its own proprietary control panel called SPanel. This gives you more direct control over your environment.
Pros:
- Affordable pricing plans
- Excellent customer support available 24/7
- Provides both managed and unmanaged plans
- Free website migration and SSL
Cons:
- The SPanel control panel might take time to get used to
- Fewer cloud server options compared to Cloudways
My verdict:
ScalaHosting offers great value for money with solid features and excellent support. This makes it an ideal choice for those on a budget.
Hostwinds
When looking for alternatives to Cloudways, Hostwinds is worth considering. It offers various cloud hosting plans, including VPS and dedicated servers.
As a beginner, you’ll find their interface straightforward, and their customer support is known for being responsive. Hostwinds also provides a wide range of features, including free website migrations and unlimited bandwidth.
Pros:
- Affordable pricing.
- Easy-to-use control panel, great for beginners
- 24/7 customer support
- High uptime guarantee (99.99%)
Cons:
- Performance can be inconsistent during peak traffic times
- Limited advanced features compared to Cloudways, like automatic scaling
My Verdict:
Hostwinds is a solid choice if you’re on a budget or need a straightforward solution. However, if you require more advanced features, Cloudways may still be the better pick than Hostwinds.
FastComet
FastComet is a cloud hosting provider that offers a solid Cloudways competitor. If you’re new to cloud hosting, both platforms manage your web hosting but offer different approaches.
FastComet, like Cloudways, simplifies server management, allowing you to focus on your website instead of technicalities.
FastComet provides shared hosting, cloud VPS, and dedicated servers. It supports various CMS platforms like WordPress and Magento. On top of this, its user-friendly control panel and excellent customer support make it accessible to beginners.
Pros:
- Transparent pricing, with no hidden fees
- 24/7 live chat support
- Free daily backups
- Servers in multiple locations worldwide
Cons:
- Higher entry-level prices for basic plans
- Limited advanced features compared to Cloudways
My Verdict:
FastComet is a good choice if you prefer simplicity and reliable support. However, Cloudways might be better for developers seeking more customization options.
Hostinger
When you’re looking for managed hosting, both Hostinger and Cloudways are popular options. While Cloudways offers flexibility with various cloud providers, Hostinger is known for its straightforward hosting plans at more affordable prices.
Hostinger provides shared, VPS, and cloud hosting. This makes it a great option for those who need flexibility at lower costs. It’s perfect for small to medium businesses or individuals who don’t need complex server configurations.
Pros:
- Affordable pricing
- Easy-to-use control panel
- Excellent customer support
- Multiple data center locations
- Free domain for the first year
Cons:
- Fewer advanced features compared to Cloudways
- Limited cloud hosting options
- Performance can vary depending on the plan
My Verdict:
If you’re just starting out and need simplicity and affordability, Hostinger is a great option. However, for more technical users, Hostinger might not be as good a fit as Cloudways.
InterServer
InterServer is a reliable hosting service you can consider as an alternative to Cloudways. Although both offer managed cloud hosting, InterServer stands out with more straightforward pricing and a solid reputation for performance.
With InterServer, you get access to VPS and cloud hosting options. But its pricing model tends to be more affordable than Cloudways, especially for entry-level plans.
InterServer offers features like 24/7 support, free backups, and scalable options. Its control panel, however, might not be as user-friendly as Cloudways’ managed interface.
Pros:
- Affordable pricing
- 24/7 customer support
- Free daily backups
- Flexible server management options
Cons:
- Less intuitive interface compared to Cloudways
- Limited integrations with third-party tools
- More manual configuration for beginners
My verdict:
If you’re looking for affordable, reliable hosting and don’t mind a steeper learning curve, InterServer is a solid Cloudways alternative.
HostArmada
HostArmada is a web hosting service that serves among the solid Cloudways alternatives. If you’re looking for a reliable web host, HostArmada offers a range of plans designed to suit various needs.
It provides both managed cloud hosting and shared hosting options, ensuring flexibility for businesses of all sizes. For example, if you run a small business or a personal blog, HostArmada’s Starter plan is an affordable option.
Unlike Cloudways, cloud hosting is not HostArmada’s primary focus. And it doesn’t offer the same level of customization.
Pros:
- Affordable pricing plans
- Excellent customer support that is available 24/7
- Free website migration, which is a big plus for beginners
- User-friendly interface for easier management
Cons:
- Some limitations on scalability compared to Cloudways
- Not as much cloud hosting flexibility for advanced users
- Limited server locations compared to Cloudways
My Verdict:
HostArmada is a good, budget-friendly choice for beginners but may lack the advanced features that Cloudways provides.
Liquid Web
Liquid Web is a web hosting provider that can serve as a solid alternative to Cloudways. It offers a variety of managed hosting solutions for different needs, like VPS, dedicated, and cloud hosting.
Liquid Web focuses on performance and security. This can be beneficial for businesses or websites looking for reliable uptime and dedicated support.
Pros:
- Great customer support with 24/7 live chat and phone support
- Reliable uptime (99.99%)
- Managed hosting with strong security features
- Flexible plans, including high-performance VPS options
- Easy integration with popular tools like WordPress
Cons:
- More expensive than Cloudways, especially for smaller businesses
- No free trials or money-back guarantees
- Less focus on scalability for smaller users
My Verdict:
Liquid Web offers excellent support and high-quality hosting. If you’re willing to invest more for better performance and security, it’s a strong alternative to Cloudways.
Final thoughts on Cloudways alternatives
When exploring Cloudways alternatives, it’s crucial to choose based on your specific needs. If you’re new to hosting, Hostinger and FastComet are great options, offering reliable performance and easy-to-use interfaces.
For those seeking scalability and more control, InterServer and Liquid Web provide powerful options. They have predictable pricing but may require more technical knowledge.
If managed cloud hosting with optimized performance is important to you, ScalaHosting and HostArmada are worth considering. Both offer a good balance of affordability and support, though they may not match Cloudways in cloud provider flexibility.
Ultimately, your decision should depend on your hosting requirements, budget, and level of technical expertise.
Did I miss anything? Did you try these tips? Do you have any questions or comments? Share your thoughts below in the comments section.
