Cloudways is a managed cloud hosting provider. It lets users host PHP-based apps on top cloud providers like DigitalOcean, AWS, Google Cloud, Linode, and Vultr.
The platform is designed for simplicity. Beginners can use it without technical skills. Experts can customize servers for advanced needs.
This review breaks down Cloudways’ performance into five areas: speed, scalability, security, support, and pricing. Each section explains features and benefits in simple terms.
Speed and Performance
Fast Loading Times
Cloudways ensures fast website loading times. All servers use SSD storage. SSDs are faster than old-style hard drives. They read and write data quickly. This means your website files load faster for visitors.
Global Data Centers
More than 65 data centers are spread across the globe.
You choose the server location closest to your audience. For example, if your visitors are in Europe, pick a data center in London or Frankfurt. This reduces delays in data transfer. Shorter distances mean quicker page loads.
Built-in Caching Tools
Caching tools are built into Cloudways.
Caching stores copies of your website files. This makes them easier to access. Varnish, Redis, and Memcached are included. These are advanced caching systems. They reduce server load and speed up content delivery.
Free Breeze Plugin
For WordPress users, Cloudways offers a free plugin called Breeze. Breeze automates caching. It also minifies HTML, CSS, and JavaScript files. Minifying removes unnecessary code. Smaller files load faster. Breeze works out of the box—no setup needed.
Cloudflare Integration
Cloudflare Enterprise add-on is available, too.
A CDN (Content Delivery Network) stores your website on multiple servers worldwide. When someone visits your site, they get files from the nearest server. This cuts loading times. Cloudflare also protects against bots and attacks.
Latest PHP Versions
Cloudways supports the latest PHP versions, including PHP 8.x. New PHP versions process code faster. This makes your site snappier. HTTP/2 is enabled by default. HTTP/2 improves how browsers and servers communicate. It allows multiple files to load at once.
Dedicated Resources
Resources like CPU and RAM are dedicated to your server. You don’t share them with others. Shared hosting slows sites down because resources are split. With Cloudways, your site stays fast even during traffic spikes.
Seamless Scalability
Easy Server Upgrades
Cloudways makes scaling easy. If your website grows, you can upgrade your server in minutes. Use a slider in the dashboard to add RAM, CPU, or storage. No downtime occurs during upgrades. Your site stays live.
Auto-Healing Servers
Auto-healing servers fix issues automatically. If a service like MySQL crashes, the server restarts it. This prevents downtime. You don’t need to monitor your server constantly.
Switching Cloud Providers
If you outgrow your current cloud provider, switch to a bigger one. For example, start with DigitalOcean for affordability. Later, move to Amazon Cloud for advanced features. Migrations are simple. Cloudways helps you transfer data without hassle.
Handling Traffic Spikes
Traffic spikes are handled smoothly. More visitors won’t crash your site. If you run a seasonal sale, temporarily boost server resources. After the sale, Cloudways Autonomous will back down your server. You only pay for what you use.
Advanced Security
Free SSL Certificates
Security is a priority for Cloudways. Free SSL certificates encrypt data between your site and visitors. SSL hides sensitive info like passwords or credit card numbers. You can install SSL with one click.
Two-Factor Authentication
Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds extra login security. After entering your password, you’ll need a code from your phone. This stops hackers from accessing your account.
IP Whitelisting
IP whitelisting lets you block unknown users. Only approved IP addresses can access your server. This is useful for teams. Employees log in from specific locations. Others are locked out.
Web Application Firewall (WAF)
A web application firewall (WAF) filters harmful traffic. It blocks common threats like SQL injections. Hackers try to exploit forms or search bars. The WAF stops these attempts.
Dedicated Firewalls
Dedicated firewalls protect each server. They block suspicious IP addresses. You can customize firewall rules. For example, block traffic from certain countries.
Regular Security Patches
Cloudways updates servers regularly. Security patches fix vulnerabilities. Updates are automatic. You don’t have to worry about manual maintenance.
Automated Backups
Backups are automated. Choose daily or weekly backups. They’re stored safely offsite. If your site gets hacked, restore a backup with one click. You can also create backups before updates.
DDoS Protection
DDoS protection is included. DDoS attacks flood your server with fake traffic. Cloudways detects and stops these attacks. Your site stays online.
Isolated Accounts
Each account is isolated. Other users on the same cloud provider can’t access your data. For file transfers, use SFTP or SSH instead of FTP. These protocols encrypt your data.
Support Excellence
24/7 Expert Support
Cloudways offers 24/7 support via live chat and tickets. Live chat is fastest. Responses come in minutes. For complex issues, submit a ticket. Replies take a few minutes.
Professional Engineers
Cloudways support engineers are knowledgeable. They help with server setup, migrations, and bugs. If you’re stuck, they’ll guide you step-by-step.
Knowledge Base
The knowledge base center includes articles and video tutorials. Learn how to install WordPress, set up SSL, or optimize speed. The community forum lets users share tips.
Free Migration Service
Free migration is included. Cloudways moves your site from another host. Their team handles everything. You don’t need technical skills.
Phone Support
Phone support is available upon request. But live chat works well for most issues. Developers can tweak server settings. If something breaks, support will fix it.
Pricing and Plans
Transparent Pricing
Cloudways pricing is transparent. You pay for the server size and cloud provider. No long-term contracts. Cancel anytime.
Affordable Plans
DigitalOcean (Standard) is the lowest. Plans start at 11/month for 1GB RAM and 25GB storage. Linode starts at 12/month. Vultr (Standard) begins at 11/month. AWS and Google Cloud cost more. Their plans start around $20.56 and $37.45/month respectively.
Free Trial
Cloudways offers a free 3-day trial that requires no credit card. Test features are risk-free. After that, choose a plan. Sign up for a Cloudways account and give it a try.
Conclusion
Cloudways balances speed, security, and flexibility. It’s fast due to its tech stack, caching, and CDN. Scaling is easy with instant upgrades. Security features like SSL, 2FA, and firewalls protect your data. Support is quick and helpful. Pricing adapts to your needs.
It’s ideal for small blogs, online stores, or large businesses. The free trial lets you test it without risk. If you want hassle-free cloud hosting, Cloudways is a strong choice.
Author Bio
Mansoor Ahmed Khan
I’ve been in content marketing since 2014. Writing stories that grab attention and drive results is my thing. I work on blogs, social media posts, emails, and more. Every piece of content is a chance to connect, inspire, or solve a problem. I love turning ideas into something people care about. When I’m not writing, I’m probably brainstorming my next big idea.
