Cloudways Review 2025: Best Cloud Hosting Provider? In the fast-paced world of digital business, reliable and high-performance hosting can make or break your website. Enter Cloudways, a managed cloud hosting platform that has skyrocketed in popularity for its speed, scalability, and ease of use.
With over 100,000 businesses onboard and a growing reputation as a top-rated solution on platforms like G2, Cloudways has become a go-to choice for agencies, eCommerce stores, and SMBs looking to turbocharge their online presence.
But with so many hosting providers claiming to offer “the best” performance, is Cloudways truly worth your time and money in 2025?
In this Cloudways Review 2025, we dive deep into its features, pricing, performance, customer support, and real-world success stories to help you make an informed decision.
Whether you’re a blogger, developer, or business owner, this review will help you determine if Cloudways is the right managed hosting solution for your website this year.
Cloudways Review 2025
1: What Is Cloudways?
Cloudways is a fully managed cloud hosting platform designed to simplify web hosting for agencies, eCommerce stores, freelancers, and small to medium-sized businesses. Unlike traditional shared or VPS hosting, Cloudways offers scalable, secure, and high-performance hosting on top-tier cloud infrastructure—all without requiring deep technical know-how.
1.1: Cloudways Overview: A Platform Built for Performance
Cloudways stands out by offering a user-friendly platform that lets users deploy, manage, and scale web applications like WordPress, Magento, Laravel, and custom PHP apps with ease. It combines the power of top cloud providers with its optimization stack, automated features, and dedicated support to help users focus more on growth and less on server management.
💡 “Cloudways turbocharges your digital agency, eCommerce store, or online business with a fast, secure, and simple cloud hosting platform, backed by 24/7 expert support.”
Some key highlights of Cloudways include:
- 1-click app installations and server deployments
- Optimized stack with NGINX, Varnish, Redis, Memcached, PHP-FPM
- Built-in CDN, caching plugin (Breeze), and free SSL
- 24/7 real-time server monitoring and support
- Pay-as-you-go pricing model
- Integrated Git workflows and staging environments
- Automated backups, security patches, and firewalls
1.2: Managed Cloud Hosting vs Traditional Shared/VPS Hosting
Let’s compare Cloudways to typical hosting options:
| Feature | Shared Hosting | VPS Hosting | Cloudways Managed Hosting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed & Performance | ❌ Limited resources | ✅ Moderate | ✅✅ Optimized stack with dedicated resources |
| Security | ❌ Shared risk | ✅ Depends on configuration | ✅✅ Built-in firewalls, DDoS protection, SSL, Patchstack |
| Ease of Use | ✅ Easy | ❌ Needs technical knowledge | ✅✅ Beginner-friendly UI + Advanced controls |
| Support | ✅ Limited or delayed | ✅ Varies | ✅✅ 24/7 live chat + expert consultation |
| Scalability | ❌ Hard to scale | ✅ Manual | ✅✅ 1-click vertical scaling, autoscaling on WP |
| Pricing | ✅ Cheapest | ✅ Mid-tier | ✅✅ Value-focused, pay-as-you-go |
| Maintenance | ❌ You handle everything | ❌ You manage updates | ✅✅ Fully managed with optional SafeUpdates |
Cloudways essentially bridges the gap between performance and simplicity—giving you the power of cloud infrastructure without the hassle of managing it yourself.
1.3: Supported Cloud Providers on Cloudways
Cloudways doesn’t own its data centers. Instead, it integrates with the world’s top cloud providers, giving you the flexibility to choose the best infrastructure for your needs:
- DigitalOcean – Affordable, developer-friendly, with fast SSD-based VMs
- Vultr – High-performance with global data center availability
- Linode – Cost-effective cloud with excellent performance
- Amazon Web Services (AWS) – Enterprise-grade, powerful, and highly customizable
- Google Cloud Platform (GCP) – Scalable and secure infrastructure used by global brands
You can deploy your server in 43+ global locations across 58 data centers, ensuring low latency and fast load times for your users, no matter where they are.
2: What’s New in Cloudways 2025?
Cloudways keeps improving in 2025 with key updates that boost performance and ease of use:
- Cloudways Copilot: An AI-powered assistant to help manage servers faster and smarter, cutting issue resolution time from 45 minutes to under 5 minutes.
- New Server Options: Added DigitalOcean General Purpose and CPU Optimized servers for better speed and handling of high-traffic websites.
- Flexible Vertical Scaling: Now you can scale your DigitalOcean servers up or down without DNS hassles, giving you more control over resources.
- Faster & More Stable: Cloudways’ Autonomous platform is now 30% more efficient, delivering faster load times and improved stability.
These updates make Cloudways a top choice for growing websites needing reliable, scalable hosting.
Explore more on the Cloudways Blog.
3: Cloudways Features Overview
Cloudways sets itself apart in the crowded hosting space by offering a rich suite of features designed to simplify cloud hosting, maximize performance, and support growth for agencies, eCommerce businesses, freelancers, and developers. Here’s a breakdown of the most important features that make Cloudways a top-tier managed cloud hosting platform:
3.1: Blazing-Fast Performance
- Optimized Tech Stack: Every server comes preconfigured with Nginx, Apache, Memcached, Varnish, Redis, PHP-FPM, and MySQL/MariaDB for optimal performance.
- Built-in Caching: Integrated caching mechanisms like Varnish and Redis, along with Cloudways’ Breeze WordPress plugin, boost site speed without manual setup.
- Cloudflare Enterprise CDN (optional): Achieve edge caching, smart routing, and image optimization for faster global delivery.
- Dedicated Environment: Unlike shared hosting, your resources are fully isolated, ensuring consistent speed and no “bad neighbor” effects.
- Object Cache Pro (free for most plans): Improves WooCommerce and database-heavy site performance significantly.
3.2: Enterprise-Grade Security
- Firewall & Malware Protection: Cloudways Flexible servers are protected by Imunify360, blocking malicious bots, IPs, and brute-force attempts.
- SSL Certificates: Free Let’s Encrypt SSL is included with every site.
- DDoS Protection: All servers benefit from built-in Layer 3/4 DDoS mitigation.
- Patchstack Scanner: Detects plugin/theme vulnerabilities for WordPress users.
- Automated Security Patches: Regular OS-level updates to prevent vulnerabilities.
- Bot & DoS Protection: Includes honeypots, SSH/HTTP brute-force protection, and the ability to block countries or IP ranges.
3.3: Developer & Team-Friendly Tools
- 1-Click App Deployment: Launch WordPress, WooCommerce, Magento, Laravel, or PHP apps in one click.
- Git Integration: Auto-deploy code changes directly from Git repositories.
- Staging Environments: Create safe testing zones before pushing updates live.
- Server & App Cloning: Duplicate servers or applications with just a click.
- WP-CLI and Cron Management: Manage your WordPress installations and schedule cron jobs without touching command lines.
- Team Collaboration Tools: Add members, set roles, and collaborate efficiently across multiple projects and servers.
3.4: Real-Time Monitoring & Control
- 24/7 Server Monitoring: Track over 16 metrics, including CPU, RAM, bandwidth, and disk usage, via the control panel.
- CloudwaysBot Notifications: Get instant alerts via email, Slack, or custom channels about your server’s performance.
- New Relic Integration: Advanced performance insights for identifying and fixing app-level bottlenecks.
3.5: Flexibility & Scalability
- Vertical Scaling: Upgrade server specs like RAM, storage, or bandwidth instantly — no migration needed.
- Multiple PHP Versions: Choose from PHP 7.4 to 8.2 per server or app.
- Pay-as-You-Go Pricing: Only pay for what you use — ideal for seasonal traffic spikes.
- Global Datacenter Choice: Choose from 60+ data centers via providers like DigitalOcean, AWS, or Google Cloud for low-latency hosting.
3.6: Supported Cloud Providers
- DigitalOcean: Budget-friendly with high performance — perfect for agencies and startups.
- Vultr & Linode: Great balance between price and power.
- AWS & Google Cloud: Best for enterprise-level performance and compliance.
- Cloudways Autonomous (WordPress-only): Fully pre-configured and auto-scalable for hands-free performance.
3.7: Superior Support & Migration
- 24/7/365 Expert Support: Live chat with <90 seconds average response time, backed by a 96% CSAT score.
- Premium Support Add-Ons: Get a private Slack channel or phone access to senior engineers.
- Free/Managed Migration: Move your site with zero downtime and zero hassle.
- Consultation Services: Speak with an expert before signing up or scaling.
3.8: Add-Ons & Ecosystem
- Cloudflare Enterprise Add-On: Enterprise-level CDN at a fraction of the price.
- SafeUpdates: Automate WordPress updates with staging and rollback.
- Elastic/Rackspace Email: Professional email options starting at $1/month.
- Application Upgrade & Malware Add-ons: Let Cloudways engineers handle updates or security tasks for you.
4: Cloudways Performance Test (June 2025)
A recent performance audit of a Cloudways-hosted WordPress site shows excellent results, confirming Cloudways’ reputation for speed and reliability:
- Performance Score: 94/100
- Accessibility: 94/100
- Best Practices: 100/100
- SEO Score: 61/100 (room for improvement)
Key Metrics:
- First Contentful Paint (FCP): 0.7 seconds
- Largest Contentful Paint (LCP): 1.0 second
- Total Blocking Time (TBT): 0 ms
- Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS): 0.082
- Speed Index: 1.8 seconds
These scores indicate fast load times and smooth user experience, critical for SEO and user retention. The audit also suggests optimizing images and server response times further to boost SEO and overall performance.
Cloudways offers blazing-fast hosting with built-in performance optimization to keep your website running smoothly.
5: Cloudways Pricing Plans
Cloudways offers two hosting options tailored for different needs — Flexible and Autonomous — both built for speed, scalability, and simplicity.
5.1: Cloudways Flexible Hosting
Perfect for developers, agencies, and growing businesses.
- Full control over server resources
- Choose from top cloud providers (DigitalOcean, AWS, GCP & more)
- Supports WordPress, Laravel, Magento, WooCommerce
- Pay-as-you-go pricing — only pay for what you use
- Free trial — no credit card needed
Popular Plans (DigitalOcean Standard):
| Plan Name | Monthly Price | RAM | vCPU | Storage (NVMe) | Bandwidth | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Micro | $14/mo$0.0208/hr | 1 GB | 1 | 25 GB | 1 TB | Personal sites & blogs |
| Small | $28/mo$0.0417/hr | 2 GB | 1 | 50 GB | 2 TB | Small businesses |
| MediumMost Popular | $54/mo$0.0804/hr | 4 GB | 2 | 80 GB | 4 TB | Growing eCom or WooCommerce |
| Large | $99/mo$0.1473/hr | 8 GB | 4 | 160 GB | 5 TB | High-traffic, resource-heavy apps |
✅ Unlimited Websites
✅ Free SSL, Firewall, Staging, Redis, Object Cache Pro
✅ Offsite backups at $0.033/GB
5.2: Cloudways Autonomous Hosting
A fully managed, auto-scaling WordPress solution for high-traffic sites like eCommerce & LMS platforms.
- Auto-scale resources during traffic spikes
- Built-in performance, security, and backups
- Hands-free management with SafeUpdates
- Ideal for busy site owners and non-tech users
Coming soon with dynamic pricing. Perfect for thousands of concurrent visitors.
5.3: Included in Every Plan (No Hidden Fees)
Cloudways stands out by offering premium performance and security tools at no extra cost in most plans:
- ✅ Free Website Migration
- ✅ Free Let’s Encrypt SSL
- ✅ Free Object Cache Pro (worth $95/month)
- ✅ Free Redis Cache (worth $100/month)
- ✅ Built-in Server Firewall with IP Blocking
- ✅ Vertical Scaling Anytime
- ✅ Free Staging & Cloning (worth $20+)
- ✅ SafeUpdates: Auto test & update WP plugins/themes
- ✅ Advanced Monitoring & Alerts
5.4: Try Cloudways Free (No Credit Card Required)
Test drive Cloudways with zero risk. Start hosting today and scale as you grow.
👉 Launch Your Free Trial NowLaunch Your Free Trial Now
6: Pros and Cons of Cloudways
✅ Pros
- ✅ Flexible Cloud Hosting – Choose from DigitalOcean, AWS, Google Cloud, and more.
- ✅ No Long-Term Contracts – Pay-as-you-go hourly or monthly billing.
- ✅ Free Features – SSL, backups, Object Cache Pro, staging, and migrations.
- ✅ High Performance – NVMe SSD, built-in caching, PHP 8.1-ready servers.
- ✅ Advanced Security – Dedicated firewalls, malware scanning, and IP blocking.
- ✅ Scalability – Easily upgrade resources as your site grows.
❌ Cons
- ❌ No Email Hosting – Add-ons like Rackspace cost extra.
- ❌ Learning Curve – Not as beginner-friendly as shared hosting.
- ❌ Pricing – Slightly higher than traditional shared hosting plans.
🎯 Best for growing businesses, developers, and serious WordPress users who need reliable cloud performance.
7: Who Should Use Cloudways?
Cloudways is ideal for users who need speed, scalability, and simplicity without the stress of server management. Whether you’re a solo creator or a scaling business, Cloudways adapts to you.
✅ Perfect For:
- Agencies & Freelancers
Easily manage multiple clients, clone sites, use staging environments, and bill clients directly from the dashboard. - eCommerce Stores (WooCommerce, Magento)
Handle high traffic, fast checkout experiences, and global customers with built-in caching, Redis, NVMe storage, and auto-scaling options. - High-Traffic WordPress Sites & LMS Platforms
Run large blogs, news sites, or online courses with peace of mind—thanks to powerful caching, SafeUpdates, and autonomous scaling. - Developers & Tech-Savvy Users
Get full control with SSH, Git integration, custom PHP versions, and cloud choice (DigitalOcean, AWS, GCP, Vultr, Linode). - Growing Startups & SaaS Tools
Launch fast, scale on demand, and pay only for what you use—no wasted resources or overpriced plans.
❌ Not Ideal For:
- Complete beginners with zero technical interest
- Hobby blogs with <100 visits/month and $0 budget
- Users looking for traditional shared hosting (like cPanel)
If you want performance-focused hosting that grows with your business, Cloudways is a game-changer.
Start for free, scale when ready.
👉 Try Cloudways Free – No Credit Card NeededTry Cloudways Free – No Credit Card Needed
8: Cloudways vs Competitors
Cloudways stands out by offering true flexibility, premium cloud infrastructure, and pay-as-you-go pricing, unlike most shared or rigid managed hosting providers.
8.1: Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | CloudwaysCloudways | Pressable | Hostinger | HostArmada |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hosting Type | Managed Cloud Hosting | Managed WordPress | Shared/Cloud Hosting | Shared/Cloud/VPS Hosting |
| Cloud Providers | DO, AWS, GCP, Vultr, Linode | Proprietary (Automattic) | Internal Cloud | Internal Cloud |
| Auto Scaling | ✅ Yes (Autonomous) | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Pay-as-You-Go | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Free Trial | ✅ Yes (No Card) | ✅ Yes (Limited) | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Free Migration | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Advanced Caching | ✅ Redis + Object Cache Pro | ✅ Jetpack CDN | ❌ Limited | ✅ LiteSpeed Cache |
| Monthly Starting Price | $14 | $25 | $2.99 | $2.49 |
| eCom / LMS Ready | ✅ (Woo, LearnDash) | ✅ | ⚠️ Basic | ⚠️ Basic |
| Best For | Agencies, Developers, High-Traffic Sites | Bloggers, WP Users | Beginners, Low-Budget Sites | Small Businesses, Entry-Level Projects |
8.2: Why Choose Cloudways?
Unlike traditional hosts, Cloudways gives you full control, top-tier speed, and scalability, without the complexity of managing a server. Whether you’re a solo blogger or running a high-traffic store, it adapts to your needs.
- ✅ Try for Free – No Credit Card Required
- ✅ Launch Unlimited Sites on Top Cloud Providers
- ✅ Hands-Free Scaling for WordPress (Autonomous)
👉 Try Cloudways Free – No Credit Card NeededStart Hosting with Cloudways Now
9: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Is Cloudways good for beginners?
Yes, Cloudways simplifies cloud hosting with an intuitive dashboard, but absolute beginners may need a short learning curve.
Q2. Does Cloudways offer email hosting?
No, Cloudways does not include email hosting, but you can use third-party email services.
Q3. What cloud providers does Cloudways support?
DigitalOcean, Vultr, AWS, Google Cloud, and Linode.
Q4. Is there a free trial available?
Yes, Cloudways offers a 3-day free trial with no credit card required.
Q5. Can I host WooCommerce on Cloudways?
Absolutely! Cloudways is optimized for WooCommerce and other popular CMS platforms.
10: Conclusion
Cloudways stands out as a powerful managed cloud hosting platform ideal for growing websites, eCommerce stores, agencies, and developers. With flexible pricing, blazing-fast performance, and a stack of premium features included in every plan, it offers excellent value for money.
If you’re looking for a hosting solution that’s faster, more scalable, and more reliable than traditional shared hosting, Cloudways is worth it in 2025.
✅ Try Cloudways Free — No Credit Card Required
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👉 Learn More: Pressable Review 2025: Best WordPress Hosting in 2025?
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