Introduction
If you are searching for a reliable managed cloud hosting provider, Cloudways is one name that constantly comes up in user reviews and expert comparisons. Founded in 2012 and later acquired by DigitalOcean, Cloudways offers a managed hosting platform where you can choose between popular cloud providers such as DigitalOcean, AWS, Google Cloud, Vultr, and Linode.
This Cloudways review for 2025 breaks down everything you need to know features, pros and cons, pricing insights, customer feedback, and whether it’s worth your investment.
What Makes Cloudways Different?
Unlike traditional hosting, Cloudways is not a hosting provider itself. Instead, it sits on top of big cloud platforms and manages everything for you. This means you get the power of VPS and cloud hosting without needing to handle server configurations or technical maintenance.
Some of the standout features include:
- ThunderStack technology (Nginx, Apache, Memcached, Varnish, Redis, PHP-FPM) for faster website performance.
- Free Object Cache Pro on servers with 2GB RAM or more.
- Cloudflare Enterprise CDN add on for better global content delivery and DDoS protection.
- Automated backups and staging environments for development.
- 3-day free trial with no credit card required.
- Agency Partnership Program with white glove migrations, credits, and co marketing opportunities.
- 40+ data center locations across different cloud providers.
Pros of Cloudways Hosting
1. Excellent Performance
Cloudways consistently delivers 99.9% uptime with solid speed optimization. The built in caching tools and CDN options help websites load faster globally.
2. Easy to Use
You can launch a WordPress website in under 2 minutes. The dashboard is beginner friendly while still powerful for developers.
3. Strong Customer Support
On platforms like Trustpilot, Cloudways scores around 4.5/5 stars, with customers praising their quick and knowledgeable support team. Many long-term users highlight the consistency of their help.
4. Flexible Pricing Models
You only pay for the cloud provider and server size you choose. This makes it easier for small businesses or agencies to scale gradually.
5. Ideal for Agencies & E-commerce
With Kubernetes-based autoscaling (Cloudways Autonomous) and unlimited white glove migrations, Cloudways is a strong option for digital agencies, WooCommerce stores, and high traffic sites.
Cons of Cloudways Hosting
1. Pricing at Scale
While affordable for entry-level users, Cloudways adds a margin on top of base cloud provider prices. For very large projects, it can get expensive compared to going directly to AWS or DigitalOcean.
2. Limited Control
You don’t get full root access, domain registration, or built-in email hosting. For email, you’ll need third-party providers.
3. Add-On Costs
Features like Cloudflare Enterprise CDN, extra security, and certain migrations require additional monthly fees.
4. Mixed User Feedback
Although most reviews are positive, some users complain about billing issues, slow responses during peak hours, or over-hyped add-ons.
Who Should Use Cloudways?
Cloudways is a great fit if you are:
- A small to medium-sized business looking for fast managed hosting.
- A digital agency managing multiple client websites.
- A WooCommerce or WordPress site owner who needs reliability without server management headaches.
- Someone who values 24/7 support and performance optimization.
It might not be the best choice if you:
- Need full root control over your server.
- Want the lowest possible cost without managed services.
- Prefer bundled email and domain services in one place.
Cloudways Pricing Overview
Cloudways pricing depends on your chosen cloud provider. For example:
- DigitalOcean plans start at around $14/month.
- AWS and Google Cloud options cost more, starting at $30+/month.
While not the cheapest option, Cloudways is cheaper than fully managed premium hosts like Kinsta or WP Engine, while still offering excellent performance.
Cloudways Review Based on Customer Feedback
On Trustpilot, many long-time users share positive experiences:
“Cloudways is indeed a very good provider. The performance and sustainability of their services is outstanding.”
“I have been using Cloudways for five years, and their support engineers have always kept me continuing with them.”
However, some users have pointed out that certain add-ons are overpriced and migrations are not always smooth. This shows Cloudways is not perfect but still maintains a high satisfaction rate compared to competitors.
People Also Ask (FAQs)
Is Cloudways good for WordPress?
Yes, Cloudways is optimized for WordPress with caching, staging, and CDN support.
Does Cloudways offer free migration?
One free migration is included; additional migrations are available as a paid service.
Does Cloudways provide email hosting?
No, Cloudways does not offer email hosting by default. You can integrate with providers like Rackspace or Google Workspace.
Is Cloudways worth the price?
For businesses that want fast, secure, and managed hosting without technical hassle, yes, Cloudways is worth it. However, if you’re comfortable managing servers yourself, direct cloud providers may be cheaper.
Final Verdict
Cloudways remains one of the best managed cloud hosting providers in 2025, striking a balance between performance, support, and flexibility.
It is ideal for businesses, agencies, and developers who want cloud power without the complexity of managing servers. While add on costs and limited root access may be drawbacks, the overall value, uptime, and customer satisfaction make Cloudways a strong choice.
Our Rating: 4.5/5
