Cloudways Review: Simplified Managed Cloud Hosting for WordPress and More
Discover how Cloudways offers a streamlined managed cloud hosting experience that balances performance, flexibility, and ease of use—ideal for WordPress users and developers seeking scalable solutions.
Updated Jul 21, 2026
Overview
Cloudways presents a managed cloud hosting platform designed to simplify complex infrastructure management without sacrificing performance. Since its 2011 launch in Malta, it has empowered users to deploy and manage WordPress sites and other applications on top cloud providers with ease. This review highlights what buyers can expect when choosing Cloudways for their hosting needs.
Verdict
Cloudways stands out as a robust managed cloud hosting solution that combines flexibility, speed, and straightforward server management. Its intuitive control panel, multiple cloud infrastructure options, and focus on optimized WordPress hosting make it a compelling choice for businesses and developers who want control without complexity. While pricing varies depending on the cloud provider selected, Cloudways delivers value through performance and support that can scale with your projects.
Pros & watchouts
Pros
- User-friendly platform that abstracts complex server management
- Multiple cloud provider choices including AWS, Google Cloud, and DigitalOcean
- Optimized WordPress hosting with caching and performance enhancements
- 24/7 live chat support available for technical assistance
- Pay-as-you-go pricing model with no long-term contracts
- Free SSL certificates and automated backups included
- Easy staging environment setup for testing changes
Watchouts
- Pricing depends on chosen cloud provider and can be higher than shared hosting
- No domain registration service included
- No email hosting; requires third-party email solutions
- Advanced server configurations may require technical knowledge
- Limited data center locations compared to some competitors
Pricing / plans
Cloudways offers a pay-as-you-go pricing model based on the cloud infrastructure provider selected. For exact pricing details as of July 2026, please confirm on the official Cloudways website at https://cloudways.com.
Who it's for
Cloudways is ideal for businesses, developers, and agencies looking for managed cloud hosting that simplifies server management while providing scalable resources. It's especially suited for WordPress users who want optimized performance without handling backend infrastructure.
Who should skip it
Those seeking the lowest-cost shared hosting or needing integrated email and domain registration services may find Cloudways less suitable. Beginners with no technical inclination might prefer fully managed platforms with more hands-off options.
How to get value
After signing up, start by selecting your preferred cloud provider and server size. Use the Cloudways platform to deploy your WordPress or other applications swiftly. Leverage built-in features like staging environments, automated backups, and SSL to secure and test your sites before going live. Monitor performance and scale resources as needed directly from the dashboard.
Getting started
Begin by creating an account on Cloudways, then choose a cloud infrastructure provider and server size that fits your needs. Deploy your application via the platform’s one-click installations. Configure domain settings and SSL certificates through the control panel. Utilize the staging environment to test changes before publishing. Review the documentation and reach out to support if you encounter any setup questions.
Alternatives / when to choose something else
If Cloudways does not fully meet your requirements, consider other managed cloud hosting providers or specialized WordPress hosts. Pricing and feature sets vary widely, so evaluating options based on your specific needs is recommended.
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FAQ
Does Cloudways include domain registration?
No, Cloudways does not offer domain registration services. You will need to register your domain through a third-party registrar and connect it to your Cloudways server.
Is email hosting included with Cloudways?
Cloudways does not provide email hosting. You can integrate third-party email services such as Google Workspace or Microsoft 365 to handle your email needs.
Can I scale my server resources on Cloudways?
Yes, Cloudways allows you to scale your server resources up or down depending on your project requirements through its platform interface.
Does Cloudways provide automated backups?
Yes, automated backups are included and can be scheduled according to your preference to ensure your data is protected.
What level of support does Cloudways offer?
Cloudways offers 24/7 live chat support as well as a ticketing system to assist with technical issues and platform questions.
Can I use Cloudways to host applications other than WordPress?
Yes, Cloudways supports hosting various PHP-based applications and frameworks beyond WordPress, including Magento, Laravel, and others.
Cloudways
84.1/100
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