Cloudways Review

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Cloudways is a leading managed cloud hosting platform that empowers businesses and individuals to easily deploy, manage, and scale web applications on top-tier cloud infrastructure providers. Established in 2011, Cloudways has become synonymous with simplified cloud hosting solutions, offering a user-friendly interface and a range of powerful features.


About Cloudways:
Owner/CEO:
Aaqib Gadit
Established:
2011
Phone:
(+356) 35500106
Address:
Mosta, Malta
Servers Locations:
  • Vienna
    Vienna
  • Sydney
    Sydney
  • Melbourne
    Melbourne
  • Sofia
    Sofia
  • São Paulo
    São Paulo
  • Toronto
    Toronto
  • Montreal
    Montreal
  • Show all
Servers Locations: 34
  • Vienna
    Vienna
  • Sydney
    Sydney
  • Melbourne
    Melbourne
  • Sofia
    Sofia
  • São Paulo
    São Paulo
  • Toronto
    Toronto
  • Montreal
    Montreal
  • Zurich
    Zurich
  • Frankfurt
    Frankfurt
  • Madrid
    Madrid
  • Helsinki
    Helsinki
  • Paris
    Paris
  • London
    London
  • Jakarta
    Jakarta
  • Bengaluru
    Bengaluru
  • Mumbai
    Mumbai
  • Chennai
    Chennai
  • Tokyo
    Tokyo
  • Osaka
    Osaka
  • Seoul
    Seoul
  • Amsterdam
    Amsterdam
  • Stockholm
    Stockholm
  • Singapore
    Singapore
  • Taipei
    Taipei
  • Phoenix
    Phoenix
  • Atlanta
    Atlanta
  • Seattle
    Seattle
  • Los Angeles
    Los Angeles
  • Ashburn
    Ashburn
  • Chicago
    Chicago
  • Miami
    Miami
  • San Francisco
    San Francisco
  • New York
    New York
  • Dallas
    Dallas
Customer Support: 4
English
Website: English
All languages (4)
English
Support: English
Live chat
United States
United States Accepted
4.3/5
Perfect Hosting Provider
by Trust Host Review
Features: Excellent
Reliability: Trustworthy
User Friendly: Excellent
Support: Excellent
Price: Affordable
Promotion: Very generous
Other Factors: Excellent
Andrew Cross
Author: Andrew Cross Last updated: 30 August 2024

Review Cloudways 2024

Cloudways Review: A Platform for Pros, By Pros

Cloudways often flies under the radar compared to hosting giants like GoDaddy or HostGator. But for experienced users - developers, agencies, and system administrators - it offers a level of control and flexibility that's hard to beat. Let's break down why Cloudways might be the managed cloud hosting solution you've been searching for.

Choose Your Weapon (Cloud Provider, That Is)

Cloudways doesn't own its data centers; instead, it partners with industry heavyweights like AWS, Google Cloud, DigitalOcean, Vultr, and Linode. This unique approach lets you select the infrastructure that aligns with your project's needs and budget. Need the raw power of AWS? Done. Prefer the affordability of Vultr? No problem.

Pricing that Scales with You, Not Against You

Forget about fixed, bloated plans. Cloudways operates on a pay-as-you-go model. You only pay for the server resources you actually use. This granular approach translates into significant cost savings, especially for projects with fluctuating traffic.

A Developer's Playground

Cloudways is built by techies, for techies. The platform comes loaded with features seasoned professionals will appreciate:

  • SSH access: Dive deep and manage your server with granular control.
  • Git integration: Deploy code changes effortlessly from your repositories.
  • Staging areas: Test new features and updates in a safe environment before going live.
  • Customizable server stack: Fine-tune your PHP, MySQL, and Nginx configurations to your liking.

Performance That Doesn't Quit

Speed is non-negotiable in today's digital landscape, and Cloudways delivers. Their servers are optimized for performance, boasting lightning-fast loading times thanks to their built-in caching system and CDN integration. You can choose the data center closest to your target audience to further minimize latency.

Security You Can Trust

Cloudways takes security seriously. They provide free SSL certificates, offer automated backups, and implement firewalls at the server level. Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of protection to your account.

Human Support When You Need It

While Cloudways is designed for self-sufficiency, their customer support deserves a shout-out. Their team is available 24/7 via live chat and ticketing system, and they possess the technical chops to answer even the most complex queries.

In Conclusion: Is Cloudways Right for You?

Cloudways isn't for everyone. If you're looking for a simple shared hosting plan to host a basic website, you'll find cheaper and less technical options elsewhere.

However, if you're an experienced user who demands control, flexibility, and uncompromised performance, Cloudways is a game-changer. It provides the tools and infrastructure to build and scale high-performance web applications without breaking a sweat.

Cloudways

Cloudways is a leading managed cloud hosting platform that empowers businesses and individuals to easily deploy, manage, and scale web applications on top-tier cloud infrastructure providers. Established in 2011, Cloudways has become synonymous with simplified cloud hosting solutions, offering a user-friendly interface and a range of powerful features.

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Cloudways's rating: Perfect hosting provider

We rate features of services on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being the lowest rating and 5 being the highest rating. e also take into account the opinions of other users when rating features. We read user reviews and feedback to get a sense of how other people are using the features and what they think of them.

The PERFECT reputation ranking is for hosting providers that have many registered users and does not receive severe complaints. These providers deserve your peace of mind.

Parameters Score Why did we give this score?
Features 4.5 Excellent - We consider a number of factors when rating features, including: usefulness, ease to use, effectiveness, impact.. Cloudways's feature is outstanding. It is one of the best features of the service and is essential for any user who wants to get the most out of the service.
Reliability 4.6 Trustworthy - Cloudways is extremely reliable and always meets its promises. They have an outstanding customer service record and are always responsive to customer complaints.
User Friendly 4.3 Excellent - Extremely Easy to Use: Cloudways is incredibly easy to navigate and use. Users will find it effortlessly to find the information they need or complete tasks.
Support 4.4 Excellent - The support service is excellent. There is a comprehensive user manual and FAQ page. The helpdesk is very responsive and helpful. The support time is very fast and there is live chat with customers. The service supports multiple languages and provides excellent customer service.
Price 4 Affordable - The pricing of Cloudways is affordable. It is slightly lower than the average prices of similar services, and there is some flexibility in the price list.
Promotion 4.2 Very generous - Cloudways offers abundant promotions. Their promotions are top-notch and have an extremely wide reach. There are many bonus programs, discounted codes, or percentage discounts. They have minimal or no conditions for receiving promotions, and their targeted audience is extremely broad. Their rewards programs and loyalty programs are excellent, and their discounts and special offers are extremely frequent and enticing.
Other Factors 4.4 Excellent - The number of customers is extremely high, and the partner reviews are overwhelmingly positive. The company's revenue is also extremely high.

Pros and Cons

Here are the pros and cons of using Cloudways as your hosting platform.

Positives

  • Managed Cloud Hosting: Cloudways provides a managed hosting platform, allowing users to leverage top-tier cloud infrastructure (AWS, Google Cloud, DigitalOcean, etc.) without dealing with the complexities of server management.
  • User-Friendly Interface: Their intuitive control panel simplifies server setup, management, and deployment, making it accessible even for users with limited technical expertise.
  • Scalability and Flexibility: Cloudways allows easy scalability, enabling users to adjust resources as needed without the hassle of migrating servers. This flexibility suits businesses experiencing fluctuating traffic or growth.
  • Multiple Cloud Provider Options: Users can choose from various cloud providers and data center locations, offering flexibility in terms of performance optimization and targeting specific geographical audiences.
  • Performance and Reliability: Leveraging top-tier cloud providers, Cloudways generally offers good uptime, high performance, and reliable hosting services, contributing to a positive user experience.
  • Security Features: The platform implements managed security measures, including regular security patches, dedicated firewalls, free SSL certificates, and other security enhancements, bolstering website protection.
  • Managed Backups and Restorations: Cloudways offers automated backups and easy restoration options, ensuring data safety and providing peace of mind to users.

Negatives

  • Complex Pricing Structure: The pay-as-you-go pricing model based on cloud infrastructure usage can be confusing for some users. Understanding the costs associated with different resources might be challenging, leading to unexpected expenses.
  • Limited Control for Advanced Users: Advanced users seeking full control over server configurations might find Cloudways' managed approach restrictive. The platform is designed to simplify hosting, but it might lack certain customization options desired by tech-savvy users.
  • Lack of Email Hosting: Cloudways doesn't provide email hosting services. While this is not necessarily a weakness in hosting, some users prefer having email hosting integrated into their hosting provider for convenience.
  • No Domain Registration: Similarly, Cloudways doesn't offer domain registration services. Users need to purchase domains from third-party registrars and configure them separately.
  • Potential Resource Constraints: Depending on the chosen plan, resource limitations might affect users needing high-demand resources or for rapidly scaling websites. Users may need to upgrade plans or resources, impacting overall costs.
  • Limited Data Center Options: While Cloudways offers multiple data center locations, the selection might be limited compared to other hosting providers, potentially affecting performance for users targeting specific geographical regions.
  • Learning Curve for Beginners: Despite its user-friendly interface, some beginners might still face a learning curve, especially if they're entirely new to managing cloud servers or hosting environments.
  • Occasional Support Delays: While Cloudways provides 24/7 support, some users have reported occasional delays in getting complex issues resolved. Resolution times might vary based on the complexity of the problem.
  • Reliance on Third-Party Cloud Providers: As Cloudways utilizes various cloud infrastructure providers like AWS, Google Cloud, etc., any issues or limitations with these providers could indirectly affect the services Cloudways offers.
  • Limited Backup Retention: Depending on the plan, Cloudways might offer limited backup retention, potentially impacting users who require longer data retention periods or more frequent backups.

Interesting facts

Headquartered in Malta: Cloudways has its headquarters in Malta, but the company operates globally, serving customers from different parts of the world.
Focus on User-Friendly Interface: The platform is designed to be user-friendly, offering a simplified interface for managing cloud servers without requiring extensive technical expertise.
Scalability and Flexibility: Cloudways provides easy scalability, enabling users to adjust server resources as needed to accommodate changes in website traffic or business growth.
Security Measures: They implement managed security features, including regular patches, dedicated firewalls, free SSL certificates, and other security enhancements, to ensure the safety of hosted websites.
24/7 Customer Support: Cloudways offers around-the-clock customer support through live chat and a ticketing system, assisting users with technical issues or inquiries.
Staging Environment: Users benefit from a staging environment feature, allowing them to test changes or updates to their websites without affecting the live version.
Pay-as-You-Go Pricing Model: Cloudways' pricing is based on a pay-as-you-go model, where users pay for the resources they consume, providing flexibility and potentially cost-efficient solutions.
Support for Multiple CMS and Applications: Cloudways supports various Content Management Systems (CMS) and applications like WordPress, Magento, Drupal, Joomla, WooCommerce, Laravel, and others, making it versatile for different website needs.

Cloudways offers a comprehensive set of features, including multiple cloud infrastructure options (like AWS, Google Cloud, DigitalOcean), easy scalability, managed security, SSL, staging environments, and more. However, some advanced features might be lacking for very specific use cases.

Cloudways generally provides reliable hosting services with good uptime and performance. Their utilization of top-tier cloud providers contributes to the overall reliability. However, occasional maintenance or issues can occur.
 

The platform offers a user-friendly interface, making it relatively easy to set up and manage cloud servers even for those without extensive technical knowledge. However, certain advanced functionalities might have a learning curve.
 

Cloudways offers 24/7 customer support through live chat and a ticketing system. Responses are generally prompt, and their support team is knowledgeable. However, occasionally, resolution times might vary based on the complexity of the issue.
 

Cloudways stands out for its focus on managed cloud hosting, enabling users to benefit from the scalability and security of various cloud infrastructures without the complexity of direct management. However, some users might prefer more control or customization options.

Cloudways's FAQs

What is Cloudways uptime guarantee?

Cloudways guarantees 99.99% uptime on all their hosting plans.

How do I register a domain with Cloudways?

You can register a domain directly through the Cloudways platform during the signup process.

What payment methods do you accept?

Cloudways accepts all major credit cards, PayPal, and wire transfer.

What type of customer support do you offer?

Cloudways offers 24/7/365 live chat, email, and phone support.

What is the average user review rating for Cloudways?

Cloudways has an average user review rating of 4.8/5 on Trustpilot.

Do you offer any promotions for new customers?

Yes, Cloudways often offers promotions such as discounts on hosting plans, free trials, and free migrations.

What is the process for requesting a refund?

You can request a refund within 30 days of signing up for Cloudways.

Do you provide a free trial?

Yes, Cloudways offers a 3-day free trial on all their hosting plans.

What is the difference between a managed and unmanaged hosting plan?

Managed hosting plans include server maintenance, security updates, and other technical support tasks, while unmanaged hosting plans do not.

Can I transfer my existing website to Cloudways?

Yes, Cloudways offers free website migrations for all new customers.

Latest user reviews

Anon
• 4 months ago
Consistently good service and experience over the last 4+ years. We have over 1000 sites managed with Cloudways across a large number of servers. Support is always incredibly responsive, friendly and efficient!
Anthony
• 4 months ago
Cloudways is the best most professional hosting company I have used. Always available for support.
Habin Koh
• 4 months ago
He was quick to answer all my questions and was very patient throughout! I resolved everything I needed to resolve. Thank you!
Ioanna iliadi
• 4 months ago
Problem not resolved, my server went down few hours later
Avni V Yayin
• 4 months ago
Literally the best hosting provider nowadays
dimasz kobul
• 4 months ago
Antoine Debernardi
• 4 months ago
The support department is extremely responsive, and the technical teams are top-notch! They were able to help us with server cloning, migration and billing assistance.We are extremely satisfied with the cloudways team.
Nyashadzashe Kunaka
• 4 months ago
What made my experience great is that Sajjad Ahmad Khan was understanding and patient with my peoblem.
Task Me
• 4 months ago
Cloudways is a service you should avoid at all costs. Their customer service is beyond terrible; they are complete amateurs who will not provide any meaningful assistance. I encountered numerous issues that their so-called support team failed to resolve. The billing department is equally unresponsive and dismissive of customer concerns.I experienced a significant data loss due to their incompetent management. My backup was lost, and my database was inexplicably deleted. When I reached out to them for help, they offered no solutions. Instead, they told me I needed my own backup to restore my website. This level of negligence is unacceptable for any hosting provider. Their servers are weak and unprotected, which puts your data at constant risk.My attempts to get answers about why my database was deleted were met with infuriatingly repetitive responses. They kept telling me they didn't know what happened and asked if I had an old backup on my computer. This shows a complete lack of responsibility and technical expertise on their part. When I asked for a refund due to their failure, they refused.Frustrated, I decided to switch to DigitalOcean, which has been a significantly better experience. I highly recommend you bypass Cloudways entirely and go directly to a reliable provider like DigitalOcean. Cloudways is just a middleman that adds unnecessary complexity and cost to your hosting needs.They offer nothing but headaches and extra expenses. Every little feature, like email hosting, comes with an additional charge. This nickel-and-diming approach makes their service even less appealing. Dealing directly with hosting companies is always a better option. Cloudways’ servers are also incredibly slow, and the only way to get decent performance is to upgrade at a steep price.Moreover, Cloudways does not support many programming languages such as Go and Python. This means that applications relying on these languages will not work on their servers.The worst part of my experience was the impact on my business. My website was down due to Cloudways' poor security that "My Database got deleted" , causing me to lose significant traffic and search rankings. All the customizations and developments I paid for on my e-commerce website went down the drain. The downtime not only cost me financially but also hurt my business reputation. You definitely don’t want to go through the same misery.Save yourself the hassle, the frustration, and the money. Avoid Cloudways at all prices. Choose a reputable hosting provider that can guarantee reliability, security, and competent customer service. Your online presence and business deserve better than the subpar service Cloudways provides. Make the smart choice and stay far away from Cloudways.
John S.
• 4 months ago
Absolutely fantastic hosting service with unbeatable customer support. While it's true this host may be a little more technically involved to set up, it is well worth it in my opinion, and the support staff are very knowledgeable and always patient and helpful!

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Cloudways's Features

Money Back Guarantee
Hourly Payments
Monthly Payments
Yearly Payments
Domain Purchase
API
DDOS Protection
Accepts Bitcoin
Affiliate Program
Load Balancers
WordPress Hosting
VPS Hosting
Cloud Hosting
Shared Hosting
Site Builder
Email Service
Free SSL
Backup Services
CDN Services
SEO Hosting
Unlimited Hosting
Object Storage
Streaming Services
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User reviews of Cloudways

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4.5

Rated by 1499 users

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Cloudways's Coupons

Browse all bonuses and promotions offered by Cloudways, including their first deposit bonus and other generous promotions.

Get free cloud hosting credit worth $30
United States

Exclusive for Trust Host Review visitors

The Cloudways deal gives you a $30 credit on any of the company’s cloud hosting plans, which include packages for DigitalOcean, Vultr, Linode, Amazon Web Services, and Google Cloud.

Has bonus worked for you?

30$ Discount on Cloudways
United States

Exclusive for Trust Host Review visitors

We are excited to share this exclusive $30 Cloudways deal with our loyal HostAdvice users. The offer grants you a $30.00 discount on your next payment for Cloudways hosting and places no restrictions on what the discount can be applied to. The company’s offerings start at $10.00 monthly, and include excellent features such as:

• Up to 160 GB of storage space for website development
• Up to 5 TB of bandwidth for visitors
• Choose from DigitalOcean, Linode, AWS,

Google Cloud, and Vultr for servers
Reduce your hosting startup costs and focus your resources where you need them most.

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Get free cloud hosting credit worth $30
United States

Exclusive for Trust Host Review visitors

This includes $30 free hosting credit and user will be able to get it after signing up at Cloudways and they will get free hosting credit as soon as they upgrade their account using credit card. 

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Unleash The Cloud. Not Budgets. 
United States

For 4 Months +
Up to 30 Free Migrations

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