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Cloudways

Managed Cloud Hosting Featured

Managed cloud hosting platform for WordPress, PHP, Laravel, Magento and other web applications.

4.7/5 Paid Free trial From $11
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What is Cloudways?

Cloudways is a managed cloud hosting platform designed for websites and web applications that need more control and scalability than traditional shared hosting. It allows users to deploy applications such as WordPress, WooCommerce, Magento, Laravel and PHP on cloud infrastructure from providers including DigitalOcean, Vultr, Linode, AWS and Google Cloud. Cloudways handles many server management tasks while providing tools for caching, backups, security, staging, monitoring and vertical scaling.

Its platform also includes a newer Lightning Stack designed to improve application performance and simplify server management. Users can manage multiple websites from one dashboard and deploy applications with one-click installation. Cloudways offers a Flexible hosting model for users who want control over servers and a newer Autonomous option for WordPress sites that need managed autoscaling. The platform uses pay-as-you-go billing, with charges based on the selected infrastructure, resources and additional usage. A three-day free trial is available without requiring a credit card.

What users say

Cloudways is commonly used for managed WordPress and cloud hosting where users need scalable infrastructure, performance tools and server management support.

Pros and cons

Pros
  • Managed cloud hosting
  • Multiple cloud infrastructure providers
  • WordPress optimized hosting
  • One-click application deployment
  • Lightning Stack
  • Free SSL
  • Automated backups
  • Staging environments
  • Vertical scaling
  • Server monitoring
  • Built-in firewall
  • DDoS protection
  • Free managed migration
  • 24/7 support
  • Cloudways API
  • Cloudways Copilot
  • Cloudways MCP
Cons
  • No permanent free hosting plan
  • Pricing varies by cloud provider and server configuration
  • Cloud hosting requires more technical understanding than basic shared hosting
  • Additional bandwidth can incur charges
  • Some advanced security and support features are paid add-ons
  • AWS and Google Cloud configurations can cost more than entry-level options
Our verdict
4.7/5

Cloudways combines managed hosting with the flexibility of major cloud infrastructure providers. It is designed for users who want more control and scalability than traditional shared hosting but do not want to manage every server task themselves. The platform supports WordPress, WooCommerce, Magento, Laravel and PHP applications, while features such as caching, staging, backups, monitoring and vertical scaling simplify everyday hosting management. Its Flexible model is suited to users who want direct control over cloud resources, while Autonomous focuses on managed WordPress hosting with autoscaling. Cloudways is also adding AI-assisted infrastructure management through Cloudways Copilot and MCP.

Who is Cloudways for?

WordPress Bloggers

Host and manage WordPress sites with caching, backups, SSL and staging.

  • WordPress
  • Performance
  • Enterprise governance
  • Large infrastructure teams

Plan we would pick: Flexible

Small Businesses

Run websites and online stores on managed cloud infrastructure.

  • Hosting
  • E-commerce
  • Large enterprise infrastructure

Plan we would pick: Flexible

Developers

Deploy PHP, Laravel and custom applications with control over cloud resources.

  • Development
  • Server management
  • Basic shared hosting workflows

Plan we would pick: Flexible

Agencies

Manage multiple client websites and applications from centralized cloud infrastructure.

  • Multi-site hosting
  • Collaboration
  • Small personal projects

Plan we would pick: Flexible

E-commerce Stores

Host WooCommerce and Magento stores with scalable resources and performance tools.

  • E-commerce
  • Scaling
  • Basic static websites

Plan we would pick: Flexible

High-Traffic WordPress

Use autoscaling infrastructure for traffic-heavy WordPress applications.

  • Autoscaling
  • Performance
  • Small personal blogs

Plan we would pick: Autonomous

Industry fit

Web DevelopmentManaged servers, PHP support, API and scaling.
Strong fit
98
E-commerceWooCommerce, Magento, caching and scalable infrastructure.
Strong fit
97
PublishingWordPress hosting, backups and performance tools.
Strong fit
94
Digital AgenciesMultiple applications, collaboration and server management.
Strong fit
98
SaaSCloud infrastructure and application deployment support.
Strong fit
90
Small BusinessManaged cloud hosting reduces server administration workload.
Strong fit
90

Key features

Managed Cloud Hosting

Manage cloud servers without handling every infrastructure task manually.

WordPress Hosting

Deploy and manage WordPress websites on optimized cloud infrastructure.

WooCommerce Hosting

Host online stores with scalable cloud resources.

Laravel Hosting

Deploy Laravel applications using managed cloud servers.

Magento Hosting

Run Magento e-commerce applications on scalable infrastructure.

Lightning Stack

NGINX-based performance stack designed to improve web application performance.

One-Click Deployment

Deploy supported applications with a few clicks.

Vertical Scaling

Increase server resources as application requirements grow.

Automated Backups

Create and manage offsite backups for applications and servers.

Staging Environment

Test website changes before pushing them live.

Server Cloning

Duplicate servers and applications for testing or deployment.

Free SSL

Install Let's Encrypt SSL certificates for websites.

Cloudflare Enterprise

Add enterprise CDN, caching and security features.

Object Cache Pro

Improve database and application performance with object caching.

Redis Cache

Use Redis caching for supported applications.

Varnish Cache

Cache web content to improve response times.

Server Monitoring

Monitor server and application performance 24/7.

Security Firewall

Protect servers using a managed server-level firewall.

DDoS Protection

Cloudways provides Layer 3 and Layer 4 DDoS mitigation.

Vulnerability Scanner

Scan WordPress applications for known vulnerabilities.

Malware Protection

Optional malware detection and cleanup add-on.

Cloudways Copilot

AI assistant that identifies server issues and provides troubleshooting and SmartFix actions.

Cloudways MCP

Connect compatible AI tools to Cloudways accounts through natural-language workflows.

Cloudways API

Manage servers and applications programmatically through the Cloudways API.

Free Migration

Cloudways provides managed migration support for eligible websites.

Cloudways pricing

Prices checked October 3, 2026

Most popular

Flexible

$11 per month

  • Managed cloud hosting
  • 2GB RAM
  • 1 vCPU
  • 50GB storage
  • 2TB transfer
  • Unlimited websites
  • Lightning Stack
  • Free SSL
Start Free

Autonomous Free Trial

$0 for 3 days

  • Managed WordPress
  • 1 WordPress application
  • 15GB disk
  • 30K unique visits
  • 100GB bandwidth
  • Autoscaling
  • Cloudflare Enterprise
Start Free Trial
Most popular

Autonomous Growth

$99 per month

  • 1 WordPress application
  • 20GB disk
  • 150GB bandwidth
  • Unmetered visits
  • Autoscaling
  • Cloudflare Enterprise
  • Redis caching
Get Started

Autonomous Scale

$199 per month

  • 1 WordPress application
  • 50GB disk
  • 250GB bandwidth
  • 2 baseline autoscale servers
  • Unmetered visits
Get Started

Autonomous Plus

$399 per month

  • 1 WordPress application
  • 100GB disk
  • 1000GB bandwidth
  • 3 baseline autoscale servers
  • LMS support
Get Started

Enterprise

Custom custom

  • Custom resources
  • Custom capacity
  • Expert consultation
  • Enterprise requirements
Contact Sales

Pricing calculator

Flexible $11 / seat, Autonomous $99 / seat from 5 seats.

Is Cloudways right for you?

Answer a few quick questions to see our pick.

1 What do you mainly need?
2 What type of website do you run?
3 Do you need server scaling?
4 Do you manage multiple websites?
5 Do you need managed hosting?

How Cloudways compares

CapabilityCloudways Hostinger SiteGround Kinsta
Managed Cloud Hosting Yes Yes Yes Yes
WordPress Hosting Yes Yes Yes Yes
Cloud Infrastructure Choice Yes No Limited No
AWS Hosting Yes No No Yes
Google Cloud Hosting Yes No No Yes
DigitalOcean Hosting Yes No No No
Vertical Scaling Yes Limited Limited Yes
Server Management Yes Yes Yes Yes
Staging Yes Yes Yes Yes
Free SSL Yes Yes Yes Yes
API Access Yes Yes Yes Yes

Integrations

10 integrations listed

  • Cloudflare
  • New Relic
  • Slack
  • Elastic Email
  • Rackspace Email
  • DNS Made Easy
  • WordPress
  • WooCommerce
  • Magento
  • Laravel

Security, data & support

Security & compliance

  • GDPRApplicable
  • SOC / Security AssessmentSIG Report Available
  • FirewallIncluded
  • DDoS ProtectionIncluded
  • SSLIncluded
  • IP WhitelistingAvailable
  • Fail2BanIncluded
  • Vulnerability ScannerAvailable
  • Malware ProtectionPaid Add-on
  • MFAAvailable
  • SFTPAvailable
  • SSHAvailable

Your data, in plain words

  • Cloudways manages customer applications on infrastructure provided by cloud partners.
  • Customer infrastructure may run on DigitalOcean, Vultr, Linode, AWS or Google Cloud.
  • Billing and usage are based on the selected infrastructure and actual resource usage.
  • Backup storage is charged separately according to the selected configuration.
  • Customers can choose server locations based on available provider regions.

Read the privacy policy

Support

  • Live ChatAll Cloudways plans24/7
  • TicketingAll Cloudways plans24/7
  • Advanced SupportPaid Add-onPriority support
  • Premium SupportPaid Add-onExtended technical assistance
  • Enterprise SupportEnterpriseDedicated support

API & languages

  • APIAvailable
  • API TypeREST API
  • MCPAvailable
  • SSHAvailable
  • SFTPAvailable
  • WP-CLIAvailable

API documentation

Who uses Cloudways

Blogging 30,000 daily visits

Extra Chill

Independent music platform generated 30,000 visits and $1,500 ad revenue in a single day with Cloudways.

Read the case study

Cloudways FAQs

What is Cloudways?

Cloudways is a managed cloud hosting platform for websites and web applications.

Is Cloudways free?

No. Cloudways does not offer permanent free hosting, but it provides a three-day free trial.

How much does Cloudways cost?

Current Flexible managed hosting starts at $11 per month on the official pricing page.

What can I host on Cloudways?

Cloudways supports WordPress, WooCommerce, Magento, Laravel and custom PHP applications.

Does Cloudways support WordPress?

Yes. WordPress is one of Cloudways' main supported applications.

Does Cloudways provide free SSL?

Yes. Let's Encrypt SSL certificates are available at no additional charge.

Does Cloudways provide backups?

Yes. Cloudways provides automated offsite backups and backup management tools.

Does Cloudways provide a CDN?

Yes. Cloudways offers Cloudflare Enterprise as an add-on and includes CDN-related features on supported plans.

Does Cloudways provide 24/7 support?

Yes. Cloudways provides 24/7 support through live chat and ticketing.

Does Cloudways have an API?

Yes. Cloudways provides an API for managing servers and applications.

Does Cloudways have AI tools?

Yes. Cloudways Copilot provides AI-assisted server monitoring and troubleshooting.

Does Cloudways support MCP?

Yes. Cloudways MCP allows compatible AI tools to connect to Cloudways accounts.

Can Cloudways host multiple websites?

Yes. Flexible servers can host multiple applications subject to available server resources.

Does Cloudways offer managed migration?

Yes. Cloudways provides free migration support for eligible websites.

Alternatives to Cloudways

Cloudways reviews

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Cloudways Official · 4.7-star G2 rating

Cloudways currently displays a 4.7-star G2 rating on its official website.

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