Cloudways Review
Cloudways manages cloud servers on top of providers such as DigitalOcean, Vultr and AWS. You get a simple dashboard, caching, backups and staging without handling server administration.
Our verdict
A strong step up from shared hosting for growing sites and agencies. Costs are higher than shared hosting and per-server, so it suits projects that benefit from dedicated cloud resources.
What we like
- ✓Managed cloud servers on several providers
- ✓Free trial, no credit card
- ✓Free migration, SSL and staging
- ✓Pay-as-you-go billing with no long contracts
What to watch
- ✕More expensive than shared hosting
- ✕Email is not included
- ✕Add-ons such as CDN and backups are billed extra
Key features
What Cloudways highlights on its plans.
- ✓3-day free trial with no credit card required
- ✓Choose DigitalOcean, Vultr, Linode, AWS or Google Cloud
- ✓24/7/365 support, free SSL and free migration
How it works
You choose a cloud provider and server size, and Cloudways handles the server setup, security, caching and backups. Flexible plans are billed by the hour with a monthly cap.
Pricing and value
Entry servers start at $14 per month and scale with RAM and storage. Extras such as email, the Cloudflare CDN and offsite backup storage are billed separately.
Cloudways plans
Pay-as-you-go hourly billing. The entry price rose from $11 to $14 per month in 2026 — confirm on the Cloudways site.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Cloudways cost?
Cloudways plans start from $14.00/mo at the introductory rate. Renewal prices are usually higher, so check the standard rate and the term length required for the discount before you buy.
Does Cloudways offer a money-back guarantee?
3-day free trial, no credit card needed. Refund terms can differ by product and may exclude things like domains, so read the policy before you pay.
What support does Cloudways offer?
24/7/365 support.
Who is Cloudways best for?
Teams and agencies that want managed cloud servers without running them.
Which Cloudways plan should I start with?
DigitalOcean 1 GB is the cheapest option at $14.00/mo. Compare storage, website limits and renewal pricing against the higher plans before deciding.
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Ready to try Cloudways?
3-day free trial, no credit card needed
Affiliate disclosure: we may earn a commission if you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Prices are introductory, change often and may differ from what you see at checkout. Ratings reflect published specifications and user reviews. Verify details on the provider's website before purchasing.