Cloudways Alternative: Top 10 Competitors Compared

Key highlights 

• Explore Cloudways alternatives that offer better pricing, stronger scalability and improved support for growing websites.
• Prioritize performance and speed to ensure your site delivers a seamless experience for users across all devices.
• Compare hosting prices across shared, VPS and managed cloud solutions to find the best fit for your budget.
• Scale your hosting effortlessly with providers that support traffic spikes and long-term business growth.
• Strengthen website security with features like free SSL, proactive monitoring and advanced threat protection.
• Rely on responsive customer support to simplify website management and resolve technical issues quickly.

Are you frustrated with Cloudways’ pricing, support or limited flexibility? You’re not alone. Choosing the right cloud hosting provider is crucial for ensuring your website runs smoothly, loads quickly and remains secure. But with so many options available, how do you find the best fit? 

The good news is that there are powerful alternatives that offer reliable performance, transparent pricing and top-tier support without the drawbacks. Whether you’re looking for scalable hosting to support business growth or a budget-friendly option for a new project, the right solution is within reach. If better security and reliable performance are your top priorities, we’ve rounded up the best Cloudways alternatives to help you make an informed decision. 

Let’s explore the best cloud hosting options to suit your specific website needs. 

TL; DR: Find the best Cloudways alternative for your website

• Evaluate your specific hosting requirements including traffic volume, storage needs and technical expertise.
• Compare essential features like server locations, managed services, CDN integration and backup options across providers.
• Review pricing structures and calculate total costs including bandwidth, storage and add-on services.
• Test performance metrics such as server response times, uptime guarantees and scalability options.
• Consider migration support, customer service quality and community resources when making your final decision.

What Cloudways offers: A quick overview

Cloudways is a managed cloud hosting platform that serves as a bridge between users and top-tier infrastructure providers like AWS, Google Cloud, etc. This model enables website owners to deploy applications on powerful cloud servers without dealing with the complexities of direct server hardware management. It is particularly popular among developers and agencies who value high performance and flexibility.

The platform offers a suite of advanced tools, including one-click server cloning, staging environments and built-in caching mechanisms to ensure fast load times. Cloudways operates on a pay-as-you-go pricing structure, offering transparency and scalability as your site grows. However, unlike standard shared hosting, it does not include native email hosting or domain registration, requiring users to manage those services separately.

Due to its developer-centric focus, setting up and maintaining a server on Cloudways requires some technical knowledge. For users seeking an all-in-one solution that bundles domains and email with a simpler interface, exploring a Cloudways alternative is often the more practical choice.

Why consider alternatives to Cloudways?

Cloudways is widely recognized as a legitimate platform for developers and agencies who need granular control over their cloud infrastructure. However, this technical flexibility often creates a steep learning curve that can overwhelm beginners or business owners who simply want their website to function without hassle. Many users find themselves seeking a Cloudways alternative that handles the technical heavy lifting for them, allowing them to prioritize business growth over server maintenance and complex configurations.

Beyond the technical barrier, pricing transparency and support are frequent concerns that drive users to explore Cloudways competitors. While the pay-as-you-go model has its merits, the costs can sometimes be unpredictable compared to fixed-rate managed plans. Furthermore, users often desire more comprehensive, beginner-friendly features such as free domain registration, integrated email hosting and 24/7 hands-on support that resolves issues quickly.

If you are looking for a more streamlined hosting experience that balances power with ease of use, considering other reputable providers is a logical next step.

Key Factors to consider when selecting a Cloudways alternative

Choosing the right Cloudways alternative for your WordPress sites is essential for ensuring website performance and reliable hosting services. Below are the key factors to evaluate before making your decision. 

1. Performance and speed 

Website speed plays a critical role in SEO rankings, user experience and conversion rates. A slow-loading website can drive visitors away, impacting your business. To ensure optimal website performance, look for hosting providers that offer: 

• Multiple data centers to reduce latency and improve loading speeds. 
• CDN (Content Delivery Network) integration for faster content delivery worldwide. 
• Dedicated resources to maintain consistent speed and stability. 

2. Pricing and affordability

A cost-effective hosting plan is essential, but it shouldn’t compromise performance or security. When evaluating hosting options, consider: 

• Flexible hosting plans that allow for growth without excessive costs. 
• Managed services for hassle-free website maintenance and security. 
• Transparent pricing with no hidden fees or unexpected renewal rates. 

3. Scalability and flexibility 

As your WordPress site gains more traffic, you’ll need a hosting solution that can scale accordingly. A good managed cloud hosting provider should offer: 

• Easy scalability to handle increasing traffic without downtime. 
• Auto-scaling options to manage sudden traffic spikes efficiently. 
• Multiple server configurations to accommodate different hosting needs. 

4. Security features 

A strong security infrastructure is essential for protecting your website data and customer information. Security breaches can cause financial losses and damage your brand’s reputation. Look for: 

• Free SSL certificates to encrypt data and secure transactions. 
• Proactive monitoring to detect and mitigate threats before they cause damage. 
• Robust network security measures to prevent unauthorized access and cyberattacks. 

5. Customer support 

A responsive and knowledgeable support team can make managing your website much easier. Whether for troubleshooting or general inquiries, quality customer support is essential. Consider hosting providers that offer: 

• 24/7 premium customer support via chat, email or phone. 
• A user-friendly control panel for seamless website management. 
• Knowledgeable support teams that can assist with hosting configurations and optimizations. 

Top Cloudways alternatives in 2026

Cloud hosting plays a vital role in modern website management offering flexibility, security and scalability. Below are some of the best Cloudways alternatives that offer cloud hosting, managed WordPress hosting and server management solutions. 

1. Bluehost Cloud Hosting: A User-Friendly Cloudways Alternative

Bluehost cloud hosting is one of the best Cloudways alternatives. We offer a user-friendly interface and comprehensive hosting solutions. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced developer, we provide a seamless experience with shared, VPS, dedicated and cloud hosting options. 

We are officially recommended by WordPress.org, ensuring that your website is in expert hands. Our 24/7 customer support team is always available via phone, email or live chat to assist you. When you choose Bluehost, you get a free domain and a dedicated IP address. You also receive SSL security for payments, pre-installed WooCommerce and an AI-powered website builder that simplifies the process of creating a stunning WordPress site. 

Key features include:

• Various hosting services: Shared hosting, VPS hosting, dedicated servers, managed WordPress hosting and cloud hosting. 
• User-friendly control panel: Simple dashboard with one-click WordPress installation and easy server management. 
• Reliable performance: High uptime, optimized website speed and Google Cloud Platform integration. 
• Security & SSL certificates: Free SSL certificates, daily backups and proactive monitoring. 
• AI-powered site builder: Quickly create WordPress websites with an intuitive AI-driven tool. 
• 24/7 customer support: Exceptional support via phone, live chat and email. 

Whether you’re launching your first site or scaling an existing one, Bluehost Cloud Hosting has everything you need to succeed. 

Explore our Bluehost Cloud Hosting plans and turn your online goals into reality. 

Benefits:

• Affordable pricing with transparent plans. 
• Optimized for WordPress users with managed services and staging sites. 
• Flexible hosting environment with dedicated resources and multiple PHP versions. 

Best for: Website owners, bloggers, small businesses and beginners looking for a user-friendly hosting provider. 

2. Web.com: Affordable Cloudways Alternative for Beginners

Web.com is another alternative to Cloudways. The brand offers various hosting services, including affordable plans perfect for beginners. It also provides more sophisticated web hosting options for organizations looking to grow. Web.com is a one-stop shop for companies wishing to expand online because it provides extra services, including website design, SEO and online marketing tools.  

Key features include:

• All-in-one hosting solutions: Includes WordPress hosting, shared hosting and managed services. 
• Website builder: Drag-and-drop website builder with customizable templates. 
• Cloud hosting providers: Built on a cloud infrastructure that ensures fast and scalable performance.��
• SSL certificates & security: Provides free SSL certificates for the selected packages and security tools. 
• Managed WordPress hosting: Automated backups, updates and security monitoring. 

Benefits:

• Great for small businesses needing website + hosting. 
•  Easy website management with a beginner-friendly dashboard. 
• Affordable plans with essential hosting services. 

Best for: Small businesses, startups and those needing a website builder with hosting. 

3. Domain.com 

Domain.com is best known for its domain registration services but also offers reliable hosting solutions. It serves a wide range of user’s individual bloggers to large enterprises. Its simplicity and dependable performance make it a strong Cloudways alternative. 

Key features include:

• User-friendly control panel: Intuitive dashboard for easy website and domain management. 
• Affordable hosting plans: Budget-friendly hosting solutions for different needs. 
• Easy domain management: Simplifies domain registration, transfers and renewals. 
• Drag-and-drop website builder: Build WordPress sites effortlessly with a visual editor. 
• Reliable performance & support: Ensures stable hosting with exceptional customer support. 
• Unlimited storage & scalable bandwidth: Generous storage and flexible bandwidth options. 

Benefits:

• Ideal for buying and managing domains. 
• Budget-friendly hosting plans with decent performance. 
• Good option for businesses focusing on branding. 

Best for: Domain buyers, bloggers and small businesses looking for simple web hosting. 

4. HostGator 

HostGator is a well-established hosting provider that offers a wide range of hosting services. Known for its affordability and scalability, HostGator can accommodate a wide range of use cases — from small personal blogs to enterprise websites. It offers dedicated servers, virtual private server (VPS) hosting, shared hosting and other services that run millions of websites worldwide. 

Key features include:

• Diverse hosting options: Offers shared, WordPress, eCommerce, VPS, dedicated and reseller hosting. 
• Professional web services: Provides expert web design, PPC advertising and SEO services. 
• 24/7 customer support: Dedicated support team available anytime for assistance. 
• Free domain & SSL certificate: Includes a free domain and SSL for the first year with new plans. 
• 99.9% uptime guarantee: Ensures reliable hosting with minimal downtime. 

Benefits:

• Affordable and beginner friendly. 
• Good scalability for businesses. 
• Offers free domain and SSL. 

Best for: Small businesses, bloggers and entrepreneurs needing affordable hosting. 

5. Hostinger 

Hostinger is known for offering affordable and reliable hosting solutions. Founded in 2004, it offers shared, WordPress, VPS and cloud hosting. Their platform is designed to be intuitive, with an easy-to-navigate control panel and a focus on providing high performance and security. 

Key features include:

• Affordable hosting plans: Budget-friendly solutions without compromising quality. 
• Fast load times & reliable uptime: Ensures quick website performance with minimal downtime. 
• User-friendly Interface: Intuitive control panel for easy website management. 
• Free SSL certificates: Enhances security at no extra cost. 
• Daily backups: Automatic backups for reliable data protection. 
• 24/7 customer support: Round-the-clock assistance for users. 

Benefits: 

• High-speed performance even on budget plans. 
• Affordable pricing without compromising essential features. 
• Free SSL certificates for secure and encrypted connections. 

Best for: Beginners, small businesses and budget-conscious website owners looking for reliable, fast and easy-to-manage hosting solutions. 

6. Kinsta 

Kinsta is a managed WordPress hosting provider powered by Google Cloud Platform. Known for its speed, security and support, Kinsta delivers high-performance hosting experience for WordPress users. Its user-friendly dashboard and server optimizations ensure that WordPress sites run at peak performance. 

Key features include:

• Google cloud-powered hosting: Utilizes Google Cloud Platform for unmatched speed and reliability. 
• Automatic scaling & security: Offers managed scaling, firewall protection, DDoS protection and automatic backups. 
• Premium WordPress support: Dedicated assistance from WordPress specialists for all hosting needs. 
• Staging environments: One-click staging sites for testing updates or new features before deploying them live. 
• Developer-friendly tools: Support for multiple PHP versions, SSH access, WP-CLI, Git and more for advanced control and flexibility. 

Benefits

• Optimized for fast-loading WordPress sites. 
• Includes SSL certificates, malware scanning and regular backups. 
• Easily scales hosting resources to maintain optimal performance during traffic spikes. 

Best for: Businesses and bloggers, looking for fast, secure and premium managed WordPress hosting without the complexity of server management.  

7. SiteGround   

SiteGround is a web hosting provider with outstanding customer support and innovative technology. Founded in 2004, it offers shared, managed WordPress and cloud hosting. Its platform is optimized for speed and security and features automatic updates, daily backups and a custom caching solution.   

Key features include:

• Google cloud infrastructure: Ensures fast, secure and stable hosting. 
• Managed WordPress tools: Includes auto-updates, built-in caching and staging environments. 
• Built-in CDN & dynamic caching: Boosts website speed and global reach. 
• Daily backups & free SSL: Automatic backups and security with SSL certificates. 
• Custom control Panel: Easy-to-use interface for managing hosting services. 

Benefits:

• Great for WordPress users. 
• Excellent 24/7 customer support. 
• Scalable cloud hosting options. 

Best for: Freelancers, bloggers and small to medium businesses seeking easy-to-manage, secure and fast WordPress hosting. 

8. WP Engine 

WP Engine is a top managed WordPress hosting provider known for providing a secure, high-performance environment. It offers features like automatic updates, daily backups and advanced caching. The platform is designed to be reliable and scalable for businesses of all sizes.  

Key features include:

• Managed WordPress hosting: Offers a hassle-free hosting experience tailored specifically for WordPress websites. 
• Developer-friendly tools: Includes staging environments, SSH access and Git integration for advanced development workflows. 
• High performance & security: Features built-in caching, automatic updates and strong security protocols. 
• Expert WordPress support: Access to a dedicated support team with deep WordPress expertise. 
• Daily backups: Automated backups ensure your data is safe and easily restorable. 

Benefits

• Fast and reliable website performance. 
• Strong built-in security features. 
• Easy development with staging and Git tools. 

Best for

Businesses, agencies and developers who need high-performance, secure and fully managed WordPress hosting with expert support. 

9. DigitalOcean  

DigitalOcean is a popular cloud hosting provider known for simplicity, scalability and developer-focused features. It’s ideal for users who want control over their server environment and are comfortable managing infrastructure. 

Key features include:

• Droplets (Virtual Machines): Create scalable cloud servers in seconds. 
• Developer-focused tools: Full root access, API integration and CLI support. 
• Data centers worldwide: Global presence for better website performance. 
• Marketplace with 1-click apps: Easily deploy WordPress, Docker, LAMP and more. 
• Team collaboration: Invite users and assign roles for project access and management. 

Benefits

• Full control over server configuration. 
• Cost-effective cloud infrastructure. 
• Fast deployment with pre-configured apps. 

Best for: Developers, startups and tech-savvy users who need flexible, affordable and powerful cloud server hosting. 

10. Linode 

Linode offers powerful cloud hosting services with transparent pricing and a focus on simplicity and performance. It’s a strong Cloudways alternative for users who want more control without the steep learning curve of enterprise-grade platforms. 

Key features include:

• Virtual private servers: Customizable cloud instances to match any workload. 
• Advanced networking tools: Includes load balancing, private networking and DDoS protection. 
• SSD storage & powerful CPUs: Ensures fast, responsive hosting. 
• Global data centers: Choose from multiple data centers for better reach and performance. 
• API & CLI access: Streamlined server management for developers. 

Benefits

• Transparent and predictable pricing. 
• Root access and flexibility. 
• Great documentation and community support. 

Best for: Freelancers, developers and small businesses looking for affordable and customizable cloud hosting. 

What are the key feature differences across cloud hosting providers?

Choosing the right Cloudways alternative involves weighing technical control against managed convenience. While Cloudways acts as a powerful interface for unmanaged cloud infrastructure, competitors often provide a more cohesive, “hands-off” experience. Here is how they differ across key features.

Control panel usability

Cloudways uses a technical dashboard suited for developers, which can present a steep learning curve for those unfamiliar with server management. In contrast, Bluehost and Kinsta offer intuitive, custom-built control panels. These user-friendly interfaces allow beginners and business owners to manage websites, domains and billing seamlessly without navigating complex server configurations.

WordPress optimization and caching

Cloudways often requires manual configuration of performance tools like Varnish and Redis. Competitors like SiteGround and WP Engine differ by offering pre-tuned environments specifically for WordPress. We at Bluehost, for instance, provide a built-in global CDN and server-level caching out of the box, ensuring high performance without the need for manual setup or paid add-ons.

Backup and security features

While Cloudways provides essential firewalls, advanced security often depends on the selected IaaS provider and offsite backups may cost extra. Managed alternatives include robust security suites by default. These plans feature automatic daily backups, free SSL certificates and proactive malware scanning, ensuring data protection is handled proactively by the host.

Customer support channels

Support access is a major differentiator. Cloudways offers 24/7 chat, but phone support and faster ticket responses are often restricted to premium add-ons. Bluehost and Liquid Web provide 24/7 phone and chat support on standard plans, offering immediate access to human experts. This is a critical feature for businesses that cannot afford extended downtime.

Developer tools and staging

Cloudways is known for developer flexibility with SSH and Git access. However, Kinsta and SiteGround match these with one-click staging environments. This feature allows users to safely test updates and push changes to the live site instantly, streamlining the workflow compared to manual server cloning processes often found on unmanaged platforms.

Comparison table: Cloudways vs. Top alternatives 

When choosing the right hosting platform, performance, pricing, scalability and support all play a major role. Below is a comparison table that pits Cloudways against some of its top alternatives—so you can quickly see how it stacks up in key areas like speed, ease of use and features. If you’re still unsure which host to choose, here’s a side-by-side comparison to help you decide. 

Hosting provider	Key differentiator	WordPress compatibility	Ideal use case	Cloud infrastructure	Ease of use
Cloudways	Developer-friendly platform with access to providers like AWS, GCP and DigitalOcean	Full support with advanced controls	Developers, agencies managing multiple sites	AWS, Google Cloud Platform, DigitalOcean, Linode, Vultr	Moderate (requires technical knowledge)
Bluehost	Integrated tools for beginners, staging sites and user-friendly dashboard	Seamless integration; tailored managed WordPress plans	Bloggers, small businesses, WordPress users	Built-in cloud infrastructure with scalability options	Very easy to use
Web.com	All-in-one solution with domain, email service and website builder bundled	Supports WordPress, but lacks advanced tools	Beginners, non-tech users, local businesses	Proprietary cloud hosting	Simple and entry-level
Domain.com	Domain and hosting bundled with straightforward pricing	Basic WordPress support available	Small websites and landing pages	Shared cloud-based hosting environment	Easy, but limited flexibility
HostGator	Flexible plans with scalable hosting and unlimited bandwidth	Supports one-click WordPress installs	Startups, content sites, freelancers	Traditional cloud & VPS hosting	Easy onboarding for beginners
Hostinger	Budget-friendly plans with strong speed optimization and LiteSpeed servers	Fully optimized WordPress hosting with performance tweaks	Students, bloggers, startups	Proprietary cloud platform	Beginner-friendly with a modern UI
Kinsta	Premium performance powered by Google Cloud with expert support	Advanced WordPress hosting, developer tools and analytics	Enterprise-level sites, eCommerce, agencies	Google Cloud Platform	Simple UI, technical depth optional
SiteGround	High-performance hosting with built-in caching and daily backups	Strong WordPress support with collaboration tools	Tech-savvy users, eCommerce, business sites	Google Cloud infrastructure	Requires some familiarity
WP Engine	Enterprise-level managed WordPress hosting with deep analytics	Full-service managed hosting with top-tier security	Agencies, marketing teams, enterprise blogs	Google Cloud Platform	Streamlined but advanced features
DigitalOcean	Highly customizable droplets, root access and developer-first tools	Manual WordPress setup with community resources	Developers, SaaS builders, tech freelancers	Independent cloud servers (droplets)	Not beginner-friendly
Linode	Affordable and open-source focused hosting with root access	Manual WordPress setup	Developers, sysadmins, VPS users	Independent cloud infrastructure	Advanced control, steep learning curve

Choosing the right Cloudways alternative depends on your technical skills, budget and website goals. Focus on finding a hosting provider that offers the right mix of performance, support and scalability to meet your current and future needs. 

Also read:Bluehost Cloud vs the Competition | Alternatives to Cloud Hosting

How to choose the right cloud hosting provider for your needs? 

Choosing the best Cloudways alternative isn’t about finding a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s about matching the provider’s strengths with your unique goals, technical expertise and budget. Here’s how to narrow it down based on specific use cases: 

1. For beginners & non-tech users 

If you’re just starting your journey with a WordPress website or launching your first online project, look for a hosting provider that offers: 

• One-click installs for WordPress and other apps. 
• A user-friendly control panel for easy site management. 
• Free SSL certificates for security from day one. 
• Hosting that’s beginner-friendly and doesn’t require technical know-how. 

These features will help you get your site up and running quickly, without needing to understand server management or cloud configurations. 

2. For agencies & freelancers managing client sites 

If you manage multiple client sites, you need a cloud hosting provider that supports collaboration, staging and high performance. Look for: 

• Managed WordPress hosting with staging sites and version control. 
• Access to premium support for quick troubleshooting. 
• Built-in tools for website performance monitoring and optimization. 
• Flexible plans that allow you to scale as your client base grows. 

A provider with dedicated resources and multi-site management ensures operational efficiency and satisfied clients. 

3. For developers & tech-savvy users 

For those who want full control over their cloud server environment or need to customize their setup, look for: 

• Access to multiple PHP versions, root access and SSH. 
• Support for various frameworks and cloud infrastructure providers. 
• Advanced control panel or CLI tools. 
• Options to choose between different cloud platforms like Google Cloud or AWS. 

This flexibility is essential for those running complex applications or building custom server environments. 

4. For eCommerce & high-traffic sites 

Running an online store or a high-traffic website demands reliable hosting with top-tier performance and security. Choose a provider that offers: 

• Dedicated servers or isolated resources to handle large traffic spikes. 
• Built-in network security, firewall protection and daily backups 
• Tools for website speed optimization like caching and CDN integration. 
• High uptime guarantees and proactive monitoring. 

Your goal is to ensure that your site loads quickly, remains secure and performs well during high-traffic events or peak sales seasons. 

Also read:How To Make an Online Store in 2025: The Complete Guide

Final thoughts 

Choosing the right Cloudways alternative is more than just comparing features. It’s about finding a hosting provider that aligns with your website’s current needs and future growth. Whether you’re launching a personal blog, managing multiple client sites or scaling an online business, there’s a solution that fits your unique goals. Focus on key aspects like performance, security, support and scalability to make the right decision. 

At Bluehost, we offer excellent cloud hosting solutions. We offer features like free SSL certificates, automatic updates and staging environments to simplify website management. With our exceptional customer support, you can grow confidently whether you’re just getting started or scaling up. 

Switch to our Bluehost Cloud Hosting and experience instant scalability, 100% uptime and 24/7 expert support built for businesses ready to grow.

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