Cloudways Hosting offers unique cloud-based solutions that are definitely worth considering for its flexibility and performance. Despite some criticisms following its acquisition by DigitalOcean, Cloudways provides standout features such as integrated caching systems and an impressive range of server locations.
Features and Benefits
Cloudways is a managed cloud hosting provider, which means it takes care of server maintenance, software updates, security, and backups so that you can focus on scaling your business. This is ideal for those who are less technically inclined or simply prefer a hands-off approach to web hosting.
With over 65 data centers across America, Europe, Asia, and Australia, Cloudways ensures excellent global performance. Additionally, its flexible pay-as-you-go plans mean you only pay for the resources you use, making it very cost-effective.
Cloudways Performance
When it comes to speed and uptime, Cloudways excels. In our tests, the service demonstrated exceptional speed, particularly in Asian regions, due to its strategic server locations. Cloudways achieves this through a combination of Apache and Nginx servers. Moreover, customers benefit from 99.99% uptime, ensuring their websites remain available to visitors round the clock.
Speed Tests
We conducted speed tests on our test site hosted on Cloudways’ Singapore server, yielding a server response time of just 1 ms for locations within Asia, which is nearly unparalleled. Even in the US, where the server was not directly located, the response time was remarkably swift, showcasing Cloudways’ capability to deliver fast page loads globally.
Ease of Use
Users will appreciate the intuitive interface offered by Cloudways. The platform has recently introduced a modern UI that is simple to navigate, despite not using the traditional cPanel. This custom control panel provides access to both application-level and server-level management, making it easy for beginners and professionals alike.
Setup Process
Setting up your hosting environment on Cloudways is straightforward. It offers a three-day free trial, allowing potential users to try the service without financial commitment. The trial can be set up with a few clicks, providing ample opportunity to explore the features and performance Cloudways has to offer.
Pricing and Plans
Cloudways employs a transparent pricing model without renewal surprises. The pay-as-you-go structure means you can scale your resources according to your needs, with prices starting from $11 per month. This gives you flexibility and control over your hosting costs, with options to scale up without long-term commitments.
Security Features
Security is paramount with Cloudways. They offer free SSL certificates, DDoS protection, two-factor authentication, and regular operating system and firmware upgrades. These features ensure your website remains secure from various cyber threats, providing peace of mind for site owners.
Additional Security Measures
Cloudways continuously updates its security framework, including features like firewalls and IP whitelisting to mitigate unauthorized access. The hosting service also provides advanced bot protection and employs measures like server recovery, enabling quick restoration of deleted servers.
Customer Support
Cloudways provides 24/7 customer service via live chat and email. Although phone support requires a pre-scheduled call through forms, the online support team is highly knowledgeable and quick to resolve issues, ensuring your website maintains optimal performance.
Conclusion
Cloudways remains a strong contender in the web hosting arena, particularly suitable for those who value performance, global reach, and pay-as-you-go flexibility. While it may lack some traditional amenities like domain registration, its strengths in managed hosting, performance, and security make it worth considering, especially for businesses expecting growth. If you’re on the lookout for a reliable cloud host, Cloudways is certainly worth the consideration!