Cloudways Hosting Experience: Is It Still Worth It?
Cloudways has been a popular choice for web hosting, even after the acquisition by DigitalOcean. But is it still worth your investment today? In simple terms, Cloudways remains a strong contender for many users, albeit with some caveats, especially if you’re concerned about cost and support quality.
Acquisition by DigitalOcean
When Cloudways joined the DigitalOcean family, it sparked a wave of change. There were notable updates, such as price hikes and provider limitations, which unfortunately left some users dissatisfied. The removal of non-DigitalOcean vendors like Vultr, although still accessible, sparked additional debates over pricing versus benefits.
Performance Metrics
Despite being powered by advanced technologies like NVMe SSDs, Redis, and Cloudflare Enterprise, Cloudways received less than stellar reviews in recent hosting benchmarks. Competing successfully on speed and efficiency might not be its current strongest suit, but there is potential if paired with the right configurations.
Cloudways versus Shared Hosting
Cloud hosting typically offers better performance compared to shared hosting due to dedicated resources and greater customization options. Users who require flexible and scalable solutions favor providers like Cloudways to avoid the pitfalls and resource constraints typical with shared plans.
| Feature | Cloudways | Shared Hosts |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | High (varies with plan) | Medium to Low |
| Scalability | Excellent | Limited |
| Price Flexibility | Monthly billing | Long-term contracts |
Optimizing for Speed
Implementing tools like Redis Object Cache Pro can drastically enhance the performance of dynamic websites on Cloudways. For enhanced caching, opting for FlyingPress over Breeze is advised, given its comprehensive feature set that significantly improves site loading times and core web vitals.
Cost-Effectiveness
Cloudways offers a range of cloud providers allowing users to control their expenses with monthly billing. However, as resources grow with your website, costs might increase exponentially. This scalability is both a blessing and a potential curse, demanding strategic planning for optimal budget control.
Support and Community
User support at Cloudways is a hit-or-miss affair. While some users have found their queries resolved quickly, the overall user sentiment about Cloudways’ support is inconsistent. Regular updates and transparent communication from Cloudways managers on community platforms might help mitigate some concerns.
Using Cloudways for Your Projects
For those jaded by the limitations of shared hosting or the intimidating complexity of managing raw cloud computing resources, Cloudways’ balance of simplicity and control remains attractive. The intuitive dashboard, one-click staging apps, and server monitoring tools cater to moderately technical users.
Pros
- Flexibility with cloud servers.
- No annual contracts.
- Cloudflare Enterprise integration for enhanced performance.
- Data center choice globally.
Cons
- Potential cost increases with scaling.
- Support can be subpar.
- Lacks email hosting capabilities.
Final Thoughts
Cloudways stands as a solid contender for those needing more than just standard hosting, providing a robust platform for growing websites. However, its fit largely depends on specific needs, technical background, and budget considerations. With strategic use of its offerings, Cloudways might just be worth it for your web ventures.
