10 Best Cloudways Alternatives: Cloud & VPS Options in 2024

Cloudways is a favorite among those looking for powerful but user-friendly cloud hosting solutions. But it does have its cons, including high pricing and limited customizability. However, finding affordable managed cloud VPS hosting to rival Cloudways can be challenging. Many providers offer low-cost options, but they may be a downgrade or simply cannot meet your needs.

While cost is a significant factor, your hosting service should provide adequate resources and features. So, I’ve reviewed our team’s previous research on cloud and VPS hosting services and tested the most popular providers. I ranked the results for the top Cloudways alternatives  based on cost, performance, customizability, scalability, and flexibility.

ScalaHosting stands out as the top option, offering affordable managed cloud VPS hosting with plenty of resources and adaptable plans. It also provides excellent support that rivals Cloudways. You can try ScalaHosting risk-free for 30 days or keep reading to explore other top choices that might be the perfect fit for your hosting needs.

What We Look For in the Best Alternatives to Cloudways

When searching for Cloudways alternatives, I prioritized key features that can provide you with a similar or even better service, such as:

• Managed services. I looked for user-friendly managed cloud and VPS services similar to what Cloudways offers. The hosts should also have high-quality support to quickly resolve any technical issues you may encounter.
• User-friendly control panel. A control panel with functions like multi-site management and 1-click installs is an advantage, especially on unmanaged cloud plans. This feature makes self-managing your sites and cloud services easy.
• Out-of-the-box website tools. My selected Cloudways alternatives have tools like AI website builders, security suites, cache plugins, and automatic offsite backups.
• Competitive pricing and value. I evaluated the services’ pricing structures and the value they offer. You want a Cloudways alternative that provides a good balance of affordability and features.
• Performance and resources. Services that offer strong performance with ample resources such as RAM, cores, and storage ranked best in our tests. These features ensure your site runs smoothly, stays online, and can handle high traffic surges.

1. ScalaHosting: Affordable Cloudways Alternative You Can Scale Anytime1

ScalaHosting offers cloud VPS plans that are significantly more valuable than Cloudways, even after renewing at full price. Its managed cloud VPS starts as low as $22.46 and offers 2 cores, 4 GB of RAM, and 50 GB of storage at a much lower monthly price than the same setup from Cloudways.

If you seek complete server control, you can start with the affordable unmanaged cloud VPS plans or build a server to your specifications. Whether you need to stick to a budget or need more RAM or CPU power, this customizability offers wider options and more flexibility. You also don’t have to worry about downgrades or upgrades affecting your server – just go to the client admin dashboard to scale resources and the system will automatically make the changes.

Despite its affordability, ScalaHosting provides tools and features that make its cloud VPS plans as user-friendly as shared plans. Its SPanel control panel includes SManager for WordPress and Joomla sites, allowing you to manage updates, set security, and more. Sure, ScalaHosting doesn’t have a website builder, but with the number of third-party options you have, this probably won’t be an issue.

Features

• Optional paid cPanel and reseller panel licenses. While SPanel is comprehensive, you also have the option of buying cPanel, WHMCS, or ClientExec licenses as a paid add-on. If you buy these from ScalaHosting, you can also save up to 30% compared to buying direct.
• Advanced security. All ScalaHosting plans come with its SShield security suite and free SSLs, ensuring your server is safe from malware and hackers. SShield is a full-service suite featuring a firewall, monitoring, AI-driven malware scanner, and DDoS protection.
• Developer access and tools. With ScalaHosting’s cloud VPS plans, you get SSH access, GIT, SVN, and WP-CLI support, WordPress site cloning and staging, and NodeJS and PHP management.
• Paid add-ons. You can customize your add-ons on the order page. This includes selecting additional cores, RAM, and SSD storage, as well as extra backups and LiteSpeed Web Server.

For more on performance tests, check out our detailed ScalaHosting review.

2. HostArmada: Managed Shared Cloud and Cloud VPS Plans With Free cPanel Licenses1

HostArmada offers managed shared cloud hosting with available core and RAM resources at your disposal at prices comparable to regular shared hosting (I’m not exaggerating, the cheapest plan is just $1.49/month). With its highest-tier Speed Reaper plan, you can host unlimited websites that run on LiteSpeed Web Server and speed enhancements like out-of-the-box HTTP/3.

HostArmada’s more powerful cloud VPS plans also provide better value than Cloudways’ Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Google Cloud plans, as they include 5 free cPanel licenses valued at $29.99 per month. cPanel integrates with Softaculous, which can simplify your process with its 1-click installation of various web apps and CMSs.

HostArmada’s Web Raider and Site Carrier cloud VPS plans offer the best value, outperforming Cloudways in terms of price. However, the only real limitation with HostArmada’s cloud VPS plans is the bandwidth limits, which vary depending on your plan. However, 2 TB on the entry-level plan is more than enough traffic to run multiple standard-traffic websites. This is something to consider if you expect high traffic volumes.

Features

• Malware scanning and removal. HostArmada scans and removes any malware free of charge on both its managed shared and VPS cloud plans.
• Free SSLs and backups. With your cPanel account(s), you’ll get free AutoSSL certificates. Automatic daily offsite backups from HostArmada further ensure your data is secure and easily restorable.
• Unlimited website creation. All shared cloud and cloud VPS plans (except for the Start Dock plan), allow you to create as many websites as you want. You’ll have to share storage limits across all your sites, though.
• Full root access. HostArmada’s cloud VPS plans offer SSH access and full root access upon request, giving you complete control over your server. Shared cloud plans include SSH access by default.

For more on cloud VPS plans, read our expert HostArmada review.

3. Hostinger: Cheap Cloudways Alternative With User-Friendly Features1

Regardless of where you are on your hosting journey, you can appreciate Hostinger’s low prices and wealth of user-friendly tools. Hostinger’s cloud hosting plans are generously discounted for your first term (think up to a third of the price of Cloudways’ plans). Even after renewal, Hostinger’s plans are still roughly half the price of similar options from Cloudways.

Hostinger’s managed cloud hosting includes a website builder and WordPress tools for speed optimization, security, caching, backups, and more. You can also run multiple WordPress sites from one WordPress login. It’s a great solution if you’re running multiple websites with similar content and sharing the same server configurations, plugins, and functionality.

Hostinger’s only drawback is the lack of basic cloud plans. The minimum configuration is 3 GB RAM, 2 cores, and 200 GB NVMe SSD storage at $8.99. But if value for money and fair pricing are what you’re after, then Hostinger is still the perfect option. You can even lock in your first-term discount for up to 4 years.

Features

• hPanel. Hostinger’s free proprietary control panel doesn’t take up any of your server resources but makes server setup and management super easy.
• WP-CLI and SSH access. With SSH access, you can manage the more technical aspects of your site, including copying files and folders, creating archives, importing databases, and managing WordPress themes and plugins via WP-CLI.
• AI website builder. With prebuilt templates, you can use Hostinger’s site builder to help you quickly set up your websites. It also features AI tools for content, image, and custom site generation to speed up the process.
• Free domain name. Hostinger is one of the few hosts that offer a free domain name with its annual cloud hosting plans. You can choose from 20+ popular top-level domains, including .com, .store, and .net.

Read our detailed Hostinger review for more on pricing and support.

4. A2 Hosting: Cloudways Alternative With Turbo-Boosted Plans and High Resources1

A2 Hosting offers powerful managed and unmanaged VPS hosting, including high-performance plans featuring Turbo-boosted server infrastructure that promises faster page loads. Additionally, A2 Hosting’s managed VPS plans include a free cPanel control panel with Softaculous Premium, which includes free Softaculous upgrades for as long as your license is active.

Managed VPS plans are pretty generous and start at 2 cores, 4 GB RAM, and 150 GB SSD storage. What’s more, A2 Hosting’s unmanaged VPS plans start at just $2.99/month and offer 1 core, 1 GB RAM, 25 GB SSD storage, and 0.5 TB transfer. Its managed plans cost about 50% less than Cloudways’ plans with the first-term discount applied, but renewal costs can exceed regular Cloudways pricing.

A2 Hosting also doesn’t offer as many configurations as Cloudways and you can’t build a custom server. This means that if you’re looking to run a single site, its managed VPS offerings might be excessive. Because of this, A2 Hosting is best if you want managed VPS for multiple high-traffic sites.

Features

• Free Imunify360 security suite and SSLs. A2 Hosting’s managed VPS plans come with a preinstalled security suite with an advanced firewall to protect Linux web servers against threats. You also get a free SSL certificate for basic website protection.
• SSH access and Rsync. A2 Hosting offers root access upon request, along with SSH access and Rsync by default for secure file transfers and synchronization.
• On-demand daily backups. If you choose Michigan as your data center location, you can purchase A2 Cloud Backup, which allows you to view, manage, and restore backups. A2 Hosting also does server (not database) backups, but these are less reliable.
• WordPress Toolkit. All A2 Hosting VPS plans include the Deluxe version of its WordPress Toolkit, making it easy to create, customize, and manage your WordPress site from your hosting control panel.

To learn more about A2 Hosting, read our expert review.

5. FastComet: All-Inclusive Alternative to Cloudways With Secure Website Management1

FastComet’s managed cloud VPS plans include everything you need to get started. You’ll manage your hosting account using cPanel, which comes with Softaculous for easy web app installs. If you prefer, you can also request access to Web Host Manager (WHM). Access to FastComet’s App Marketplace further simplifies website setup and management.

FastComet’s extensive network of over 12 data centers ensures consistent excellent performance and low latency. I’d recommend this host if you like Cloudways’ reach as this is comparable – but it’s much more user-friendly. It even includes less common locations like Osaka, Japan, and Sao Paulo, Brazil.

However, FastComet’s managed cloud plans are pricier than Cloudways plans, even when looking at the AWS options. While it lacks unmanaged or custom plan options, FastComet does compensate with unlimited website and database creation, free daily and weekly backups, and 24/7 server monitoring.

Features

• Top-tier security and performance features. Keep your websites safe and fast with FastComet’s free Imunify360 security, SSL certificate, and Cloudflare CDN.
• Free website builder. FastComet provides a website builder with over 350 templates and 40+ widgets. It’s perfect for creating websites fairly quickly and it’s accessible via cPanel.
• Professional email accounts. You can create an unlimited number of email accounts on FastComet’s cloud VPS plans without additional costs.
• NVMe SSD storage. Available on all cloud VPS plans, high-speed NVMe SSD storage provides faster loading times and improved performance.

For detailed insights into the best plans, check out our expert FastComet review.

6. InterServer: Budget Cloud VPS With Free Managed Services on Higher Plans1

With plans starting at $6.00 per month, InterServer is a versatile and appealing choice if you want to switch to an unmanaged cloud solution for more control and to save money. This makes it an excellent Cloudways alternative if you’re cost-conscious and willing to manage your own servers. Managed services are available with any plan but they’re bespoke solutions, so you’ll need to contact InterServer for a quote.

The good news is that if you purchase a cloud hosting plan with 4 slices (cores) or more, InterServer includes its managed services for free. This added support makes these higher-tier (but still very cheap) plans great value if you want hands-off server management. InterServer stands out as one of the most budget-friendly cloud VPS options on my list.

InterServer also offers one-off managed services like security optimization and OS migration, which can be a cost-effective way to save time. Additionally, you get access to 1-click installations for 400+ cloud apps, including popular CMS options, frameworks, e-commerce plugins, forms, and forums.

Features

• Choice of control panel. You get a choice of the free Webuzo or paid cPanel, Plesk, and DirectAdmin control panels. Webuzo includes 1-click installations of web applications like Joomla and Drupal and framework applications like Apache and Nginx.
• Generous bandwidth limits. InterServer offers a minimum of 2 TB bandwidth with its cloud VPS hosting plans. If you need more, you can always upgrade to a better plan.
• Remote backup add-on. While InterServer doesn’t include backups with its cloud hosting plans, you can purchase these separately. For an additional fee, you can add InterServer’s Cloud Remote Backup to your cloud VPS hosting plan.
• Full root access. You get root access with InterServer’s cloud VPS plans, so you can install the OS and control panel of your choice.

Explore more features in our expert InterServer review.

Other Notable Cloudways Alternatives

7. Liquid Web1

Liquid Web provides a highly affordable cloud VPS solution, with plans starting at $5.00/month for basic setups (1 core, 1 GB RAM, and 30 GB storage). However, this low pricing applies only to unmanaged cloud VPS. Liquid Web offers two tiers of managed support: core managed for essential server setup and maintenance and fully managed services for extensive control panel management.

Despite the pricing limitations, the flexible support tiers are ideal if you require tailored management. You can also choose between Linux or Windows operating systems and various control panels, including Interworx, cPanel, and Plesk, to manage your cloud VPS hosting.

8. Kinsta1

Kinsta is an excellent option for running WordPress websites, with servers running on Google Cloud’s Premium Tier network. With over 30 data centers around the world, Kinsta provides superior international coverage comparable to Cloudways. However, Kinsta limits the Starter plan to one to two websites, making it less viable for multiple site projects.

Essential features such as backups, NGINX and Redis caching, and staging environments, which are free with many other hosts, also come at an extra cost. While Kinsta doesn’t cap your resources, it charges overage fees as well, which can be a consideration if your sites receive unpredictable traffic.

9. SiteGround1

SiteGround offers four managed cloud plans and the option to configure a custom plan (up to 33 cores, 130 GB RAM, and 1 TB storage). This host comes highly recommended for its support, performance, and reliability. However, pricing is equally high and storage quotas are low, ranging from 40 – 160 GB.

You also can’t configure a basic server with fewer resources than its entry-level Jump Start plan, which costs $100.00/month. Sure, this plan includes generous resources (4 cores, 8 GB RAM), but that may be too much for low-traffic sites or hobby projects. But if you have the budget and need top-notch managed service and performance, SiteGround is a strong choice.

10. Hostwinds1

Hostwinds offers both unmanaged and managed VPS hosting for Windows and Linux. Similar to Cloudways and Kamatera, it also offers fully managed cloud plans billed by the hour. Its cloud hosting pricing is particularly attractive, with base plans starting from $0.006931/hr (around $4.99 if used the entire month).

Configuration options for both cloud and VPS plans go up to 16 cores, 96 GB RAM, and 750 GB storage. However, if you’re seeking monthly cloud hosting, Hostwinds doesn’t offer it – but its billing by hour is a good alternative to monthly pricing. Despite this, Hostwinds’ transparent pricing and varied configurations make it a viable option for managed cloud hosting.

Find the Best Cloudways Alternative for Your Site Today

My top Cloudways alternatives cover many requirements, from budget to high performance and basic to advanced management.

For seamless scalability and advanced security, ScalaHosting is a top choice1. It offers a free control panel for easy management and robust security features like its SShield suite.

If you’re looking for low-cost managed shared cloud hosting, HostArmada is ideal1. Its plans include free daily backups and cPanel, which features Softaculous for fast 1-click installations.

Consider Hostinger for budget-friendly hosting1 with even more WordPress features than Cloudways. Its managed cloud hosting plans include a custom control panel and multiple tools for WordPress.

FAQ

What are the most beginner-friendly alternatives to Cloudways?

Hostinger is one of the most beginner-friendly options that features a free AI website builder and an in-house control panel called hPanel. It offers an intuitive interface, 1-click installations, and tutorials for easy site setup. HostArmada is also easy to use, with the simple cPanel control panel and helpful customer support that’s great for beginners.

Are there any affordable Cloudways alternatives?

Yes, there are many affordable Cloudways alternatives that don’t compromise on features and resources. Hostinger provides the best value with managed cloud hosting services starting at $8.99/month, which includes daily backups, free CDN, enhanced DDoS security, and dedicated IP address.

What are some limitations of Cloudways?

Cloudways can be complex due to its advanced features and configurations. It also lacks domain registration services, which means you have to buy one separately. Also, the pricing structure can be confusing, as it varies based on the cloud infrastructure provider. You can find lower-cost Cloudways alternatives that are easier to use and offer fixed monthly or hourly rates.

Which Cloudways alternatives are best for WordPress hosting?

ScalaHosting is a great Cloudways alternative for WordPress hosting. You can customize and scale its cloud VPS plans according to your website’s needs. Also, its SPanel platform includes SWordPress Manager for easy WordPress management. Consider your website’s size, purpose, and budget before choosing the best WordPress hosting option for your needs.

Are there any Cloudways alternatives with equally good managed support?

Yes, there are. ScalaHosting stands out for its managed support, offering 24/7 assistance and proactive server monitoring. HostArmada also provides excellent managed support, with responsive customer service that helps with technical issues and routine maintenance. If you prioritize good customer support, check out our list of the best web hosting services in 2024.