7 Cloudways Alternatives and Competitors

Cloudways is a platform-as-a-service (PaaS) provider known for its managed cloud hosting. It allows users to easily deploy websites and applications on top-tier infrastructure providers like DigitalOcean, AWS, and Google Cloud. Cloudways also offers a managed WordPress solution called Cloudways Autonomous, which simplifies site management through built-in optimization tools, security features, and automated backups. However, Cloudways doesn’t provide root access, built-in email hosting, or native cPanel/Plesk support, which limits flexibility for advanced users.

Alternatives to Cloudways refer to competitors that offer generous resources, well-rounded WordPress hosting, and strategically placed US data centers. When choosing the best Cloudways alternatives, look for hosts that offer more vCPU or RAM per dollar, larger storage allocations, and access to US-based data centers.

Hostinger, TMDHosting, and Kinsta are top Cloudways alternatives. Hostinger offers managed cloud plans with NVMe storage starting at $9.99 per month. TMDHosting includes cPanel and supports many CMS platforms, with shared cloud hosting from $9.52 per month. Kinsta provides high-performance managed WordPress hosting with 35 Google Cloud locations, priced from $30 per month. This article compares Cloudways alternatives based on use case, vCPU and RAM limits, storage capacity, WordPress features and US data center coverage.

1. Hostinger

https://www.hostinger.com

Hostinger is a budget-friendly Cloudways alternative that offers both managed cloud hosting and flexible VPS plans. Its managed cloud plans include dedicated resources, automated backups, built-in caching, and a custom hPanel dashboard for simplified control. Hostinger’s VPS plans are unmanaged and come with full root access, which allows developers to deploy Docker, Node.js, Python, or custom software stacks.

All Hostinger’s cloud and WordPress plans are pre-optimized for speed and uptime performance. They include features like object caching, LiteSpeed server tech, and staging environments. Hostinger also includes a free CDN, email accounts, malware scanning, and daily backups across most plans. It doesn’t use cPanel, but its proprietary hPanel centralizes file management, DNS, and app installs in a beginner-friendly interface. Hostinger also excels at WordPress hosting. Even entry-level tiers include AI tools, managed updates, and 1-click installations.

Hostinger operates 10 data centers across the USA, UK, Netherlands, France, Brazil, Lithuania, India, Singapore, and Indonesia. It’s smaller than Cloudways’ 65-location reach (via partner clouds), but Hostinger does own and maintain its infrastructure directly. Compare Cloudways and Hostinger directly in our writeup on Cloudways vs Hostinger.

2. TMDHosting

https://www.tmdhosting.com

TMDHosting is a cPanel-based Cloudways alternative that offers fully managed cloud, VPS, and dedicated hosting. Cloudways requires users to choose from third-party cloud providers, whereas TMDHosting delivers pre-configured plans hosted on its own infrastructure. These plans are backed by built-in tools like Softaculous, Weebly builder, and Imunify360, which makes TMDHosting suitable for beginners and experienced developers alike. All services come with 24/7 support, free SSL, unlimited email accounts, and staging support.

TMDHosting specializes in one-click cloud deployments for popular CMSs like WordPress, Magento, PrestaShop, and Moodle. Their cloud hosting plans include SSD storage, multiple PHP versions, cPanel/WHM access, SSH, and LiteSpeed caching. WordPress users benefit from pre-optimized servers and tools for staging, cloning, and automatic updates. Full root access is available on VPS and dedicated plans, which gives developers freedom to configure stacks as needed (something Cloudways restricts).

TMDHosting operates 6 global data centers in the US, UK, Netherlands, Japan, Singapore, and Australia. Cloudways offers access to 65+ locations via AWS, Google Cloud, and DigitalOcean, but TMDHosting makes up for it with high-speed performance from its own infrastructure. Read our full TMDHosting review for more details.

3. Kinsta

https://kinsta.com

Kinsta is a premium Cloudways alternative built for fully managed WordPress and application hosting. It runs on the premium tier of Google Cloud Platform’s C2 machines. It also leverages edge caching and Cloudflare CDN to deliver excellent performance without any user-side server setup. Cloudways requires manual server selection and stack configuration, whereas Kinsta handles everything from infrastructure to security and backups behind the scenes. This makes it ideal for users who want high-speed, hands-off hosting.

Kinsta is purpose-built for WordPress and includes features like one-click staging, DevKinsta local development suite, MyKinsta custom control panel, and managed WooCommerce optimization. It also supports container-based hosting for apps and databases, as well as support for Node.js, Python, Redis, and PostgreSQL. Cloudways offers broader hosting choices, while Kinsta provides deep optimization and integrated performance tools specific to WordPress and modern web apps.

Kinsta offers 35 data center locations worldwide, which lets users host directly in regions like South Africa, India, or Brazil (places often missing from other platforms). A 99.9% uptime SLA, daily backups, and multilingual 24/7 support make it a strong pick for teams that prioritize simplicity, speed, and reliability. Read our Kinsta review for more details.

4. ScalaHosting

https://www.scalahosting.com

ScalaHosting is a self-managed and fully managed Cloudways alternative known for its proprietary innovations like SPanel and SShield. Its managed cloud VPS plans include SPanel, a cPanel-compatible control panel that offers full control over email, domains, security, and backups. ScalaHosting also offers cheaper VPS tiers for unmanaged users with full root access and custom stack installations.

Cloudways relies on third-party cloud providers, whereas ScalaHosting owns and operates 3 data centers and partners with 28 more worldwide. This network provides broad coverage while maintaining direct control over core infrastructure. Its VPS plans include built-in features like real-time malware protection (SShield), daily backups, and resource scaling (no separate add-ons required). WordPress users benefit from SWordPress, a built-in manager for staging, cloning, security, and auto-updates. ScalaHosting is ideal for developers and agencies seeking high customization, cost efficiency, and strong backend features without relying on bundled third-party services. Read our full ScalaHosting review for more details.

5. SiteGround

https://www.siteground.com

SiteGround is a user-friendly alternative to Cloudways built on Google Cloud infrastructure and tailored for managed WordPress hosting. It offers fully managed cloud plans that include VIP support, 1-click staging, daily backups, SuperCacher technology, and tight WordPress integration. SiteGround replaces traditional cPanel with its custom-built Site Tools dashboard, which streamlines site, email, and domain management for non-technical users. SiteGround also includes built-in email hosting and free daily backups with all plans, unlike Cloudways.

SiteGround provides strong managed WordPress features like Git access, WP-CLI, auto-updates, and expert support. Cloudways offers flexible stack choices, whereas SiteGround focuses on easy setup and performance for small businesses and agencies. However, it does not include root access or OS-level control.

SiteGround operates 11 data centers across the US, UK, Netherlands, Spain, Germany, and Asia-Pacific. It’s fewer in number than Cloudways’ 65+ locations via third-party cloud providers, but SiteGround offsets this with consistently low latency and integrated Cloudflare CDN coverage. Compare Cloudways and SiteGround directly in our writeup on Cloudways vs SiteGround.

6. DigitalOcean

https://www.digitalocean.com

DigitalOcean is a powerful Cloudways alternative for developers who want full control over cloud infrastructure without a managed layer. It offers a raw, self-managed environment where users deploy scalable “Droplets” on SSD or NVMe storage, configure firewalls, and install apps via CLI or API. Cloudways simplifies DevOps with managed layers on top of providers like DigitalOcean, but the direct route offers more flexibility and lower costs for those who are technically skilled. Users are billed based on hourly usage. 

DigitalOcean uses its proprietary control panel with access to detailed performance metrics, resource alerts, and a developer-friendly interface. It doesn’t include built-in email, malware scans, or one-click staging, but does provide extensive documentation and a robust app marketplace. For WordPress, users are able to spin up 1-click WordPress droplets, but they must manage backups, updates, and caching manually unless using a third-party tool.

DigitalOcean supports 15 global data center locations including the US, UK, Netherlands, Germany, Canada, India, and Singapore. This provides strong geographic reach that matches Cloudways’ provider diversity.

7. Liquid Web

https://www.liquidweb.com

Liquid Web is a robust Cloudways alternative for businesses that require enterprise-grade cloud or VPS hosting with full-service management. Cloudways acts as a managed platform atop third-party infrastructure, whereas Liquid Web owns its data centers and provides complete control over performance, configuration, and compliance. Its managed cloud VPS and dedicated solutions are ideal for agencies, SaaS providers, and eCommerce sites with high resource demands.

All Liquid Web VPS and cloud plans include access to the Plesk control panel, full root access, and advanced security options like HIPAA or PCI compliance. It lacks Cloudways’ streamlined app deployment and built-in cache integrations, but makes up for it with greater customization, scalable server plans (up to 12 vCPUs and 48 GB RAM), and expert 24/7 support. They also offer fully managed WordPress hosting, including automatic updates, malware protection, and staging environments.

Liquid Web maintains 18 data centers in the US, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. Cloudways offers more data center variety through its partners, but Liquid Web delivers better direct infrastructure ownership, regulatory compliance options, and hands-on support.

Who Are the Cloudways Alternatives for Different Hosting Needs?

Cloudways alternatives include Hostinger, TMDHosting, Kinsta, ScalaHosting, SiteGround, DigitalOcean, and Liquid Web. Each host offers a different strength, including more vCPU and RAM, greater storage capacity, managed WordPress plans with bundled features, and broader availability of US data centers.

Which Cloud Hosting Provides More vCPU Than Cloudways?

vCPU refers to a virtual CPU core allocated to your cloud hosting environment for processing tasks. These cloud hosts provide more vCPU than Cloudways.

Which Cloud Hosting Provides More RAM Than Cloudways?

RAM refers to the memory your server uses to run applications. These cloud hosts provide more RAM than Cloudways.

Which Cloud Hosting Provides More Storage Than Cloudways?

Storage refers to the total disk space available for your websites, files, databases, and backups. These cloud hosts provide more storage than Cloudways.

What Are the Cloudways Alternatives for Managed WordPress Hosting?

Managed WordPress hosting refers to optimized WordPress hosting services where updates, security, and performance tuning are handled for you. These are Cloudways alternatives with managed WordPress hosting.

What Are the Cloudways Alternatives With US Data Centers?

Data centers refer to physical server locations that store and deliver your website content.  These are Cloudways alternatives with US data centers.