Cloudways does not own or operate its own physical servers. Instead, it functions as a managed cloud hosting platform that connects users with top-tier infrastructure providers. When you look at which web hosting is recommended by Cloudways as best, the platform points toward five specific infrastructure partners: DigitalOcean, Linode (now Akamai), Vultr, AWS, and Google Cloud.
This article examines why Cloudways chooses these specific partners and how they compare for different types of websites. We will look at performance metrics, ease of use, and the specific use cases that make one infrastructure provider a better choice than another for your project.
Quick Summary
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Short answer | Cloudways recommends DigitalOcean, Vultr, Linode, AWS, and Google Cloud. |
| Applies to | Managed cloud hosting environments on the Cloudways platform. |
| Best for | Users who want managed performance across multiple infrastructure options. |
| Watch out for | Costs vary significantly between the entry-level providers and hyperscalers. |
Which web hosting is recommended by Cloudways as best explained
Cloudways operates as a middleware layer. They take raw, unmanaged server power from major providers and add their own software stack, security protocols, and support services on top. Because they do not have a single “in-house” server, their recommendation depends entirely on what your specific website requires regarding traffic volume and redundancy.
Understanding the infrastructure partners
Cloudways categorizes its partners into two main groups. The first group includes DigitalOcean, Vultr, and Linode. These providers are generally viewed as high-performance, cost-effective options for small to medium-sized businesses, agencies, and individual bloggers.
The second group contains the “hyperscalers,” which are Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Google Cloud Platform (GCP). These providers offer massive global reach and complex networking capabilities. You generally choose these when your business needs to grow across multiple continents or requires highly specific database configurations that the standard providers cannot match.
Why DigitalOcean is a frequent top pick
For many users, Cloudways recommends DigitalOcean as the primary entry point. It is known for a clean interface and predictable pricing. When you evaluate the difference between shared and cloud services, you notice that DigitalOcean provides dedicated resources, which prevents the “noisy neighbor” effect common in cheaper plans.
Note: While DigitalOcean is excellent for most websites, it lacks some of the deep-tier enterprise features found in AWS. If you anticipate needing specialized hardware or extreme-scale load balancing, check the documentation at the official cloud provider site to see if the available configurations meet your long-term roadmap.
The role of Vultr and Linode
Vultr and Linode occupy a similar space to DigitalOcean but offer specific hardware advantages. Vultr is often cited for its “High Frequency” plans, which use faster CPUs and NVMe storage. If your application relies heavily on database processing or complex PHP execution, this can make a noticeable impact on load times.
Linode (Akamai) is frequently chosen for its reputation in the developer community. It has a very stable history and robust support documentation. Many users move to these providers when they find they have outgrown basic hosting subscriptions and need more control over their environment.
When to choose AWS or Google Cloud
AWS and Google Cloud are recommended by Cloudways for users who need “infinite” potential. These providers allow you to scale vertically and horizontally in ways that are nearly impossible on smaller platforms. However, they introduce complexity.
You pay for the infrastructure, but you also pay for the high-end network routing and storage tiers they provide.
For most standard WordPress sites, these providers are overkill. You might find that the business email features you need are easier to manage elsewhere, as Cloudways focuses primarily on the application delivery rather than the full suite of enterprise mail tools.
Common mix-ups or things people get wrong
Mix-up: People often think Cloudways is a hosting company that owns a data center.
Reality: Cloudways is a control panel and management service that sits on top of existing data centers like AWS or DigitalOcean.
Mix-up: Users assume that switching between providers is a one-click process.
Reality: While Cloudways makes cloning servers simple, moving your data from one provider to another involves server migration steps that require careful verification of your DNS and database configuration.
Mix-up: Many expect the price they pay to Cloudways to include every single service.
Reality: Cloudways charges for the management service and the infrastructure usage, but they do not automatically handle domain registration or third-party professional email hosting unless you integrate those services separately.
What this means for you
If you are just starting, the recommendation from Cloudways is to start with a standard DigitalOcean droplet. It gives you the best balance of price and performance without needing an engineering degree to manage. You get the benefits of managed backups, an easy interface, and expert support without the high costs of a hyperscaler.
If you are currently looking at your options, you might want to consider how the hosting alternatives compare in terms of management effort. Cloudways removes the “server maintenance” burden entirely, which saves you hours of work each week. If you decide to go with a managed solution, using a discount on your first billing cycle can help reduce the initial cost of migrating your site.
Frequently asked questions
Is AWS really the best for every website?
No, AWS is often excessive for small sites or personal blogs. It adds cost and management complexity that you will not benefit from unless you need global distribution and advanced cloud networking.
Can I change my infrastructure provider later?
Yes, but you have to clone your server or migrate your application data to the new provider. Cloudways provides tools to assist with this, but it is not a transparent process that happens automatically in the background.
What is the main benefit of choosing Vultr over DigitalOcean?
Vultr’s High Frequency plans often outperform standard plans in raw CPU power. This makes Vultr a stronger contender for resource-heavy applications like large e-commerce stores or high-traffic forums.
Does Cloudways manage my domain names?
Cloudways manages the connection to your site, but they are not a domain registrar. You must purchase your domain through a third-party company and then point your A records to your Cloudways server. For help with the technical side, you can learn more about linking your custom domain to ensure your traffic reaches the correct server.
If you are ready to set up your environment, remember that picking the right infrastructure is only the first step. You can use our exclusive discount code to manage your costs as you build out your digital presence.
This page contains affiliate links. If you purchase through the links on this page, we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
