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Cloudways vs SiteGround 2025 – Don’t waste your money

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Last updated on April 29th, 2025 at

So, you’re trying to decide between Cloudways vs SiteGround for your website hosting? You’re not alone! It’s like choosing between two solid options — both popular, both packed with features — but which one is actually the right fit for you?

SiteGround is reliable, beginner-friendly, and officially recommended by WordPress. It’s a great choice if you want something fast, easy to use, and backed by solid customer support. But as your site grows, it can get a bit pricey.

Cloudways, on the other hand, gives you more control, better performance options, and flexible pricing. It’s built for people who want speed and customization — but it’s not as “plug-and-play” as SiteGround, especially for beginners.

In this Cloudways vs SiteGround comparison, I’m not picking sides. Instead, I’ll walk you through the pros, cons, and real differences so you can decide which hosting fits your needs better — whether you’re just starting out or planning for big growth.

Let’s dive in and find your best match!

Cloudways vs Siteground – Plans and Pricing

💬 Who win For Pricing:

SiteGround wins on starting price — it’s great for beginners and smaller websites. But Cloudways offers better value long-term with flexible, scalable pricing and no renewal surprises. If you want consistent performance as your site grows, Cloudways is a smarter investment.

Cloudways Plans

Cloudways Coupon Code (2023) & Discounts - Kripesh Adwani

 

Best for: Growing websites that need speed and flexibility

💰 Starts at $11/month
No long-term contracts. Pay-as-you-go.

DigitalOcean Standard – $11/month

  • 1 GB RAM

  • 1 Core CPU

  • 25 GB SSD

  • 1 TB Bandwidth

  • Free SSL, Backups, Cloudflare CDN

  • 24/7 Support
    ✅ Good for: Small to medium websites

Vultr High Frequency – $13/month

  • Slightly better performance than DigitalOcean
    ✅ Good for: Performance-focused sites

Linode – $14/month, AWS – $20.56/month, Google Cloud – $37/month
✅ Good for: High-traffic or resource-heavy applications

🟢 Why Cloudways?

  • No hidden costs

  • Scale anytime

  • Performance-first hosting

SiteGround Plans

Siteground vs Cloudways - plan and pricing

Best for: Beginners who want an easy start

💰 Starts at $3.95/month (first billing only)
📈 Renewals can go up significantly

StartUp – $3.95/month

  • 1 Website

  • 10 GB Storage

  • ~10,000 visits/month

  • Free SSL, Daily Backups, CDN
    ✅ Good for: Personal or starter websites

GrowBig – $6.95/month

  • Unlimited Websites

  • 20 GB Storage

  • ~25,000 visits/month
    ✅ Good for: Small businesses

GoGeek – $9.95/month

  • More power & support

  • ~100,000 visits/month
    ✅ Good for: Larger or high-traffic sites

🟡 Heads Up: Renewal prices jump after the first term

✅ So, Which One Should You Pick?

Pick SiteGround if you’re just starting out and want a beginner-friendly setup at a low entry cost. It’s simple, safe, and fast — but keep an eye on those renewals.

Go with Cloudways if you want full control, better performance, and pricing that grows with you — not against you. It’s ideal for serious websites or anyone planning to scale.

WINNER – 

Cloudways

Cloudways vs SiteGround: Ease of Use and Setup

💬 Who win For ease of use:

SiteGround is the winner if you’re a beginner looking for a smooth, guided setup. Everything is designed to be simple and beginner-friendly. Cloudways offers more control and flexibility, but there’s a slight learning curve—especially when managing domains or setting up email.

Best for: Users who want control and don’t mind a little technical setup

Cloudways uses a custom control panel that’s clean and fast. Setting up a website, installing WordPress, and activating SSL is simple. But when it comes to domain management, it’s a bit more hands-on—you’ll need to update DNS settings manually through your domain registrar.

Cloudways main account dashboard and server window

🟡 Also, Cloudways doesn’t include email hosting. If you need it, you’ll have to use a service like Rackspace ($1/mailbox/month).

Cloudways main account dashboard with applications window

Adding new application to Cloudways 1

What I liked:
✅ Clean, modern dashboard
✅ Easy WordPress & SSL setup
✅ Powerful features like backups, CDN, and scaling

⚠️ Be ready to handle domain setup and email separately

SiteGround: User-Friendly and Quick Setup

Setting up SiteGround

Best for: Total beginners and anyone who wants a no-hassle setup

SiteGround’s setup is super beginner-friendly. Just pick a plan, follow the guided steps, and your site is live. Their Site Tools dashboard is easy to use, and WordPress installation is nearly automatic.

Their Starter Site wizard helps you pick themes and features with a few clicks—great if you’ve never built a site before.

What I liked:
✅ Guided setup for beginners
✅ Built-in tools for WordPress, backups, and security
✅ No domain or email setup headaches

✅ My Recommendation

Go with SiteGround if you want a stress-free start and zero tech confusion—it’s made for beginners.

Choose Cloudways if you’re okay with learning a bit and want more flexibility, performance options, and control down the road.

Cloudways vs SiteGround – Website Performance

💬 Who win For Performance:

Cloudways takes the win for performance. It’s faster, more optimized, and handles traffic better. SiteGround is still solid, but Cloudways pulls ahead with quicker load times and more advanced infrastructure. If speed and uptime matter to you, Cloudways is the better choice.

Uptime and Reliability

cloudways-uptime-performance

Cloudways offers a 99.99%+ uptime, thanks to its cloud infrastructure and auto-healing servers. In my experience, sites hosted on Cloudways stayed online with zero noticeable downtime. It also partners with premium cloud providers like DigitalOcean and Google Cloud, which adds to the reliability.

siteground-uptime-performance

SiteGround also performs well, promising 99.9% uptime, and it uses auto-healing servers too. However, some users have reported occasional short downtimes, especially during traffic spikes or maintenance periods. It’s still a reliable host, but not quite as consistent as Cloudways.

Website Speed

Using GTMetrix, I ran tests on the same site hosted on both platforms:

Cloudways Speed Test

cloudways-speed-performance

  • GTMetrix Score: 99%

  • Load Time: 0.9 seconds

SiteGround Speed Test

siteground-speed

  • GTMetrix Score: 94%

  • Load Time: 3.6 seconds

That’s a clear difference. Cloudways loaded nearly 3x faster, and that can seriously impact bounce rates, user experience, and SEO. Sites that load under 1 second tend to keep users longer and convert better.

What Makes Cloudways Faster?

✅ PHP 8 & PHP-FPM: Faster processing and optimized performance
✅ HTTP/2: Speeds up how data loads between server and browser
✅ SSD-based cloud servers: Built for speed and traffic handling
✅ Pre-installed CDN (Cloudflare): Better global performance
✅ High-performance cloud partners: DigitalOcean, Vultr, AWS, Google Cloud

 

Here is another Experiences of users migrate from SiteGround to Cloudways

Siteground vs cloudways vultr

✅ Final Verdict: Who Wins for Performance?

If speed and uptime are critical to your site, Cloudways is the clear winner. It’s faster, more consistent, and designed for performance — especially under heavy traffic.

SiteGround is still a good option for average websites, but if you’re serious about speed or expect to grow, Cloudways is worth it.

Winner – 

Cloudways – WordCamp Asia 2023

Security: Which One Offers Better Protection for Your Website?

💬 Who win For Security:

Cloudways wins with more advanced, built-in security tools across all plans. While SiteGround does a solid job with core protections, Cloudways offers deeper control, automated safety checks, and tools that give you peace of mind—especially if you manage client sites or multiple WordPress installs.

🔒 SSL Certificates

Cloudways
Free Let’s Encrypt SSL with 1-click installation on all plans.
✅ Easy setup, automatic renewal, and included by default.

SiteGround
Also offers free SSL via Let’s Encrypt on all plans.
✅ Works well and is beginner-friendly.

🏆 Winner: Tie (Both are great here)

🔄 Backups

Cloudways
Fully automated backups with daily or hourly scheduling.
✅ 1-click restore and staging support included.

SiteGround
Daily backups included, but manual restore is only available on GrowBig & GoGeek plans.

🏆 Winner: Cloudways (More flexible + hourly options)

🛡️ Malware Protection

Cloudways
Built-in firewalls + optional MalCare integration for real-time protection and malware removal.
✅ Proactively blocks brute force attacks and bot abuse.

SiteGround
Uses proprietary Web Application Firewall (WAF) and AI-based bot protection.
✅ Great for common threats like XSS or SQL injections, but lacks free malware cleanup.

🏆 Winner: Cloudways (Offers more complete protection + cleanup)

🔥 Firewall & DDoS Protection

Cloudways
Includes OS-level firewalls on all plans. Free DDoS protection via Cloudflare.
✅ Plus: You can whitelist IPs for added login security.

SiteGround
Uses its WAF and server-level DDoS filters, but no IP whitelisting or advanced customization.

🏆 Winner: Cloudways (More hands-on security options)

🔍 Security Extras

Cloudways
✅ 2FA Login – Optional but easy to enable
✅ IP Whitelisting – Restrict access by location/IP
✅ SafeUpdates – Test updates safely before applying to live site

SiteGround
✅ Auto updates for WordPress
✅ Patch management and security monitoring
❌ No 2FA or IP whitelist on hosting dashboard

🏆 Winner: Cloudways (More layers of protection & control)

✅ Final Verdict: Who Wins for Security?

If you want a fully managed, security-focused hosting platform, Cloudways is the better choice. It gives you more tools out of the box — including 2FA, IP whitelisting, and automated malware protection — without requiring third-party services or extra payments.

SiteGround is secure, especially for basic sites and beginners, but Cloudways offers more control and better long-term protection for serious site owners.

Cloudways

Customer Support

💬 Who wins for customer support:
Cloudways wins with quicker access, expert help, and no delays. SiteGround support is solid, but slower to reach and less convenient when you need fast assistance.

SiteGround Customer Support

SiteGround - customer support 1

🖥️ SiteGround Support – Helpful, But Slower

✅ Knowledgeable Agents: Once you reach a real person, the SiteGround team is helpful and can guide you through tasks like WordPress setup, SSL, or migrations.

❌ Frustrating Contact Process: To start a live chat, you need to go through their Help Center and answer several questions. It’s not hard, but it does feel like a barrier—especially when you just want quick help.

⏳ Slower Response Times: Sometimes it took up to an hour to get connected to an agent, which isn’t ideal if your site is having issues.

SiteGround - customer support 2

 

✅ Good Knowledge Base: SiteGround offers plenty of helpful guides, especially for WordPress users, but you’ll likely still need human support for technical tasks.

👉 Verdict: SiteGround support is good—but getting there takes time. If you’re patient, it works. If you want instant help, it might frustrate you.

Cloudways Customer Support

 

Cloudways Review (2025): Simple And Cheap VPS Hosting? | Cybernews

Siteground vs cloudways support

💻 Cloudways Support – Fast, Friendly, and Efficient

✅ Live Chat Access Instantly: No long forms or confusing menus—just open the chat and you’re talking to someone within seconds.

✅ Skilled Support Agents: The support team is knowledgeable and doesn’t rush you. When I asked about speeding up my site, the agent explained how to use a CDN in simple terms—and even guided me through the steps.

Cloudways vs siteground support

✅ No Sales Pressure: Unlike some hosts, Cloudways support doesn’t try to upsell you while you’re asking for help. It felt honest and helpful.

✅ Great Documentation: Their knowledge base has tons of tutorials and how-tos, so even if you don’t want to chat, you can solve most problems on your own.

👉 Verdict: Cloudways makes support stress-free. It’s quick, clear, and genuinely helpful—perfect for beginners and pros alike.

✅ Final Verdict:

If you want quick, expert help without any delays, Cloudways wins this one hands down.
SiteGround is reliable once you connect, but the wait time and extra steps can be a dealbreaker if you need fast answers.

WINNER – 

Cloudways

Cloudways vs SiteGround – Which One Should You Choose?

After hands-on testing and deep comparison, here’s the final breakdown:

🚀 Cloudways is ideal for those who want speed, flexibility, advanced features, and pro-level support. You get blazing-fast load times, powerful cloud infrastructure (like DigitalOcean & Google Cloud), enhanced security 🔐, and direct access to expert help. Perfect for developers, agencies, and anyone serious about growing their online presence. No renewal surprises either! 💸

✨ SiteGround is a great starting point for beginners who value ease of use, quick WordPress setup, and helpful features like free daily backups and CDN. It’s reliable, secure, and beginner-friendly—but watch out for the steep renewal prices later. ⚠️

🤔 So, Which One Should You Pick?

💰 On a budget and just starting out?
👉 SiteGround’s entry-level plan is a solid start — but be mindful of renewal fees.

⚙️ Want more control, performance & room to grow?
🔥 Cloudways is the clear winner. It’s faster, more secure, and scales effortlessly with your website. It’s the smarter long-term investment for serious site owners.

📢 My Take:
If you’re planning to build a high-performing site with room to scale, go with Cloudways. For basic setups and quick starts, SiteGround works — but Cloudways gives you more freedom and value.

💡 Still unsure? Drop a comment and let me know your needs — I’ll help you pick the perfect host!

Cloudways – WordCamp Asia 2023

 

SiteGround | Five for the Future | WordPress.org

 

 

Cloudways vs Bluehost – Alternatives

  1. NameHero is an affordable web hosting provider known for speed, security, and reliable support. Founded in 2015, it stands out with its LiteSpeed servers to boost performance at budget-friendly prices.

    🛠️ Features

    • ⚡ LiteSpeed Web Server for fast performance.

    • 🌍 Free Cloudflare CDN for global speed.

    • 🔐 Free SSL Certificates on all plans.

    • 🔄 Daily Backups with easy restore.

    • 🧪 Staging Environment to test changes.

    • 🔒 Real-time malware scanning & AI protection.

    • 🚀 NVMe Storage for faster data access (higher plans).

    • 📞 24/7 Support via chat, phone & tickets.

    • 🖥️ cPanel for easy management.

    • ⏳ 99.9% Uptime Guarantee.

    👍 Pros & 👎 Cons

    Pros:

    • 💸 Affordable plans starting at $2.86/month.

    • ⚡ Fast performance with LiteSpeed & NVMe storage.

    • 🌐 Free domain (1-2 years depending on plan).

    • 🔒 Strong security included.

    • 📈 Scalable plans for growing businesses.

    Cons:

    • 🌍 Fewer data center locations.

    • 💰 Renewal rates higher than intro prices.

    💸 Plan Pricing & Features

    1. Starter Cloud – $2.86/month

      • 1 Website, Free Domain, Unlimited SSD, Free SSL, LiteSpeed, Cloudflare CDN, Daily Backups, 24/7 Support, cPanel.

    2. Plus Cloud – $4.69/month

      • Unlimited Websites, Free Domain, Unlimited SSD, Free SSL, LiteSpeed, Cloudflare CDN, Daily Backups, 24/7 Support, cPanel, Staging Environment.

    3. Turbo Cloud – $5.89/month

      • Unlimited Websites, Free Domain (2 years), Unlimited NVMe Storage, Free SSL, LiteSpeed, Cloudflare CDN, Daily Backups, 24/7 Support, cPanel, Staging Environment, Priority Support.

    ✅ Why Choose NameHero?

    • ⚡ Fast Performance with LiteSpeed & NVMe storage.

    • 🔐 Top Security: Free SSL, malware scanning, and AI protection.

    • 📞 24/7 Support to help anytime.

    • 📈 Scalable Plans for small and large businesses.

    • 🖥️ Easy to Use with cPanel.

    If you’re looking for fast, secure, and affordable hosting, NameHero is a solid choice! 🌟

    Buy Namehero

    Hostinger Overview

    Cloudways vs Siteground - Alternatives - 2. Hostinger

    Hostinger is a budget-friendly hosting provider that offers a variety of hosting options, including shared, WordPress, VPS, Minecraft, and cloud hosting. It stands out for its affordability without compromising on performance, making it a great choice for beginners and those on a tight budget.

    🛠️ Pricing Plans

    1. Single Plan – $1.79/month

      • 1 Website, 50 GB SSD, Free Weekly Backups, 1 Email Account, Unlimited Free SSL, Unlimited Bandwidth.

    2. Premium Plan – $2.69/month

      • 100 Websites, 100 GB SSD, Weekly Backups, Free Email, Unlimited Free SSL, Unlimited Bandwidth, Free Domain ($9.99 value).

    3. Business Plan – $3.59/month

      • 100 Websites, 5x Performance Boost, 200 GB NVMe Storage, Daily Backups, Free Email, Unlimited Free SSL, Free Domain, Free CDN.

    4. Cloud Startup Plan – $8.99/month

      • 300 Websites, 10x Performance Boost, 200 GB NVMe Storage, Daily Backups, Free Email, Unlimited Free SSL, Free Domain, Free CDN, Dedicated IP Address.

    👍 Pros & 👎 Cons

    Pros:

    • 💸 Affordable pricing starting at $1.79/month.

    • ⚡ Fast loading speeds with SSD and LiteSpeed Cache for WordPress.

    • ⏳ 99.99% uptime guarantee for reliability.

    • 🤝 Helpful customer support.

    • 🔄 Free website migration on all plans.

    • 🖥️ 1-click WordPress installation.

    • 🔒 Free SSL certificates and unlimited bandwidth.

    • 🌐 Free domain, email, and CDN on higher plans.

    Cons:

    • 🚪 Basic plans lack some features (like a free domain on the cheapest plan).

    💡 Why Choose Hostinger?

    • 💰 Affordable: Starting at $1.79/month, it’s perfect for those on a budget.

    • ⚡ Great Performance: Fast loading times with SSD and LiteSpeed Cache.

    • 🔒 Solid Security: Includes free SSL, daily backups, and unlimited bandwidth.

    • 🚀 Reliable Uptime: 99.99% uptime guarantee ensures your site stays online.

    • 💬 Responsive Support: Hostinger’s friendly customer support is always ready to help.

    • 🆓 Free Extras: Free website migration, 1-click WordPress install, free domain on higher plans, CDN, and dedicated IP address.

    Get Hostinger

    ChemiCloud Overview

    Cloudways vs SiteGround - Alternative 3. Chemicloud

    ChemiCloud offers fast, reliable, and affordable hosting with excellent performance, security, and support. Ideal for small businesses or personal sites, it provides great features like free domains, daily backups, SSL certificates, and more.

    🔑 Key Features

    • Free Domain 🌐

    • Daily Backups 🔄

    • Free SSL Certificates 🔒

    • Free CDN ⚡

    • Fast SSD Storage 💨

    • Free Website Migration 🔁

    🤔 Why ChemiCloud Over Bluehost?

    • Better Speed ⚡: Faster websites with SSDs, LiteSpeed servers, and CDN.

    • Free Daily Backups 🔄: Protect your data with automatic daily backups on all plans.

    • Better Support 🛠️: Fast, helpful support through live chat and tickets.

    👍 Pros & 👎 Cons

    Pros:

    • 🌐 Free domain with all plans.

    • ⚡ Fast performance with SSD storage.

    • 🔒 Free SSL certificates.

    • 🔄 Free daily backups.

    • 🛠️ 24/7 customer support.

    Cons:

    • 💾 Limited SSD storage on lower-tier plans.

    💡 Why Choose ChemiCloud?

    ChemiCloud is perfect for those seeking fast, secure, and affordable hosting. With great support, free extras, and reliable backups, it’s a top choice for growing websites.

    Get Chemicloud

 

 

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