cloudways vs wp engine

Cloudways vs WP Engine hosting – confused about which one to go for? If so, keep reading…

You’ve probably already heard of Cloudways and WP Engine if you’re looking for a trustworthy and efficient hosting platform for your WordPress website. It can be challenging to decide which platform is the best fit for your particular requirements because both provide a variety of features that are designed especially for WordPress users.

But don’t worry; as we dive into the details of these hosting platforms, we’ll help you better grasp their advantages and disadvantages and, eventually, which one might be the best fit for you.

Your website’s success depends on picking the best hosting company.

It has an impact on security, scalability, and even the speed and performance of websites. Making a choice can occasionally feel daunting due to the abundance of possibilities available out there. Both Cloudways and WP Engine have established themselves as leaders in the field, each with a special set of benefits and features.

Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud Platform (GCP), and DigitalOcean are just a few of the remarkable cloud infrastructure providers that Cloudways, recognized for its managed cloud hosting services, offers. This enables users to make use of the simplified management interface offered by Cloudways while selecting their preferred cloud infrastructure provider. With tools like a one-click WordPress setup, automatic backups, and an easy-to-use dashboard, Cloudways aims to provide a user-friendly experience for both beginners and experienced users.

WP Engine, on the other hand, is a dedicated managed WordPress hosting provider that specializes only in WordPress websites. Their platform was developed with a number of features that are expressly intended to improve speed, security, and scalability in order to maximize WordPress performance. To guarantee your visitors experience lightning-fast page loads, WP Engine delivers automated WordPress updates, strong security measures, a built-in content delivery network (CDN), and more. In addition to this, their knowledgeable support staff is well-versed in all things WordPress and available to help you with any technical difficulties you may run across.

Both Cloudways and WP Engine provide managed hosting solutions that handle server management and upkeep responsibilities so you can concentrate on growing your website.

But there are significant differences between the two that might affect your choice. Pricing, scalability, customer service, and the specific needs of your website should all be taken into account.

In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll dive into the important details and compare Cloudways vs WP Engine, allowing you to make an informed decision based on your unique requirements. Whether you’re a small business owner, a blogger, or an agency handling multiple client websites, you’ll find this blog post useful.

So if you’re confused about the Cloudways vs WP Engine debate, read on as we sort out the complexities and reveal which is the better option for your WordPress hosting requirements.

Cloudways vs WP Engine: Key Takeaways

  • Cloudways is a more versatile choice for managed cloud hosting as it offers multiple PHP-based frameworks besides WordPress, and allows you to choose from five top-notch cloud providers.
  • WP Engine focuses entirely on providing the best possible experience for WordPress websites with enterprise-grade security measures, automatic daily backups, and dedicated resources for fast loading times.
  • The winner between Cloudways vs WP Engine mostly depends on what kind of website or application you’re looking to launch – if you prioritize flexibility in infrastructure options and framework support at an affordable price point, then Cloudways is the clear winner. If you need managed WordPress hosting specifically optimized for speed, security, and customization capabilities like cloning sites instantly & creating staging environments before pushing changes live, etc., then WP Engine would be the better option.
  • Ultimately both platforms have their strengths but cater to different audiences so knowing your own needs will help determine which one suits your requirements better.

Cloudways Vs WP Engine: Quick Overview

Are you looking for a powerful and reliable hosting provider for your WordPress site?

Then, it’s time to decide between Cloudways vs WP Engine. Both providers offer managed cloud hosting services with fast connection speeds, SSD storage, and expert support.

While WP Engine specializes in fully managed WordPress hosting, Cloudways gives you the flexibility to work with multiple frameworks like Magento, Joomla, PHP, and more.

Cloudways General Overview

Cloudways Landing Page

As a new user, you might be searching for a managed cloud hosting provider that meets all your needs. Let me introduce you to Cloudways, a popular and versatile choice in this space.

Known for its flexibility and affordability, Cloudways supports not only WordPress but also several other PHP-based frameworks like Laravel, Magento, Drupal, and Joomla.

What sets Cloudways apart is its ability to let users choose from five top-notch cloud providers: DigitalOcean (DO), Linode, Vultr, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Google Cloud Platform (GCP).

With data centers spanning across the globe powered by these providers – including 60+ locations as mentioned in the important facts section above – you’re sure to find one close to your target audience for optimal performance.

Cloudways Overview – Details, Pricing & Features

Cloudways Overview – Details, Pricing & Features

WP Engine General Overview

WP-engine-homepage

As a new user, you might be curious about WP Engine and what it offers. WP Engine is a leading managed WordPress hosting provider known for its top-notch performance, security, and expert customer support.

One of the key strengths of WP Engine is its fully managed infrastructure that takes care of everything from server maintenance to plugin updates. For example, they offer automatic daily backups and one-click restore points to keep your website data safe.

Additionally, they have partnered with Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Google Cloud Platform (GCP), which means your site will be hosted on some of the most powerful cloud networks available today.

This results in fast load times and assured scalability as your website traffic grows over time.

WP Engine Overview – Details, Pricing & Features

WP Engine Overview – Details, Pricing & Features

Comparison Table of Cloudways vs WP Engine

In order to provide a comprehensive comparison between Cloudways and WP Engine, let’s take a look at the main differences between these two hosting solutions in the table below:

FeatureCloudwaysWP Engine
Hosting TypeManaged Cloud Hosting (supports multiple frameworks)Managed WordPress Hosting
Pricing ModelPay-As-You-GoFixed monthly/yearly fee
Infrastructure ProvidersMultiple options: AWS, GCP, DigitalOcean, Linode, VultrGoogle Cloud or Amazon Web servers
Support24/7 live chat, phone & email24/7 live chat, phone & email
Caching SolutionMemcached, Varnish & BreezeEverCache (proprietary)
SecurityExcellentExcellent (slightly better)
Data CentersOver 60 locations20+ locations
Multiple App DeploymentAvailableNot available
PriceAffordableHigher priced
Comparison Table of Cloudways vs WP Engine

The table above highlights the key differences between Cloudways and WP Engine, providing a clear overview of which hosting solution may be more suitable for your needs.

Cloudways Vs WP Engine: Features

Cloudways offers advanced caching options like Memcached and Varnish, while WP Engine provides WordPress-specific features such as the Genesis Framework.

Cloudways Features

As a new user, you might want to know some of the features that Cloudways offers.

Here are some of the essential features of Cloudways:

  • Multiple cloud hosting providers like AWS, Google Cloud, DigitalOcean, and many more to choose from.
  • Choice of web applications including PHP, WordPress, Magento, Drupal, and Joomla.
  • Advanced caching mechanisms for WordPress that can significantly improve website speed.
  • The flexibility to set up staging areas for development purposes before pushing live changes.
  • Integrated New Relic monitoring modules for real-time statistics.
  • Automatic backups with different retention periods so you never lose any data.
  • One-click SSL certificate installation via Let’s Encrypt or your own certificate
  • Easily cloning sites for testing and development purposes.
  • Support for Git integration to allow developers to work on their codes without affecting the ongoing production site
  • 24/7 live chat support from experts who can help you resolve any issues quickly.

If you’re looking for an affordable cloud hosting provider that offers excellent performance and flexibility, then Cloudways may be an excellent choice for your needs!

WP Engine Features

WP Engine is a managed WordPress hosting provider that offers powerful features to its users.

Here are some of the key features:

  • Managed WordPress Updates: WP Engine automatically updates WordPress core, plugins, and themes to keep your site secure and up-to-date.
  • Daily Backups: WP Engine takes a backup of your website every day, which can be easily restored if needed.
  • Global CDN: With WP Engine’s global content delivery network (CDN), you can deliver your website’s content faster to visitors around the world.
  • Advanced Security: WP Engine provides enterprise-grade security with firewalls, malware scanning, and other advanced security measures to protect your website from threats.
  • Genesis Framework: WP Engine includes the Genesis Framework for free on all of its plans, allowing you to easily create custom WordPress themes and designs.
  • Developer Tools: WP Engine offers developer-friendly tools like SSH access, Git integration, and one-click staging environments for testing changes before pushing them live.
  • 24/7 Support: WP Engine has a team of expert support engineers available 24/7 to help you with any issues or questions related to your website or hosting plan.

Winner Based On Features

As a new user, you might be wondering which hosting provider has better features between Cloudways and WP Engine. Both companies offer impressive features, but the winner based on features depends on your needs.

Cloudways offers more flexibility in terms of infrastructure options and framework support, allowing users to customize their cloud setup according to their preferences.

If you prioritize feature diversity and the ability to choose your own infrastructure provider, then Cloudways is the clear winner. With five different cloud infrastructures to choose from and multiple hardware options for each provider location, it’s easy to tailor your setup for optimal performance.

Additionally, Cloudways supports several frameworks beyond WordPress such as Magento, Laravel, or Joomla! On the other hand, if you need managed WordPress hosting specifically optimized for speed and security, WP Engine is an excellent choice due to its customization capabilities like instantly creating a staging environment where tests can be done before pushing changes live.


Also Read – Showit vs WordPress — Which One is Absolutely Right?


Cloudways Vs WP Engine: Pricing

Compare the pricing of Cloudways and WP Engine to determine which managed cloud hosting provider is more cost-effective for you.

Cloudways Pricing

Cloudways offers a variety of pricing options depending on the cloud provider you choose and the resources you need. Their flexible pay-as-you-go plans let you scale your hosting resources according to your requirements. Here’s a breakdown of Cloudways’ pricing options:

Cloud ProviderStarting PriceRAMStorageBandwidthPHP Support
DigitalOcean$10/month1GB25GB1TB7.3
Linode$12/month1GB25GB1TB7.3
Vultr$11/month1GB25GB1TB7.3
Amazon Web Services$36.51/month1.75GB20GB2GB7.3
Google Cloud Platform$33.30/month1.7GB20GB2GB7.3
Cloudways Pricing

Keep in mind that with Cloudways, you only pay for the resources you use, which makes it a cost-effective solution for hosting your website.

WP Engine Pricing

WP Engine offers three main plans for fully managed WordPress cloud hosting, catering to various website sizes and requirements. Each plan comes with its own set of features, storage, bandwidth, and allowed monthly visits. Here’s a table to help you easily compare the different WP Engine pricing plans:

PlanPrice (per month)WebsitesStorageBandwidthMonthly Visits
Startup$30110GB50GB25,000
Growth$1151020GB200GB100,000
Scale$2903050GB500GB400,000
WP Engine Pricing

These plans are designed for websites with different levels of traffic, so you can choose the one that suits your needs best. Remember that WP Engine provides extra features for WordPress users, such as the Genesis Framework and access to its global CDN for free, which can add significant value to your hosting experience.

Winner Based On Pricing

When deciding between Cloudways and WP Engine, pricing can be a critical factor. Cloudways’ unique pay-as-you-go approach allows you to choose only the resources you need without overpaying for unused capacity.

By contrast, WP Engine bundles its pricing based on traffic, which is great if you’re expecting predictable web traffic volume each month.

Cloudways offers cheaper managed WordPress plans on DigitalOcean, Linode, or Vultr servers billed hourly based on resource usage and include free migration services while WP Engine’s Pricing plans are more expensive but offer extras like premium themes and plugins in addition to the CDN at no extra cost.

Cloudways Vs WP Engine: User Interface

Cloudways offers a simple and user-friendly control panel that allows users to easily manage their servers and applications, while WP Engine provides a comprehensive dashboard for WordPress sites.

Cloudways User Interface

As a new user, the user interface of your managed cloud hosting provider is crucial. Here’s what you need to know about Cloudways’ user interface. The platform offers an intuitive and easy-to-use dashboard that provides users with access to all of their server resources in one place.

One of the standout features of Cloudways’ UI is its simplicity. Even if you have little experience managing servers or web applications, it will be easy for you to navigate around the platform and find what you need quickly.

You’ll also appreciate how organized everything is; tasks are segmented by function (like “monitoring” or “backups”), which makes things even more straightforward.

WP Engine User Interface

As a new user, you’ll want to consider the user interface of any hosting platform you plan to use. WP Engine has an advanced dashboard that may take some time to get used to but offers many features such as performance and security insights.

With WP Engine’s intuitive interface, users can easily manage their website backups and staging environments for testing without affecting the live site.

However, if simplicity is what you’re looking for from your hosting provider, Cloudways’ control panel is simpler to navigate than WP Engine’s dashboards. It puts more emphasis on ease of use with all the tools in a single accessible location so that even beginners won’t feel lost or intimidated by it.

Winner Based On The User Interface

In terms of the user interface, WP Engine holds a competitive advantage. Their dashboard is more advanced and filled with features that Cloudways’ control panel. However, that doesn’t mean that Cloudways’ control panel is bad.

If you’re someone who’s looking for an intuitive user experience where everything is laid out in front of you in simple terms, then WP Engine might be the platform to consider – especially if ease of use is high on your list of priorities.

Cloudways Vs WP Engine: Performance

Cloudways and WP Engine both boast impressive performance, with fast SSD storage and powerful infrastructure.

Cloudways Performance

As someone new to web hosting, you might be wondering about Cloudways’ performance. Well, in terms of speed and reliability, Cloudways does not disappoint. With its use of SSD-based servers and advanced caching technologies such as Varnish and Redis, your website can load quickly for visitors.

Additionally, Cloudways offers a unique feature called ThunderStack which combines Apache with Nginx to deliver faster page load times without sacrificing server stability.

On top of that, Cloudways allows users to choose from several cloud infrastructure providers like AWS or Google Cloud Platform so you can pick the one that works best for your needs.

WP Engine Performance

In terms of performance, WP Engine is known for its fast and reliable servers specifically optimized for WordPress. They provide users with the latest technology to ensure that their website loads quickly and smoothly, even with heavy traffic.

With built-in caching solutions, CDN integration, and advanced security measures in place, WP Engine’s high-performance hosting ensures that your website enjoys minimal downtime.

Additionally, WP Engine includes automatic updates and backups to keep your site secure at all times, while also providing custom server configurations for scaling as needed.

Winner Based On Performance

As a new user, you want to ensure that your website is running as fast and efficiently as possible. Both Cloudways and WP Engine offer excellent performance, but when it comes to speed and uptime, WP Engine edges out its competitor.

With their proprietary Evercache system, WP Engine is designed specifically for WordPress hosting and has a strong focus on optimization.

However, if you’re looking for the best value for money without sacrificing too much in terms of performance, Cloudways offers faster speeds with NVMe SSDs and advanced caching techniques.

Additionally, they allow you to choose from multiple cloud providers like DigitalOcean, Linode or Vultr which further enhance the diversity of services available on their platform.

Cloudways Vs WP Engine: Security

Cloudways and WP Engine both provide top-notch security measures to protect their users’ websites, with Cloudways offering 24/7 server monitoring, dedicated firewalls, and free SSL certificates for all plans, while WP Engine provides a range of advanced features like threat detection and blocking, automatic software updates, and multi-factor authentication.

Cloudways Security

At Cloudways, security is a top priority. They provide regular security patches and use firewalls to help protect your website from malicious attacks. In addition, they offer two-factor authentication and free SSL certificates for all websites to ensure that your data remains safe while being transferred across the internet.

All of these features contribute towards making Cloudways an excellent choice if you’re looking for a secure hosting provider.

WP Engine Security

WP Engine is known for its top-notch security features. With WP Engine, you can rest assured that your website will be secure from malicious attacks and hackers.

WP Engine offers a range of security measures including regular security patchesdedicated firewallsmalware scanningdisk write protection, and daily backups.

If you’re running an ecommerce or sensitive site that requires added layers of security, then WP Engine’s more advanced feature set may be the better choice over Cloudways.

Winner Based On Security

When it comes to security, both Cloudways and WP Engine have robust measures in place to keep your website safe. However, WP Engine takes the lead with additional features like malware scanning and disk write protection.

On the other hand, Cloudways provides regular security patches and a dedicated firewall for all servers to eliminate vulnerabilities. They also offer SSL certificates and automated backups as part of their standard plans.

Why Choose Cloudways Over WP Engine

Cloudways offers faster speeds with NVMe SSDs and advanced caching, greater flexibility and simplicity, cheaper options with pay-as-you-go billing, and the ability to choose from multiple cloud providers and website cloning.

Faster Speeds With NVMe SSDs And Advanced Caching

In terms of speed, Cloudways is ahead of WP Engine due to its use of NVMe SSDs and advanced caching technology. The NVMe SSDs used by Cloudways are faster and more reliable than traditional SATA drives.

Additionally, advanced caching mechanisms like Nginx, Varnish, and Redis ensure that your website loads quickly even under heavy traffic.

For example, imagine you have an eCommerce site with high traffic volumes during peak buying periods. With Cloudways’ advanced caching technology leveraging NVMe SSDs on the backend servers will allow users to experience faster checkout processes which can increase conversions by reducing abandoned carts while keeping all data secure.

Greater Flexibility And Simplicity

Cloudways offers greater flexibility and simplicity compared to WP Engine. With Cloudways, you have the option to choose your own infrastructure from DigitalOcean, Linode, Vultr, or AWS.

This means that you can customize your server resources according to your business needs and only pay for what you use.

In terms of simplicity, Cloudways has a user-friendly control panel that even those who are not tech-savvy can easily navigate. You can install various apps with just one click and manage all aspects of your site without having to deal with complex commands or coding jargon.

Overall, if you’re looking for affordable quality web hosting solutions with greater levels of customization and flexibility coupled with an easy-to-use interface – then choosing Cloudways over WP Engine will definitely provide you with better results!

Cheaper Options And Pay-As-You-Go Billing

If you’re looking for a cost-effective web hosting solution, then Cloudways is the perfect choice for startups and small businesses. Unlike WP Engine’s fixed pricing plans, Cloudways offers pay-as-you-go billing that charges only for the resources used.

This means you can start with a basic plan on DigitalOcean or Vultr servers and scale up as needed, without worrying about paying extra fees.

Moreover, Cloudways’ pricing model is based on resource usage rather than traffic making it more cost-effective for businesses that experience influxes in website visitors over time.

It also allows unlimited applications on any plan while WP Engine has limitations.

Multiple Cloud Providers And Website Cloning

One major advantage of using Cloudways over WP Engine is the ability to choose from a variety of cloud providers. With Cloudways, you can select from five different cloud providers including AWS, Google Cloud, and DigitalOcean.

Another great feature of Cloudways is website cloning. With this tool, you can easily replicate an existing website onto a new server or application with just a few clicks.

This is especially useful if you want to create multiple websites using the same framework or design layout without having to start from scratch every time. Additionally, Cloudways allows you to host multiple applications on one server so that you can manage all aspects of your online presence in one place.

Why Choose WP Engine Over Cloudways

If you prioritize specialized WordPress optimization, reliable security measures, and professional customer support, then WP Engine might be the better choice for your website – read on to discover more about its key advantages over Cloudways.

Stronger WordPress Infrastructure And Optimization

WP Engine is the leader in managed WordPress hosting and has a strong focus on providing top-notch infrastructure and optimization for WordPress sites. They have an exclusive partnership with Google Cloud to provide their hosting environment, which means their servers are specifically optimized for handling WordPress installs.

WP Engine also offers proprietary caching technology called EverCache that’s tailored to work with WordPress websites.

In terms of optimization, WP Engine offers several unique features such as a built-in CDN (Content Delivery Network) that speeds up page load times even more by distributing content across multiple geographic locations.

They also use advanced server-side technologies like PHP 7.X, which significantly improves website performance by processing code faster than previous versions of PHP.

Better Value And Security

If you’re looking for an option that offers better value and security, WP Engine might be the right choice for you. With plans starting from $28.00 per month, WP Engine is more affordable compared to Cloudways.

In addition, they offer daily backups and one-click staging to ensure your website stays secure and up-to-date at all times.

Furthermore, WP Engine’s content performance analysis feature helps businesses understand how their content performs on various channels so that they can improve their online presence effectively.

Additionally, with over 18 data centers around the world, WP Engine provides users with the ability to pick the data center nearest to their location making it more accessible compared to Cloudways.

Professional Customer Support And Global CDN

As a new user looking for the best web hosting service, it’s essential to consider customer support and content delivery networks (CDN). WP Engine offers professional customer support with WordPress experts available 24/7.

Their proprietary global CDN also ensures faster content loading time, providing an excellent experience for your website visitors.

Cloudways is no slouch either when it comes to customer support and CDN usage. They have responsive and knowledgeable customer support teams available around the clock – ensuring all of your queries are answered quickly and satisfactorily.

Staging Environments And Easy WordPress Migration

One of the standout features of both Cloudways and WP Engine is their one-click staging environments. This means that you can easily create a copy of your website for testing and development purposes, without affecting the live site.

With WP Engine’s focus on WordPress, this feature is especially useful for those who want to test new plugins or themes before implementing them on their actual site.

Both hosts also offer free migration tools to help transfer your existing website to their platform with minimal hassle. WP Engine takes things a step further by managing your WordPress installation in addition to your server, taking care of updates and optimizations so you don’t have to worry about it yourself.

Cloudways vs WP Engine: FAQs

What are the main differences between Cloudways and WP Engine?

Cloudways is a cloud-based hosting provider that offers flexibility in terms of server location, operating systems, and pricing plans. WP Engine, on the other hand, is a managed WordPress hosting service that provides advanced security features and optimized performance specifically for WordPress sites.

Which one should I choose: Cloudways or WP Engine?

The best choice for you depends on your specific needs. If you require flexibility in terms of server location and OS, as well as customizable pricing plans based on usage, then Cloudways may be the better option for you. However, if you want a more hands-off approach with optimized WordPress features and advanced security measures included in your hosting package upfront – then WP Engine could be the right choice.

How does customer support differ between these two providers?

Both providers offer customer support via live chat 24/7 with email support available also but provide different levels of assistance to their customers depending upon the subscription level chosen by clients. While Cloudways offers an online knowledge base along with access to ticketed support through their platform, Wp engine typically assigns dedicated account managers for higher tiers ensuring seamless communication throughout projects and campaigns which often includes priority access to troubleshooting resources.

What type of businesses benefit most from using either service?

Businesses that prioritize reliability & scalability would find great value provided by either cloud-based platform as both lend themselves well to high-traffic websites.  For companies requiring greater control over infrastructure while still seeking growth opportunities, however, Cloudways may prove advantageous due to its flexible options whereas WP engine caters more towards smaller startups or established enterprises looking to focus primarily on improving site speed and security without dealing with infrastructure management.

Conclusion on Cloudways vs WP Engine

When it comes to managed cloud hosting for WordPress, both Cloudways and WP Engine offer solid options with their respective features, pricing, user interface, performance, and security.

However, if you need more flexibility in terms of frameworks and infrastructure choice as well as cost-effectiveness or faster speeds with NVMe SSDs and advanced caching, Cloudways is the better option.

Consider Cloudways If…

If you’re looking for a flexible and affordable cloud hosting provider, consider Cloudways. With various infrastructure options to choose from, including DigitalOcean and AWS, you can select the one that fits your needs and budget.

Cloudways also offers advanced caching mechanisms and free SSL certificates to ensure fast page load times and secure connections. Additionally, their user-friendly interface allows you to easily manage multiple containerized applications on the same server.

Consider WP Engine If…

Consider WP Engine if you want a fully managed solution that is laser-focused on WordPress. With three main plans to choose from, WP Engine provides unparalleled speed and security for your website.

The Startup plan offers 10GB of storage, 50GB of bandwidth, 25,000 monthly visits, and access to all of WP Engine’s features.

Another benefit of WP Engine is its advanced security features like disk write protection. Plus, premium plans include a launch readiness assessment by professional developers and access to more than thirty StudioPress themes at no extra cost.

Tamal Kr. Chandra

I am Tamal, a passionate blogger and the creative mind behind Digital Millions. From blogging and affiliate marketing to e-commerce and SEO, I write easy-to-follow guides and give honest advice about the best tools to build a business online and get financially free.